Galapagos Islands Cruise with IVS

April 2027 itinerary

Day 1–2: Quito, Ecuador Exploration

Arrive in Quito, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to Go Quito Hotel. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and situated at 2,850 m above sea level, Quito is home to one of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America. Its monasteries, churches, and colonial architecture reflect a rich blend of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and indigenous artistic influences.

Enjoy a guided walk through Quito’s Old Town, where 16th-century architecture, ornate churches, and baroque convents bring the city’s history to life. After lunch, travel approximately 11 miles (18 km) north of the city to visit the Middle of the World Complex, home to the Equator Monument located at 0°0′0″ latitude.

Days 3–4: San Cristóbal & Española Islands

Fly from Quito to San Cristóbal Island, where guides will escort you to the Galapagos Legend. Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the formation and history of the Galápagos, followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill for panoramic bay views and sightings of both frigatebird species. Continue to Española Island to explore the white-sand beaches of Gardner Bay, home to sea lions and Española mockingbirds, with opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat excursions. At Punta Suarez, encounter one of the archipelago’s richest wildlife sites, including waved albatrosses during breeding season and dramatic coastal scenery.

Days 5–6: Floreana & Santa Cruz Islands

Discover Floreana Island, beginning with the historic Post Office Barrel, a centuries-old mail tradition started by whalers in 1793. Later, visit Punta Cormoran’s flamingo lagoon and the white-sand beach used by nesting green turtles, followed by snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, one of the Galápagos’ premier underwater sites. Continue to Santa Cruz Island to explore Dragon Hill’s lava landscapes, marine iguanas, flamingo lagoons, and cactus forests. Nearby Mosquera Islet offers excellent opportunities to observe sea lions, shorebirds, rays, sharks, and barracudas while snorkeling.

Days 7–8: Santa Cruz & Genovesa Islands

On Santa Cruz Island, visit the Highlands Tortoise Reserve for close encounters with wild Galápagos giant tortoises and native finches. Later, explore the mangrove-lined lagoons of Black Turtle Cove, a sanctuary for sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, pelicans, and herons. Continue to remote Genovesa Island, renowned for its thriving seabird colonies. At Prince Philip’s Steps, hike among Nazca and red-footed boobies, fur seals, and tropical seabirds, with optional snorkeling and kayaking. Darwin Bay offers additional opportunities to observe frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and nesting red-footed boobies within the island’s flooded caldera.

Days 9–10: South Plaza, Santa Fe & Departure

Visit South Plaza Island, known for its colorful succulent-covered terrain, land iguanas, sea lions, and dramatic seabird colonies along the cliffs. Continue to Santa Fe Island for snorkeling alongside sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and eagle rays before walking among giant Opuntia cacti and endemic land iguanas. On your final morning, explore the Pit Craters of Santa Cruz Island and the surrounding Scalesia forest, another excellent location for spotting giant tortoises and endemic birdlife. Transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito, landing around 4pm. You will then check into your room at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel.

Day 11: Departure

Depart Quito or continue on an optional extension.

*Note: depending on availability we may choose a different hotel of similar type and equal quality.