In Search of Darwin’s Discoveries – Special adventure

We have two departure dates for this special adventure.Reduced fares for these two departure dates.*

December 10, 2023

January 21, 2024

Highlights

• Discover the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands aboard the Horizon
• Enjoy deluxe historic accommodations and traditional local food.

DAY 1,

WELCOME TO ECUADOR!

Arrive in Quito where you will be met by your guide after passing customs. Then transfer to the Swissotel. Swiss Business Advantage for 2 nights. Breakfast and taxes included.

DAY 2

QUITO

Quito is the capital and one of the largest cities in Ecuador, nestled between the Andes Mountains. A city tour of Quito will take you through the heart of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and show you a blend of colonial and modern architecture.

Our next stop will be a Chocolate Experience, where you will have a chance to discover and taste the finest chocolate in the world! Ecuadorians are very proud of being one of the most important world producers of the finest aroma cocoa seeds and here you will learn the process of turning cacao into creamy chocolate for consumption.

Stop will be Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, one of the most beautiful churches in South America. The rest of the afternoon is free. At 7 pm, pick up for dinner at Hasta La Vuelta Señor, a typical restaurant of the city.

(B, D)

DAY 3

CRUISE ON BOARD FIRST CLASS TREASURE OF GALAPAGOS  

One of our Guides will take you to Quito’s airport in time for the Galapagos flight in the morning (flight to be confirmed). Arriving in Baltra Island before noon. Transfer to the luxury trimaran M/C HORIZON with capacity for 16 passengers.

Begin your 4-night cruise through Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands”. Accommodation will be in a cabin (double accommodation). All cabins are spacious and feature a private balcony, bath/shower, and air-conditioning. All meals, lectures and shore excursions are included and guided by Naturalist Guides category III (top level of Guides) 

PM: BARTOLOME ISLAND

Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

(B, L, D)

DAY 4

AM – RABIDA ISLAND:

Rabida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

PM – EGAS PORT – SANTIAGO ISLAND:

Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site. (B, L, D)

DAY 5,

AM – DARWIN BAY – GENOVESA ISLAND:

This white sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view off a cliff.

PM – EL BARRANCO – SANTIAGO ISLAND:

Also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky paths leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

(B, L, D)

DAY 6

AM – MOSQUERA ISLET:

Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

PM – HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ ISLAND:

Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with many of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

(B, L, D)

DAY 7

AM – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND:

Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. TAfter this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. If connecting back home, consider a flight departing Guayaquil at 5:00 pm or departing Quito at 7:00 pm. Otherwise and overnight will be required at an airport hotel.

(B)

End of our services.

All touring arrangements herein are subject to change without notice and can be operated in a different sequence, depending on operational considerations, weather conditions and BIO-SECURE PROTOCOLS. All hotels are subject to availability and can be replaced with similar hotels. Each passenger must have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of remaining validity, before its date of expiration. Visitors arriving with less than 6 months of remaining passport validity to any foreign country risk immediate return to the airport where they boarded the arriving flight. If any visas are required, they are the sole responsibility of each passenger.

All payments are non-refundable in the event of cancellation by passengers. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Notes

• Prices based on above itinerary. We can modify hotels and excursions or you can book only the ship. Prices will be provided for modifications. Please remember that the exact route and programm may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. It’s also subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations. Dry landing refers to guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock. Wet landing means you are in a dinghy. Guests step into around 20 cm (8 inches) of water and wade ashore.

*PRICE PER PERSON:

Special prices for these two departure dates.

• Departure December 10, 2023 $5,216.00USD double accommodation
• Departure January 21, 2024 $6,270.00 USD double accommodation

Price includes:

• Accommodation in 1 room (double occupancy) at Swissotel
• Accommodation in 1 cabin (double occupancy) * inquire if you are looking for single occupancy
• All as detailed in the itinerary.
• Soft beverages such as water, coffee and tea
• Air tickets from Quito to Galapagos and back
• Entrance fee To the National Park $100.00 per person (subject to change)
• INGALA immigration card $20.00 per person (subject to change)
• Transfers in Galapagos (Airport – boat – airport )
• Excursions daily
• English speaking Naturalist Guide category III
• The use of snorkeling gear

Price does not include:

• International air tickets
• Other soft drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Medical or travel insurance

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Voyages GAMSPS Travel, Quebec Licensee.

* Personalized Departure Dates: We can customize any of our trips to begin on a date that is convenient to you. Supplemental charges may apply.

On Board Experience: