Private Transfer
At the airport you will be greeted by a member of our organization, we will escort you all the way to your hotel, giving you a short briefing about Quito and the country in general with valuable information you need to know.
We want to share our list of essentials for a cruise to ensure the best experience aboard Galapagos Metropolitan Touring's expedition yachts. The yachts offer a unique combination of luxury and adventure, allowing travelers to explore remote destinations. Selecting the right ship for your Galapagos adventure is a crucial decision. When planning a Galapagos adventure, it's essential to consider the following must-haves for expedition yachts:
Multiple and multilingual guides aboard
Doctor on board
Sea, land, and ocean activities
Stability and smooth sailing
Perfect size and capacity of a maximum of 50 guests to create an intimate yet welcoming environment.
Big15 List
For more details, you can visit our blog. https://portal.metropolitan-touring.com/blog/south-america/expedition-yachts/
The Galapagos Islands are home to a unique collection of wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. From giant tortoises to playful sea lions, surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes, the archipelago offers a chance to explore the history of life before humans walked the planet. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to see. To ensure that our guests get the most out of their visit, we rely on the expertise of our guides, naturalists, scientists, researchers, and connoisseurs of the Galapagos environment to select the most special and fascinating wildlife spots on the islands. With this in mind, we have put together the "Galapagos Big15" list, which highlights the most iconic animals that visitors must see during their visit. https://portal.metropolitan-touring.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Big15-MT.pdf
Quito Full day Tour- Private
This experience takes guest to the north of Quito, which has been the object of a number of studies attempting to measure meridian arc in order to determine the exact figure of the Earth, with the first result being obtained in 1743 by Geodesic Mission of the French Academy of Sciences, led by Louis Godin, Pierre Bouguer and Charles Marie de La Condamine. From 1899-1906, General Georges Perrier, also with the backing of the French Academy of Sciences, was sent to lead a mission to verify that result. Later, in 1936, with the support of the French American Committee, Ecuadorean geographer Dr. Luis Tufiño built a 10-meter monument in San Antonio de Pichincha to commemorate the first Geodesic Mission.
In 1979, the monument was moved 7 km to the to the town of Calacalí. Today, a new and much larger monument was constructed between 1979 and 1982, stands in San Antonio de Pichincha. The grounds contain the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo. The 30-meter-tall monument, was constructed to mark the point where the equator passes through the country in the geodetic datum in use in Ecuador at that time. A line down the center of the east-facing staircase, and across the plaza, was meant to mark the equator, and countless visitors over the years have had their pictures taken straddling this line.
The Equatorial Monument, is located 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, marks the Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador's native groups. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops that sell postcards and souvenirs.
- Lunch
ORIGIN OF SPECIES ADVENTURE
Journeying through the Uncharted Wilds of Northeastern Galapagos
Baltra Airport
After arriving at Baltra Airport, we’ll take a short ferry to the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. Then, we’ll go on a bus journey to the highlands to explore the unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity of Santa Cruz before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, we’ll take a bus to a reserve famous for giant tortoise sightings. We’ll observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and explore lava tunnels. Then, we’ll head to Puerto Ayora and board Yacht La Pinta for the next part of our journey.
Dry Landing – Guests move from the panga to the dock or onto the rocks
Wet Landing – The panga approaches the beach, guests disembark in the water (no more than 20cm high) and walk onto the sand.
- Accommodations
- All meals, soft drinks*
- Island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only
- wet suit rental
- Snorkelling gear, internet, luggage handling, medical care on board (but not the cost of medication)
- Taxes and transfers in the islands.
* Please note: soft drinks are considered juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails
- Air transportation to / from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice)*
- Migration Control Card (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice)*
- Fuel surcharges
- Alcoholic beverages**, gratuities, gifts, laundry or valet services and additional items.
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
Start your day with a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet, just off the coast of Santa Cruz. See blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigate birds. Snorkel and take a glass-bottom boat tour. The volcanic landscape features cinder cones, tuff cones, and eroded lava flows.
Chinese Hat Islet
Explore the Chinese Hat Islet, known for its distinctive shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. This young islet offers a 400-meter trail from a beautiful white sandy beach. You can swim or snorkel in the clear waters and encounter white-tipped reef sharks and iconic Galapagos penguins. Learn how the Humboldt current brought Humboldt penguins to the Galapagos archipelago, where they evolved into the renowned Galapagos penguin.
Bartolome Island
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, a true Galapagos icon. Enjoy a panoramic view from the wooden staircase, ride dinghies around Pinnacle Rock, and snorkel on the beach. Look out for Galapagos penguins and ride in a glass-bottom boat for an up-close view of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After a fulfilling lunch, we went to Sullivan Bay on the pangas. The beach has white coral sand and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also explore a trail across a lava field formed less than 130 years ago and observe the unique wildlife thriving in this environment.
Darwin Bay
In the afternoon, unwind on the beautiful white coral beach and participate in aquatic activities. You can also observe diverse marine and land bird species. For a more adventurous outing, trek over lava formations for stunning views of the surroundings. Marvel at the collapsed caldera from our anchorage, adding geological wonder to your exploration.
Prince Philip’s Steps
Our journey northward led us to Prince Philip’s Steps. Today, we’ll climb up a wooden staircase to “bird island” and take a scenic stroll, spotting Nazca and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and the short-eared owl hunting storm petrels. Look for fur seals along the cliffs and consider a tranquil kayak paddle for an enhanced experience.
Baltra Island Airport
After our expedition, we head to Baltra Island’s airport for our return flight to the mainland. The island’s flat terrain, a result of its uplifted geological origins, made it an ideal airport location in the 1940s.
