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south america: galapagos

z-Legend (7, 8, or 11 Days) 2011

Treat yourself to 5-star quality and service in one of the most famous travel destinations in the world -- the Galapagos Islands. The 100-passenger Galapagos Legend is a deluxe expedition ship featuring all suites. This small ship cruise explores the entire array of birdlife and marine life while visiting, hiking and snorkeling in Baltra, Tower, Hood, Isabela, James, Santa Cruz and more. The Galapagos Legend also offers two bars, dining room, swimming pool, solarium, library, and medical clinic. Families appreciate the "Kids Corner" play area.

Our Galapagos cruises 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 Legend 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 -Saturday- 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: na

Day 2 -Sunday- 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 -Monday- Quito to Baltra, Embark Cruise, North Seymour Island

This morning depart on a three-hour flight to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Meet your Expedition Leaders, transfer to the ship, and then continue on to North Seymour for the first dry landing. 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. After a dry landing, take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 -Tuesday- Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill & Floreana: Punta Cormorant

After an early morning wet landing on Santa Cruz Island, walk to a hyper-saline, lagoon that attracts flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. Often, a high number of Pink Flamingos can be observed. Take a short walk on the trail leading to Dragon Hill, a newer visitor's site, and admire the lovely view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a large number of Land Iguanas, reintroduced by the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Passengers will have the option to take a dinghy ride in Venice islet and observe the vegetation and marine animals found there, including: spotted eagle rays, golden rays, mullets, sharks and sea turtles. Keep a look out for land iguanas that are often observed from the dinghy.

After lunch, disembark at Punta Cormarant (wet landing) on a greenish colored beach. Hike though black mangrove beds to a large, brackish water lagoon that holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. Floreana Island is also known for its endemic plant life like the Galapagos millwork, passion flower, and button mangrove. After ample exploration on land, practice snorkeling from the beach with the playful sea lions, or head out a bit further to roam around famous Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone home to a myriad of marine species.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 -Wednesday- Espanola: Punta Suarez & San Cristobal Island

This morning make a dry landing at Punta Suarez for an exciting walk on rocky terrain across inactive lava fields. The quantity and variety of wildlife at Punta Suarez is remarkable. This area home to a large colony of sea lions, and also to many species of birds including the Hooded mockingbird and Red-billed Tropic. Walk a little further down the trail and you will encounter the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, who’s mating rituals between May and December can be a highlight of this visit. The trail continues to the high cliff edge of 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. After returning to the ship for lunch, set sail for the Island of San Cristobal. The administrative capital for the province is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the southwestern shore, and in 1998 the Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre opened for the benefit of islanders and travelers alike, presenting a comprehensive exhibit of the islands' natural history, human interaction, ecosystems, flora and fauna. Explore the Visitor Centre to learn about the Giant tortoises breeding efforts of the National Park.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 -Thursday- Santa Cruz Island: Punta Carrion & Bartolomé Island

This morning visit Punta Carrion and enjoy the opportunity to snorkel and observe a variety of fish, rays and, with a little bit of luck, the harmless white tip reef shark. From here, return to the vessel, and continue navigating through the beautiful, turquoise waters of the Itabaca Channel towards Santa Cruz Island.

Passengers on 3 or 4 night cruises (7 or 8 day packages)disembark or embark at this time.

In the afternoon, set sail for Bartolome Island and disembark(dry landing) for a hike to the island’s summit. Along the way observe the many volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After reaching the summit, enjoy the great views of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock’s eroded tuff cone along a perfectly crescent shaped, pink-and- white sandy beach. Following the hike, return to the beach and enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Observe penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 -Friday- Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Fernandina: Punta Espinosa

Urbina Bay is located directly west of Isabela's Volcano Alcedo. After making an easy, wet landing, onto a gently sloping beach, take a walk amongst the dried coral heads, mollusks and other organisms that have formed the ocean floor. Giant tortoises inhabit this coastal plain during the wet season, before migrating to the highlands when it turns dry. After the short walk along the beach, head to the water and snorkel amongst marine creatures, or just relax on shore.

In the afternoon the Legend makes its way to the youngest island of the Galapagos Archipelago: Fernandina Island.. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will spot brachycereus cactus, and “pa-hoe-hoe” lava and “AA” lava formations..

