Compare Machu Picchu & Galapagos by Exodus Travels vs Legacy of the Incas with Galápagos Cruise by Globus
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 12,600 | $ 8,689 |
| Price Per Day | $ 900 | $ 457 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | On the Galapagos boat, all meals are included and served as a buffet. There is a wide choice of food available, including vegetarian options. For the rest of the trip, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants for any meals not included in the itinerary. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – you may wish to bring your own breakfast food if you have an intolerance. We provide a packed lunch on Day 3, whether you are taking the train or doing the optional walk to Machu Picchu. Drinking water is provided; please bring a reusable water bottle with you. | N/A |
| Description |
This fascinating trip combines two truly outstanding places in South America. Flying into the Peruvian highlands, we explore Cuzco, a city replete with Inca and colonial architecture. A beautiful train ride through mountains and cloud forest then takes us to the extraordinary lost city of Machu Picchu. Then we visit Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, one of the leading ecological sites in the world, with incredible fauna on land and sea plus striking volcanic landscapes. We explore the islands from the comfort of our small catamarn, which grants us access to areas larger boats cannot reach.Discover the Lost City of the Incas in Peru and the Enchanted Isles of Ecuador |
Calendar? Astronomy? Alien artwork? None of the above. But the discovery of Peru’s Nazca Lines gave a whole new meaning to drawing a line in the sand. Flightseeing is the best way to see these massive geoglyphs etched into the desert— where the ancient Nazca people likely performed spiritual ceremonies. From the Lost City of the Incas surrounded by the peaks of the Andes to the floating Uros Islands on the highest lake in the world, this vacation to Peru leads you to great heights while also going to greater depths to illuminate its archaeological, historical, and cultural wonders. In addition to two days of exploration at the mysterious and magical ruins of Machu Picchu, you’ll also visit the Sillustani pre-Incan burial ground, cruise to the wildlife paradise of the Ballestas Islands, and frolic through the wonders of colonial and culinary Lima as well as the Inca capital, Cusco. When satisfying your inner historian, don’t forget your inner naturalist. Cruise around the famed Galápagos archipelago, where you’ll share the shores with every native species from the blue-footed boobies to the pint-size penguin. A meet-and-greet with a colony of sea lions seals the deal on this wondrous extension to your Peru vacation. |
Day 1 Start Cuzco; afternoon walking tour
Welcome to Cuzco! Set high amid the altiplano, the imperial city of the Incas, was the centre of a vast empire, which stretched from Colombia to Chile at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded the city, they started building on top of the Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of Spanish colonial and Inca styles. This afternoon, we have a short walking tour around the compact city centre to get our bearings. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival in Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). There is a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Day 2 Free morning in Cuzco; optional Sacred Valley tour
This morning has been left free to explore the city in more detail. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple, in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery, is worth a visit. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. After lunch, we transfer into the Sacred Valley to overnight in the charming town of Ollantaytambo with an option to visit the ruins above the town. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the incredible ruins at Pisac. Various other optional activities can be arranged from Cuzco ending in the Sacred Valley – your leader has the details. Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)
Day 3 Train to Aguas Calientes; optional "One-day Inca Trail" hike via Wiñay Wayna ruins
This morning, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, a lively town in the valley below Machu Picchu. This afternoon and the rest of the day is free for visits to the hot springs or shopping in the large craft market. Our Machu Picchu entrance ticket is valid for tomorrow; however, should you wish to visit the ruins today as well, you need to purchase an extra ticket. Please inform your leader at the start of the tour if you would like to purchase an extra entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. For those who wish to hike to Machu Picchu, there is an optional full-day trek that meets with the final section of the Inca Trail. The trail starts at Km104 and climbs 1.25mi (2km) to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, from where we continue to the Sun Gate for the iconic view of Machu Picchu and its magnificent backdrop. Although this optional hike is available at no extra cost, it must be pre-booked since numbers are strictly limited (and a permit is required). You should request this at the time of booking and note the first part of the hike is a steep climb. A packed lunch is included today. Accommodation: Hotel Hatun Inti Classic (or similar)
Day 4 Morning tour of Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco
To beat the day-trippers from Cuzco, we get an early start for our 30-minute bus drive up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel with a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Please note, exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. After our tour, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min). From Ollantaytambo, we continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min) and a well-deserved rest. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Day 5 Fly to Quito
We depart Cuzco on a flight to Quito via Lima. Quito (9,350ft/2,850m) has one of the best-preserved colonial centres in South America and plenty of vibrant markets to explore. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)
Day 6 Quito city tour
We have a half-day city tour of Quito, one of the smaller and more attractive of the South American capitals. In the western cordillera of the Andes, it is the second highest capital in the world and, as always at altitude, it is a good idea not to do anything too strenuous at first! We explore the colonial centre with its narrow streets and hanging balconies. The tour usually includes the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop palaces plus La Compañia Church with its impressive gold-leaf decorations. A short drive brings us to El Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city and to admire the 145ft (45m) tall statue of the Virgen de Quito, the only original Madonna with wings. Please note, entrance fees are not included. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)
Day 7 Fly to San Cristóbal Airport and visit Interpretation Centre
