Quito and 5 Day Galapagos Legend Cruise – Southern Islands

Following the city tour, you will be driven to the “Middle of the World City” complex, which is located 11 miles north of Quito. Here, you will see the monument of the equatorial line, a 98 ft high stone trapezoidal monument with a brass globe on top. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. Overnight in Quito. (B)

Interpretation Center.  Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands.  You will visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about islands’ history in the Museum of Natural History which displays information about the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest.  The human history is also showcased, chronicling the most significant events related to the discovery and the island’s colonization.  (Duration: one hour visit/one hour walk)

Tijeretas Hill involves a high-intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.  (Duration: one hour visit).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Suarez Point (dry landing).  An island of geological interest, you will explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including the Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies, and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird.  You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail.  Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).  Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous “Soplador”, a seaward blowhole that shoots up water up to 23 m (75 ft.) in the air.  (Duration: 2.5 hour walk).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

You may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards.  There are great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles.  As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort.  Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.  (Duration: 30 minute walk/one hour snorkeling).

Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown, and Champion.  Wet landing on an olivine green, sanded beach.  You will hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos.  This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick.  The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles.  It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on.  From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks.  A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.  (Duration: one hour walk/one hour snorkeling).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Highlands Tortoise Reserve (dry landing).  In the mountains of Galapagos you can observe different kinds of birds, including tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell).  The journey to the reserve also offers a great opportunity to see contrasting ecosystems.  The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests.  Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks.  This spot is a bird watchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.  (Duration: 45 minute drive/1.5 hour walk).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

After the visit you will go to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Quito.  (B)