Galápagos — South & East Islands aboard the Monserrat
10 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 3937
Duration10 days
If an authentic tropical landscape figures big in your travel dreams, get yourself on down to the Galápagos, stat. Want to keep an eye out for native wildlife like sea lions, land iguanas, and giant tortoises? The Galápagos has ‘em by the dozen. Looking to recharge on beautiful white-sand beaches? There's plenty of those, too. Even better, you'll have the services of two naturalist guides to help provide an educational slant to this incredible experience.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: QuitoPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: QuitoAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Start place: Quito
Arrive at any time.
Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
End place: Quito
Day 2: Quito/Baltra Island
Start place: Quito
Early flight to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer to the ship which is moored nearby, just off the island of Baltra. Afternoon excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These flights will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive on the boat in time for lunch on Day 2 before the afternoon activity.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
End place: Baltra Island
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Start place: Islas Plaza
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Santa Fé to observe wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas.
End place: Isla Santa Fe
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Punta Pitt/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Start place: Punta Pitt
Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach. Head to La Galapaguera for opportunities to see giant tortoises and enjoy a snorkelling excursion.
End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Start place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Explore the the port town of Puerto Baquerizo, the capital of the Galápagos. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre and take a walk through Cerro Tijeretas looking for wildlife and go snorkelling. In the afternoon, visit Isla Lobos and be greeted by sea lions frolicking in the waves.
End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Cerro Brujo
Start place: Cerro Brujo
Starting on the north coast of San Cristóbal, land at Cerro Brujo to observe the sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Spend the afternoon visiting the tortoise breeding area in the highlands rich with endemic flora.
End place: Cerro Brujo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Bahía Gardner/Punta Suárez
Start place: Bahia Gardner
Arriving at Gardner Bay's in the morning, spend the day exploring on shore and snorkelling at Gardner Island in the bay. After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December).
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay's and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez.
End place: Punta Suarez
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Punta Cormorant/Floreana Island
Start place: Punta Cormorant
Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Snorkelling excursion at Champion Islet. Visit Post Office Bay.
End place: Floreana Island
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Puerto Ayora/Quito
Start place: Puerto Ayora
In the morning, arrive in Puerta Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. Fly back to Quito.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Day 10: Quito
Start place: Quito
Depart at any time.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat (7 nts)
- 2 Certified Galápagos National Park Service guide
- All meals aboard the Monserrat
- Highlands giant tortoises excursion
- Sante Fé hiking excursion
- Snorkelling at Sante Fé, Punta Pitt, Isla Lobos, Gardner Island and Champion Islet
- Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal)
- Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center
- Post Office Bay Visit
- Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
- All landings and excursions
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Plane, Motorized yacht, Panga, Private vehicle -
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts), Aboard the Monserrat in twin-share or double cabins (7 nts)