Having been greeted at Quito Airport by your guide on touchdown, a private transfer will take you straight to your hotel in Quito Old Town for check-in; a fitting start to this combined Ecuador and Galapagos vacation. Once here, you are ideally placed to explore the atmospheric streets, bars and restaurants of Old Quito this evening, as well as already being onsite for tomorrow’s walking tour.

Spend the early morning at leisure, starting with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before a private walking tour of Quito’s Old Town, which provides a fascinating introduction to Ecuador’s capital. The city’s historical center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, and it’s not hard to see why, with its exquisite colonial architecture comprising sublime churches, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and Municipal Building. All of this stands proudly alongside cobblestone streets and the grand Independence Square, making Quito Old Town a marvel to behold.

After lunch, a further delve into Ecuadorian life comes this afternoon at the Intiñan Solar Museum. This fun-filled Quito attraction is located on the line of the equator and exhibits artefacts from various cultures and tribes around the country, as well as hands-on science experiments and a planetarium. Here you can also visit the Mitad del Mundo (‘Middle of the World’) Monument and gardens, located on the very spot where a French explorer calculated the equatorial line’s location back in 1736!

Day three of this combined Ecuador and Galapagos tour takes you to the ethereal Mindo Cloud Forest, a biodiverse haven that’s brimming with birdlife, abundant plant species and fun activities too. The drive to Mindo takes roughly one hour 30 minutes, though it’s a gentle journey along country roads with scenic lookout points along the way.

On arrival, you are treated to one of Ecuador’s natural highlights, a unique ecosystem covering nearly 50,000 subtropical acres that are home to around 400 different bird species, lush trees, orchids and waterfalls. You can visit them all with a guided tour plus time at leisure to explore Mindo’s many nature trails, butterfly gardens, treetop cable cars and, for those brave enough, an adrenaline-packed zip-line adventure.

Next up, your Galapagos land adventure package begins, as you fly from Guayaquil on Ecuador’s western coast to Baltra Island Airport, where our guides assist with any luggage, before crossing the crystalline Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Your destination is Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, a homely Galapagos eco-retreat big on yoga, conservation, and exploring the best of the archipelago.

This afternoon is spent at leisure, maybe unwinding on the lawn, strolling along one of the nearby nature trails or trying a spot of yoga. Why not pay a visit to the harborfront streets of Puerto Ayora and the all-important Charles Darwin Research Center? Here, exciting exhibits and interactive displays go together with real-life conservation projects, including Giant Tortoise breeding programs. A suitable start as you witness the legacy left on the Galapagos Islands by Darwin himself.

The Santa Cruz Highlands are a pleasure to explore, with their endemic wildlife, roaming Giant Galapagos Tortoises and, of course, the Los Gemelos craters; two colossal sinkholes which must be seen to be believed. This all makes for a highlight of your Galapagos land-based vacation and provides a great snapshot of the wider archipelago, so is the focus of this morning’s tour. First a pleasant wildlife walk; keep an eye out for Santa Cruz Highlands’ many bird species and varied plant-life. On arrival at Los Gemelos, gaze out over lush foliage filling each of the two huge caverns–one stretching nearly 1,300ft across and 2,300ft deep.

Time can then be spent exploring an eerie world of underground lava tunnels here, or seeking out more of those Giant Galapagos Tortoises for one perfectly captured photograph to take home. After lunch your Santa Cruz tour continues by heading east. First enjoy the verdant Cerro Mesa Nature Reserve where the scenic viewpoints are as impressive as the variety of flora that fills this once active volcanic crater, and later to Garrapatero Beach, where mangroves and coastal vegetation open up onto bright white beaches and crystalline seas.

Today’s Galapagos wildlife tour focuses on Bartolome Island; its lookout spots and rugged coastline. First, moor up at a wooden walkway and begin your ascent to one of the best viewpoints in the Galapagos. The reason is that although Bartolome itself is relatively barren, all volcanic rock and petrified lava flows, from this angle you get a 360-degree panoramic look at the wider archipelago; a completely different perspective on the formation of these islands.

This then makes a Zodiac boat ride–the next part of your excursion–all the more enjoyable, as you glide past families of Galapagos Penguins, Herons and Hawks, before the golden beaches and Sea Lion colony of Pinnacle Rock. The waters which border these sands teem with marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling just off the adjacent ancient lava fields of Sullivan Bay; a real-life Galapagos highlight.

