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Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route) (2025)

Name: Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route) (2025)
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 5734 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Ecuador

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

268581

Operator:

Hurtigruten
Length:

7 days
Group size:

2 pax
Age:

6 to 90
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

16.09-22.09.25 scheduled
30.09-06.10.25 scheduled
14.10-20.10.25 scheduled
28.10-03.11.25 scheduled
11.11-17.11.25 scheduled
25.11-01.12.25 scheduled
06.01-12.01.26 scheduled
03.02-09.02.26 scheduled
17.02-23.02.26 scheduled
03.03-09.03.26 scheduled
17.03-23.03.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Galápagos Islands Cruise | Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route)\nExperience the incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands \nSee unique Galápagos wildlife, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as you visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Floreana \nLearn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides \nExplore the Galápagos Islands by kayak, glass-bottom boat, and stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy nature walks, hikes, snorkeling, and swimming

Tour program

Day 1

Vibrant Quito

Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of QuitoYour journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.If you have time, we recommend coming a few days earlier and joining one of our optional Pre-Programs.

Day 2

Visit historic Quito

Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World CityToday, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Day 3

Your cruise begins

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAs your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.We’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where we’ll land. On the first part of our walk, we’ll pass a brackish lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.

Day 4

Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area.This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.

Day 5

Darwin’s Santa Cruz

Meet the famous giant tortoises of the GalápagosToday, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds.Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.You’ll also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Day 6

Picturesque Floreana

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlifeAfter breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we’ll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.

Day 7

End of an expedition

Your adventure comes to an end As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.

Tour Details

Accommodation

Two nights at a hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2

Transport

Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise

Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Quito, including all taxes

Additional services

Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, all taxes included

Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee

Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands

Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation

Stay in a cabin of your choice

Complimentary tea and coffee

Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†

Complimentary reusable water bottle

Range of included activities

Complimentary wetsuit rental

Welcome and farewell cocktails

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team

Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope

The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.

Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.

Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym

Escorted landings with small panga boats

Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities

Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions

Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent.

Quito’s altitude is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience mild altitude sickness during your stay.

Excursions and activities are subject to change

Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements

No gratuities are expected

Additional services

International flights

Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings

Travel Insurance

Luggage handling

Meals

Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*

Guide

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore

Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.

Good to know

Currency

US Dollar

Ecuador

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.