Travel

Item Description

Galapagos Islands Cruise & Land 7-Night Package with Airfare for (2)

Suggested Retail Value: $13,388 

Your 7-night package for (2) includes:

•  2 nights total at the Hilton Colon Quito Hotel in Ecuador, including daily breakfast 
•  2 nights at the Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island/Galapagos, including daily breakfast 
•  3 nights aboard the M/V Santa Cruz cruise ship in the Galapagos Islands, including all on-board meals 
•  All ground transfers between airports, hotels and cruise port 
•  Round-trip domestic airfare between Quito and the Galapagos Islands (Baltra) 
•  Round-trip international airfare from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to Quito, Ecuador

Hilton Colon Quito - Enjoy a one-night stay in a deluxe room including buffet breakfast prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands and a one-night stay including buffet breakfast upon your return from the Galapagos Islands. The Hilton Colon Quito Hotel located on the main financial, commercial and tourist area of the city, with easy access to downtown historical district - a valuable urban expression - declared World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1978. Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. 

Cruise - M/V Santa Cruz – Enjoy a three-night cruise for (2) people in an outside main deck double-twin cabin, all meals (excluding alcoholic beverages and gratuities), and excursions with an English-speaking naturalist guide. The only ship built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The M/V Santa Cruz is a luxury vessel offering superb service, a highly experienced crew, including on-board naturalists. Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. Cruisers must be at least 6 years of age.

Note:  Those desiring to cruise during April 15-26 or December 20-January 5 will need to pay an additional $130 per person.

Itinerary 

Day One: 

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV Santa Cruz, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands.  Cabin assignment and lunch.  After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. 

Isla Lobos - Sea Lion Island (San Cristobal Island)
The ship navigates to a small islet whose shores are home to many sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies . Great landscape photography. A sea lion colony is a great introduction to the most common seen mammals in Galapagos.  These are the shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos.  Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner. 

Day Two: 

Bartholome Island
Disembark at Bartholome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort.  Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.  Scenic navigation to Puerto Egas.  Lunch on board. 

Puerto Egas (James Island)
Afternoon mid-length walk at Puerto Egas (wet landing).  This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds and to observe a fur-sea lion colony. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds.  Outstanding snorkeling or swimming from the beach before or after the walk.  Recaps and briefing before dinner.  Weather permitting, stargazing on deck. 

Day Three: 

Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Early morning cruise into Darwin Bay before breakfast; optional wake-up call.  Later, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.  If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor.  Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs and look for Hammerhead Sharks.  Lunch on board.  During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly whales.

North Seymour Island
North Seymour is an uplifted island. In previous times, this was the ocean's bed. Afternoon outing at North Seymour (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available.  Evening recaps, briefing, and dinner. 

Day Four: 

Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) / Baltra Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds.  Santa Cruz Island alone has 8 species of Darwin's Finches! 

Finch Bay Hotel (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands) - Enjoy a two-night stay including daily buffet breakfast at the charming Finch Bay Hotel, named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings. Located just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay. Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, the hotel is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. Finch Bay Hotel accommodates 42 guests with 21 twin-bedded rooms, each with private facilities, air conditioning and unlimited water supply, as the hotel has its own desalinization plant. Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. 

International Airfare:

American Airlines - This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to Quito, Ecuador, subject to availability. Upgrade pricing is available.  Coach class airfare may be upgraded to first class airfare by calling 877-544-8555.  A minimum of 21 days advance booking is required as is a Saturday night stay. Flights will not accrue AAdvantage miles. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability. The following blackout dates apply:   

2011:  Jan 1-4; Dec 16-31.  2012: Jan 1-3; Feb 17-20; Mar 9-12, 16-18, 23-25; Apr 6-9; May 25-28; Jun 29 – Jul 1, Jul 6-8; Nov 16-21, 24-26; Dec 21-24, 28, 2012 – Jan 2, 2013.

Domestic Airfare:

This package includes round-trip coach class airfare for (2) from Quito to Galapagos Islands (Baltra).

Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. Ground transportation is not included in this package, unless specified.

Travel is valid 12 months from date of purchase.  Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All packages have a no refund policy.  Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates.