Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Aside from Darwins view of the world, little else has changed since his 1835 Galapagos discovery. From the higher altitudes of Quito, head to the islandskayak, skiff, snorkel, and see exquisite, wildlife up-close.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Galapagos Islands and Quitos Colonial city center
Two nights at Quitos historic Casa Gangotena
A private dinner at Quitos premier view restaurant
Nesting birds and wildlife up-close in their natural habitat
View marine life by snorkel or glass-bottom boat
Charles Darwin Research Center
Summit hike view of iconic Pinnacle Rock
Roundtrip air between Quito/Galapagos
Alcoholic beverages on board La Pinta
Two nights at Quitos historic Casa Gangotena
A private dinner at Quitos premier view restaurant
Nesting birds and wildlife up-close in their natural habitat
View marine life by snorkel or glass-bottom boat
Charles Darwin Research Center
Summit hike view of iconic Pinnacle Rock
Roundtrip air between Quito/Galapagos
Alcoholic beverages on board La Pinta
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Quito / Arrival
Welcome to Ecuador! Begin your journey in this historic city rich in legends and culture. Your first stop is the grand Casa Gangotena Hotel, voted the #1 Hotel in Ecuador by TripAdvisor and where you will stay these first two nights. A gorgeous example of Spanish Colonial style, enjoy this restored boutique hotel just steps away from picturesque Plaza de San Francisco, built atop Incan temples and markets.
Day 2: Quito
Once called the Northern Capitol of the Inca Empire, the capital city of Quito has long been a center of commerce and culture. The citys growth after Spanish took over in 1534 included the building of many outstanding convents, monasteries and churches, earning Quito the title, Capitol of Art of Spanish America. Discover why the citys exquisitely preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sitedeparting from your hotel, a walking tour explores its past, present, and future, including a visit to the fascinating pre-Columbian, Museo Casa del Alabado. Your full day of exploration ends at a local restaurant with sunset views overlooking the city.
Day 3: Quito / Isla San Cristobal
On this morning, travel to the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on your itinerary: the legendary Galapagos Islands. From Quito, fly to Isla San Cristobal named after the patron saint of seafarers. A quick panga ride brings you to the Yacht La Pinta to meet the crew, be welcomed aboard, and get acquainted with your ship. As Charles Darwin did in 1835, take your first exploratory steps in the Galapagos at Cerro Coloradohome to dozens of bird species, the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard, and a tortoise breeding center set amidst a fantastic deciduous forest along the islands southern shore.
Day 4: Isla San Cristobal
On the eastern side of the island, youll venture up a trail from the beach with gorgeous views of the shoreline. Explore Punta Pitt where opportunities abound to observe frigatebirds, three types of boobies, and bachelor sea lions that rest on this beach. Perhaps youll even have a chance to investigate below the surface of the water with a snorkel or swim. Later, after a panga ride around the north tip of the island, walk the tranquil coral sand beach of Cerro Brujo watching seabirds and shore birds bustle about. Keep an eye out for sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 5: Isla Espanola
Considered one of the top two showcase islands in the archipelago, Isla Espanola is one of the oldest, most isolated islands and is known for its astounding number of endemic species including the entire worlds population of Waved Albatross (typically April to December). A hike at Punta Suarez provides opportunities to see sea lions and seabirds, shorebirds and tropicbirds. Your afternoon at the white sand beach in Gardner Bay includes a short walk to see finches and extroverted mockingbirds. Cool off by snorkeling with green sea turtles, kick back for a snooze alongside the sea lions, or go for a spin in a kayak or the glass-bottom boat.
Day 6: Isla Santa Cruz
Today, its all about the magnificent giant tortoise. Touring the Charles Darwin Research Station, youll witness the exceptional conservation program where galapaguitos are reared in protective captivity until they are old enough to safely repatriate back to their native areas. Embrace Galapagos conservation by learning about threats that still endanger this fragile ecosystem. After a lingering poolside lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel (bring your swimsuit just in case), explore the misty, forested highlands and see the lumbering and charming tortoises in their natural habitat. Youll also have a chance to walk inside the islands famed lava tubes for a geological exploration of these remarkable volcanic channels.
Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz / Sombrero Chino Islet
A panga ride brings you to tiny Eden Islet, where blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigatebirds roam. Pull on your mask and jump into the water for a snorkel with the sea life. If conditions permit, cruise in the glass-bottom boat and marvel at all the world beneath you. On beautiful Sombrero Chino Islet, look for iguanas, sea lions, and sally lightfoot crabs on the 400-metre long trail that brings you to a postcard-worthy sandy, crescent beach. And if you're lucky, swim and snorkel with white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins in these calm waters.
Day 8: Isla Bartolome / Isla Santiago
Geologically young, Bartolome is one of the most picturesque islands of the Galapagos. Climb a wooden staircase to the summit of a volcanic cone with your camera ready to capture the exquisite panoramic views including iconic Pinnacle Rock! Bartolome has its own unique fauna including green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, and rays. The white sandy beach of Santiagos Sullivan Bay is a stunning spot for swimming, snorkeling, and a chance to peer at life below the surface. Hike to a fantastic lava field that showcases the archipelagos volcanic origins.
Day 9: Isla Genovesa
Our second showcase islandGenovesa, known as the bird islandlies north of the equator, and youll cross it twice! On a leisurely exploration of Darwin Bay, witness the many island inhabitantsGiant frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Darwins finches, storm petrels, and nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls. At the beach, snorkel, swim, or investigate shoreline cliffs by kayak. A panga ride past the dramatic cliffs brings you to the short, steep Prince Philips Steps. Once at the top, a fascinating walk amongst stands of Palo Santo trees crosses this flat land through large colonies of boobies, frigatebirds, and just maybe, the illusive short-eared owl.
Day 10: Isla Baltra / Quito / Departure
Your adventure of a lifetime aboard La Pinta concludes on Isla Baltra. From here, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito and await your connecting flight home. If youve opted for the Peru/Machu Picchu Extension, youll disembark en route during a short stop in Guayaquil.
Please Note:
A passport is required on this itinerary. Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Casa Gangotena: hotel bedding will either be two double beds or one king bed
La Pinta
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 (in 24 cabins)
Built: 1983 / refurbished 2007
After intense days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of rel…
La Pinta
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 (in 24 cabins)
Built: 1983 / refurbished 2007
After intense days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance
A full week discovery trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard La Pinta allows encounters with unique fauna, like the famous giant Galapagos tortoises in the wild, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, penguins, blue-footed boobies and the famous Darwin’s finches.
La Pinta guests will cover all aspects of the Galapagos: discovery, adventure, environmental interpretation, aquatic activities, relaxation, superb service and great dining. Naturalist Guides enhance their interpretative skills with the use of state-of-the-art-expedition equipment. Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while at the same time ensures that you always travel in comfort and safety.
