Arrive at Peru's Lima Int'l Airport. Proceed thru immigration and customs formalities, collect your luggage and meet your driver for transfer to the hotel.
Located in Miraflores, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of ChocoMuseo, Parque del Amor, and Puente Villena. Amano Museum and Calle de las Pizzas are also within 15 minutes
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, free buffet breakfast and free wi-fi in public areas. There is a restaurant, Guests at Dazzler Lima can relax in the sauna or use the computers with free internet. Laundry services can be arranged upon request for an extra fee. Providing a tranquil environment, the rooms in Dazzler Lima feature private bathrooms, cable TVs, kitchenettes and air conditioning
Dinner on own.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel then meet your guide at 9:00am for a half day private guided city tour of Lima. Visit the old historical center with the Plaza de Armas surrounded by the Cathedral and National Palace. Then on to visit the San Francisco Church and drive through the old streets. Also visit the neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores. Finally visit the fascinating Larco Herera Archaeological Museum. Return to the hotel and enjoy lunch on own. The afternoon is free to explore the area. Dinner on own.
You may want to visit some of the shops in Miraflores within walking distance from the hotel to pick-up some snacks (or a sandwich) for your bus journey tomorrow.
Plan to leave your larger suitcase at the hotel in Lima tomorrow. The hotel has a safe storage area but you are advised to lock the bag and not to leave valuables in it. Carry your passport and other valuables with you.
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel then an early pick up at 6:30am for transfer to the bus station. Board the first class bus (Cruz del Sur) departing at 7:30am to the city of Nazca.
The bus ride will be approximately 7 ½ hours arriving about 3:00pm. There is a bathroom on board the bus, drinks and snacks will be served but suggest you bring your own snacks and beverages. They do show movies on the bus but you need to bring your own earphones. The bus does have a checked luggage area that goes under the bus, so depending on the size of your overnight bag, you may be able to carry it on the bus and store in the overhead compartment. Note: The overhead compartments are not as big as the airlines – a small roller bag will not fit there and would have to go under the bus with the other luggage. But a duffle bag may fit OK. The staff from the bus company are very nice and will help when needed with bags, etc. Your seat will be on the 2nd level of the bus, so there will be a few stairs to climb but there are railings.
Upon arrival in Nazca you will be met at the bus station by the local representative (they will have a sign with your name on it) and transferred to the hotel for check-in to your traditional single room.
Hotel Casa Andina Nasca is a practical, safe and functional hotel, that features 61 rooms, 100% non – smoking, distributed over 3 floors. Our hotel provides an excellent location, just a few blocks away from Nasca’s main square. Its coastal, rustic, and homey style, the warm palms and leafy plants highlight the terraces giving the hotel a tropical feeling.
Among the hotel’s services we offer our guests: meeting rooms, corporate facilities, internet center, WiFi internet service, ATM and parking (for guests only with limited capacity). Guests enjoy the tasty and assorted breakfast buffet in its open hours: 6:00 a.m. a 10:00 a.m, as well as the creative menu for lunch and dinner, in its open hours: 12:00 a 22:30 p.m.
The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure for some optional activities:
From the hotel it is approximately 15 minute walk to the Antonini Archaeological Museum: The Antonini Museum was inaugurated on 7th July 1999, and today has on display over 300 ancient pieces from the Nazca Culture. The Archaeological Museum Antonini is run by the Italian Centre Studi e Richerce Archeologiche Precolombiane, which preserve and analyze the treasure heritage of the Nazca Valley, as a product of the archaeological excavations carried out by the “Nazca Project”, at the ceremonial centre of Cahuachi and other important archaeological zones at the Nazca River Basin since 1982.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be collected at 9:00AM for a private guided excursion to Punta San Juan. The tour to see the Humboldt Penguins usually lasts about 3 hours. Punta San Juan is home to 2500 breeding pairs, more than 50 % of Peru's Humboldt penguin population. The goal of the conservation efforts at San Juan are to facilitate the designation of Punta San Juan as a Marine Reserve under the Peruvian Protected Areas System and secure the future of the Humboldt penguin in Punta San Juan.
Return to Nazca for lunch on your own.
