Begin your new life together on a voyage through the Galapagos Islands. Discover the capital city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before casting away aboard a deluxe yacht in this remote island archipelago. Hike, snorkel, and explore by day, then enjoy fine dining, wine and evening lectures by your on-board master naturalist. Then escape to a romantic getaway high in the Andes to the colorful village of Banos where you may relax style tucked away in a hill side retreat. Spend the days hiking to waterfalls, head out mountain biking or simply relax and enjoy luxury spa services
DAY 1 : QUITO
Airport reception in Quito and transfer to Hacienda Rumiloma, a charming, romantic hacienda rustic luxury on the flank of the Volcano Pichincha overlooking the city. [Meals on your own]
Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant blend of old and new.
DAY 2 : QUITO
Enjoy a private city tour of colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beginning in the new "Amazonas" district you will pass by the American Embassy, House of Culture, and the Legislative Palace where stone murals record the country's history. The old colonial center includes the bustling Independence Plaza, the narrow street of La Ronda, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the gorgeous San Francisco cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for your Galapagos tours. Overnight in a superior suite at Hacienda Rumiloma or similar . [B]
DAY 3 : GALAPAGOS / CHARLES DARWIN CENTER
Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and visit the famous Charles Darwin Station on Santa Cruz Island and learn about current research and conservation initiatives including breeding programs that hope to reintroduce specific tortoise species back onto the island of their origin. Meet Lonesome George, possibly the oldest resident of Galapagos and the last surviving individual giant tortoise of his Pinta Island sub-species. Next head out to the Coral I. The ship's crew will greet you on board, take care of your luggage, and run through safety drills. As the sun sets, enjoy a typical Ecuadorian meal, the nightly briefing, and a formal presentation of the captain and crew. During the next 3 nights, you will leisurely voyage through the stunning Galapagos Islands, among a varied landscape of diverse flora and fauna. Overnight onboard. [BLD]
Commune with the fearless wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 4 : ESPANOLA ISLAND
Relax on the beach with the sea lions at Gardener Bay, Espanola. Snorkeling from shore here, you can find plenty of beautiful fish as well as harmless nurse sharks and gentle sea turtles. Due to its isolation, Espanola has a high number of endemic species found only on this island and you will visit the nesting site of over ten thousand pairs of Waved albatross. At one meter high with a two meter wing span, the Waved albatross is one of the most impressive and comical aerial acrobats in the world. Remarkably, they are found nowhere else on Earth. This afternoon you arrive at Punta Suarez for an outstanding opportunity to see more wildlife including five species of nesting seabirds like the Hood Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, and Galapagos hawks. Prehistoric-looking Marine iguanas and giant lava lizards roam the terrain. A short hike leads to the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs which blasts incoming breakers into geysers over 90 feet high. Overnight on the Coral I or II. [BLD]
A perfect sunset to end the perfect day.
DAY 5 : FLOREANA ISLAND & POST OFFICE BAY
Of all the islands in the Galapagos, Floreana has the most intriguing human history. Learn about the 18th century whalers who created the wooden barrel in Post Office Bay which is still used as a general mail distribution center, and the particularly eccentric self-proclaimed baroness who mysteriously disappeared one night. However, wildlife is still found here and the fine olivine and white sand beaches are common nesting areas for green sea turtles. A nearby lagoon is home to flamingos, pintail ducks, stilts, and other shorebirds. Visitors may also spot stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the shallows of the bay. Overnight on the Coral I or II. [BLD]
Breathtaking views and activities abound at Luna Runtun.
DAY 6 : NORTH SEYMOUR & RETURN TO QUITO / BANOS
North Seymour is a flat, arid island just north of Santa Cruz, with beautiful stands of Palo Santos trees. Follow the trail as it loops inland and back out to the rocky coastline where blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds make their nests. Sea lions bask in the sun as you walk amidst the crashing surf. Disembark this afternoon and your guide will accompany you to the Galapagos airport for your afternoon flight to the mainland. After arriving in Quito, travel with your guide and driver 2 hours to the Luna Runtun Resort, a marvelous haven of peace and good living located at the bottom of the still-active Tungurahua volcano and high up a hill overlooking the vibrant town Banos. Overnight in a deluxe suite at Luna Runtun. [BL]
Investigate stunning waterfalls in the shadow of the Tungurahoa volcano.
DAY 7 : BANOS
Pick and choose from the wide variety of activities that include hiking, horse-back riding, mountain biking, canyoneering, white water rafting, and exploring the Sangay National Park or Llangantes National Park (not included). Try renting an ATV and heading south through the avenue of waterfalls. The most impressive is Pailon del Diablo, a 300 high sheet of water cascading over a sheer granite wall. Hike through lush vegetation and up through water worn caves where you can feel the thunderous impact of the river rushing through over the falls. Or simply relax in one of the many outdoor jacuzzis, indoor saunas, or schedule a professional massage or spa treatment. Overnight at Luna Runtun. [BL]
DAY 8 : BANOS / QUITO
Continue exploring this beautiful paradise before returning to Quito in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Le Parc among the coolest contemporary chic accommodation in Ecuador. [B]
DAY 9 : QUITO / HOME
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Or, continue your Ecuadorian adventure with an extension to a remote Amazon jungle ecolodge, enchanting cloud forests or romantic highland haciendas. [B]
Prices, departures dates & included service
Rates
Group Size
2
Price Per Person
Departure dates
2021 Departure Dates
(Available upon request)
Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include first class/deluxe (where available) lodging and accommodations; internal flights (Quito-Galapagos-Quito); Galapagos National Park fees; English-speaking certified naturalist guides; guided tours and excursions; airport-hotel transfers and land transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services.
Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international and local air transportation; airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. You will need to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included.
Trip Notes: Due to weather conditions, vessel operation, and Galapagos Park management, cruise itineraries are subject to change.