Compare Highlights of Quito & Galapagos Cruise by Indus Travels

Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito. Enjoy inflight meals and services.  Upon arrival in Quito you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. 

Overnight in Quito

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world famous Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be met by our experienced cruise staff and escorted to your boat.  This afternoon you will sail to the island of Santa Cruz where you can enjoy a tour of the highlands, a lush, deep green area populated with Scalesia trees.  Here you will have the opportunity to observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment and see underground lava tubes that are over half a mile long – exploring them is a surreal experience!

Overnight on board 

This morning you will sail to Floreana Island and visit Post Office Bay.  You will see the unofficial mailbox created from a wooden barrel by whalers who visited the island in the 18th century – the tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards and sort through left mail to deliver at home.  This afternoon you will visit Cormorant Point, home to a large flamingo lagoon where you can also see other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails.  You will also have the chance to see some of the island’s distinct beaches, including “Green Beach”, which has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and “Four Sand Beach”, which is composed of white coral.

Overnight on board 

Today you will sail to Española Island and visit Suarez Point, where you can enjoy a hike out to see blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. There is also a famous blowhole here, where water spurts high into the air.  This afternoon you will visit Gardner Bay on the eastern side of the island, the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has a beautiful white sandy beach where sea lions bask in the sunshine; this is a great place for diving and snorkeling.

Overnight on board 

This morning you will visit Kicker Rock on the island of San Cristobal, where rocks stand hundreds of feet above the ocean, jutting out of the water. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks and occasionally even manta rays.  This afternoon you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight to Quito.  Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will see eclectic architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to colonial churches. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Quito

After breakfast you can enjoy a guided city tour of Quito.  You will explore the Colonial District of the city, learn more about Quito’s long and fascinating past and visit Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square.  Here you can see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and several historic churches.  You can also enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint at Penecillo hill before returning to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

Overnight in Quito

Today your guide will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.