Signature Galapagos Express

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador, a City declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel which sits nestled in the Andean foothills, 2,850 metres above sea level. The city is known for its stunning colonial architecture, artwork and amazing snow-capped mountain backdrop.

You will tour the bustling streets, charming squares and majestic churches of Quito city and its old town before venturing into the city’s surrounds. There, we will head 25km north and visit the Equatorial Monument. It marks the exact middle of the World, Latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot on each side of the hemisphere. The surrounding volcanic scenery is stunning and you can choose to visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the Intinan Museum, both located near the site of the monument. (B,L)

Today you will head south from Quito to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life. Weather permitting, there are spectacular views from the north face of the mountain. The surrounding scenery includes volcanoes like Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local indigenous market. (B)

Fly from Quito to the Galapagos. On arrival you will meet your naturalist guides who will collect your luggage and escort you by bus to the harbour to board the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey. In the afternoon you will visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, local conservation efforts and the natural history. (B,L,D)

Today begins with a trip to Galapaguera, a breeding station and sanctuary for the giant Galapagos tortoise. The species is under threat and this centre provides a safe place to observe them in their natural habitat. This afternoon, head to the beautiful white coral sand beach of Cerro Brujo where there is the chance to swim and snorkel with sea lions and Galapagos turtles. Spot other local species like the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and the San Cristobal lava lizard. (B,L,D)

This morning we head to the isolated southern island of Espanola. Brimming with native species like the Espanola mockingbird, lava lizard and waved albatross. Gardner Bay is a prime location for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. You may also see sea lions, sharks and sea turtles in the clear waters. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to Suarez Point. Watch the blue-footed and Nazca boobies dance and the large albatrosses launch off the cliff. There’s a blowhole which can create spurts of 30-50 metre high. (B,L,D)

One of the most impressive flamingo lagoons is located at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. There you will see flamingos and various other shorebird species and there are two beaches to visit, Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach. Here green sea turtles come to nest and you can also see rays in the water. You will have the chance to take a walk and go snorkelling. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Post Office Bay, which is a post office like no other. Today tourists leave letters and post cards here and you can sift through them to find any that might be close to your home. The idea is to take one and deliver them by hand. (B,L,D)

Spend your final morning learning about the protection and conservation efforts of the islands at Turtle Trails. After, you will head to Baltra Airport to fly back to Quito or Guayaquil. (B)