At 2:00PM you will be picked up for transfer by private car/driver for a stop in Ica to visit el Catador Winery and discover how Peruvians make sweet red wine and and a grape brandy called "Pisco." This small family-run winery that uses techniques introduced by the Spanish colonists, with 154 years o f history, where you can visit and taste different kind of wines and Pisco. The tasting room is wonderful and it is located in an underground cave where you can see a big tavern with older oak barrels, big screen TV with a lot of Videos about the wine and Pisco Process.
Continue by private car to Paracas arriving about 7:00PM for overnight at the hotel. Dinner on own.
Your overnight hotel: The Hacienda Bahia Paracas Hotel is located on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Paracas where luxury and simplicity blend perfectly. Every room in La Hacienda Bahia Paracas, has been designed to provide a comfortable stay and the opportunity to experience the tranquility of life on the bay. Our restaurant, El Coral, offers the best view of the bay. When this breathtaking view is combined with our exquisite menu, the comfort of our dining room, and the genuine warmth of our service your meal will truly be an unforgettable experience.
The decorations within Hacienda Bahia Paracas make you feel like you are walking through a warmly decorated traditional coastal manor that was preserved for centuries. All of the modern conveniences that you would expect have been seamlessly integrated with an eye for maximum comfort. This fusion of the past, with a modern touch, result into an experience that you are sure to never forget. .
You will be collected early at 7:45AM following breakfast at the hotel for transfer to the pier for morning excursion by boat with a small group to the Ballestas Islands. (Have your bags ready and locked as you will return to the hotel for them this afternoon.) There are rock formations off the coast that attracts many birds, penguins and sea lions.
Ballestas Islands
Often called “the Peruvian Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands , a rock formation off the coast that to see endangered Humboldt penguins, families of sea lions, huge flocks of marine birds, and a mysterious symbol carved into the face of a cliff, known as the Candelabra. You will come face-to-face with the wildlife. Here, on these rocky islets about 90 minutes off the coast of Paracas, hundreds of sea lions lounge on rocks that are covered in thousands of birds, and the cost of visiting is a fraction of the cost of visiting the Galapagos in Ecuador. When approaching the eroded islands by sea, there are so many boobies, cormorants, and penguins resting on the rocky cliffs, the entire island seems to vibrate with the collective fidgeting of feathers. Humboldt penguins are another draw for visiting the Ballestas Islands, and these tuxedo-clad birds can only be found off the coast of Chile and Peru. While motoring out to the guano covered islands, keep an eye out for the Candelabra Geoglyph that’s etched into the hillside. At 595 feet in height, the mysterious, ancient, unexplained symbol can be seen 12 miles out to sea. In addition to the squawking, wriggling wildlife, the Ballestas Islands are known for their sea caves and ruggedly eroded coastline.
When visiting the islands, be sure to bring sunscreen and warm clothing to combat the cool ocean breeze. The tour is about two hours by boat.
After the boat tour, transfer to the airport in nearby Pisco for the Nazca Lines flight tour. This is done by a small high winged plane and the tour is aout 1 ½ to 2 hours long (with other tourists). These line in th ground form shapes and figures when seen from the air.
Transfer back to the hotel to collect your luggage and have lunch on your own. You will be collected from the hotel for transfer to the bus station to board the first class bus (Cruz del sur) at 4:05PM to Lima. The ride is about 4 hours arriving at 8:00pm. Here you will be met at the bus station by the representative from Coltur and transfer back to the Hotel Dazzler Miraflores for overnight. Dinner on own.
Enjoy an early buffet breakfast before your pick-up at the hotel approximately 8:30AM for transfer to the Lima airport and your flight departing 10:50am to Cuzco arriving at 12:51PM. Met your representative ( they will have a sign with your name on it) for transfer to the Sacred Valley (approximately 1 hour and 40 minute drive). This is a little lower altitude than Cuzco at approximately 9,400 fee above sea level). Stop at the Pisac market along the way.
This picturesque Andean village is best known for its Sunday market, draws hundreds of tourists each week. In spite of its popularity the market retains much of its local charm, at least in the part where villagers from miles around gather to barter and sell their produce. In the tourist section of the market you can buy a wide variety of handicrafts - mostly the same things you see in Cusco. ( Guidebooks used to say that handicrafts were cheaper than Cusco but in recent years there hasn’t been much difference in price. It is a good place to buy the local ceramics including a huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-coloured beads.
Continue to the town of Ollantaytambo, next to the train station for overnight. Dinner on own.
