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Hilton Colon QuitoEnjoy a two-night stay in a double 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 through December 31, 2007.

Cruise - M/V Santa Cruz ? Enjoy a three-night cruise for two people in an outside Upper deck double room, all meals, 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 through December 31, 2007. Cruisers must be at least 6 years of age.

Note:  Those desiring to cruise April 2-8 or December 24-31 will need to pay an additional $100 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 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 event date.

This package includes the following ground transportation: from the airport in the Galapagos Islands to the cruise ship, from the Finch Hotel to the airport in Quito. The Finch Hotel is located directly across the street from the cruise terminal allowing you to walk to your hotel upon disembarking from the cruise ship.