Quito & Galapagos · Coral I / Coral II West

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out on an unforgettable journey through the Middle of the World. Our first stop is the Pululahua Crater, whose name means “smoke of water” in the indigenous Quichua language. Pululahua is an inactive volcano and one of the few places on Earth as spectacular as this natural wonder. It is also home to one of only two inhabited volcanic craters in the world. After admiring the breathtaking views, we continue to the Intiñan Museum, where your tour guide will demonstrate fascinating physics experiments that prove you are standing exactly at latitude 0° 0’ 0’’ . The tour continues with a stroll through the Middle of the World City, a charming colonial-style town. Upon entering, you’ll walk along Geodetic Avenue, flanked by 13 stone busts honoring the members of the French Geodesic Mission, who arrived in Ecuador in 1736. Inside the complex stands the iconic Equator Monument, a nine-story structure offering panoramic views of this unique location at the center of the world. Here, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a set menu and one included drink.

Islands. Departure from Quito to Baltra Island (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by expert naturalist guides who will assist you and accompany you on a short transfer to the pier, where you will board the comfortable expedition yachts Coral I or Coral II. From this moment, enjoy your cruise experience with full board included. These twin yachts are designed for an intimate and personalized Galápagos experience, accommodating a limited number of guests. Their cozy indoor and outdoor social areas, panoramic lounges, and open-air jacuzzi create the perfect setting to relax while sailing between islands. On board, you will also enjoy a delightful culinary experience combining Ecuadorian and international flavors. Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island)

Isabela & Fernandina: Volcanic Landscapes & Unique Wildlife Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) IIn the morning, explore Punta Vicente Roca, located on the remote western coast of Isabela Island. Surrounded by towering cliffs of an ancient, eroded volcano, this site is actually part of the remains of a collapsed caldera, creating a dramatic and secluded marine environment. Enjoy a 30-minute dinghy ride along the coastline, followed by approximately 1 hour of snorkeling in nutrient rich waters influenced by cool ocean currents one of the reasons for the exceptional marine biodiversity found here. You may encounter sea turtles, Galápagos penguins (one of the few penguin species found near the equator), and a wide variety of colorful fish. Seabirds such as Nazca boobies and brown noddies are frequently seen resting and nesting along the cliffs. Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island)

Isabela Island: Geological Wonders & Historic Sites Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) Begin your day at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. This fascinating site is known for a stunning geological uplift that occurred in 1954, when sections of the bay floor suddenly rose several meters, exposing coral formations on land, an unusual phenomenon that can still be clearly observed. After disembarking, enjoy a guided hike of approximately 1.5 hours across flat and rocky terrain. Along the trail, you may spot land iguanas and, during certain times of the year, giant Galapagos tortoises descending from the highlands. The area also offers the opportunity to observe native vegetation and unique birds of this part of the island. A one-hour snorkeling excursion will allow you to explore the surrounding waters, a frequent habitat for turtles, rays, and colorful fish.

Santiago Island: Coastal Wildlife & Lava Landscapes Egas Port (Santiago Island) IIn the morning, visit Egas Port on Santiago Island, a site distinguished by its striking black volcanic sand beach and diverse coastal ecosystems shaped by past volcanic activity. After a wet landing, enjoy a guided hike of approximately 1.5 hours along flat to semi-rocky terrain. This area, also known as “James Bay, ” was once visited by early explorers and is now a prime location to observe species that thrive between land and sea. Along the trail, you may encounter marine iguanas, shorebirds, and a small colony of endemic Galápagos fur seals often resting in shaded lava grottos, one of the few places where they can be seen up close. Snorkeling (1 hour) offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding waters, where you may spot sea turtles, reef fish, and occasionally rays, making this a well-rounded experience combining wildlife, history, and scenic coastal landscapes.

Santa Cruz Highlands & Return to Quito Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) Conclude your Galápagos experience with a visit to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to observe giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat, roaming freely through humid highland forests. These iconic reptiles, which can weigh over 250 kg, are one of the most emblematic species of the islands. Enjoy a short and easy walk through flat, sometimes muddy terrain, while also spotting endemic bird species such as Darwin’s finches. This low-difficulty excursion offers a peaceful and memorable conclusion to your journey through the Galápagos.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Quito. Depending on your flight departure time, explore local artisan markets or relax.