Swap land for sea as you board the Sea Finch vessel once more. First up is North Seymour Island, where you can hike through a forest of Palo Santo trees–a favorite nesting place for Blue-footed Boobies–and follow coastal trails that provide a privileged view of Brown Pelicans, Frigate Birds and Yellow Land Iguanas. Then, swim with an astonishing array of marine life, such as Rays, White-tipped Reef Sharks and King Angelfish.

The final stop is at Las Bachas, a pair of impeccable beaches with white coral sands. Watch Blue-footed Boobies patrolling the shore, or Pink Flamingos, Great Blue Herons and White-cheeked Pintails wading the waters of a nearby lagoon. After swimming in warm seas, sail back to the Itabaca Channel and return to Semilla Verde for your penultimate night at this luxury Galapagos lodge.

The final day of your Galapagos adventure takes you to the lesser-visited hidden coves and dramatic coastline of Santa Cruz Island, alive as they are with wildlife and easily accessed from Semilla Verde. Begin with the picturesque islets of Daphne Major and Minor. Among other things, these small islands are well-known for their abundance of native bird species including Galapagos Martins, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Short-eared Owls and Red-billed Tropic Birds.

You can explore the shoreline and coastal nature trails here, keeping an eye out for Sea Lions and Reef sharks in the water, before lunch either onboard the boat or beach, and a final stop at Bahia Borrero, a pristine stretch of chalk-white sands and one of the ultimate places to finish this exciting Galapagos tour.

The diverse landscapes, ecosystems and environments of Ecuador keep coming today, as you first fly back to the mainland before driving towards the serene Ecuadorian Andes in the company of your private guide. On arrival at your rural Hacienda, check-in and enjoy a first afternoon of crisp mountain air in this timeless, beautifully scenic region.

Day ten of your combined Ecuador and Galapagos land package provides an unforgettable opportunity to admire picturesque, pristine scenery here in the Ecuadorian Andes, as well as visiting some of its traditional highland communities. Driving between stops is a joy in itself, such is the splendor of this mountainous region of towering peaks and sweeping valleys, as can be seen on the way to San Antonio de Ibarra, the provincial capital famous for its incredibly ornate woodworking and tradition of sculpture.

From here, it’s on to Peguche where more local culture and an authentic High-Andean way of life can be glimpsed, such as the town’s markets, traditional weaving, music and dance performances as well as a love for celebratory festivals! Picturesque Peguche is also surrounded by stunning scenery, hidden waterfalls and verdant valleys which, time permitting, can also feature as part of your Andean day trip.

A further exploration of the Ecuadorian Andes continues today, as you venture deeper into the landscape to meet some native wildlife as well as the rural communities who dwell here. Begin at Parque del Condor (‘Condor Park’), where not only Giant Andean Condors but Hawks, Owls, Eagles and Falcons are protected and cared for in a semi-natural environment, some of which have been rehabilitated from their perilous position in the wild.

Having seen these impressive native birds first-hand, and witnessed a live flight demonstration too, the next stop on day eleven of your Mainland Ecuador adventure is a visit to the indigenous San Clemente Community in nearby La Esperanza. Here there’s the chance to meet locals and share lunch together, learn the community’s traditions and customs as well as enjoying an informative nature walk with them, to see what life is like living among such wilderness. Finally, make your way back to the hotel for one last evening with your Ecuadorian hosts.

As your combined Ecuador and Galapagos land tour draws to a close, there is still time to see one or two more Andean highlights before traveling back to Quito, depending on the exact time of your departing flight. First, some last-minute souvenirs can be picked up from the small town of Cotacachi, a village particularly famous for its fine leatherwork and crafts. Then, a last-minute nature walk through the forests to Cuicocha Crater Lake, a stunning site, the main attraction of the Ecuadorian Andes and well worthy finale to your tour.

Finally, the world-famous Otavalo Market. Otavalo is known across South America for its craftwork, such as weaving and musical instruments, though its most prized asset is their colorful market that has attracted local artisans, buyers and sellers for centuries. It’s a vibrant scene of locals wearing traditional outfits, and stalls topped high with rainbows of fruit, vegetables and textiles. Time permitting, you can pick up some treasures and enjoy lunch here before being driven back to Quito International Airport and home.

