Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over the centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth. Since Darwin's famous voyage, its marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and source of inspiration for people through the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.
South Plaza
South Plaza is an Island located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, belonging to the Galapagos. It is home to a vast amount of species and beautiful flora. The South Plaza is open to the public and cruise ships, however the Northern Plaza is closed to visitors and purposely only available for scientific findings. The South Plaza was formed by Lava and depending on the season the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes colors from orange to purple and intense shades of green.
Isla Baltra
Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you.
To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.
North Seymour
Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.
Guayaquil
This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.
Excursions
Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00:00 – 00:45 |
Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco |
Paved |
This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
| 00:45 – 02:45 |
Walk around the Canoa Trail |
Uneven, slippery, muddy |
| 02:45 – 03:45 |
Deluxe Picnic |
Flat |
| 03:45 – 04:30 |
Drive back to the pier for embarkation |
Paved |
|
DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Quito
Quito is a fantastic place to visit and the best place to start your Latin American journey. Quito is also the entertainment center in Ecuador with new bars and discos opening every week and also the best place to shop, either at the small souvenir shops or at big malls. Quito has many interesting cultural sites, historical sites, museums, private galleries, churches, exhibition centers, and theaters.
Isla Santa Cruz
Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.
The Galápagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over the centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth. Since Darwin's famous voyage, its marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and source of inspiration for people through the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.
South Plaza is an Island located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, belonging to the Galapagos. It is home to a vast amount of species and beautiful flora. The South Plaza is open to the public and cruise ships, however the Northern Plaza is closed to visitors and purposely only available for scientific findings. The South Plaza was formed by Lava and depending on the season the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes colors from orange to purple and intense shades of green.
Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you.
To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.
Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.
This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.
Excursions
Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00:00 – 00:45 |
Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco |
Paved |
This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
| 00:45 – 02:45 |
Walk around the Canoa Trail |
Uneven, slippery, muddy |
| 02:45 – 03:45 |
Deluxe Picnic |
Flat |
| 03:45 – 04:30 |
Drive back to the pier for embarkation |
Paved |
|
DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Quito is a fantastic place to visit and the best place to start your Latin American journey. Quito is also the entertainment center in Ecuador with new bars and discos opening every week and also the best place to shop, either at the small souvenir shops or at big malls. Quito has many interesting cultural sites, historical sites, museums, private galleries, churches, exhibition centers, and theaters.
Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.
