Galapagos In Luxury

Itinerary

• Galapagos

  Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km west of continental Ecuador. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of around 40,000, which is a 40-fold expansion in 50 years. The islands are geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. Visitors typically fly in from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, and take a 3, 4, or 7 day cruise through the islands. There are almost no hotels, and guests live aboard their cruise ship. Day excursions on the islands are carefully controlled in designated pathways, and accompanied by certified naturalists. There are a variety of budget options from value, premium, luxury, and super-luxury chartered yachts.

• Galapagos

  Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. The Baltra airport was originally constructed by the U.S.military during World War II as a base to protect the Panama Canal from enemy attack. It is linked by bridge to Santa Cruz Island. It is the main airport for arrivals and departures from the Galapagos.

• Ecuador

  Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 965 kilometers (600 miles) west of the mainland. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name. The country was part of the ancient Inca empire, colonized by the Spanish, and gained independence through a series of battles from 1820 to 1830. Its capital city is Quito, located in the mountain highlands, and its largest city is the port of Guayaquil on the Pacific Ocean. Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world according to Conservation International. The Galápagos Islands are well known as a region of distinct fauna, famous as the place of birth of Darwin's Theory of Evolution, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Quito

  Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

• • Quito
  • Swissotel Quito

  Day 1: Quito

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

  Accommodation: Swissotel

  The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

• • Iglesia dela Campana

  Day 2: Quito

  Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured.

  Accommodation: Swissotel
• • Galapagos Sea Lions
  • Galapagos wildlife
  • MC Nina

  Day 3: Quito - Galapagos - Rabida Island

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

  Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
  Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

  Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

  The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

  Dry landing at the dark red-colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands. There is a short trail leading to a saltwater lagoon, a feeding ground for small colonies of Flamingos. Brown pelicans nest in the mangroves on the far side of the lagoon. It is also possible to spot boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches. Enjoy a dinghy ride by the reefs where you will have an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina

  Nina is the first of the brand new Kat-700 luxury catamaran series and is the most modern vessel in the Galapagos Islands. Her speed, comfort, luxurious interiors and excellent itinerary make Nina perfect for your Galapagos Cruise Adventure. The new design of the MC Nina surpasses all rivals. She is the fastest, sleekest, longest and most stable catamaran cruising the Islands.

• • Masked Boobys
  • Marine Iguana

  Day 4: Isabela Island - Fernandina Island - Galapagos

  The largest and one of the most volcanically active islands, Isabela provides habitat for five subspecies of giant tortoise - one for each of its five volcanoes. We will visit Punta Vicente Roca which has beautiful volcanic scenery, with amazing lava intrusions as well as a huge sea cliff. Wet Landing.

  After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, you will be able to see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea Lions. It is also an opportunity to see the nesting sites of the Flightless Cormorants. Among the flora and the volcanic formations, you will see Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Lava flows are always viewed from a safe distance. The island has numerous mangrove beds extending into the sea, indicating a healthy and thriving eco-system.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • Tagus Cove
  • Dolphins beside Dinghy

  Day 5: Isabela Island - Galapagos

  On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favourite anchor for pirates and whalers. Old graffiti is still found on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the unusual Palo Santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf out and spring back to life in the short wet season, which usually begins in Mar/Apr. An uphill hike through palo santo forest takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago.

  Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urvina Bay (Urbina Bay) one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos. The visit begins with a wet landing on the white sand beach. Hiking trail ranges from easily passable during the dry season to mildly challenging requiring wading to pass during the rainy season. Flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas are often seen on land, while rays and sea turtles can be viewed swimming near the surface of the bay.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • Elizabeth Bay
  • Galapagos Pelican

  Day 6: Isabela Island - Galapagos

  Elizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. A panga ride around two islets called the Marielas offers a wide variety of bird life, such as flightless cormorants, herons, and blue-footed boobies. Then we will enter a sheltered cove – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles and rays.

  Punta Moreno: Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly collared birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • Puerto Villamil
  • Puerto Villamil

  Day 7: Isabela Island - Galapagos

  Puerto Villamil is a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands. Of the 2,200 people who live on Isabela, the majority live in Puerto Villamil. The harbor is frequently full with sailboats, as Villamil is a popular stop for private yachts making their way to the Marquesas Islands as it is the westernmost town in the Galapagos Islands.

