Galapagos Signature: Quito & M/C Elite Cruise

Hotel Patio Andaluz, located in the heart of the historic "Quito Antiguo", declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. Come and experience the colonial times through the corridors that have witnessed Ecuadorian history since the end of the XVI century. The exclusive restaurant El Rincon de Cantuna specializes in national and Spanish cuisine and classic international dishes.

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth.

The place to start is the 'Mitad del Mundo'; a site located just 30 minutes north of Quito, where a monument marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognized and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator.

In the morning we will make a 45 minute journey northwest to the equatorial line, where we will walk the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater. Later we will visit the "Ciudad Mitad del Mundo" a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the site, as well as the Ethnographic or Intiñan Museum, located right on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time.

Back in Quito, after lunch we will visit the city's impressive colonial center, the reason Quito was the first city to be named a world heritage site by the United Nations. First on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the 'Plaza de la Independencia', where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only 5 days after the founding of the city.

Lunch included.

We will have the chance to enjoy a chocolate experience, which starts with a guided tour explaining the history of cocoa in Ecuador, followed by a chocolate tasting.

Ecuador's unique equatorial climate provides the perfect environment for growing the world's finest cocoa - Cacao Arriba. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years. Spanish explorers loved it so much they called it the 'Food of the Gods'.

The Republica del Cacao's founders began their voyage over ten years ago when they set themselves an ambitious mission: to produce the most authentic and delicious chocolate, while protecting and developing sustainable fine cocoa production.

AM: San Cristobal Airport
Transfer to visitor site.

PM: David Rodriguez Breeding Center
A visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Center provides information about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise and explains why the center is so vital in safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures.

Walking through the trails of the reserve, you can see baby tortoises being reared in semi-natural conditions - a brilliant demonstration of the commitment the local people have to preserving the wildlife that makes the Galapagos so special.

Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Soft

AM: Espanola - Suarez Point
Suarez Point is packed with wildlife and is best explored by following the circular walking trail. This memorable walk will take you past nesting sites of large colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies and mockingbirds.

Also, unique to Espanola island are red and green marine iguanas and the beautiful waved albatrosses, that can be seen majestically launching themselves out across the ocean from the cliffs.

A geological highlight are several blow holes, capable of shooting water 25m into the air, that make for a spectacular photo.

Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Gardner Bay, Gardner and Osborn Islets
The pristine white sandy beach of Gardner Bay dotted with sea lions provides a perfect spot to relax, and kayaking or paddle boarding is a fantastic way to observe the large number of waved albatrosses who use this beach as a breeding site.
A short panga ride will take you to the Gardner and Osborn Islets, that are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a variety of colorful tropical fish and corals.

Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

AM: Floreana - Cormorant Point and Champion islet
Cormorant Point features two contrasting beaches: one with green-tinted sand due to the high content of olivine crystals, and another with pure white sand (commonly known as 'Flour Beach') derived from pulverized coral.

The saltwater lagoon is a must-see as it is frequented by one of the largest population of Galapagos flamingos as well as other shorebirds such as stilts, white-cheeked pintails and large-billed flycatchers.

A panga ride to Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, provides a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling in an area that is known for having a high diversity of fish.

Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Post Office Bay and The Baroness' Lookout
Post Office Bay is a man-made site that offers an insight into a remarkable mailing tradition developed by British whalers in the 18th century, that visitors can still take part in today.

The beach here provides for good snorkeling and kayaking and it is also possible to descend into and walk through a lava tube. Next, take a panga ride to the Baroness' Lookout, a volcanic rock formation named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930's and is believed to have mysteriously disappeared.

A short trail leads to a brilliant vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mangroves and coastline.

Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Easy

AM: Baltra - Mosquera Islet
Mosquera islet is a small, flat, sandy islet located between Baltra and North Seymour islands. With no fixed trail, you are free to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot, where you will encounter a large population of sea lions, shorebirds and the striking Sally Lightfoot crabs that cling to the dark rocks.

The numerous coral reefs also make it a fantastic site for snorkeling and catching sight of a range of marine life including sharks, turtles and rays.

Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Santa Cruz - Baltra Airport
Transfer from the yacht to the airport.