Your Galapagos Island adventure begins as soon as you arrive in the archipelago. Start by transiting through a VIP lounge within Baltra Island Airport, the guides assisting with any luggage, before taking to a stand-up paddle board or canoe, crossing the crystalline Itabaca Channel; a popular waterway separating the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. With luck, you may spot the famous Blue-footed Boobies, Reef Sharks, Pelicans and maybe even a Sea Lion colony.

Upon landing, your next stop is a private reserve which surrounds the rustic Magic Galapagos Tented Camp, just outside the national park itself and home for the next two nights. Here, strap on your walking boots and hit the trails, searching for resident Giant Tortoises before nightfall, when starlit skies come blissfully into view.

Touring these seas on an iconic boat trip is one of the best ways to explore the Galapagos Islands, and the Magic Camp has access to its own private yacht. This means that–depending on which day of the week you visit–the natural wonders of North Seymour Island, Bachas Beach, South Plazas Island, Santa Fe Island, Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay are all within easy reach and ready to be explored.

If visiting North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach, expect families of Frigate Birds, Herons and Marine Iguanas, even Tiger Sharks prowling the shore. South Plazas is known for its huge populations of Land Iguanas and nesting Seabirds, giant cacti and a rocky coastline, while Santa Fe Island is where abundant Sea Lion colonies line heavenly stretches of golden beach. Lastly, the volcanic hills and lava fields of Bartolome and Sullivan Bay are an otherworldly sight indeed, before heading back to the Magic Galapagos Tented Camp.

Santa Cruz is one of the most diverse and intriguing of all the Galapagos Islands, so is well worth spending the extra time to uncover its many treasures. Begin the day with a walk or kayak along the paradise-like Tortuga Bay, an expanse of chalk-white sands, driftwood and sunbathing Iguanas. Next, a visit to the all-important Charles Darwin Research Center, where exciting exhibits and interactive displays go together with real-life conservation projects, including Giant Tortoise breeding and rehabilitation programs. Finally, for anyone keen to pick up last-minute Galapagos souvenirs or simply see some expert local craftsmanship in action, a nearby wooden workshop is the place to do it.

Before being taken to San Cristobal Island for your Galapagos cruise, the second half of this Galapagos land and sea package, there is one last natural wonder to explore on Santa Cruz: the colossal sinkhole craters of Los Gemelos. Hike through a Scalesia forest to reach these caverns, measuring up to 1,300ft across and 2,300ft deep and filled with lush foliage, before gradually retracing the trail towards your awaiting transfer. The Coral I and Coral II luxury yachts will be moored up on San Cristobal, a short boat ride away.

From the pier it’s time for boarding, introductions with the crew and an early visit to the informative Interpretation Center nearby. Then, a hike up Cerro Tijeretas, or ‘Frigate Bird Hill’; a popular nesting site for both the Great and Magnificent species of Frigate.

This morning, navigate to the north of San Cristobal Island for a wet landing near Cerro Brujo or ‘Witches Hill’. These imposing black rock cliffs, made predominantly of petrified lava flows, are home to a wide range of species including Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, Great Blue Herons and Sea Lions. Cerro Brujo is best explored from all angles, discovering the coast on a panga boat ride, snorkeling, then walking along the bay in search of a scenic viewpoint.

Next, sail east to one of the most unforgettable Galapagos Island experiences, taking the rare opportunity to spot Red-footed, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies all occupying the same natural habitat. This all takes place while hiking the rugged, red and green hued terrain of Punta Pitt, still on San Cristobal Island.

Your voyage on the Coral continues in fine fashion, courtesy of the many nature and wildlife highlights that await on Espanola Island, beginning at Punta Suarez. Look out for Sea Lions frolicking in the water, Marine Iguanas gripping the rocks, and intriguing bird species such as Masked and Nazca Boobies, Lava Herons, Waved Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls. The vast array of birdlife here gives Espanola a reputation for extraordinary biodiversity.

This afternoon, the Espanola experience continues at Gardner Bay, a pristine stretch of ivory-white beach. Armed with a snorkel or kayak, swim or paddle through the bay’s blue waters to see tropical fish like Yellow-tailed Surgeon and King Angelfish; larger marine life such as White-tipped Reef Sharks, Turtles and Sea Lions are also known to inhabit the bay. This is one of the most enchanting days of Galapagos wildlife encounters during your Galapagos cruise and land tour.