  Dry landing at Port Villamil, Isabela Island. Various activity choices throughout the day including: excursions in coastal areas, wetlands and highlands,snorkeling, kayaking, biking, visit to the tortoise rearing center and “Wall of Tears”,
  relaxing at the beach, and more.

  Puerto Villamil is a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands. Of the 2,200 people who live on Isabela, the majority live in Puerto Villamil. The harbor is frequently full with sailboats, as Villamil is a popular stop for private yachts making their way to the Marquesas Islands as it is the westernmost town in the Galapagos Islands.

  Dry landing at Port Villamil, Isabela Island. Various activity choices throughout the day including: excursions in coastal areas, wetlands and highlands,snorkeling, kayaking, biking, visit to the tortoise rearing center and “Wall of Tears”,
  relaxing at the beach, and more.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • Blue-Footed Boobies
  • Vermilion Flycatcher

  Day 8: Seymour Islands - Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos

  Visit toNorth Seymourislands: After a dry landing, you will see swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is known as a major nesting colony for blue-footed boobies, and it has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird (a different species from the great frigate bird). Here you will also be able to see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine iguanas and the land iguanas.

  Two other volcanic features commonly seen by visitors are lava tunnels and pit craters. As lava flows downslope, the top often cools and forms an insulating crust that keeps the interior lava hot and running. As the eruption subsides, the molten lava drains out of the end, living a hollow chamber that can be many kilometers in length. These tubes have smooth sides with grooves that show different levels of lava. Such lava tubes can be seen in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and there is one just outside of Puerto Ayora. Pit craters are giant sink-holes that were never eruptive. These formed when subterranean magma chambers were emptied and the roofs collapsed. Classic pit craters are found at Los Gemelos in the Santa Cruz highlands.

  Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you will see the Giant Tortoises that are part of the breeding program. Then take a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora and enjoy a snack or the views across the harbour.

  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • Sally Light Foot Crab
  • Galapagos Hawk

  Day 9: Española Island - Galapagos

  After a dry landing at Suarez Point, you will learn about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields. In addition to the Sea Lion colonies, this is also one of the most important sites for bird watching. You will see such species as the hooded mocking bird, red billed tropic bird, Galapagos dove and swallow-tailed gull. There are also lava lizards, colorful sally lightfoot crabs and colonies of marine iguanas and masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. This island also has the world’s largest colony of waved albatross (approx. 15,000). If you are lucky, you will be able to observe their mating ritual. Before leaving the island, you will visit the famous blowhole, which shoots water into the air at almost 75 feet.

  Wet landing atGardnerBayon a white coral beach, amidst a large colony of sea lions. In this open area you can spot many species of birds, such as Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, Galapagos doves, hood mockingbirds and yellow warblers, as well as marine iguanas and lava lizards. The bay is a great area for snorkeling and swimming.

  Accommodation: MC Nina
• • La Galapaguera

  Day 10: Galapagos - San Cristobal Island - Quito

  Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

  La Galapaguera is a unique opportunity to see a colony of San Cristobal Giant Tortoises in the wild. A boat ride along the northern coast of San Cristobal brings you to a landing beach where the hike commences. A primarily sandy trail gradually ascends into the highlands where you can admire the endemic vegetation and catch glimpses of Darwin’s finches, mocking birds, fly-catchers and a myriad other land birds. Look out along the route for Chatham lava lizards and giant tortoises strolling in the scrub. The beautiful walk through tortoise territory concludes at a shallow lagoon where it is possible to see many wetland birds. There will be an opportunity to swim from the beach before the return boat trip.

  Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Tame Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Accommodation: Swissotel

• Day 11: Quito

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Swissotel Quito

  Swissotel

  The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

  • More information
• • MC Nina

  MC Nina

  Nina is the first of the brand new Kat-700 luxury catamaran series and is the most modern vessel in the Galapagos Islands. Her speed, comfort, luxurious interiors and excellent itinerary make Nina perfect for your Galapagos Cruise Adventure. The new design of the MC Nina surpasses all rivals. She is the fastest, sleekest, longest and most stable catamaran cruising the Islands.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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