Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

• Indicates day of cruising

Day 1 – Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Tauck's Galápagos Tour begins: Guayaquil International Airport one hour after the arrival of our selected flights(s). After your flight to Ecuador, get a good a night’s sleep so you’ll be rested and ready for your family's unforgettable Galápagos tour.

Lodging: Hotel Colon Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 2 – Explore Historic Guayaquil

Encounter the history and culture of Ecuador as you visit Guayaquil's Historical Park; walk through the Traditions Zone to learn about lifestyles, the Wildlife Zone to learn about Ecuador’s animals and plants, and the Urban-architectonic Zone to see ancient architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Colon Guayaquil, Ecuador

• Day 3 – Swimming Dinosaurs

Your family’s Galápagos tour begins today as you fly to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your expedition ship, the M/V Santa Cruz. Ride ashore on a panga to look for marine iguanas, lizards that are only found in the Galápagos – they look like swimming dinosaurs – and take a hike up Dragon Hill for more wildlife viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard M/V Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

• Day 4 – Tropical Penguins and a Lava Walk

At Bartolomé Island, view a panorama of life underwater from a glass-bottomed boat or snorkel in the warm, clear water. Look for tiny tropical Galápagos penguins, which are only found here. Roam the black lava landscape of Salvador Island with your family and encounter friendly Galápagos fur sea lions. This Galápagos tour is a great way to see these friendly mammals up close.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard M/V Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

• Day 5 – Funny birds and Giant TortoisesTake your picture with a giant tortoise

Meet Darwin's finches and other rare birds today on Rabida Island, with its red-colored beaches. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to see and learn about the famous Galápagos tortoises. Have your picture taken with them – these gentle giants aren’t at all camera-shy. Say hello to Lonesome George, an elderly tortoise thought to be the very last of his sub-species; your encounter will be a fond memory of your Galápagos tour.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard M/V Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

• Day 6 – Iguanas and more on Santa Cruz and North Seymour

Enjoy a special breakfast on Santa Cruz Island and a chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitats. On North Seymour Island, you’ll walk among huge colonies of blue-footed Boobies nesting on the ground and see how they live together and care for their young.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard M/V Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

• Day 7 – San Cristóbal Island / Fly to Guayaquil

At the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, discover the natural processes that have made the Galápagos Islands so unique. Hear about the conservation efforts being made to preserve this fragile wildlife wonderland. Back in Guayaquil, join us for a poolside farewell party as your Galápagos tour comes to a close.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Hilton Colon Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 8 – Homeward Bound

Galápagos Tour ends: Guayaquil International Airport 2 ½ hours before the departure of our selected flights(s). A transfer from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport is included. If you are departing at other times, you can take the hotel’s shuttle to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast