trip specifics

price

ALL-INCLUSIVE prices include 3 nights hotel, transfers, Quito tour, flights to Galapagos Islands, park fee and cruise.

The luxurious small expedition ship Evolution features 16 spacious cabins. She has all the modern amenities and loving attention to detail in its design, yet retains the adventurous atmosphere of a small boat. Galapagos Cruises aboard the Evolution give travelers the sensation of stepping back into the Roaring Twenties aboard a cruise ship designed to visit exotic places in luxury and in style. The Evolution features sea kayaks and snorkel gear. The professional crew of 18 takes care of your every need.

Galapagos cruises aboard the Evolution combine the finest small ships with the most talented naturalist guides and offer a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting birds, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

The Evolution Galapagos cruise packages begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador and include Quito hotel accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and a half day tour of the Quito's old town, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Join us and see why, quite simply, our small ship and yacht cruises to the Galapagos Islands are the vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1 - Arrive Quito Ecuador

Upon arrival at the Quito, Ecuador international airport you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Colonial Quito

South America's oldest capitol city, Quito sits at 9,184-feet elevation. It has been amazingly preserved and is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy a three hour guided walking tour of Quito's colonial center including Independence Plaza, La Compania Church and San Francisco Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this lively city, rest or prepare for your Galapagos Cruise.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 – Fly Quito to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

This morning, transfer to the airport and depart on a 3 hour flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival in Puerto Baquerizo, the administrative capital of the islands and a sleepy little port town, pass through Park Inspection and look for your guide holding a sign for the Evolution. Transfer to the harbor and board the Evolution, your home and adventure center for the next week. Once on board, meet your captain and crew, get settled in, and relax as you set out for your voyage. Sail along the coast of San Cristobal heading northeast toward the first landing site of the cruise at Cerro Brujo. The beautiful white sand beach is a great introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Take this opportunity to go snorkeling with sea turtles, rays and the archipelago’s playful sea lions. Be sure to photograph nearby Leon Dormido, also know as Kicker Rock, a spectacular rock formation that rises 152 meters (500 feet) out of the Pacific. It receives its name due to its resemblance to the form of a sleeping lion (leon dormido in Spanish). Following an enjoyable first island visit, return to the Evolution, rest and prepare yourself for a delicious first evening meal.

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Espanola(Hood) Island: Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay

Espanola (Hood) is the southernmost island of the Galapagos Archipelago, and is one of the most popular due to the breathtaking variation and sheer number of fauna that greet the visitor. The giant tortoise was reintroduced to Hood in the 1970’s and counts as one of the park’s great success stories. They reside in an off-limits area, but don’t worry—the famous giant tortoise awaits you on other islands! The quantity and variety of wildlife at Punta Suarez is remarkable. Sea lions surf the waves beyond the breakwater landing, and tiny pups are known to greet your toes upon arrival. Take a trail leading inland and observe the largest variety of marine iguana found in the Galápagos. They bear distinctive red and black markings, some with a flash of turquoise running down their spine, and nap in communal piles. Continue walking along the trail towards the western edge of the island where masked boobies nest along the cliff’s edge, and then make your way down to a rocky beach where a large gathering of nesting blue-foot boobies can be found. The trail continues to rise to a high cliff edge above the southern shore; below, a shelf of black lava reaches out into the surf where a blowhole shoots a geyser of water into the air. Further east along the cliffs is the “Albatross Airport” where “waved albatross” line up to launch their great winged bodies from the cliffs. The trees set back from the cliff are one of only two places in the world where the waved albatross nests. With a little bit of luck, witness the courtship displays: ‘fencing’ done with great yellow beaks and necks among the large, fluffy, perfectly camouflaged chicks. In the afternoon, the Evolution makes its way to Gardner Bay, located on the northeastern shore of Hood. Gardner Bay offers a magnificent long white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate new arrivals. Snorkel in the turquoise waters near the shore. Or, head out to Tortuga rock and Gardner Island for encounters with playful young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish.

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island: The Highlands, Darwin Research Station

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galápagos and something of a hub for the archipelago. The small town of Puerto Ayora in the southwest of this large, round, volcanic island is the economic center of the Islands, with the largest population of the four inhabited islands (approx. 10,000). Tourism—including refurbishing and resupplying yachts—along with fishing and boat-building, are major sources of commerce. Disembark the vessel and travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where the sparse, dry coastal vegetation transitions to lush wet fields and forests overgrown with moss and lichens. Visit the Tortoise Reserve to view these friendly ancient creatures in their natural setting. The reserve extends to the adjacent pasturelands, where farmers have given tortoises safe quarter in exchange for allowing paying visitors to see them. Another attraction close by is a very large lava tube. Descend down a wooden stairway to the mouth of its arched entrance and continue underground to the narrow passage that marks its exit. After visiting the Highlands, return back to Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the center of great restorative efforts taking place in the park, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop by the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Program run by the research station, which began by rescuing the remaining 16 tortoises on the island of Española in the 1970s. This program has restored the population of animals there to over 1,000. Pay special attention to Lonesome George, he is the last of his particular race of tortoise and is estimated to be 150 years old!

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Santiago(James): James Bay & Bartolome: Pinnacle Rock

On the northwestern side of Santiago Island lays Puerto Egas. Land on a black sand beach and follow a trail inland to find intriguing eroded rock formations. The trail crosses the dry interior and rises to the rim of an extinct volcanic crater; cracks within it allow sea water to seep in, which then dries to form salt deposits that have been involved in a mining operation in the past. Hike further south and arrive at a series of crystal-clear grottos formed of broken lava tubes. These are home to sea lions and tropical fish, and are the only place in the islands where fur seals can be seen. Further along to the north, another path leads to a series of inland lagoons, home to a variety of birds such as flamingos, vermillion flycatchers, Galápagos hawks and the tool-wielding woodpecker finch. In the afternoon board the Evolution and continue on to Bartolome Island. Bartolome Island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean and is the best known landmark in the Galápagos. Admire the Galápagos penguins—the only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers. Just below the surface, shoals of tropical fish dodge in and out of the rocks past urchins, sea stars and anemones. A perfectly crescent, pink-and-white sandy beach lies just to the east of the pinnacle. Sea turtles use the beach as a nesting site and can sometimes be found wading in the shallow water near the shore, or resting in the sand to recover from the arduous task of digging nests, laying eggs and covering them over. After sailing past Pinnacle rock, disembark the Evolution (dry landing) and proceed to a 600-meter (2000-foot) pathway complete with stairs and boardwalks leading to Bartolome’s summit. The route is not difficult and presents a museum of vulcanology; a site left untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit. Hike to the summit and reward yourself with spectacular views of Santiago Island and James Bay to the west, and far below, Pinnacle Rock.

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Tower (Genovesa): Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay

The southwestern part of Tower Island is an ocean-filled caldera ringed by the outer edges of a sizeable and mostly submerged volcano. The island sits to the northwest, slightly removed from the Galápagos archipelago. Named for a visit by the British Monarch in 1964, 25-meter (81-foot) Phillips Steps lead to a narrow stretch of land that opens out onto the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay, and extends to the north side of the island. Look for Red-footed boobies with their webbed feet wrapped around branches perched in the bushes, and, also, their “masked-booby” cousins dotting the surface of the scrublands beyond. Take a trail through the sparse vegetation, and arrive at a broad lava field that extends towards the sea. “Storm petrels” flutter out over the ocean in swarms, then return to nest in the cracks and tunnels of the lava field, where their predator, the short-eared owl, often nearby. Later in the afternoon, land on the white coral sands of Darwin Bay. Walk up the beach, and you will be surrounded by the bustling activity of “great frigate birds.” Puffball-chicks with their proud papás—who sport their bulging scarlet throat-sacks—crowd the surrounding branches, while both yellow-crowned and lava herons feed by the shore. Farther along, discover a stunning series of sheltered pools set into a rocky outcrop, forming a picturesque display. Continue along the trail beside the pools and arrive at a cliff overlooking the caldera, and look closely for pairs of swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world, can be seen nesting at the cliff’s edge. After returning from the walk, board the panga for a ride to the base of those same cliffs to reveal the full variety of species sheltered in the ledges and crevices. This is also an intriguing place to go deep-water snorkeling, where the truly fortunate swimmer can spot giant manta rays that frequent the inner bay along the cliff walls.