Overnight at the Hotel El Albergue Originally opened in 1925 under the name of lodge Santa Rosa, El Albergue is a historic and romantic lodge, located in the Ollantaytambo train station little more than an hour away from Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco. With only 16 rooms special detail is given to each and every one, resulting in an elegantly rustic style. Beautiful gardens visited by hummingbirds are engulfed by the aroma of fuchsia, passionflower, peaches and avocado trees which all adorn the early 20th century lodge. Step outside and catch the train to the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu. The restaurant and café are open to lodge guests and travelers alike. Café Mayu on the train station platform offers espresso coffee, tea, cookies, brownies, sandwiches and salads. Join us in the restaurant where you will find a full menu for breakfast lunch and dinner. We have created our menu using fresh organic ingredients from our garden and Sacred Valley offering a selection of Peruvian and European flavors. Alpaca steak, fresh salads, homemade fettuccine and fresh trout are a few items available on the menu.
Prepare your overnight bag as your big bag will be transferred back to Cuzco and left at your hotel, so take with you only what you need for the day, you will need your passport to enter the ruins.
Breakfast at the hotel then walk across the to the train station and board the Vistadome train #601 at 8:00AM to Aguas Calientes. On arrival at 9:24 am exit the train station and you will be met by your private resident guide and transfer to by bus about 20 minutes to the top of the mountain where the ruins of Machu Piccu are located.
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it’s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.
Here you will have a guided walking tour around the ruins. A buffet lunch is included at the cafeteria next to the ruins.
In the afternoon, return by bus to the train station and board the Vistadome train # 604 at 5:27PM back to Cuzco arriving at 8:50pm. On arrival you will be met by the Coltur representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga / Ramada
With its perfect combination of colonial and contemporary design, the Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga offers first class accommodation, mixes the best of the new and old Cusco. The front half drips with colonial charm—rooms are set around an attractive arcaded courtyard in the 17th-century former home of the Marquis of Picoaga. This is the section to choose if you want that historic feel. Two family-friendly suites are perfect for people traveling with children. Behind is a new wing with modern rooms that have minimalist design but are big on comfort. The old rooftop bar has been converted into three rooms with the best views in the house.
Cuzco is located at 11,000 feet above sea level.
Overnight ( dinner on own).
The Next day:
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel this morning and enjoy the morning at leisure. With some free time perhaps you’d like to relax or visit the Pre Columbian Art Museum ( located at : 231 Plaza de las Nazarenas) This 12-room exhibition space is located in the Casa Cabrera, a mansion-turned-convent that dates back to 1580. Inside this compact space, you'll find 450 artifacts (including Peruvian ceramics, jewelry, and carvings). The museum's collection spans from 1250 B.C. to 1532 A.D. and features works from the Nasca, Huari, Mochica, Chancay, and Inca civilizations. The cost of admission is approximately 20 Pen ( USD 7.50)
Be back at the hotel by 2:00PM – your guide will collect you for a Half day private guided City tour of Cuzco. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Korikancha Sun Temple and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Return to the hotel for overnight. Dinner on own.
Have a very early Breakfast – the driver will pick you up at 5:30AM for transfer to the airport for your Flightat 7:30AM to Lima arriving at 8:55AM and connecting at 10:32am to Quito. On arrival at 1:02PM proceed thru customs and immigration formalities and into the arrivals hall. As you exit look for a sign with your name on it where the representative will meet you for transfer to your hotel located in the Old City.
Hotel Casona de la Ronda
Set in a colonial style house built in 1738, La Casona de la Ronda Hotel Boutique Patrimonial offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and plasma Tv in Quito’s historic centre. Breakfast is provided. Decorated with stylish wooden furnishing and parquet floors, rooms at La Casona de la Ronda are very bright. Some of them have seating areas and enjoy city views.
An American buffet style breakfast is included in the room rate. Drinks from the bar and hot beverages from the coffee shop can be enjoyed in the garden and on the terrace. You’ll find La Casona de La Ronda Boutique Hotel located in Calle Morales (La Ronda), Historical Centre of Quito Old Town. Many of our guests have defined us "an oasis of tranquility on your arrival in Quito". The restaurante of La Casona de La Ronda, as a Heritage Boutique Hotel, serves not only international food but also, and mainly, delicious recipies from traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. Being a Heritage hotel, not only has to do with our history and location, but also with the role we play keeping alive our cultural traditions and showing them to our visitors.
