SPECIAL PROMOTION Ecuador and Galapagos - Seaman Journey

Make your way to the airport for your flight to Quito…the adventure begins!

Arrive Quito, Private Car Transfer

After clearing Customs and Immigration, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remember Quito is at a high altitude so drink plenty of water!

NOTE:  Depending on your flight time arrival, we can reserve your room for the previous night (additional cost) so you check right in.

Historical District Tour

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, visiting some its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. We begin the tour the quirky Guapulo quarter; take in the Congress building, before heading to the Old Town. We finish the day at the “Panecillo” hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains.

Afternoon Equatorial Tour

As an addition to the Quito Colonial City Tour, we travel to “La Mitad del Mundo” complex. Its monument is located at latitude 0º 0´0", and provides for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres, or hop between the two in the blink of an eye. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. The site occupies an important place in the solar-based Andean Cosmo vision, since ancient Andean people were aware of its significance many thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a fine overview of Ecuador’s varied cultures and geography.

MONDAY: FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS 

This day you will fly from Quito, Ecuador to the Galapagos. Due to the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD (included in your tour price) must be paid for the migration control card. Afterwards, you will enjoy a quick 4 hour flight, with a quick stop at Guayaquil.

Once in San Cristobal, passengers must go through an inspection point at the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are being introduced to the archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: Adult Passengers $100 and Children $50 (under 12 years old) - (included in your tour price).

Later on, our guide will pick you up and carry the luggage to the bus from the port that transports the passengers to the Seaman Journey Catamaran on a motorized boat called panga.

PM: INTERPRETATION CENTER

This is an interpretation center with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Visitors at the interpretation center can learn a lot from the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts and natural history. This is the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands which attempts to preserve the archipelago. It is indeed inspiring and motivating to watch and learn all of their research and attempts.

TUESDAY: SAN CRISTOBAL

AM: GALAPAGUERA

A short visit will take place at the Galapaguera, a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in its natural habitat.
San Cristobal island has endemic species such as: the Mockingbird Nesomimus melanotis, lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei) and the tortoises. All of these species can be observed in this place, the beach is really big and it works as a nesting zone for marine tortoises. Between January and May, it is common to find the footprints of the female tortoises who have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs! This truly a worth experience to be part of.

PM: CERRO BRUJO, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Cerro Brujo is a beautiful white coral beach where you can swim and watch birds and sea lions, plus you can snorkel.
This is the first coast where Charles Darwin walked on, in 1835. In this marvelous lava landscape, you can watch seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shore birds. The protected bay is well known for its young tortoises which like to swim around. The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used by the fishermen as a salt mine in order to preserve food for the local population.
Among the fauna you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizard, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area.
Furthermore, you will see the Galapagos turtles and with luck, the little bird known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic species in San Cristobal Island. The vegetation covers all the route, where you can find species like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees.
Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.

WEDNESDAY: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

AM: GARDNER BAY

Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki),. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

At this place one can see three species of Darwin finches: A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), which is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch; The small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa and the singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds are observed.

It is worth to notice that this zone is really important for marine tortoises nesting, specially the (Chelonia mydas).

 PM: SUAREZ POINT

This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least from 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.

THURSDAY: FLOREANA ISLAND

AM: CORMORANT POINT

This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere.

There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

PM: POST OFFICE BAY & BARONESS LOOKOUT

Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by marines and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Besides, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and procede to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful view at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

FRIDAY: SANTA CRUZ

AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION

Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, the famous lonesome George, the last of his kind was cared for in this place, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland. Transfer to Baltra airport for flight to Guayaquil.

Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Guayaquil - City Tour + Historical Park

Today after breakfast your guide will take you on a full day tour of the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. The city tour in Guayaquil consists of various panoramic visits and walks through the city. Our first stop will be the Administration Plaza, around which you will observe the City Hall, the Monument Sucre and finally the Seminario Park, also known as Iguana Park.

After, we will take private transport to the Southern Malecon 2000 where you will appreciate the Integration Plaza with its famous Southern Marketplace and then continue on to the Olmedo Plaza, very important for its monument to Jose Joaquin Olmedo, a recognized poet of Guayaquil and former president of Ecuador.

We will walk on toward the Rotonda Monument where the statues of Simon Bolivar and San Martin can be found. We will then proceed to visit the rest of the Malecon 2000, with its many restaurants and recreation places for children. Optionally you can visit the garden area of the Malecon where you will be able to see lots of tropical plants such as: Teca, Guaba, Mango, helechos, bromeliads, fichus, almendra...

After the visit to the Malecón, we will go to the Peñas neighborhood. This is the oldest part of the city in which you will have the opportunity to climb to the Cerro Santa Ana where you will have wonderful views of Guayaquil and the river Guayas.

Return to hotel and remainder of day at leisure.

Guayaquil – Home, Private Car Transfer

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home with a lifetime of memories.