Morning: Fly to Galapagos Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht. Afternoon: Interpretation Centre The Interpretation Centre provides a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago – the exhibition reveals what makes it so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes and dioramas delve into the background and conservation stories of the islands. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 8 Sante Fe and South Plaza
Morning: Sante Fe Sante Fe is a jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone. Afternoon: South Plaza Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This Jurassic islet is the best place to see the emblematic Galapagos dragons, which crawl across it. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 9 North Seymour and Chinese Hat
Morning: North Seymour North Seymour is another cruise highlight. It’s home to the most extensive seabird breeding colony in the archipelago and you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Afternoon: Chinese Hat Chinese Hat is a 170ft (52m) high volcanic cone, forming another islet right off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand the meaning of the name. This is an excellent place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs and lava tunnels. You arrive just in time to see how this barren islet is being colonised by pioneer plant species! Beautiful beaches of white coral sand and holes in the eroding lava fields are filled with lava sand, which enables rooting. Galapagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas contribute to fertilisation and thus create many favourable options for newcomers, such as saltbush and the sesuvium carpet. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 10 Santa Cruz Island
Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous quest when they have left their favourite pond silently. The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters but were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava flowed inside, leaving huge, empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed and left two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird. Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to photograph them. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 11 Isabela Island
Morning: Moreno Point Moreno Point is on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. The main attractions here are several bird species, which are found around the lakes and mangroves. Afternoon: Urbina Bay Urbina Bay runs along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove and close to Alcedo Volcano. It's home to large, colourful land iguanas, giant tortoises, and lots of Darwin finches. Additionally, the coastline here underwent a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand 0.75mi (1.2km) out. As a result, you can now find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above the water. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 12 Fernandina and Isabela islands
Morning: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, at the northeastern tip. Here, marine iguanas gather in larger groups than on any other island. They bask in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Fernandina is also home to the flightless cormorant, which can longer fly but has wings, tails and feet perfectly adapted for finding food in the ocean. Afternoon: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela) While having lunch, we cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, the roar of waves accompanies you and, just around the corner, the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers an impressive view. The calmer cove waters are well-protected against the ocean swell and are fairly cold, but a great place for snorkelling among various species of shark, penguin, puffer fish and even seahorses. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 13 Santiago and Rabida islands
Morning: Puerto Egas (Santiago) Puerto Egas is historic and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals. Afternoon: Rabida Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions. Accommodation: Archipel I
Day 14 Disembark Santa Cruz; fly Baltra to Guayaquil and end
Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) and transfer to Baltra Airport Our last adventure is brief but enchanting and takes place en route to the airport. Explore by dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly comprised of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. The quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enable the easy observation of sea turtles and groups of sharks. Then, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU
Welcome to Lima! Meet your Tour Director.
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Day 2: LIMA
Legendary LimaToday, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, [LF] stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions at one of Lima’s finest historic homes, Casa Garcia Alvarado. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And, you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.
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Day 3: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Empire of the AndesFly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will enjoy a special lunch prepared exclusively for Globus guests at a private location. Here, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or Hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.
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Day 4: SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Mystery on the MountainThis morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house.
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Day 5: MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO
Here Comes the Sun A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!
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Day 6: CUSCO
Sun Worship & Spanish ConquestsOn your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. During your city tour, you will be greeted by an Inca king, so have your cameras ready! Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also visit the semi-circular Kenko Temple with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara before the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creation. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.
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Day 7: CUSCO–SILLUSTANI–JULIACA–PUNO (LAKE TITICACA)
Ruins & Real Life in Peru Board a flight to Juliaca, where you will continue to the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas—above-ground, cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. While here, [LF] spend some time with the Locals at home and gain a better understanding of their lives. Continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Get an authentic look at the lives of locals in Juliaca. Visit a family home where they share traditions in cooking, working, and living in the tradition of Peruvian generations. TOUR HIGHLIGHTTIMELESS TRADITIONS Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. The indigenous people who live here still practice ancient ways of life.
