QUITO & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Begin your day with a guided walking tour through Quito’s vibrant historic center—the largest and best preserved in the Americas. Stroll the iconic Street of the Seven Crosses, admire colonial architecture, and explore Independence Square near the Government Palace. Savor traditional sweets with a local family, then marvel at the intricate facade of La Compañía Church. Dive into Quito’s artistic heritage with a visit to La Escuela Quiteña workshops, where master artisans preserve colonial art techniques. Continue to La Ronda, the city's oldest and most bohemian street, known for crafts, music, and local flavor. Your journey ends in the charming San Marcos neighborhood, filled with neoclassical architecture, family-run galleries, and cafés. Enjoy a hands-on cultural experience at Illa Experience Hotel, capped off with a cocktail on the terrace and stunning views of Panecillo Hill. (B)  

Today you start the day early with a transfer to the airport for your ongoing flight to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival and formalities, you will be transferred via comfortable tender boat to your yacht. After seamless arrival, begin your adventure at Bartolome Island where marine turtles can be spotted alongside sea lions and at the base of the pinnacle, there is a tiny colony of Galapagos penguins. (B, D)   

Today, you'll explore the striking beauty of Mosquera Islet, where vibrant turquoise waters meet dramatic black lava formations in a stunning natural contrast. In the afternoon, continue to North Seymur. Here, nature provides an intimate theater of Galapagos wildlife. Watch magnificent frigatebirds nesting among the low shrubs, their males displaying their brilliant red throat pouches, while charming blue-footed boobies perform their delightful courtship dances a few feet from the trail. (B, L, D)   

Begin your morning exploration along Darwin’s Bay southern edge at Genovesa Island. Watch for storm petrels nesting in the cliff's natural crevices—always alert for their stealthy predator, the short-eared owl. The rugged coastline offers breathtaking views, whether you're hiking the trail or enjoying a relaxed panga ride, where fur sea lions often lounge on the rocky shore. In the afternoon, visit Darwin Bay. This bay originated when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, get ready to meet The Plazas’ land iguanas that reside in South Plazas Islands. Throughout the island, there are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. In the afternoon, continue to discover Santa Fe. (B, L, D) 

On the morning of your last day in the islands, you will visit the prestigious David Rodriguez Tortoise Center. Named after a devoted park ranger who served these islands for 39 years, this sophisticated breeding facility plays a crucial role in preserving these magnificent creatures. After this amazing experience, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. (B)