From the postcard bays of Espanola Island to Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, south of Santa Cruz. There are two contrasting beaches here: Papakolea, which appears green in color due to its composition of volcanic olivine crystals, and Flour Beach, so-called for its powdery white sands. Keep an eye out for the Flamingos, Pintails, Stilts and other wading birds here, before snorkeling at the foot of Devil’s Crown and Champion Islet, swimming with reef fish, Giant Mantas and Dolphins.

After lunch comes Post Office Bay, once a pirate’s hangout and home to an 18th century whalers post office, where you can still pop a postcard in the rum barrel box and it will find its way home to this day! Finally, the Floreana Highlands and Asilo de la Paz or ‘Peace Haven’, a scenic spot surrounded by Scalesia Trees and Giant Galapagos Tortoises, Frigate Birds and an endemic snail population.

Despite its small size, Floreana has a fascinating cultural history. It has served as a penal colony, pirates hangout, and was the first Galapagos island to be colonized in 1832. It’s also home to an 18th century whalers post office, which you’ll discover this morning at Post Office Bay. Here, you can still pop a postcard in the rum barrel box, and it will find its way home!

From Post Office Bay to Cormorant Point, your guide takes you to two contrasting beaches on Floreana Island: the green volcanic olivine crystals of Papakolea, and Flour Beach, so-called for its powdery white sands. Keep an eye out for Flamingos, Pintails, Stilts and other wading birds that frequent a lagoon sandwiched between these two bays, before visiting Champion Islet for a spot of snorkeling.

Touchdown in Quito to begin your Ecuador and Galapagos vacation in style, where a guide is waiting at the airport for a private vehicle transfer to Riobamba, a picturesque colonial town at the foot of Chimborazo Volcano. The journey of roughly 130 miles takes between three and four hours, depending on how many times you decide to stop for photographs, passing natural wonders such as the Cotopaxi Volcano, Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pasochoa and the rolling highlands of central Ecuador.

Depending on the exact time of your inbound flight, you may not have too long to explore the main attractions of Riobamba on arrival. However, the journey south will be scenic and–time permitting–the Museum of Religious Art, Cathedral and central square of Parque Maldonado are all well worth a visit.

Today is a day of travel that covers nearly 200 miles of fascinating sights, as the journey south continues towards Cuenca, a 16th century colonial town. Departing your Riobamba hotel after breakfast, the drive begins by passing rural settlements and beautiful Ecuadorian landscapes, rivers and rolling hills. Then, reach Alausi Train Station; the last stop on a line-built in 1902 that leads to the famous ‘Devil’s Nose’ Canyon. Today, this High Andean railway is one of the most scenic train rides on earth, a popular tourist attraction and highlight of any vacation to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Board the train at Alausi and enjoy the trip of a lifetime, as each ascent and switchback provide more and more spectacular views, snaking your way through the ravine and valley below. After this jaw-dropping Devil’s Nose journey, continue towards Cuenca in your private vehicle and on arrival, check into the hotel, relax and enjoy one of Ecuador’s best preserved colonial cities.

A walking tour of Cuenca is a fantastic way to understand and appreciate this culturally significant Ecuadorian city, in the company of an expert local guide. Cuenca’s historic center was established as a Spanish colonial settlement in the year 1557 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its ornate sky-blue domes, columned buildings and wrought iron balconies.

As you pass Cuenca’s terracotta tiled roofs, quaint plazas and parks, cobblestone streets and churches, your private guide will take you to the city’s main attractions. These include the Flower Market, Cathedral, the Inca ruins of Pumapungo, Calderon Park, the Old Church of Cuenca as well as the Museums of Modern and Religious Art; all must see sites before an afternoon at leisure in Cuenca Old Town.

The Ecuadorian towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, today’s two stops, offer a side of authentic daily culture that not many visiting tourists will have chance to see. Both are famous for their popular artisan craft markets and setting, dissected as they are by a pretty river and surrounded by High Andean hills. Here, all manner of handmade jewelry, traditional shawls, pottery, iconic Panama hats, woodcarvings and locally-inspired artworks can be purchased, not to mention kaleidoscopic fruit and veg stalls bursting with fresh produce.

Depending on exactly which day of the week you arrive, there will always be something to see and do, whether picking up souvenirs, tucking into the regional cuisine of slow-roasted pork or enjoying a coffee in one of the town’s lovely parks.

As you make your way south-west to Guayaquil, today’s journey of 130 scenic miles sees you stop at El Cajas National Park en route. With its 200 glistening high elevation lakes and 70,000 acres of mountainous terrain, the varied landscapes and many species encountered on your Ecuador and Galapagos cruise tour continues.

