Short Galapagos Cruise Holiday
Great things come in small packages! Explore Quito, then a short cruise of the amazing Galapagos.
Short Galapagos Cruise
7 days from £4,040
(ex flights)
Quito is Ecuador’s capital city – a bustling city full of energy where historical buildings stand side by side with modern edifices.
Charming colonial buildings and grand churches stand alongside the skyscrapers and modern developments. A guided city tour will show you the highlights and you will have time to explore by yourself too.
From here you will fly to the Galapagos Islands and join your cruise on board the one of the two Corals, both small, comfortable motor yachts. Over the next 5 days you will visit these beautiful islands with their spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife: giant tortoises, fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and much more wildlife.
Short Galapagos Cruise Summary
- Quito – 2 nights
- Corals – 4 nights
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DAY 1:
You’ll be met at the airport by our local representative who will transfer you to La Casona de la Ronda. You have the rest of the day free to rest after your long flight. The hotel is a lovely colonial house with a cosy lounge, pretty central courtyard and restaurant. Relax - you've arrived in Ecuador!
DAY 2:
This morning your guide will collect you for a guided tour of the city. In the old town you'll visit a selection of the historic churches and the imposing cathedral with its magnificent 18th century tableau 'The Holy Shroud' The tour usually ends at the top of El Panecillo hill for an impressive city panorama. The afternoon is free, so you might want to continue sightseeing, go shopping or take things easy at the hotel.
DAY 3:
You’ll be transferred to the airport for the flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll be met by a guide and accompanied on the short bus journey to the port and your waiting yacht, Coral I or II. You’ll have lunch on board and then it’s time for your first excursion, to Mosquera Islet. This tiny low-lying islet is located between north and south Seymour Islands. It's home to a group of sea lions who can often be found lazing about on the soft sand. It's also an excellent spot for herons, lava gulls and boobies. You can enjoy a walk here and also some snorkelling, In the water you can often see sharks, barracudas and rays. You'll return to the Coral for your first dinner on board. Full board
DAY 4:
This morning you’ll land at Egas Port on Santiago Island with it's dramatic shoreline. Take a walk with your guide along the flat, semi-rocky terrain. At the end of the walk you may come across a small colony of Galapagos fur seals. There is also time for a gentle snorkel. This afternoon you’ll visit Rabida Island at the heart of the archipelago. The red sand beach is home to sea lions, finches, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and vermillion flycatchers. A walk takes you through forest of palo santo and cacti to a viewing point offering vistas of the beautiful bay . Full board
DAY 5:
Today you’re visiting Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. You’ll step ashore at Urbina Bay, a black sand beach known for its uplifted coral reef exposed by an eruption in 1954. While here you may spot giant tortoises and land iguanas.. The afternoon you’ll land at Tagus Cove This natural harbour was used by pirates in the 19th century, some of whom left inscriptions on the rocks which can still be seen today. A walk leads away from the beach to Darwin Lake where you should see a variety of birds, and on to a viewpoint. Enjoy a panga ride or take to a kayak - a different way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of this fascinating region. Full board
DAY 6:
Fernandina is the marine iguana capital of the islands. The impressive, yet desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a huge concentration of these enigmatic creatures. Fernandina is also home to Galapagos penguins, you may also come across these delightful characters. Snorkelling will add another dimension to the island as you can observe the marine iguanas feeding alongside penguins, turtles and the flightless cormorants. This afternoon finds you back at Isabela Island, this time exploring Punta Vicente Roca. This spectacular spot is surrounded by huge cliffs of an eroded volcano. It's a mecca for resting seabirds such as Nazca boobies and brown noddies. Snorkelling is great here, you may get to swim with penguins and turtles. Full board
DAY 7:
Your final excursion of the cruise is to the highlands of Santa Cruz. This is your best opportunity to observe giant tortoises in the wild. You can take a short walk amongst these gentle giants, a fitting end to your time in the Galapagos Islands. Afterwards you’ll be transferred to Baltra for the flight back to the mainland. Breakfast
La Casona de la Ronda
La Casona de la Ronda is a charming colonial house in the heart of historic Quito. The en-suite rooms are a blend of traditional features and modern comforts. The restaurant, Café La Ronda, serves local and international cuisine. You can take coffee, tea, soft drinks or wine in the cosy lounge by the open fire. There is a lovely central courtyard and an unusual vertical garden. This has more than 150 species of plants including many orchids native to Ecuador. This hotel is an excellent base for exploring the city of Quito.
Corals I & II
Corals I and II are two similar motor yachts which accommodate up to 36 and 20 passengers respectively. They are attractive, four-deck, European-built vessels with classic wood-panelled interiors, fully air conditioned throughout. All cabins have windows or portholes, TV, phone, safe and private bathrooms with 24-hour hot and cold running water. Social areas include a lounge-cum bar with comfy chairs and sofas where you’ll find various books and games to help you pass the time between island visits, and a spacious dining area. Outside there are shaded and open deck spaces and plenty of seating, plus a barbecue area for al fresco dining and a jacuzzi.
Take the next step...
We know and love the Galapagos Islands, and would delighted to help you plan your perfect Galapagos holiday.
Call 01473 599082 and speak to one of our Galapagos travel specialists today.