Globus > ECUADOR and THE GALAPAGOS

ECUADOR and THE GALAPAGOS
11 Days starting from $5,179

Countries Visited:
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Length: 11 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: CRUISE AND TOUR
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: WBG-2008
   
 
About This Tour


This 11-day cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos. Your trip begins in Quito with guided sightseeing of the Legislative Palace and the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Have your photo taken in front of the Equatorial Monument, “the center of the world.” Next, fly over the Pacific to Baltra Island to embark on an exciting 8 days of cruising among various Galápagos Islands aboard the La Pinta yacht. During your cruise, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see incredible plants and animals native to the area. Depart the Galápagos for Guayaquil, where you will have time at leisure to reflect on your South American journey.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

City Highlights
QUITO
Sightseeing with a Local Guide, Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop and Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, Equatorial Monument, welcome dinner.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Seven nights cruising the Galápagos National Park aboard the La Pinta, Charles Darwin Research Station, guided sightseeing each day with a local naturalist, and a special farewell dinner.

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS

Examples of Islands visited:

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND:
Nesting colonies of magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas.

HOOD ISLAND:
Most southeastern island featuring eroded lava terrain. See Galápagos sea lions, lava lizards, Nazca boobies, and the only island with a Waved Albatrosses colony (May-December). Also see the famous blowhole!

FLOREANA ISLAND:
See flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, and sandpipers. Great snorkeling provides close-up views of the marine life like sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and possibly the Galápagos penguin. This island is also the site of Post Office Bay where you learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND:
The second-largest island boasts the largest human population, giant tortoises in the wild, and the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION. The highlands are great for birdwatching, walking through a Scalesia forest and seeing the twin pit craters Los Gemelos.

TOWER ISLAND:
Due to its northern isolation and the effect of northern currents, this island’s ecosystems are quite different from others. Possessing the most seabird diversity, you will find frigate birds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches, mockingbirds, and the short-eared owl. Good snorkeling is found here too—along with hammerhead sharks!

ISABELA ISLAND:
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favorite anchor for pirates and whalers old graffiti can still be found. The vegetation in the area includes the unusual Palo Santo trees—these white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. A walk takes you to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water and one of Isabela’s six volcanoes. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and wild, giant tortoises are a few species that call this island home.

FERNANDINA ISLAND:
The youngest of all islands is home of continuous volcanic activity and recent black lava flows. Considered by many to be one of the most pristine islands in the world due to the absence of introduced mammals. Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.

BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND:
The most photographed view of islands in the Galápagos is seen here with Pinnacle Rock. A great place for swimming and snorkeling with its numerous schools of tropical and subtropical fish, sea lions, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and Galápagos penguins.

Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 7 lunches (L), and 8 dinners (D), including a farewell dinner onboard the La Pinta.


Hotels:
QUITO Hilton Colon (SF), GALAPAGOS CRUISE La Pinta, GUAYAQUIL Oro Verde (SF)
Day 1:
Fly to Quito, Ecuador. Board your flight to Quito. Your flight to South America arrives late this evening and will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2:
Quito. An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE; Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY; the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars; and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP AND MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, “the center of the world.” This evening, enjoy a WELCOME DINNER at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3:
Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Cruising. Fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the La Pinta yacht for an exciting eight days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. (B,L,D)

Please note: The ship’s itinerary will vary according to the Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.



Day 4:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 5:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 6:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 7:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 8:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 9:
Galápagos Islands. Travel ashore each day to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Each cruise will visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat. On the last night of your cruise, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER, ending an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D daily)

Day 10:
Galápagos (Disembarkation)–Guayaquil. Depart the Galápagos today for Guayaquil. Enjoy time in Guayaquil or relax at your hotel before your late-evening homebound flight departs. (B)

Please Note: Homebound flights may be booked for any time this day; accommodations are not provided this evening.

Day 11:
An early morning arrival is ideal for making homebound connections.


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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
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Single
(Land + Air)
7/9/2008 - 7/18/2008
$5,179
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7/30/2008 - 8/8/2008
$5,179
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10/8/2008 - 10/17/2008
$5,179
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11/5/2008 - 11/14/2008
$5,179
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12/10/2008 - 12/19/2008
$5,179
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1/21/2009 - 1/30/2009
$5,719
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2/4/2009 - 2/13/2009
$5,719
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3/18/2009 - 3/27/2009
$5,719
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4/15/2009 - 4/24/2009
$5,719
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5/20/2009 - 5/29/2009
$5,719
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6/3/2009 - 6/12/2009
$5,719
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7/8/2009 - 7/17/2009
$5,719
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8/5/2009 - 8/14/2009
$5,719
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9/23/2009 - 10/2/2009
$5,719
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10/7/2009 - 10/16/2009
$5,719
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11/4/2009 - 11/13/2009
$5,719
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12/9/2009 - 12/18/2009
$5,719
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1/20/2010 - 1/29/2010
$6,249
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2/3/2010 - 2/12/2010
$6,249
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3/17/2010 - 3/26/2010
$6,249
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4/14/2010 - 4/23/2010
$6,249
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QUITO
Sightseeing with a Local Guide, Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop and Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, Equatorial Monument, welcome dinner.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Seven nights cruising the Galápagos National Park aboard the La Pinta, Charles Darwin Research Station, guided sightseeing each day with a local naturalist, and a special farewell dinner.

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS

Examples of Islands visited:

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND:
Nesting colonies of magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas.

HOOD ISLAND:
Most southeastern island featuring eroded lava terrain. See Galápagos sea lions, lava lizards, Nazca boobies, and the only island with a Waved Albatrosses colony (May-December). Also see the famous blowhole!

FLOREANA ISLAND:
See flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, and sandpipers. Great snorkeling provides close-up views of the marine life like sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and possibly the Galápagos penguin. This island is also the site of Post Office Bay where you learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND:
The second-largest island boasts the largest human population, giant tortoises in the wild, and the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION. The highlands are great for birdwatching, walking through a Scalesia forest and seeing the twin pit craters Los Gemelos.

TOWER ISLAND:
Due to its northern isolation and the effect of northern currents, this island’s ecosystems are quite different from others. Possessing the most seabird diversity, you will find frigate birds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches, mockingbirds, and the short-eared owl. Good snorkeling is found here too—along with hammerhead sharks!

ISABELA ISLAND:
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favorite anchor for pirates and whalers old graffiti can still be found. The vegetation in the area includes the unusual Palo Santo trees—these white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. A walk takes you to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water and one of Isabela’s six volcanoes. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and wild, giant tortoises are a few species that call this island home.

FERNANDINA ISLAND:
The youngest of all islands is home of continuous volcanic activity and recent black lava flows. Considered by many to be one of the most pristine islands in the world due to the absence of introduced mammals. Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.

BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND:
The most photographed view of islands in the Galápagos is seen here with Pinnacle Rock. A great place for swimming and snorkeling with its numerous schools of tropical and subtropical fish, sea lions, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and Galápagos penguins.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.*

* Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises

Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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