Bucketlist Galápagos - Galapagos Explorer Yacht

Upon arrival in Quito, a representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Nestled in a ring of Andean peaks and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito boasts remarkable museums, churches and art galleries. Begin your visit in the city center, passing through Quito's modern areas to the historic district. Enjoy the ambiance of the Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall. Stroll past the church of El Sagrario and admire the impressive stone facade of the church of La Compañía. Visit the Church of San Francisco, built on the remains of an Inca palace in the 16th century.

Enjoy a delightful chocolate tasting at Galeria Ecuador, where you’ll learn about cacao cultivation and create your own chocolate truffles. Following your chocolate adventure, head to Cafe Plaza Grande for a cooking class to explore Ecuador’s culinary traditions. After a delectable lunch, continue your journey to the Equatorial Monument, which honors French scientists who determined the earth’s shape in the 1700s. Nearby, the Ethnographic Museum highlights elements of Ecuador’s diverse ethnic groups.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Island, travel to the dock to board the luxurious Integrity Yacht. Explore the stunning islands:

• Santa Cruz Island: Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, seek out Darwin’s finches, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts.
• Española Island: Relax on the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay, swim or snorkel with vibrant fish, turtles, sea lions, and possibly small sharks, and enjoy the views from Punta Suárez, known for its diverse wildlife.
• San Cristobal Island: Visit the olive-green beach of Punta Pitt, see various bird species, take a panga ride along Cerro Brujo’s cliffs, visit a coral sand beach, and cruise around Kicker Rock for dramatic sunset views.

Discover unique wildlife and landscapes on these islands:

• Santa Fé Island: Relax on a white sandy beach with sea lions, explore a giant Opuntia cactus grove, and snorkel or kayak in the bay's turquoise waters.
• South Plaza Island: Observe interactions between terrestrial and marine species, and occasionally see hybrid iguanas.
• Genovesa Island: Hike through red mangroves and encounter red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and other seabirds, culminating with a climb up Prince Phillip’s Steps and a visit to Palo Santo forest.
• Santiago Island: Walk across recent lava flows at Sullivan Bay and appreciate its unique features.
• Bartolomé Islands: Snorkel with Galápagos penguins and enjoy spectacular views from the island’s summit of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor.
• Rabida Island: Observe wading birds, ghost crabs, and finches on a short inland trail.
• Sombrero Chino Island: Search for Galápagos Penguins and enjoy a snorkel trip with potential sightings of sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays.

After breakfast, disembark at Baltra Island for your flight to Guayaquil. Bid farewell as you board your international flight home.