Quito & Galapagos · Galapagos Legend West

Upon your arrival, a personal representative will give you a warm welcome in the arrivals hall and accompany you on a comfortable private transfer to your hotel. Rest, settle in, and acclimate to the Andean mountain altitude (2,850m / 9,350ft).

After lunch, the adventure continues with a transfer to Quito's historic center, the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Declared the first World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, this enchanting area invites you to step back in time and experience its narrow cobblestone streets, volcanic stone buildings, historic monasteries, and stunning baroque and gothic churches. Enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s main squares, each telling a story of the city’s rich history: Independence Square, the vibrant heart of Old Town, surrounded by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building, and Archbishop’s Palace, El Sagrario Church and La Compañía Church, masterpieces of Latin American baroque architecture, with interiors adorned in dazzling gold leaf. Stroll through San Francisco Square, Santo Domingo Square, and La Ronda Street, Quito’s oldest street, alive with bohemian art, traditional crafts, local flavors, and lively street performances. Indulge in a tasting at an artisanal chocolate shop and savor the exquisite flavors of Ecuador’s finest chocolate. Pause to enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional, a breathtaking architectural landmark. Then, transfer to Panecillo Hill, a natural viewpoint offering stunning views of the Andean landscape and the city’s unique layout. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the Hotel & Check-out Transfer to the airport for your flight from Quito to the Galapagos 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 this moment, enjoy your cruise experience with full board included. The Galápagos Legend is a comfortable expedition vessel ideal for travelers seeking an immersive Galápagos experience. With capacity for up to 100 guests, it combines spacious facilities with a boutique-style atmosphere. As one of the fastest ships in the archipelago, it allows for efficient navigation, maximizing time to explore the islands. On board, guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, sun deck, and gourmet dining, providing the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island) In the afternoon, visit Bachas Beach, a beautiful coastal site known for its soft white sand and historical remains of World War II barges, whose metal structures can still be seen partially buried along the shore. After a wet landing, enjoy a leisurely walk of approximately 1.5 hours along flat to semi-rocky terrain, where you may observe marine iguanas, shorebirds, and occasionally flamingos in a nearby lagoon hidden behind the dunes.This beach is also an important nesting site for green sea turtles, and it is common to see their distinctive tracks imprinted in the sand. Galapagos on Galapagos on

Rabida Island Discover the unique landscapes of Rábida Island, one of the most colorful islands in the archipelago, famous for its striking red-sand beach created by high iron content in the volcanic soil. After a wet landing, explore a trail that leads through palo santo forests and cactus-covered terrain, offering excellent opportunities to observe sea lions resting along the shore and a wide variety of birdlife, including finches, mockingbirds, Galápagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. The island’s rich biodiversity and contrasting colors make it a favorite among visitors. Optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or dinghy rides allow you to further experience the surrounding marine environment. This excursion is of medium difficulty, with mostly flat to semi-rocky terrain. Santiago & Rabida: Unique Coastal Wildlife Santiago & Rabida: Unique Coastal Wildlife Galapagos on Galapagos on.

(Isabela Island) In the afternoon, continue to Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage on the western side of Isabela Island, once used by pirates and whalers and later visited by Charles Darwin in 1835 during his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. Enjoy a guided hike of approximately 2 hours through striking volcanic landscapes, passing Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lagoon, before reaching panoramic viewpoints of the dramatic northern volcanoes of Isabela. The site is also known for historic graffiti left by sailors centuries ago. Additional activities may include kayaking (30 minutes), a dinghy ride (40 minutes), or snorkeling (1 hour) along a nutrient rich underwater wall, where you may encounter sea turtles, penguins, flightless cormorants, and a wide variety of marine species. Isabela Island: Geological Wonders & Historic Sites Isabela Island: Geological Wonders & Historic Sites Galapagos on Galapagos on

, 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.

Baltra Airport to Quito After this memorable visit, transfer to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the city. Check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind after your exciting journey through the Galapagos. The evening is free to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Quito, perhaps exploring nearby restaurants, walking through the historic streets, or simply resting before the next adventure. BACK TO QUITO Good Bye Galapagos ood Bye Galapagos.

Check out of your hotel. Your private airport transfer departs approximately 4 hours before your flight departure. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for your international connection home.