Afternoon and evening is free – Overnight, dinner on own
The next morning - enjoy a Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up at 9:00AM for a private guided City tour of Quito and also visit to the Equator monument (approximately six hours). This interesting city tour starts with a visit of the Itchimbia neighborhood which is a place that offers a spectacular view of the old and new city. Visit the old colonial Quito starting in Santo Domingo Plaza walking through one of the oldest streets in the tow “La Ronda Street” where you will see how the colonial houses were built and how the Quitenos lived in the sixteen hundreds. Your walk takes you to San Francisco Plaza making a quick stop to try the typical Quito sweets.
San Francisco is the oldest church in Quito and it is full of history and legends. Before vising th church & museum vis the Ushina jewelry, a place where you’ll find fine art and exclusive designs made of silver. Continue to La Merced church to see the arabesque and baroque style that was used to decorate. Finally, a visit to the main square where the Presidential Palace, the main cathedral and some other important buildings can be appreciated. La Compania de Jesus church is one of the most beautiful churches in South America.
Continue on to the Equator monuments located outside the city and a quirky site called Inti-nan which boasts the GPS calculated 0 degrees latitude.
Return to your hotel this afternoon. Dinner on own.
GALAPAGOS CRUISE on small ship: Cachalote I
Quito / Island of Baltra, Galapagos Cruise Day 1
Breakfast at the hotel then an early pickup and transfer to the airport for your Tame Airlines flight # 193 departing at 9:00AM for your three hour flight to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Pick up and transfer to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos . On arrival you will be meet your Expedition leader for transfer to the ship.
M/S Cachalote I, a comfortable, modern and beautifully decorated motor/sailor built in 2002, is a 96-foot, two-masted, motorized sailing ship that carries 16 passengers on two decks. Aboard its Galapagos cruises the Cachalote accommodate 16 passengers in 8 cabins. Her Smart Voyager certification means she's one of the most sustainable in the Galapagos. Each cabin has a private bath, porthole, hot/cold showers, a security safe and is fully air conditioned with independent air conditioning units in each cabin. Seven cabins have upper/lower bunks while one cabin has a lower double bed. Each cabin has 110v power outlets while 220v is available in the salon.
On board there is a dining room, bar and salon. Enjoy the sea breezes, sunshine or a sky full of stars from the yacht's wooden deck.An experienced Captain, four dedicated crew members and an experienced English-speaking naturalist guide attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise.
The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, readjustment of National Park policies or at the Captain's discretion to take the best advantage of seasonal changes. Full board is provided for your stay on the Cachalote I. The cost of beverages, wet suits (US$30 per person) are not included and are payable locally in US $ cash only.
Area Information: The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are located 1,000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador and consist of 19 main islands and numerous smaller islets. Most of them consist of barren-looking land with bizarre volcanic features and are actually the peaks of underwater volcanoes, having risen from the sea floor millions of years ago. Apart from their interesting geology and geography, this archipelago is particularly famous for its fascinating natural history. As the islands lie far out in the Pacific Ocean, many unique species of animals and plants evolved over time and are only found there. When Charles Darwin visited The Galapagos Islands and observed the differences between the species the islands, he was inspired to look at nature in a new way. In due course this led him to develop his theory of evolution.
Upon arrival in Baltra your tour guide will meet you there for transfer to Santa Cruz Island across the Itabaca Cannal on a 5 minute's ferry boat ride. Once on Santa Cruz, another vehicle will be to take you for a tour in the highlands looking for giant tortoises in the wild. This will imply a walk through dirt trails and grassland. Water and box lunch will be available at one of these private properties before heading down to the town of Puerto Ayora for a visit of the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Station.
You will have some free time to stroll through town for a couple of hours at leisure. Based on the itinerary, you should be prepared for the activities of the day for which we suggest you to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothes (preferably cotton), T-shirts or shorts as per your personal preference, and depending on the season, a light windbreaker in case it is misty during your excursion through the highlands.
** Please be aware that timing or sequence of visits might be altered depending on arrival of flights, force of nature or other unexpected conditions beyond our control. ** Meals: box lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 2 - Sombreo Chino Santiago ( Chinese Hat) & Rabida
Sombrero Chino is a tiny island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. Its name (Chinese Hat) describes the island's shape, perfectly conical in appearance. Though centrally located, it is one of the least visited sites in the area. Begin today's adventure with a wet landing and a short walk on a beautiful crescent-shaped white-sand beach. Follow the trail to explore Sombrero Chino's volcanic origin. While the path does not lead up the striking red rust sides of the Sombrero to the caldera, it does venture high enough on the island to provide spectacular views of the waves crashing below. Observe flaminoa and a small colony of sealions. Spend time snorkeling in the nearby waters for sightings of white-tipped sharks and playful Galapagos penguins and sea lions.
Our afternoon excursion begins with a wet landing on the deep maroon-colored northern beach of Rabida Island. Marine iguanas and sea lions are often seen resting in the shade of the caves nearby. Behind the beach is the salt brush home where the brown pelicans make their nests. Rabida may hold the only opportunity to see pelicans nesting up close. Following a path, arrive at a small saltwater lagoon where pink flamingos, Bahama pintail ducks and common stilts are frequently seen feeding. Continuing up the rocky red cliffs a short 15-20 minute walk leads to a cliff overhang with a fantastic view of the cove with the ocean, lagoon and scarlet cliffs. Returning back to the beach have another opportunity for some fantastic snorkeling where manta rays are commonly seen. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 3 Isabela Island : Puerto Villamil & Sierra Negra
Begin the day with a morning tour to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The largest of the Galapagos islands, Isabela is composed of six shield volcanoes merged into a single land mass. Situated in the south of Isabela Island, the caldera of the Sierra Negra volcano is 6 miles by 5 miles, making it the second largest in the world. Starting from Puerto Villamil you will journey by road for approximately 4 hours to the small town of Santo Tomas. The landscape along the way is quite lovely. Once on top there are a series of fumaroles inside small craters. The view during the "rainy season" is quite spectacular.
This afternoon the excursion to the Breeding Center Arnaldo Tupiza is where giant tortoises are reared on Isabela. It is located 1.5 kilometers from Pto. Villamil, this important center has a captive breeding program for tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. In total there are 330 tortoises between juveniles and adults. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 4 Isabela Island : Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay
Punta Moreno is a place where the forces of the Galapagos have joined to create a work of art. This is interrupted by lagoons, lush vegetation and brightly coloured birds in striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. Amongst the lava flows are clear tidal pools that attracts flamingos, herons and pelicans.
The tour starts with a panga ride along the beautiful rocky shores where Galapagos penguins and shore birds are frequently seen. After a dry landing the path traverses through jagged black lava rock to a young lava field and outcropping of lava pools offering dramatic scenery stretching to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. Brown pelican can be seen nesting in the green leaves of the surrounding mangroves. You can walk to the edge of the lava to look straight down on these pools including the occasional green sea turtle, white-tipped shark and puffer fish.
Located on the west coast of Isabela, at the Perry Isthmus, Elizabeth Bay is a marine visitor site (no landings are permitted). As you visit Elizabeth Bay by panga, Galapagos hawks soar overhead and schools of pompanos and dorados can be seen swimming underneath you. Your panga brings you to Las Marielas the small islets just outside the bay and home to the largest concentration of Galapagos penguins living in the islands. This is one of the island's breeding sites for penguins. The ride continues into a red mangrove cove. The panga passes through the red root and green leaf breeding ground for fish and sea turtles. Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 5 : Isabela Island : Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove
Take a scenic cruise along Bolivar Channel where it is possible to see whales and dolphins. Your morning visit begins with a wet landing on the white-sand beach of Isabela Island's Urbina Bay - one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. This place went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting. Those who wish may take either only a short walk along the beach, or a longer walk towards the interior of the island, following a trail varying in difficulty depending on season, cross the uplifted region while learning about this geological wonder until reaching a sandy area that was once the beach. Choose to return to the landing point on the same path, or continue past the coral heads and new beach. Highlights of this site include marine iguanas and some of the largest land iguanas in the islands, and Galapagos cotton, an endemic plant historians believe the Incas brought to the islands; naturalist theorize it floated across from Peru.