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Fernandina Island: Punta Espinosa & Isabela: Tagus Cove

Fernandina, the youngest and westernmost of the islands, is home to the 4,858 ft La Cumbre volcano that erupts frequently - most recently in May 2005. Fernandina sits across the Bolivar Channel opposite Isabela Island. Our destination is Punta Espinosa, a narrow spit of land in the northeast corner of the island, where a number of unique Galápagos species can be seen in close proximity. Watch as your panga driver skillfully navigates the reef and penguins show off by throwing themselves from the rocks into the water. Red and turquoise-blue zayapas crabs disperse across the lava shoreline, while herons and egrets forage through the mangrove roots. The landing here is a dry one, set in a quiet inlet beneath the branches of a small mangrove forest. Take a short walk through the vegetation leading to a large colony of marine iguanas resting atop one another in friendly heaps along the rocky shoreline. Nearby, sea lions frolic in a sheltered lagoon. Farther down this stretch of shore, the world’s only species of flightless cormorants have established their colony near an inviting inlet frequented by sea turtles. Because these birds evolved without land predators—it was easier to feed on the squid, octopus, eel and fish found in the ocean—the cormorants progressively took to the sea. They developed heavier, more powerful legs and feet for kicking, serpent-like necks, and wet, fur-like plumage. Their wings are now mere vestiges. Back toward the landing and farther inland, the island’s black lava flows become more evident, forming a quiet, inner lagoon. Galápagos hawks survey the entire scene from overhead. Following an enjoyable visit to Fernandina, cruise across the Bolivar Channel and arrive at Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago, accounting for half of the total landmass of the Galápagos at 4,588 square kilometers. Though narrow in places, the island runs 132 km from north to south, or 82 miles. Isabella is formed from six shield volcanoes that merged into a single landmass. It also features the highest point in the Galápagos, Wolf Volcano at 1707 meters (5,547 feet), and calderas of up to 20 kilometers (12½ miles) across. Isabela is home to Tagus Cove, named for a British naval vessel that moored here in 1814, and historically used as an anchorage for pirates and whalers. Look closely and find the names of their ships carved into the rock above our landing. From our landing, take a walk up a wooden stairway that gently gains elevation and affords hikers with a view of Darwin Lake, a perfectly round saltwater crater, barely separated from the ocean but above sea level! Continue walking around the lake through a dry vegetation zone, and then climb inland to a promontory formed by spatter cones. Look around and enjoy the spectacular views back toward the Evolution anchored in the bay below, as well as Darwin Volcano and Wolf Volcano farther north.


Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Santiago: North Seymour & Santa Cruz: Black Turtle Cove

North Seymour Island was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where swallow tailed gulls sit perched in ledges. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom. Take a walk around this wonderful island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion or marine iguana; blue-footed booby nests sit beside the trail where mating pairs perform their courtship dance. Continue walking as the rocky shore displays bits of white sand, and large flocks of pelicans mass for a dive-bomb feeding frenzy. Follow the trail inland and find the largest nesting site in the Galápagos of the “magnificent frigate bird.” These huge, dark acrobats have two meter wingspans, and males, with puffed up scarlet throat sacks, sit perched in low bushes to watching over their equally large chicks. Following the visit to North Seymour Island, set sail for the next visitor site along the north shore of Santa Cruz. Explore a portion of this coast by panga and witness first hand how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three species of mangrove crowd from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. Drift quietly in the panga, and look for spotted eagle rays and diamond shaped mustard rays swimming in their diamond formation. Watch closely as White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egret, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will leave you feeling that way.

Accommodations: Evolution
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - San Cristobal: Visitor Center & Return to Quito

Today our voyage comes to an end. But before bidding farewell to the Evolution and her crew, pay a visit to the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Centre. The Interpretation Center opened in 1998 for the benefit of islanders and travelers alike. View the comprehensive exhibits and learn about the natural history, human interaction, ecosystems, flora and fauna. Just outside the Interpretation Center, take a walk along a short trail that arrives at Frigate Bird Hill, where both “magnificent frigates” and “great-frigates” can be seen in the same colony— an ideal opportunity for learning to distinguish the two bird species. Following this informational and educational experience, bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands, transfer to the airport, and board your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 11 - Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the Quito International Airport for return flights home. Consider extending your Galapagos Cruise with an excursion into the Amazon Basin rainforest or Machu Picchu, Peru.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available. Any double cabin can be booked as a single for a 75% single supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share, same gender requests are available. Shares that remain unmatched are guaranteed the double rate.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount. Triple rooms are available for families traveling with children under 12. Minimum child age is 7 years old.

Land Cost Includes: Three nights Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, city tour of Colonial Quito, Galapagos flight, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Quito; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the last day. Airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on scheduled arrival/departure days. This trip can also be arranged to begin and end in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: We charge a deposit of $1000 at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations AboardThe Evolution accommodates 32 guests. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Soft drinks and beer are available for purchase on board.


Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel. Easy-to-use, sit-on-top kayaks are also available.

Extending Your Trip: This trip combines well with our Peru, Machu Picchu 6 Day Explorer Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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