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Day 8: PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA
Life on the Lake Today, take a motorboat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca. Start with Taquile Island, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians, who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The manmade Uros Islands are found floating in the middle of the lake are completely made by totora reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. During your visit here, see the locals' boats and homes which are also made from reed. Over 1000 Uros still live on the 100 plus islands that remain to this day.
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Day 9: PUNO–JULIACA–LIMA
Hasta Luego, Lake Titicaca Depart for Juliaca this morning for a return flight to Lima. (Breakfast)
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Day 10: LIMA–PARACAS. BALLESTAS ISLANDS CRUISE & NAZCA LINES
Islands & EnigmasEnjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the Bay of Paracas. Embark on a cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Continue to the town of Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Dating back to 500 BC, these geoglyphs etched into the ground consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Take a flight above the plains for a bird’s-eye-view of the Nazca Lines. Your pilot will point out these mysterious markings, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians.
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Day 11: PARACAS–LIMA
Fond FarewellsAfter some free time in Paracas, return to Lima today. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 12: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR
Fly to Quito, capital of Ecuador, and have some free time this evening. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura Museum, the Hilton Colon Quito is the ideal spot for your time in Quito. Amenities include a fitness facility, spa, pool, 3 restaurants and bars.
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Day 13: QUITO
Quintessential QuitoOn an included city tour, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Ecuador’s capital city of San Francisco de Quito stands on the ruins of an Inca city as one of the largest and best-preserved historic landmarks in the Americas. Here, a monument marks "Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the world) - very fitting as Ecuador is Spanish for equator. You’ll be in the middle of it all in Independence Square, called Plaza Grande by the locals, in the historic city reaching an altitude of 2,850m in the foothills of the Andes.
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Day 14: QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING
Adventure on the HorizonFly to San Cristobal and embark the Seaman Journey for a 4-night cruise. This afternoon, visit the Galápagos Darwin Interpretation Center with your expert Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and fauna. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SHIP SPOTLIGHT The boutique Seaman Journey catamaran offers an intimate experience with space for 16 passengers. Relax on the spacious sundecks, explore the waters by kayak, or sit back in the lounge with a cool drink during a Naturalist lecture. Each of the air-conditioned cabins feature private baths, free use of snorkel equipment, and all meals.
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Day 15: CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Gentle Giants Visit Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve and learn about the island’s giant tortoise population and the measures taken to help preserve and breed these endangered species. The reserve includes a large corral, breeding facility, and interpretative trail, where it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds, such as the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finch, and the Galápagos flycatcher. This afternoon, explore Cerro Brujo, offering beautiful views of Kicker Rock and famous for being the first place Charles Darwin visited in the archipelago. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE On the lava landscape of Cerro Brujo where Charles Darwin first explored the islands, you’ll find the remarkable blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and other shore birds. Visit a lagoon, home to many migratory bird species, such as black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails. Feel free to don a snorkel and swim with the sea lions, turtles, and other beautiful marine life here.
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Day 16: CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Survival of the FittestJoin your Naturalist guide for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. At Gardner Bay, this is the one place you can see three species of Darwin finches. It’s also a great spot to snorkel or kayak. At Punta Suárez, you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE Española Island is an ecological laboratory all its own as one of the oldest of the Galápagos islands - some 400 million years old. In addition to the endangered wave Albatross and boobies, Española is home to a variety of Darwin’s finches here – an inspiration for Darwin’s research into evolution. Nearly identical to mainland finches in every way but their beaks, these tiny birds played an enormous role in Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, concluding their unique assortments of beaks had adapted over time to survive in this strange landscape.
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Day 17: CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND
Kaleidoscope of LifeVisit Cormorant Point to see a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. This afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another great place to snorkel. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL ATTRACTION Pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, red-breasted frigate birds, great blue herons, and green sea turtle are just a few of the creatures that make up a kaleidoscope of life along the white and green sands of Floreana’s Cormorant Point. Hike, snorkel, or simply gaze upon this extraordinary island sanctuary.
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Day 18: CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ (DISEMBARKATION)–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL
Hatching a PlanAfter breakfast, disembark and transfer to visit the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding facility at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Fly to Guayaquil. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home of the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program. Here, these magnificent creatures are nurtured from eggs retrieved from the nearby Galápagos Islands, artificially incubated and born as galápaguitos (little turtles). At the age of five, these future giants are released to their native habitats in an effort to preserve the fragile Galápagos environment.
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Day 19: GUAYAQUIL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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