This afternoon visit Tagus Cove a secluded cover on the northwest of Isabela Island), Cove was originally a favourite landing point for pirates and whalers. Old graffiti can still be found on its walls. The vegetation in this area includes the fragrant Palo Santo, these white- barked trees are leafless and look dead for most of the year but bloom in the spring. Arriving here the boat will sail through the Bolivar Channel. These are the coldest, most-productive waters in the Galapagos, where dolphins and whales are frequently seen. The coves' quiet waters make for an ideal panga ride beneath its sheltered cliffs, where blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, pelicans and noddy terns make their nests, and flightless cormorants and penguins inhabit the lava ledges. From the shore, a wooden stairway rises to the dusty trail passing through the palo santo forests to reach the perfectly round saltwater crater, Darwin Lake.
Continue on the trail around the lake through a dry vegetation zone, and then climb inland to a promontory formed by spatter cones. The site provides spectacular views back towards the anchorage in the bay, as well as Darwin Volcano and Wolf Volcano farther north. Walk back to the Darwin crater which is filled with salt water, the view at the end of the trail is well worth the climb. Darwin is one of Isabela's six volcanoes, and a remarkable contrast to the lower islands east of the archipelago. There is no beach in this area so activities are done from the pangas. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 6 : Fernandina : Punta Espinosa & Punta Vicente Roca
Morning visit to the youngest island, Fernandina, beginning today's adventure with a dry landing on the northeast part of the Island. Once on shore there are two paths to choose (one mile walk): From the left of the landing site the trail leads into the lava fields. The lava itself is very fragile and full of fissures, which can cause for tenuous walking conditions. Plants are nearly devoid in this area; lava cactus seems to be one of the few plants able to survive. This Land's End trail takes you to a baron patch of land with a few mangroves and rich wildlife.
Or you can follow the trail near the tip of the point to view a colony of sea lions up close. Male sea lions are extremely territorial and their barks warning off would-be-intruders are heard over the sound of the crashing surf. Flightless cormorants nest in along this rocky area near the high water line, and recently Galapagos penguins have been spotted nesting in the area.
Fernandia has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.
This afternoon, visit the wonderful snorkeling site of Vicente Roca, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish. After snorkeling, go on a panga ride, which will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos' spectacular geological rock formations. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Day 7 - Santiago / James Island : Puerto Egas & Bartolome
Your visit to Puerto Egas (Santiago/James Island) begins with a wet landing on the dark sand beaches of James Bay. Kick-start with a mid-length walk along the rocky coast for the opportunity to view some of the Galapagos Islands' best tide pools. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a greatopportunity to see land and marine birds This excursion begins just a short distance beyond the tide pools that is a fur seal grotto. Fur seals and sea lions can be seen swimming in the rocky lava-ringed pools. This may be the only opportunity to see and swim with fur seals. The crystal-clear water, volcanic bridges, fur seals and sea lions make this a magnificent place for swimming and snorkeling.
This afternoon, enjoy a 30-40 minute tour of Bartolome Island. Disembark with a dry landing and hike to the summit. This walk begins with a steep climb on a rock and concrete pathway and continues through volcanic sand, which can be slow to cross. Once through the sand the steep ascent continues up a wooden stairway. Arriving at the top you are treated to one of the great panoramic views in the Galapagos. The turquoise waters and white shores add to the incredible scene. The eroded pinnacle rock stands at the end of the island poising for pictures. It's easy to see why this is one of the most popular photographic spots in all the islands. There may be time for a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock to observe penguins, and time to enjoy the beach (wet landing), snorkelling. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Cruise Day 8 North Seymour/ Baltra & to Quito for Departure
Spend your last morning exploring North Seymour Island's rocky coast. Following a trail, you will pass colonies of blue-footed boobies and the magnificent frigatebird. swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available.
Upon returning to the coast, Daphne Major and Minor can be spotted off in the distance and body-surfing sea lions play closer to shore. Along the shoreline marine iguanas, white coral and black lava rocks complete the visit to North Seymour. After your exciting day exploring, you will be met and taken to the airport for the flight back to Quito on Tame Linea # 193 departing Baltra Island Seymour at 12:30PM arriving Quito 4:50PM.
You have a long layover – there are no hotels connected to the airport right now since it is a new area. There is an International VIP lounge and the cost is about $25.00 + tax ( see information below that we suggest you spend your layover time in).
Your International flight departs in the early morning hours with arrival the same day in the UA.
