Ultimate Galápagos Holiday Voyage

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven surrounded by lush gardens set in a lovingly restored 19th-century building. Choose to arrive early for an optional extra night to rest, relax and prepare for your voyage. Or opt for the full-day excursion from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa. Ask your expedition specialist about options.

Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

The second major jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands after Quito, this is a little city with a big heart. A sea port first and foremost, the city’s personality has been founded on that, and all the better it is for it too. Almost Caribbean in feeling, the clement climate coupled with the intermingling rhythms floating from the windows and abundance of fresh seafood make this a very tropical destination. Once not even considered by the travel books as a potential destination in its own right, the city has undergone something of a resurgence in the past few years. Proud Guayaquileños will not hestitate to point out the Malecón or the exciting new riverfront promenade, once a no-go area after dark, now happily (and hippily) lined with museums, restaurants, shops, and ongoing entertainment. The new airport and urban transportation network are also lauded to the happy tourists who find themselves here. As the largest and most populous city in Ecuador as well as being the commercial centre, it would only be natural that the city would have some kind of modern architecture, but it is the colourful favelas, or to use their real name guasmos, that cling to the side of the hillside like limpets that really catch your eye. A blend of old and new, the first inhabitants can be traced back to 1948 when the government cleared the area for affordable housing, these shanty towns are witness to the social and political particularities that Guayaquil has faced in the past.

Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the tropical Pacific, where you'll be welcomed by your naturalist staff and embark National Geographic Islander II. Gather on deck for a welcome cocktail at sunset as the captain circumnavigates Daphne Island.

The second major jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands after Quito, this is a little city with a big heart. A sea port first and foremost, the city’s personality has been founded on that, and all the better it is for it too. Almost Caribbean in feeling, the clement climate coupled with the intermingling rhythms floating from the windows and abundance of fresh seafood make this a very tropical destination. Once not even considered by the travel books as a potential destination in its own right, the city has undergone something of a resurgence in the past few years. Proud Guayaquileños will not hestitate to point out the Malecón or the exciting new riverfront promenade, once a no-go area after dark, now happily (and hippily) lined with museums, restaurants, shops, and ongoing entertainment. The new airport and urban transportation network are also lauded to the happy tourists who find themselves here. As the largest and most populous city in Ecuador as well as being the commercial centre, it would only be natural that the city would have some kind of modern architecture, but it is the colourful favelas, or to use their real name guasmos, that cling to the side of the hillside like limpets that really catch your eye. A blend of old and new, the first inhabitants can be traced back to 1948 when the government cleared the area for affordable housing, these shanty towns are witness to the social and political particularities that Guayaquil has faced in the past.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. You may even see Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this birdy paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. See giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

South Plaza: Sea lions greet you at South Plaza, an uplifted block carpeted in salt-loving succulents and teeming with wildlife, including a noisy group of bachelor sea lions and a population of land iguanas. Admire diverse seabirds swooping along high sea cliffs.

Santa Fe: Snorkel and kayak in the secluded cove at Barrington Bay. On shore, a trail leads you through the largest cactus trees in Galápagos. The Santa Fe land iguana is found only on this island, where Galápagos hawks are also thriving once again.

Santiago: Hike over the smooth pahoehoe lava and admire spatter cones, little miniature hornitos and the wild riot of black lava at Sullivan Bay, the result an eruption recorded by passing buccaneers in 1897.

San Cristóbal: Land on a small, sparkling beach at Punta Pitt for a hike up to a plateau where blue- and red-footed boobies nest. You may also see endemic Cristóbal mockingbirds and lava lizards. On this easternmost island, explore the celebrated expanse of powdery white sand at Cerro Brujo in the afternoon. Circumnavigate iconic Kicker Rock.

Genovesa: Sail north across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, bathed in warmer tropical waters and home to the red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, great frigate birds and other nesting seabirds. Paddle and kayak along the cliffs of this flooded caldera, where Galápagos fur seals and sea lions haul out to rest.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

Bid farewell to the ship this morning and fly back to Guayaquil, where you'll transfer to Hotel del Parque. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore. Ask your expedition specialist about Quito and other post-voyage options.

Galápagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The islands played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. With diverse ecosystems and protected national parks, they are considered one of the world’s most important natural reserves. Today, the Galápagos Islands attract visitors and scientists interested in biodiversity and conservation.

The second major jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands after Quito, this is a little city with a big heart. A sea port first and foremost, the city’s personality has been founded on that, and all the better it is for it too. Almost Caribbean in feeling, the clement climate coupled with the intermingling rhythms floating from the windows and abundance of fresh seafood make this a very tropical destination. Once not even considered by the travel books as a potential destination in its own right, the city has undergone something of a resurgence in the past few years. Proud Guayaquileños will not hestitate to point out the Malecón or the exciting new riverfront promenade, once a no-go area after dark, now happily (and hippily) lined with museums, restaurants, shops, and ongoing entertainment. The new airport and urban transportation network are also lauded to the happy tourists who find themselves here. As the largest and most populous city in Ecuador as well as being the commercial centre, it would only be natural that the city would have some kind of modern architecture, but it is the colourful favelas, or to use their real name guasmos, that cling to the side of the hillside like limpets that really catch your eye. A blend of old and new, the first inhabitants can be traced back to 1948 when the government cleared the area for affordable housing, these shanty towns are witness to the social and political particularities that Guayaquil has faced in the past.

Transfer to the airport for flights home. There are flights in the early morning hours, or relax and take a later flight today.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 12, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 11.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

The second major jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands after Quito, this is a little city with a big heart. A sea port first and foremost, the city’s personality has been founded on that, and all the better it is for it too. Almost Caribbean in feeling, the clement climate coupled with the intermingling rhythms floating from the windows and abundance of fresh seafood make this a very tropical destination. Once not even considered by the travel books as a potential destination in its own right, the city has undergone something of a resurgence in the past few years. Proud Guayaquileños will not hestitate to point out the Malecón or the exciting new riverfront promenade, once a no-go area after dark, now happily (and hippily) lined with museums, restaurants, shops, and ongoing entertainment. The new airport and urban transportation network are also lauded to the happy tourists who find themselves here. As the largest and most populous city in Ecuador as well as being the commercial centre, it would only be natural that the city would have some kind of modern architecture, but it is the colourful favelas, or to use their real name guasmos, that cling to the side of the hillside like limpets that really catch your eye. A blend of old and new, the first inhabitants can be traced back to 1948 when the government cleared the area for affordable housing, these shanty towns are witness to the social and political particularities that Guayaquil has faced in the past.