Ecuador & the Galapagos 2012: Santa Cruz
10 days from Quito to Guayaquil or 10 days incl. travel (WBG)
This exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve. Spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel, where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal species found only in the Galapagos. Choose from a menu of a la carte activities to make this experience special to you. Then, embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galapagos Islands. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, several species of Darwin's finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station-a remarkable adventure!
Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE:
4-night cruise in the Galapagos in an outside stateroom
QUITO:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop & Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, and Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS FINCH BAY HOTEL:
Two nights to relax and explore the Galapagos
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE:
Four nights cruising the Galapagos National Park aboard the Santa Cruz; Charles Darwin Research Station; guided sightseeing each day with a local Naturalist
ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
Meals
American breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 7 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Quito and a farewell dinner on board the Santa Cruz.
Hotels
QUITO Swissotel Quito (SF), GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Finch Bay Hotel (F), GALAPAGOS CRUISE Santa Cruz, GUAYAQUIL Oro Verde (SF)
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best small-ship cruising experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about small-ship cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience with Avalon.
Day 1 Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Quito!
Day 2 Quito
An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito's treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE, Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY, the Jesuit's LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars, and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP & MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, the "Center of the World." This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Quito-Baltra-Galapagos Islands-Finch Bay Hotel
Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where your Naturalist introduces the island's lush and vibrant landscapes. Visit the Giant Tortoises RESERVE for a chance to see the famous Galapagos tortoises in their wild habitat. Next, see the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Later this afternoon, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands' natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, see famous "Lonesome George" and learn about the tortoise rearing program. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin's finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and beachfront access. Guests can enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galapagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.
Day 4 Galapagos. Finch Bay Hotel
Outings today include a list of activities that allow you to have a "Galapagos a la carte" adventure. Perhaps take a hike over the lava rock formations past gigantic cacti to Las Grietas, a uniquie swimming hole created by lava flows. Or choose a walk to Tortuga Bay, a 6-mile-long coralline beach; mountain bike up in the highlands; or swim, snorkel or kayak right off the beach at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Galapagos Islands (Embarkation) Cruising: Santa Cruz Island
Today, board the sleek Santa Cruz for five days of CRUISING among various Galapagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert Naturalist, who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Visit LAS BACHAS on Santa Cruz Island, where abandoned WWII military barges can be found. Today, it is an important nesting area for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle. You will also see brackish lagoons just steps away from the sea and white sand beach, which is a feeding ground for various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Return to the ship for a briefing on the next day's adventure, followed by a Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Cruising Galapagos Islands: James Island
After breakfast, join your Naturalist for a short panga ride to ESPUMILLA BEACH, a coffee-colored sand beach on James Island. In the nearby mangrove forest, watch where you step, as this is common nesting area for sea turtles. Also keep an eye out for Galapagos finches, marine iguanas, and sea lions, as well as flamingos and pintail ducks in the nearby lagoons. This afternoon, land at PUERTO EGAS on James Island, known for its black sand beach and a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds as well as a colony of fur sea lions, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. You have the chance to snorkel or swim from the beach, or ride on the glass-bottom boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Cruising Galapagos Islands: Rabida & Bartolome Islands
Disembark at RABIDA ISLAND on a red-colored beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Stroll along the beach of this small island as your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin's finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where, at times, greater flamingos migrate. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species like the Galapagos dolphin and submarine landscapes. After lunch, en route to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. At BARTOLOME ISLAND, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. You will also have the chance to snorkel and possibly see Galapagos penguins in tropical waters and even some sharks and rays! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Cruising Galapagos Islands: Tower Island
Upon arrival at TOWER ISLAND, your visit to Prince Philip's Steps begins with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs to see the large number of nesting colonies of Nazca Boobies, red-footed boobies, and shore and seabirds in the cliffs' ledges. Disembark at the base of Prince Philip's Steps and climb up the stairs to a trail where birdlife abounds. A walk with your Naturalist reveals large colonies of masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and even short-eared owls. In the afternoon, disembark at DARWIN BAY to observe thousands of birds-mainly frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds. Return to the beach for swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel below the cliffs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Galapagos Islands (Disembarkation) San Cristobal-Guayaquil
After breakfast, depart for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on SAN CRISTOBAL, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos back in 1835. This island is home to seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigatebirds, and various shore birds. Also watch for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard-both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. Head to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, where you will have free time this evening to prepare for your return flight home tomorrow. (Breakfast)
Day 1 0 Guayaquil
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Details
- Cruise Line
- Avalon Waterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Cruise Ship
- M/V Santa Cruz
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Quito | ||
| Day 2 | Quito | ||
| Day 3 | Galapagos Islands | ||
| Day 4 | Finch Bay Hotel | ||
| Day 5 | Santa Cruz Island | ||
| Day 6 | James Island | ||
| Day 7 | Rabida & Bartolome Islands | ||
| Day 8 | Tower Island | ||
| Day 9 | Guayaquil | ||
| Day 10 | Guayaquil |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare.
Intra-tour air value:
$380
Single Room Supplement:
$1450
Triple rooms are not available
Extra Nights per person in Quito:
in single room $183; in twin room $98
Extra Nights per person in Guayaquil:
in single room $155; in twin room $88
Cruise pricing is based on Main Deck cabins. Upgrades are available. Please call for prices.
US$ Price Details- Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these "deals" you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as "included" in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.- Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)