Dominating this landscape from high overhead looms the summit of La Cumbre, 1495 meters (4,858 feet) one of the most active volcanoes in the world, reporting seven eruptions from its 6-kilometer-wide, caldera (mouth) since,1968. Farther down this stretch off 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. Galapagos hawks survey the entire scene from overhead.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 -Saturday- Santiago Island: Puerto Egas & Rabida Island: Jervis

Prepare for a wet landing this morning at Puerto Egas on the island of Santiago (James). Take a mid-length walk through a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions. Enjoy some great snorkeling and swimming from the beach after the walk. The next visitor site of the day is Rabida Island – a small island just over 2 kms in width and 400 meters at its highest point. Located to the south of Santiago Island, Rabida is known for its unusual red colored beaches. The vegetation consists mainly of Opuntia Cactus, Palo Santo tress and scrubby bushes. Enjoy being greeted by sea lions upon your landing. Hike to a salt water lagoon to look for flamingos. Depending on the season, keep an eye out for brown pelicans, Boobies and up to 9 species of Darwin’s finches.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 -Sunday- Santa Cruz: Darwin Research Station, Highlands

Disembark the vessel on Santa cruise to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Admire the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program and marvel at their existence. After ample time spent in the research center, freely explore Puerto Ayora town freely for some independent exploration. In the afternoon, drive up to the lush highlands and visit Cerro Chato for a chance to view the giant tortoises in the wild. There is also the opportunity to walk through the massive, dormant lava tubes located nearby.

Accommodations: Legend
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 -Monday- Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach, Fly Baltra to Quito

Enjoy an early morning at Bachas Beach, the last visitor site of the cruise. This is a great place to see large schools of Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles (they are on the rare and endangered species list), White-tipped Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Lava Herons, Yellow Warblers and a variety of other bird species. Following Bachas Beach, sail into Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back to the mainland, arriving around 5:30pm. Transfer to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 11 - Tuesday - Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the airport for return flights home or for excursions to Ecuador's Highlands or Jungle or Peru's Machu Picchu.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

7 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - SAT - Arrive Quito
Day 2 - SUN - Colonial Quito
Day 3 - MON - Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands/North Seymour
Day 4 - TUE - Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill) & Floreana
Day 5 - WED - Espanola (Hood) & San Cristobal
Day 6 - THU - Punta Carrion return to Quito
Day 7 - FRI - Depart


8 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - TUE - Arrive Quito
Day 2 - WED - Colonial Quito
Day 3 - THU - Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands/& Bartolomé
Day 4 - FRI - Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Day 5 - SAT - Puerto Egas & James Bay / Rabida
Day 6 - SUN - Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station & Highlands
Day 7 - MON - Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach, Baltra to Quito
Day 8 - TUE - Depart

11 Day Alternative Cruise Itinerary aboard the Legend
Day 1 – TUE - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – WED - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – THU - Quito to Baltra, Bartolome Island
Day 4 – FRI - Isabela: Urbina Bay & Fernandina: Punta Espinosa
Day 5 – SAT - Santiago: Puerto Egas & Rabida
Day 6 – SUN – Santa Cruz Island: Darwin Research Station, Highlands
Day 7 – MON - Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach & North Seymour
Day 8 – TUE - Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill & Floreana: Punta Cormorant
Day 9 – WED - Espanola Island: Punta Suarez
Day 10 – THU - San Cristobal: Interpretations Cener, return to Quito
Day 11 - FRI - Depart

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 for an 80% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount when traveling with 2 adults. The Legend features many rooms that can accommodate triples, and also several interconnected suites that are perfect for families and small groups. Children also have their special spot at the Kids Corner where they can have as much fun as possible. Minimum child age is 7 years old.

Land Cost Includes: Three nights Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, Galapagos flight, Galapagos National Park entrance fees & 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, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, 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 higher deposit of $1000 for our Galapagos trips 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.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The M/V Galapagos Legend is a Deluxe Expedition Ship and can accommodate 100 guests on four decks. Guest suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, private bathrooms, ample storage space and other amenities. There is also two bars, dining room, swimming pool, solarium, library, clinic, mini-cinema, suana, jacuzzi, glass bottom boat, and 'Kids Corner' play area. The Legend has a crew of 100 persons. The crew is comprised of the captain, up to 7 multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and full crew. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages 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 round trip 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.

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are available for a fee. Shortie wet suits may be available for rent and are recommended from June to December. If interested, please advise your adventure coordinator upon booking.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and 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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com