Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
August 3 – 10
Join professor of biology, Mark Schlessman for an eye-opening journey to one of the world's most fascinating places: Ecuador, a hotbed of biodiversity that includes the Galapagos Islands, Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. Part of the Inca Empire until the 1533 Spanish conquest, the tiny country has a rich culture. You will visit Quito's "Old Town," a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a colorful city with 400 years of celebrated traditions and architectural masterpieces. Tour private mansions, cloisters, museums, public buildings and the lively, entertaining markets.
The highlight of this trip is a four-day cruise to explore the Galapagos, the living laboratory that provided critical evidence for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. You too will come face to face with 600-pound tortoises, exotic birds and some of the most unique creatures on the planet, 175 years after Darwin landed here and 150 years after he published "On the Origin of Species." Each island is another world of distinct geological features and endemic species like the oversized lava lizard at Punta Suarez, Punta Cormorant's olivine crystal beach and Devil's Cone, an eroded volcanic peak. Expert naturalists guide you along hikes and snorkeling excursions, enhancing your appreciation for the wonders before your eyes. Enjoy elegant accommodations and a private cabin aboard the M.V. Santa Cruz, known for excellent standards and superb service.
An optional 5-day extension to the ancient ruins in Peru and Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," is also offered.
M.V. SANTA CRUZ
Travel aboard the first-class expedition vessel, M.V. SANTA CRUZ; the only ship built exclusively for cruising the Galapagos Islands. Completely refurbished and redesigned in 1998, the M.V. SANTA CRUZ features only 47 staterooms and offers a wide array of modern amenities and facilities, including a full fleet of Zodiacs, a glass bottom boat and complimentary snorkeling equipment. The 52 crewmembers and six naturalist guides offer an excellent ratio of staff to passengers.
Each outside stateroom is tastefully appointed with private bathroom facilities, air conditioning and either a window or a porthole.
All meals, featuring international and Ecuadorian specialties, are served in the ship's inviting dining room. The ship's public facilities include a bar, lounge, gift shop, business center, natural history library, fitness center, Jacuzzi, massage center and a full-time medical office.
Six multi-lingual naturalists will share their in-depth insight and information about the Galapagos Islands' distinctive ecosystem during daily excursions and multimedia presentations.
Itinerary:
Day 1 U.S./Quito
Day 2 Quito
Day 3 Quito
Day 4 Quito/Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island
Day 5 Galapagos Islands: Espanola & Floreana Islands
Day 6 Galapagos Islands: Fernandina & Isabela Islands
Day 7 Baltra Island/Guayaquil
Day 8 Guayaquil/U.S.
Accommodations:
3 nights Hotel Mercure Alameda - Quito, Ecuador
3 nights M.V. SANTA CRUZ - Galapagos Islands
1 night Hotel Oro Verde - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Trip Details
Duration: 8 days
Activity Level: Moderately Active
Price: from $3,995 per person, double occupancy (airfare additional)
Single Supplement: $1,995 per person
Post-Extension to Peru: $1,895 per person, double occupancy