Day 2: Morning at leisure for independent exploration. This afternoon meet your tour director and enjoy a guided walking tour of this tropical metropolis. You will visit the pleasant Parque Simon Bolívar with its Cathedral and see the Palacio Municipal and the Governor’s Palace. Continue with a stroll along the Río Guayas and appreciate the beautiful Malecón, the city’s delightful promenade. En route back to your hotel view the Monument of La Rotonda dedicated to Simon Bolivar and San Martin, considered the Liberators of South America. (B)

Day 3: Guayaquil /
Galapagos Cruise:
San Cristobal Island.
Over the next four days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you'll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Guayaquil to San Cristobal, the easternmost gateway to the islands. Board your upscale cruise boat, your base while exploring the islands and enjoy a welcome lunch onboard. This afternoon enjoy a guided shore excursion to spectacular Frigatebird Hill which is located a short hike from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The hill is often frequented by Frigatebirds and the trail leading up to the hill is where birds's nesting sites are located. Both Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds as well as other bird species may be seen here. From the summit of the hill you'll also be treated to stunning views of the bay below. On the return hike walk along the woody path and the white sand beach. Reboard the ship. MV Galapagos Explorer II. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Galapagos Cruise: Española Island/Punta Suarez. Upon landing at Gardner Bay situated on the northern side of Española Island enjoy a guided visit to the beach that is one of the most magnificent in the Galapagos and is home to many sea lion colonies. Here you may also spot Galapagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galapagos doves, Hood mockingbirds that are endemic to this island, three species of Darwin finches and yellow warblers, lava lizards and marine iguanas. It is also a great beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkelers in the turquoise colored water may encounter many of the Galapagos marine species such as king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, manta rays and white tipped reef sharks. Return to the boat for lunch and sail to Suarez Point on Española Island western side. Here, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may spot marine iguanas, lava lizards and colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. You may also encounter a large colony of Waved Albatross. Later, visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots high into the air. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Galapagos Cruise: Charles Darwin Station/ Santa Cruz Island / South Plaza Island.
This morning dock in Santa Cruz Island and visit the fascinating Darwin Station where you'll learn about the conservation efforts and research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. You will also see giant tortoises from different islands, of which the most famous is "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the tortoises from La Pinta Island. The tiny turtle babies are affectionately being cared for and as soon as they are old and strong enough prepared for their repatriation. After lunch onboard sail to nearby South Plaza Island. This island is an uplifted slab of sea floor, rather than a volcanic island like Santa Cruz. The island rises from a flat northern edge and tilts gently up to steep cliffs on the southern end. Although South Plaza is a tiny island, it supports an amazing variety of wildlife. Upon landing on the island you may see sea lions playing in the shallow water, as well as marine iguanas and sally light foot crabs. Walking along the trail with your naturalist, view cracks in the brittle lava that provide nesting sites for seabirds like the red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, blue-footed boobies and occasionally Nazca boobies. Brown pelicans and magnificent frigate birds can also be seen here. Return to the boat for final dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Galapagos Cruise:
Baltra Island/Quito. This morning bid farewell to your cruise boat, its wonderful crew and the magnificent Galapagos Islands as you disembark in Baltra Island and fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador, located just 15 miles from the equator and surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Enjoy a brief orientation tour en route to your deluxe, conveniently located hotel. Hilton Colon Hotel. (B)

Day 7: Otavalo Excursion. On today's guided excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you'll find unique handicrafts made by the indigenous locals. Later, visit the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador's center of leatherworks. Return to Quito later this afternoon. (B)

Day 8: Quito. On a guided morning tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. After dinner transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight. (B,D)

Day 9: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive Miami this morning.

About MV Galapagos Explorer II

The elegant MV Galapagos Explorer II is a modern first class cruiser especially adapted for Galapagos Cruises. The ship can accommodate up to about 100 guests in either classic ocean-facing cabins with portholes or higher deck cabins with large panoramic windows. All cabins are outside facing, spacious and have a private bath with shower and two lower beds. The ship has ample public facilities including a lounge, game room, library and a jacuzzi. The elegant restaurant serves delicious continental cuisine. There are several expert naturalists on board to enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands. See MV Galapagos Explorer II website for additional pictures and description.

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• Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines
• Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• Intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
• Accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath
• Three-night Galapagos Cruise aboard
  MV Galapagos Explorer II
• Gratuities to cruise ship crew
• Galapagos Park fee
• 14 meals: 7 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
• Wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks aboard Galapagos Explorer cruise
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
• Professional English-speaking tour director starting in the afternoon
  of day 2

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY JUN 6, 2013		RESERVE AFTER JUN 6
2013		w/check discount	sale
Jul 8	Jul 16	$ 3699	$ 3799	$ 4099
Sep 2	Sep 10	$ 3599	$ 3699	$ 3999
Oct 14	Oct 22	$ 3599	$ 3699	$ 3999
Nov 11	Nov 19	$ 3599	$ 3699	$ 3999
Dec 9	Dec 17	$ 3499	$ 3599	$ 3899

Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $1299.

CABIN UPGRADE Rates are based on Classic outside cabin on Magellan or Columbus Decks. • Upgrade to Deluxe cabin with balcony on Marco Polo Deck: add $550 per person/ $950 single.

While every effort is made to adhere to the schedule outlined while cruising the Galapagos Islands, the final shore excursions mentioned are subject to change.

Reservations and Payments: Reservations can be made by phone 1 800 337 7773 and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable deposit (by check) which must be received within 7 days of reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.

About Galapagos Islands

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Island, a magical place like no other on earth! Charles Darwin turned these fascinating isles into a unique living laboratory to study evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. In order to protect the ecological balance, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. You’ll be one of those privileged guests to visit the islands and get to know a wide variety of exotic wildlife unique to this archipelago! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found elsewhere. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget!