Galápagos Islands Expedition
in Darwin’s Footsteps
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Day 4: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
In Punta Pitt, Take a Picture of a Red-Footed Booby Bird
Trek the scenic trail in Punta Pitt, which ends at the top of a volcanic tuff. While the Islands provide many opportunities for bird-watching, Genovesa, the most distant island and the most regulated, is a birder’s paradise known for its Red-footed Boobies (pictured), Nazca Boobies, and Blue Footed Boobies, too, making it one of the rare places to spot all three varieties.
Day 1: Quito
Explore Quito
The streets of Quito, Ecuador’s charming capital, are always lively. This World Heritage City in the mountains charms with Spanish-era architecture, one-of-a-kind shops, bustling open air markets, and breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss the historic monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the restaurants and galleries of La Ronda, a winding historical boulevard.
day 2: Cotopaxi
See Cotopaxi, An Active Volcano
Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots! Today, you’ll hike at 12,800 feet above sea level at the base of the 19,347 foot active volcano that first erupted in 1534.
Day 3: Mosquera Islet
Admire the Sea Lions on the Southern tip of Mosquera Islet
Fun fact: The Islet, situated between the larger islands of Baltra and North Seymour, is actually a small piece of volcanic uplift. Its long, narrow sandbank is surrounded by lava reefs, which the largest colonies of Galápagos sea lions call home. Though it’s one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos archipelago, there’s plenty to do, including hiking, swimming, and diving.
Day 5: South Plaza Island
Get Acquainted with the Iguanas of South
Plaza Island
On South Plaza Island, off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands, cruisers will likely spy land iguanas lazing by the shore, as well as marine iguanas slipping in and out of the water. The flora here is also extraordinary—whether it’s succulent Sesuvium (which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season), or dense patches of prickly pears, the Island’s breathtaking biodiversity never fails to inspire.
Day 6: Puerto Ayora
Tour the Tortoises’ Natural Habitat
Every day of the Hurtigruten itinerary offers amazing excursions, but Playa Brava is a standout stop. Here, visitors not only luxuriate on unspoiled white beaches so much more beautiful IRL than on Instagram, but get up-close with the giant Galápagos tortoises, in their native nesting site. This special location is reachable by foot or water taxi. But, if you have the time, the 30-minute hike is a wonderful opportunity to observe the native trees and cacti.
Day 7: Española
Go Birding in Española
Española is the most southerly island in the archipelago, estimated to be four million years old. Here, birders are always on the lookout for Nazca Boobies, Blue-Footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls and, especially, Waved Albatrosses— the entire world population of the species breeds here between March and January. Bahia Gardner, located on the Island, is also popular with tourists, due to its beautiful white sands and turquoise waters, and makes for a perfect landing spot.
Day 8: Eden Islet
Kayak off Eden Islet
There’s so much to do at Eden Islet, a sliver of volcanic cone which pokes gently up through the sea off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Adventurers can take a trip aboard a glass-bottom boat, paddle, or kayak along the coast. Make sure to take a good look around–the pristine, shallow waters are home to the green turtles of Galápagos, rays and some friendly reef sharks. Many visitors choose to explore by panga, a small outboard-powered style of fishing boat.
Day 9: Baltra Island
Sleep At a Lodge in the Cloudforest
Not ready to say goodbye? With Hurtigruten’s add-on options, you can venture to the Mashpi Reserve, northwest of Quito. You’ll explore the biodiverse habitat and learn about the unique ecosystem. (Due to its Equator-meets-The Andes location it’s one of the wettest places on Earth)! After exploring the rare flora and fauna of this cloud-misted locale, you’ll return to the blissful five-star Mashpi Lodge, replete with a hot tub, observation deck, and yoga and meditation space.
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