Galapagos Islands: Mid-Cruise Journey (Single)
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Port
Guayaquil (Quito), Ecuador
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$8200
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
5 days/4 nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L, D)
Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Guayaquil Port to the airport, where you'll board a domestic flight to the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Nestled on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and principal harbor, bustling with about 3 million inhabitants. This vibrant city beautifully blends its rich cultural traditions with modern developments. As Ecuador’s main seaport, Guayaquil handles 80% of the country’s imports and over 50% of its exports. Located approximately 60 kilometers from the Gulf of Guayaquil and the Pacific Ocean, it serves as the commercial and industrial heart of Ecuador.
Upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Naturalist guide who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy a delightful lunch at the hotel.
After check in, enjoy lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, embark on your first visit to La Galapaguera, set amidst the stunning backdrop of San Cristóbal’s highlands. This serene and scenic environment, with its lush vegetation and forested landscapes, provides the perfect habitat for the iconic Galapagos tortoises. As you stroll along the well-maintained trails, you may also encounter other fascinating wildlife such as birds, lizards, and marine iguanas. A visit to La Galapaguera offers a unique opportunity to witness the vital conservation efforts that are crucial for the future of the Galapagos Islands. The center is dedicated to eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving the islands' delicate ecosystems.
At the appropriate time, meet our representative in the hotel lobby for a transfer to a nearby restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Indigo Hotel
Day 2 (B, L, D)
Embark on an unforgettable full-day boat tour to Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido. This stunning, jagged rock formation off the coast of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago is renowned for its unique shape, resembling a sleeping lion. Kicker Rock offers breathtaking views and exceptional opportunities for marine activities.
Although there are no landing areas, Kicker Rock is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and encounter vibrant marine life, including playful sea lions, graceful rays, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Explore the dramatic cliffs and underwater landscapes that make this location truly magical.
Enjoy a delicious lunch served on board as you soak in the stunning surroundings.
After lunch, visit a nearby beach for a leisurely walk and some downtime. Take in the serene beauty of the beach before sailing back to San Cristóbal.
At the appropriate time, meet our representative in the hotel lobby for a transfer to a nearby restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 3 (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a captivating half-day land tour on San Cristobal Island, followed by a leisurely afternoon.
Start your journey at the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, an environmental hub dedicated to educating visitors about San Cristobal's unique ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and sustainable practices. Discover informative exhibits on the Galápagos' rich biodiversity, the islands' history, and the crucial efforts to protect these fragile environments for future generations. This center is a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers.
Next, enjoy a scenic walk down an easy boardwalk to Cerro Tijeretas. Here, a bust of Charles Darwin commemorates his historic visit to the islands in 1835. The area is teeming with life, including Darwin’s finches, San Cristobal mockingbirds, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Hills frame the turquoise bay, home to two species of frigates. Climb the staircase to the top of Cerro Tijeretas for panoramic views of northern San Cristobal, including Wreck Bay, Lobos Islet, Punta Carola, and the impressive Kicker Rock.
Continue your adventure to Bahía Darwin, a serene and picturesque bay on the northern coast of San Cristobal Island. Named in honor of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, this tranquil bay offers a peaceful escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Bahía Darwin is perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in its clear, turquoise waters. It's also an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation, where you can encounter sea lions lounging on the rocks, marine iguanas basking in the sun, and a variety of bird species.
Conclude your tour at Punta Carola, a beautiful and tranquil beach on the western coast of San Cristobal Island. Known for its clear turquoise waters and pristine sandy shoreline, Punta Carola is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. The area is home to playful sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The vibrant underwater life makes it a fantastic spot for snorkeling, where you can observe colorful fish and sea turtles.
At the appropriate time, meet our representative in the hotel lobby for a transfer to a nearby restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 4 (B, L, D)
Begin your day with an early morning visit to La Lobería, a stunning coastal area just a short distance from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island. This picturesque beach is renowned for its large population of playful sea lions, often seen sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy the unique opportunity to get up close with these charming animals, either from the shore or by snorkeling. In addition to sea lions, La Lobería is home to diverse marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and occasionally sea turtles, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. The beach also offers wonderful hiking trails along the coast, providing panoramic views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
After this invigorating early morning activity, savor a delicious breakfast and proceed with the check-out process.
Following breakfast, transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your departure. Upon arrival, complete the check-in process.
Upon arrival at Quito Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Quito, nestled at the foot of the majestic 5,000-meter (15,696-foot) Pichincha volcano, is celebrated for its eternally spring-like climate and the beauty of its well-preserved colonial center. Recognized by UNESCO as the first World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito's preservation of its blended past is truly remarkable. The city is beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), making it the second-highest capital city in the world.
Upon arrival at the hotel, complete the check-in process and enjoy an early dinner.
Accommodation: La Palma Polo Hotel
Day 5 (B, L, D)
Embark on an exciting full-day excursion heading north to the Inti Ñan Museum, located directly on the equator. This fascinating museum showcases artifacts from pre-Columbian Ecuadorian life and offers engaging demonstrations on the region's unique geography, astrology, and natural sciences.
Discover the Equatorial Line's ideal environment for cacti in the charming town of Pomasqui. Visit a small agave laboratory to learn about the significance of this versatile cactus and its vital role in the lives of Ecuador's Indigenous people.
Drive to Quito’s colonial area to enjoy a delightful lunch before uncovering the hidden treasures of the Old Town.
Experience the reasons why Ecuador's capital earned its honor as the first UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Marvel at the San Francisco Church and its museum of religious art, La Compañia with its seven tons of gold gilding on glittering walls, and the bustling Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings, and flowering balconies, the historical center is the lifeblood of Quito.
Explore one of the best archaeological museums in town, Casa del Alabado, which displays artifacts and pieces from pre-Columbian times. This fantastic museum houses a 5,000-strong collection representing most of the societies that have inhabited the area now known as Ecuador throughout history.
At the end of your visit to Casa del Alabado, delve into Quito’s vibrant culture through its unique sweets. Learn about the history and significance behind each treat and taste a variety of traditional Quito sweets. Ecuadorian desserts often blend indigenous ingredients with Spanish influences, resulting in unique and rich flavors.
After returning to the hotel, indulge in a special farewell dinner. An Andean "cowboy" will guide you through a fantastic cultural experience, featuring a vibrant folkloric performance by the Ñucanchi Allpa Folklore Ballet. This performance showcases Ecuador's traditional dances, music, and colorful costumes. Founded 17 years ago by indigenous choreographer Javier Pineda Cordova, the ballet—whose name means "our land" in Quichua—celebrates Ecuador's heritage, preserving and sharing its customs through dance and music. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers during the performance, followed by a traditional dinner that lets you savor the essence of Ecuador. Indulge in typical potato patties, a variety of native grains, locally seasoned meats, and distinctive Andean flavors. This unforgettable culinary experience offers a taste of Ecuador's unique ingredients, like the 500 endemic potato varieties and the exotic lupine bean, all paired with a refreshing glass of corn “beer.” A true feast for the senses and a story you'll be eager to share.
Day 6 (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, proceed with the check-out process.
Enjoy a comfortable transfer to Quito Airport, where you will board your international flight to Lima.
Upon arrival in Lima, you will be warmly greeted by our representative. They will assist you with your transfer to the port in Callao, where you will re-join your ship.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Special notes for Galapagos: The itinerary is subject to change due to National Park regulations, weather conditions and force majeure situations. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Minimum age is 12 years. Each day in the Galapagos Islands includes lunch except as noted. Navigation by boat between the island can be rough, often with durations of 2-3 hours. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing each day; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. The boat may not be exclusive to Seabourn guests.
Temperatures will change as elevations and time of day change, so it's best to bring shorts as well as long trousers, and clothing you can layer. A sweater or lightweight jacket will be needed for the cooler evening temperatures common in upland regions. Heavy, unpredictable, seasonal rainfall can change some operational aspects of this tour. Should this occur, Seabourn will notify guests in advance of any significant changes and participants will be given the opportunity to cancel their reservation without penalty. All meals are included unless specifically noted otherwise. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Important: It is solely each guest's responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Overland Adventures or Overnights, unless noted otherwise in the description.
While rare, National Park and force majeure conditions can cause unexpected changes in the itinerary. Your tour may or may not include a ship escort but is guided on the Galápagos Islands. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Minimum age is 12 years. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Visas:
Kindly note that it is the responsibility of guests to ensure they possess the necessary visas for all countries that will be included in their Overland Adventure or Overnight trips, as well as for re-joining the ship at the designated location. Guests are encouraged to seek assistance with visa requirements from their travel agent. Seabourn does not provide visa procurement services and therefore, guests are advised to obtain the required visas independently before embarking on their journey. If you require further assistance, Seabourn’s preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: Seabourn@cibtvisas.com . CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applic