Day 2: On a guided 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. (B)

Day 3: Quito / Galapagos Cruise : San Cristobal Island.
Over the next five days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you'll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Quito 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 shore excursion to Cerro Brujo, a volcanic crater with an unique crater landscape, located on a marvelous white-sand beach. It's the home of sally light foot crabs, marine iguanas and sea lions. A naturalist guide will lead you on a short walk with plenty of opportunities for rewarding bird watching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham mockingbird and the Chatham lava lizard, species that are endemic to this island. Free time to stroll on the beach, snorkel or swim before returning to the boat. 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: Santa Cruz Island/ Rabida Island. This morning arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you'll visit Whale Bay, a rocky island where you may observe the Galapagos hawk and many different species of finches. The vegetation consists of acacias, thorn shrubs and salt bushes. One of the main attractions is the attractive beach with its olivine crystals and pottery remains from the year 1846. Later sail to Rabida Island, a small island covered with dry coastal vegetation. This is a beautiful island with stunning contrast between the red-tinted sand of its beaches and the vivid green of its mangroves. It is home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Enjoy a short walk to the top of the trail where you may take photos of the clear waters and the volcanic peaks. Snorkeling is available. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Galapagos Cruise: Charles Darwin Station/ Santa Cruz 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 7: Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island/Quito. This morning bid farewell to your cruise boat, its wonderful staff and the magnificent Galapagos Islands as you disembark in Baltra Island and fly back to Quito. Upon arrival transfer to your upscale hotel. Hilton Colon Hotel. (B)

Day 8: 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. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9: Depart Quito. Morning at leisure for independent pursuits. Later transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight. (B)

Day 10: 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. See MV Galapagos Explorer II website for additional pictures and description. 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. To enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several expert naturalists on board as well as a glass-bottom boat available for those not wishing to snorkel.

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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
• Four-night Galapagos Cruise aboard
  MV Galapagos Explorer II
• Galapagos Park fee
• 17 meals: 8 full buffet breakfasts (B),
  4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
• Professional English-speaking tour directors

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY FEB 29, 2012		RESERVE AFTER FEB 29
2012		w/cash discount	sale
Apr 15	Apr 24	$ 4069	$ 4169	$ 4469
May 13	May 22	$ 3869	$ 3969	$ 4269
Jun 10	Jun 19	$ 3869	$ 3969	$ 4269
Jul 8	Jul 17	$ 3969	$ 4069	$ 4369
Aug 19	Aug 28	$ 3869	$ 3969	$ 4269
Oct 14	Oct 23	$ 3869	$ 3969	$ 4269
Oct 28	Nov 6	$ 3869	$ 3969	$ 4269
Nov 25	Dec 4	$ 3699	$ 3799	$ 4099
Dec 9	Dec 18	$ 3699	$ 3799	$ 4099

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 $599 per person/$1099 single.
Important travelers note The high altitudes reached on this trip (Quito is at 9,900 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult a physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.

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!