7-night Darwin's Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands Cruise/Land Package

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city.  Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air. 
 
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
 
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
 
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
• Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
• 1 Bottle of water per person
• Local English-speaking tour guide

• Any other services not mentioned above.

• This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
• Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything.  In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
• All timings are approximate and subject to change. 
• It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city.  Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air. 
 
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
 
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
 
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
• Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
• 1 Bottle of water per person
• Local English-speaking tour guide

• Any other services not mentioned above.

• This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
• Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything.  In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
• All timings are approximate and subject to change. 
• It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

The largest of the islands, Isabela has the Galapagos' tallest peak—Volcano Wolf—at 5,487 ft/1,646 m. The island resembles a sea horse when seen on a map. Also known as Albemarle, the island was formed when six volcanoes erupted and melded together. About 2,000 people reside there, mostly on the southern tip of the island in Puerto Villamil. Few cruise ships visit the town, but they do stop regularly at several park sites elsewhere on the island.

Tagus Cove on the western side, across from Fernandina Island, was a favorite spot of pirates and whalers, who scrawled the names of their ships on the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can hike from the bay up a steep hill to Darwin's Lake, the cone of an old volcano that's full of green sulfur and saltwater. Those who continue partway up the base of Volcano Darwin can take in panoramic views of nearby islands. Galapagos penguins and the world's only flightless cormorants are often visible along the shore. Three types of finches that Darwin collected on his visit to Isabela are also present.

Other sites on the west coast that are often visited by cruise ships include Urvina Bay, with giant tortoises, iguanas, flightless cormorants and pelicans; Elizabeth Bay, an aquatic mangrove forest that pangas sometimes explore (with motors off) in search of green turtles, rays and sea birds that inhabit its lagoons and channels; and Punta Moreno, which offers the chance to see a variety of birds, including great blue herons and flamingos.

To see the island's other sites, longer stays are required. Overnight visitors staying at Puerto Villamil can take a bus to the base of Volcano Sierra Negra and then walk or ride horses to its rim for wonderful views. Volcano Alcedo, in the center of the island, used to be the centerpiece of a four-hour hike, but a massive campaign to eradicate feral goats has put a moratorium on this excursion.

The town of Puerto Villamil has a pleasant beach, with a dozen or more cafes, shops and hotels located right on the beach. Nearby is Lover's Beach, a good place to view sea birds. Las Tintoreras is a great location to watch resting whitetip reef sharks, large marine iguanas, rays and Galapagos penguins.

Destination Guide

From a chance to walk on recent lava flows to the opportunity to see the endemic flightless cormorant up close, this island offers it all.

Destination Guide

The largest of the islands, Isabela has the Galapagos' tallest peak—Volcano Wolf—at 5,487 ft/1,646 m. The island resembles a sea horse when seen on a map. Also known as Albemarle, the island was formed when six volcanoes erupted and melded together. About 2,000 people reside there, mostly on the southern tip of the island in Puerto Villamil. Few cruise ships visit the town, but they do stop regularly at several park sites elsewhere on the island.

Tagus Cove on the western side, across from Fernandina Island, was a favorite spot of pirates and whalers, who scrawled the names of their ships on the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can hike from the bay up a steep hill to Darwin's Lake, the cone of an old volcano that's full of green sulfur and saltwater. Those who continue partway up the base of Volcano Darwin can take in panoramic views of nearby islands. Galapagos penguins and the world's only flightless cormorants are often visible along the shore. Three types of finches that Darwin collected on his visit to Isabela are also present.

Other sites on the west coast that are often visited by cruise ships include Urvina Bay, with giant tortoises, iguanas, flightless cormorants and pelicans; Elizabeth Bay, an aquatic mangrove forest that pangas sometimes explore (with motors off) in search of green turtles, rays and sea birds that inhabit its lagoons and channels; and Punta Moreno, which offers the chance to see a variety of birds, including great blue herons and flamingos.

To see the island's other sites, longer stays are required. Overnight visitors staying at Puerto Villamil can take a bus to the base of Volcano Sierra Negra and then walk or ride horses to its rim for wonderful views. Volcano Alcedo, in the center of the island, used to be the centerpiece of a four-hour hike, but a massive campaign to eradicate feral goats has put a moratorium on this excursion.

The town of Puerto Villamil has a pleasant beach, with a dozen or more cafes, shops and hotels located right on the beach. Nearby is Lover's Beach, a good place to view sea birds. Las Tintoreras is a great location to watch resting whitetip reef sharks, large marine iguanas, rays and Galapagos penguins.

Destination Guide

Known for its striking dark-red color, this island is home to a picturesque saltwater lagoon where white-tailed pintail ducks and flamingos congregate.

Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.

Destination Guide

Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.

Destination Guide

The combination of nutrient-rich soil and an adequate water supply make Floreana Island (or Isle Floreana) an island of abundant plant life. Centuries of settlers chose to live and farm on Floreana, giving the island a rich human history. The island offers different visitor sites like the famous Post Office Bay and the Devils Crown, which is said to offer the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. Besides this visitors can spot sting rays and flamingos.

Destination Guide

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city.  Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air. 
 
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
 
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
 
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
• Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
• 1 Bottle of water per person
• Local English-speaking tour guide

• Any other services not mentioned above.

• This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
• Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything.  In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
• All timings are approximate and subject to change. 
• It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions