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Day by Day Summary and Map
Land Segment of Itinerary
Saturday - Dec 14, 2024
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore. If you have time, come a few days earlier and join one of the optional Pre-Programs. ... Read More
Land Segment of Itinerary
Sunday - Dec 15, 2024
Day 2
Quito, Ecuador
Bus Travel
Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador
Bus Travel
Quito, Ecuador
Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World City. Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito's remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you'll head to the iconic 'Middle of the World City', located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you'll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere. ... Read More
Land Segment of Itinerary
Monday - Dec 16, 2024
Day 3
Quito, Ecuador
Air Travel
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Day 3 - Monday - Dec 16, 2024
Day 3
Cruise Begins
Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador
Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galapagos Islands. As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galapagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. We'll begin our exploration of the Galapagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, where we'll land. On the first part of our walk, we'll pass a brackish lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas. ... Read More
Tuesday - Dec 17, 2024
Day 4
Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador
Puerto Egas, Ecuador
See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Today, you'll explore Santiago Island's pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as 'Elephant Rock' and 'The Bishop'. In the afternoon, we'll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You'll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galapagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or, you can swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles. ... Read More
Wednesday - Dec 18, 2024
Day 5
Rabida, Ecuador
San Bartolome, El Salvador
Soak up the sights and sounds of the Galapagos. Your day starts on tiny Rabida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga ride along the coast to explore the island's mesmerizing, red-colored beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin's finches. In the afternoon, we'll sail to the golden sands of Bartolome Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel at the beach here or discover colorful marine life riding in a glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galapagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views. ... Read More
Thursday - Dec 19, 2024
Day 6
Genovesa Island, Ecuador
Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip. Today, you explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb (only 90 feet) up Prince Philip's Steps - otherwise known as El Barranco - to reach a flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterward, or instead, hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure. In the afternoon, we'll land at the beautiful beach that borders Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. You can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or just take relax on the beach. ... Read More
Friday - Dec 20, 2024
Day 7
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 7 - Friday - Dec 20, 2024
Day 7
Bus Travel
Santa Cruz Highlands, Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador
Bus Travel
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
Day Boat Travel
Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador
Bus Travel
Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador
Air Travel
Quito, Ecuador
See giant tortoises in the wild. We'll start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After a dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the island's higher region, you'll see a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that is home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids, and bromeliads. After this visit, we'll take a transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito, where you'll connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, extending your stay and joining one of the optional Post-Programs is highly recommended. ... Read More
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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