Ecuador and Galapagos. Galapagos Holiday Adventure - Eric, Flamingo and Letty

Northwestern Islands Overview

Discover the amazing flora and fauna of the Galapagos’ most northwestern islands on this tour about the Eric, Flamingo or Letty, three sister ships that are perfect for families. Explore the fascinating blend of Indian and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city, and then from island to island, discovering plants and animals that have evolved and adapted to each location. As you travel with our expert naturalist guide, visit a boobie nesting sites and see the largest colony of frigate birds, kayak or snorkel amongst colorful ocean life, hike through cactus forests and visit a tortoise reserve.

**PLEASE NOTE: We are currently taking a waitlist for the 2013 Holiday Adventure. Please consider our 2014 departure, which will feature the same itinerary**

Northwestern Islands - Day 1-2: Quito

Your Galapagos adventure begins with a guided, half-day tour of the colonial city of Quito, a World Heritage Site. Visit busy plazas, ornate churches and rich museums and then take the afternoon and evening to explore on your own terms, visiting the fascinating shops, pubs and restaurants. Overnights are at the charming boutique hotel of Casa Aliso, located in the fashionable La Floresta neighborhood.

Accomodations: Casa Aliso

Northwestern Islands - Days 3 - 5: Playa Ochoa / Genovesa / Santa Cruz / North Seymour

A short flight brings you to the vibrant waters and lands of the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, settling in on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty and enjoying a welcome lunch, it’s time to make your first stop: snorkel at Playa Ochoa, a white-sand beach located in a calm cove, and explore Leon Dormido, the remains of a lava cone. After a delicious Ecuadorian dinner and restful night, head for Genovesa, one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos in terms of the large number of bird species. Hike to a Red-footed boobie nesting site, kayak the shoreline looking for tropicbirds and then explore Darwin Bay to snorkel with sea lions. Take a day to explore Las Bachas and North Seymour, searching for vibrant flamingos, the remnants of a WW2 floating pier and for the largest colony of frigate birds. Overnights are aboard the comfortable M/Y Eric, Flamingo or Letty in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin.

Accomodations: Eric/Flamingo/Letty

Northwestern Islands - Days 6 - 7: Fernandina / Isabela

Take a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos, and spend the morning observing sea lions, iguanas and cormorants. On the adjacent island of Isabela, explore hidden coves by clear-bottom kayak to look for penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds; journey by Zodiac to the secluded Elizabeth Bay and watch for turtles, rays, sharks and shorebirds; motor to the rocky islets of Las Marielas and to the colonies of penguins and cormorants; and, at Urbina Bay, find four-miles of exposed seabed and remnants of marine life – all brought to the surface during a 1950s earthquake. Overnights are aboard the comfortable M/Y Eric, Flamingo or Letty in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin.

Accomodations: Eric/Flamingo/Letty

Northwestern Islands - Days 8 - 9: Santiago / Rabida / Santa Cruz / Santa Fe

Over the next two days, get an intimate look at the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. Take a naturalist-led walk along the shoreline, looking for tidal life and seabirds; snorkel or kayak amongst hundreds of colorful fish; visit a tortoise reserve and encounter these giant reptiles in their natural habitat; stop off at “the tunnels,” the largest lava tubes in the Galapagos; and hike from the beach through a forest of Prickly Pear, stopping to watch sea lions sunning themselves on the sand and iguanas eating their cactus lunch. Overnights are aboard the comfortable M/Y Eric, Flamingo or Letty in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin.

Accomodations: Eric/Flamingo/Letty

Northwestern Islands - Days 10 - 11: Quito / Departure:

After a morning visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, an afternoon flight takes you back to Quito for one last night. In the morning, transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home, or extend your trip to visit more of Ecuador’s natural wonders. Your final overnight is at Casa Aliso, a charming boutique hotel.

Accomodations: Casa Aliso