This area is renowned as one of the top hiking destinations in Ecuador, thanks to its myriad trekking trails, streams and mix of altitudes (ranging from 300 m to 4500 m above sea level). In turn, they attract a great variety of Hummingbirds, Partridges, Giant Condors and Hawks, Spectacle Bears, White-tail Deer, even Tapirs and Llamas, as well as Orchids and Bromeliads peppering the tundra. So, having enjoyed a day in the great outdoors it’s onwards to Guayaquil, staying in a beautiful hacienda just outside of town.

Today, explore the port city of Guayaquil. Often referred to as the gateway to the Galapagos, Guayaquil has its own attractions–many of which can be seen during an insightful walking tour. Founded in the 16th century though now an up-and-coming Ecuadorian city, the highlights of Guayaquil range from chic restaurant districts to the historic harbor area which saw turbulent times, piracy and looting.

The exact walking route may vary depending on your interests, but popular sites include the waterfront Park of Rio Guayas Malecon, the recently redeveloped and ever-colorful Las Penas Neighborhood–a declared Cultural Heritage Site of Ecuador–and busy cosmopolitan street of Avenida 9 de Octubre. So too the Cathedral, MAAC Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, unique Historical Park and the picture postcard hills of Cerro Santa Anna.

This morning, prepare for stage two of your Ecuador tour and Galapagos cruise package, with a private transfer to Guayaquil Airport and onward flight to San Cristobal Island, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin who strode ashore here on his famous 1835 voyage. At the airport, your guide assists with any belongings, whisking you off to the pier and awaiting Galapagos Legend cruise vessel for boarding.

First, a worthy introduction comes with a visit to the informative Interpretation Center nearby, where the natural and human history of the Galapagos is vibrantly on show, and later, with a hike up Cerro Tijeretas, or ‘Frigate Bird Hill’. These verdant cliffs are a popular nesting site for the Great and Magnificent species of Frigate, though also offer nicely elevated views of a tranquil cove below.

Having sailed south overnight from San Cristobal, wake up in your luxurious cabin and prepare for the many wildlife highlights that await you on Espanola Island, beginning at Gardner Bay, a pristine stretch of ivory-white beach. Armed with a snorkel or kayak, swim or paddle through the bay’s blue waters to see tropical fish like Yellow-tailed Surgeon and King Angelfish; larger marine life such as White-tipped Reef Sharks, Turtles and Sea Lions are also known to inhabit the bay.

This afternoon, the Espanola experience continues at Punta Suarez, looking out for Sea Lions frolicking in the water, Marine Iguanas gripping the rocks, and intriguing bird species such as Masked and Nazca Boobies, Lava Herons, Waved Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

Despite its small size, Floreana has a fascinating cultural history. It has served as a penal colony, pirates hangout, and was the first Galapagos island to be colonized in 1832. It’s also home to an 18th century whalers post office, which you’ll discover this morning at Post Office Bay. Here, you can still pop a postcard in the rum barrel box, and it will find its way home!

From Post Office Bay to Cormorant Point, your guide takes you to two contrasting beaches on Floreana Island: the green volcanic olivine crystals of Papakolea, and Flour Beach, so-called for its powdery white sands. Keep an eye out for Flamingos, Pintails, Stilts and other wading birds that frequent a lagoon sandwiched between these two bays, before visiting Champion Islet for a spot of snorkeling.

Begin the day with a visit to the all-important Charles Darwin Research Center at Puerto Ayora, where exciting exhibits and interactive displays go together with real-life conservation projects, including Giant Tortoise breeding and rehabilitation programs. Witness first-hand the legacy left on the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin, then, learn more about these gentle creatures in the Wild Tortoise Reserve up in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

After lunch, take to the water once more while exploring the rich seas off Ballena Bay in western Santa Cruz, either aboard a panga boat, kayaking or snorkeling the shores. Among the many fantastic Galapagos snorkeling sites, Ballena Bay is particularly impressive thanks to its abundance of species, including King Angel, Sturgeon and Parrotfish, Rays, Sharks and Turtles.

As your Galapagos Island cruise draws to a close, there is still one last chance to witness a little more wildlife with a panga boat ride down the Itabaca channel, a popular waterway separating the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz.

Then, it’s farewell to the Galapagos as your guides escort you to the airport and assist with any luggage, in plenty of time for your onward flight.

After a meet and greet at the international airport, transfer with your guide to your hotel, primely situated in downtown Guayaquil, a port city of colorful houses and a waterfront promenade known as the gateway to sweeping Pacific beaches and the famed Galapagos.

The deluxe Hotel Oro Verde is teaming with authentic Ecuadorian hospitality and with five gourmet onsite restaurants, a wide array of culinary delights await. Rooms feature hardwood or tile floors, plush bedding and exquisite bathrooms, all of which make this sanctuary complete with a spa, fitness center and outdoor pool and hot tub, the perfect place to unwind after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast this morning, you are transferred to the airport in Guayaquil for an exciting flight to the Galapagos Islands, a World Heritage Site full of exotic surprises!

Flight Duration 1 hr 55Ms approximately.

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, your guide will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel, the Galapagos Safari Camp, where an otherworldly family adventure awaits. Nestled in the wild highlands of Santa Cruz Island with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the National Park, this stylish camp allows your family to reconnect with nature while enjoying a very flexible and personalized program. Stay in the comfort luxury safari tents, or for added privacy and space, rent out the three-bedroom family suite. A panoramic lodge, an infinity pool under a canapé of endemic trees, a farm and a seasonal kids club makes this the perfect base from which to creating exciting memories for the whole family.

In an environment characterized by volcanic craters, exotic plants, lava tubes, white sand, turquoise waters, abundant birds and giant tortoises you truly cannot go wrong no matter which adventure you choose. The Galapagos Safari Camp offers an array of activities into this enchanted landscape, including a yacht trip to an uninhabited island, or a day on a private boat with local fisherman, or a naturalist guide to lead you in an exploration of the coastline. Perhaps you fancy snorkeling, sea kayaking or mountain biking, the choice is yours! Arts and crafts activities with a local artist are a great option for crafty kids.

You are already awed by the exotic beauty surrounding you and today it is about to get even more exciting as a private transfer escorts you from the Safari Camp to Puerto Ayora to board your 7-night expedition cruise through the western islands of the Galapagos aboard the yacht Integrity. Like true adventurers, you will retrace Charles Darwin’s route of 1835 on this 8-day cruise to the western islands, including Floreana, Isabela, and Fernandina Islands. At the varied stops, enjoy panga rides to different islands, wildlife watching, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and hiking.

Superb naturalists explain the history of these islands while pointing out unique wildlife at every turn. Dine on exquisite traditional cuisine, relax on the sun deck or in the jacuzzi, and nestle into your spacious stateroom. With its state-of-the-art stabilizers and engine vibration control system, the Integrity carries you through Darwin’s islands more smoothly than any other yacht.

The Galapagos is such an ecologically unique place, seeped in the history of Darwin’s discoveries, that an educational visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz islands are an ideal stop-over before embarking on your cruise. Here lies the opportunity to see giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat of lush vegetation. In a forest of native daisy trees, watch vermilion flycatchers with their scarlet feathers flit against the emerald green backdrop where Darwin’s finches reside.

At the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galápagos National Park headquarters, learn about conservation and research efforts and the refuge for tortoises and iguanas.

Board the Integrity just in time to set sail as you sit for a gourmet meal specially crafted from local ingredients.

This morning you will awaken to the green, olivine sand beaches of Floreana Island, next to a large lagoon filled with flamingos and other diverse water birds. Today’s highlights include a short hike to Flour Beach where sea turtles nest and small rays frolic in the surf and a snorkel at Champion Island with curious, playful sea lions. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Floreana mockingbird.

Next, stop at the wooden barrel at Post Office Bay that has served as a mariner’s “post office” since the 18th Century. Leave a postcard, or take a postcard to continue the “postmaster” tradition. Afterwards, head into the highlands to visit a collection of tortoises and learn about the island’s ghostly human history at Wittmer Caves. End the day with a walk along Black Beach followed by an onboard barbecue as the sun sets.

Today’s adventure begins on Isabela Island at Punta Moreno. Walk along volcanic terrain, over lava flows and past numerous prickly pear cacti. The area is dotted with numerous oases of brackish lagoons containing a wide variety of wildlife, including flamingos, paint-billed crakes, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules.

In the golden light of afternoon, a comfortable skiff will carry you through the narrow channels of Elizabeth Bay past mangrove lagoons filled with rays, flightless cormorants, penguins, pelicans, and lava herons. Don’t forget to watch the waters for sea turtles, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and the many exotic fish inhabiting the lagoons.

