Quito & Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival, independently make your way to your hotel.

Quito - Baltra Island - Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world-famous Galapagos Islands. As you descend, look out over the dramatic volcanic landscape below – a preview of the extraordinary scenery awaiting you.

On arrival, you will be met by our cruise staff and escorted to your vessel. In the afternoon, explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit a tortoise ranch, where you can observe the iconic Galapagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Continue to the island’s fascinating lava tunnels – some stretching for more than a kilometre – and keep an eye out for barn owls that sometimes roost here.

Santa Cruz - Dragon Hill - Chinese Hat. This morning, visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on the west coast of Santa Cruz for excellent birdwatching opportunities. A short walk from the beach leads to a saltwater lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, pintail ducks, and other wading birds. Pass through a rare Scalesia forest – one of the few places in the world where this tree species still thrives.

Continue to the small island of Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), named for its distinctive shape. The surrounding waters are home to Galapagos penguins and a lively sea lion colony. Walk among marine iguanas and volcanic formations, then enjoy snorkelling directly from the white coral beach, where you may encounter sea lions, tropical fish, and perhaps even penguins.

Chinese Hat - El Barranco - Darwin Bay. Sail north to Genovesa Island, a remote haven for birdlife and home to thousands of red-footed boobies. Begin your day at El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, named after the British royal who visited in 1964. Climb the 25-metre stairway to a plateau that offers magnificent views over the bay. Along the trail, look for Nazca and red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, finches, and the elusive short-eared owl.

Continue to Darwin Bay, formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera. After landing on its coral beach, follow a flat trail past tidal lagoons and nesting sites for great frigatebirds and red-footed boobies. Sea lions are often seen swimming and playing in the shallows, while lava herons and yellow warblers add colour to the landscape.

Darwin Bay - Black Turtle Cove - Baltra Island - Quito. Take a panga (dinghy) excursion through the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove, a peaceful habitat where sea turtles, rays, and white-tip reef sharks glide through the clear waters. Later, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito.

On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends colonial architecture with modern city life. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, join a guided city tour of Quito’s historic centre, one of the best-preserved colonial districts in South America. Visit Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square, and see the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and several beautiful churches. Continue to El Panecillo Hill for sweeping views of the city and surrounding Andes before returning to your hotel to relax.

Optional Excursion – Middle of the World TourAfter your city tour, drive north to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World), where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. Visit the famous monument and explore the Intiñan Solar Museum to learn more about the unique geographical and scientific aspects of this remarkable site.

Independently make you way to the airport for your return flight home.