Urbina Bay on Isabela Island is a visually stunning landscape. In 1954, volcanic activity caused a six-kilometer stretch of coral reef to shift upwards of five meters in a matter of hours and this is the legacy. Walk along the skeletal coral gardens, now home to lizards, mockingbirds and large, colorful land iguanas. During certain times of year, encounter Alcedo tortoises from the highlands nest in the warm sands of the bay.

The peninsula of Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine of the Galápagos. Upon landing, an abundance of marine iguanas and brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs litter the sands like drops of paint. Walk out onto the lava flow where, along the sandy shore, you can see flightless cormorants, pelicans, and numerous lounging sea lions.

Along the western coast of Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago, sits to Tagus Cove. Named for a British warship that moored here in 1814, the cove was used as an anchorage for pirates and whalers, whose names are literally carved into the rock. A short, steep hike takes you to Darwin Lake, set within a tuff cone filled with salt water. The cove is an excellent place to view tree finches, Galápagos hawks, yellow warblers, large-billed flycatchers and sometimes even the woodpecker finch.

At Punta Vincente Roca, the large cave and caldera wall are impressive geological formations that provide a beautiful backdrop for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, storm petrels, and brown noddy terns. A calm, gathering area for sea turtles, the area makes for superb snorkeling full of colorful fish, penguins, sea lions, sea anemones, jellyfish, and a myriad of other sea life.

This morning, you will reach a fork in the road! Choose from two trails of Puerto Egas, the first meanders along the coast to an inlet where shy Galápagos fur seals swim amongst the crags and marine iguanas and sea lions abound. The other trail leads inland to a lagoon at the Salt Mine Volcano where flamingos and other birds soar and dance.

Afterwards, sink your toes into the red sands of Espumilla Beach, a sea turtle nesting site. Hike inland to a small lagoon where many land birds fly overhead, including Galápagos hawks. Along the coast, snorkel or kayak Buccaneer Cove, home to amazing underwater geologic formations where sea lions, fur seals, sea turtles, rays, and sharks are to be found.

Enjoy a quiet and peaceful morning at the exquisite white sands of Bachas Beach.“Bachas” is so named due to the remains of a barge that ran aground decades ago, leaving just a few rusty spines still visible today. More striking are the resident flamingos that reside at the small lagoons just over the dune.

In Caleta Tortuga Negra take a silent skiff ride to where sea turtles feed and mate, an area also home to three species of shark, spotted rays, egrets, and lava herons. This is the perfect last chance to snorkel the Galapagos before landing on North Seymour island to visit the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the area.

Sit back and marvel at your last sunset at sea, glancing back at the iguanas and sea lions lounging on the shores, and you, alive with memory and adventure inside!

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Integrity before returning to Baltra Island, where you will join your flight back to the mainland.

Fly from Baltra to Quito, Ecuador. Duration 3 hours (with short layover in Guayaquil)

Upon arrival at the airport, you are transferred two hours to your lodge.

Dating from the 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta lies in the spectacular Andean mountains range on a charming, private farm. The atmosphere is one of warmth, characterized by antique gardens, cozy living and reading rooms, and a fireplace in each of the tastefully decorated bedrooms. The homey feeling is accentuated by the Plaza family themselves; who welcome you with their natural warmth and hospitality to share life at an authentic hacienda in the Andes of Ecuador.

Miles of meandering roads through lush pasture land, pine trees and a eucalyptus forest make the valley of Zuleta a paradise for outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking. Hacienda has twenty Zuleteño bred horses, mountain bikes and a horse drawn carriage upon which you can explore the area. Whether it’s bird watching, hiking, mountain biking or a romantic ride in a horse drawn carriage, the choice is yours!

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to your Hotel in Quito, a world renowned World Heritage Site. A half-day private city tour will lead you to exquisite churches, museums and picturesque neighborhoods filled with cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture and impressive plazas.

Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Situated in the heart of Quito’s historical center and surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, the Hotel Plaza Grande combines vintage taste with modern details. Furnished with fine woods and in a style beckoning Colonial Spanish times, the suites will transport you through time with all the luxury amenities of today!

Today, your visit to the Galapagos and Ecuador comes to an end. Relax and reminisce on your flight home, or perhaps fly onto other adventures if the allure of the unexplored has caught your spirit forever!