Let’s Go to the Galapagos!

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Galapagos on a beautiful deluxe yacht with a happy group of fellow dance-adventurers!  We have secured a private yacht and excellent tour provider at a special price, with many added features not available to the general public – including dancing while you adventure! 

                              Dates: May 14-23, 2024, onboard the Grand Queen Beatriz  

The “tour” cost is virtually all-inclusive and covers: 

• 2 nights at 5-star hotel in Quito, one each before and after the cruise (Le Parc Hotel, Quito: https://en.leparc.com.ec) 
• 7 nights/8 days onboard the ship
• R/T Airport transfer from Quito hotel to Galapagos Islands flight (2 total)
• R/T air flight from Quito to the Galapagos
• All meals onboard the ship and 2 in Quito (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners)
• All on-island excursions, guided walks, snorkeling, tours, etc (See list below*)
• Your own personal travel-concierge, world-class dance instructor, and all group dance lessons & social dance events on the ship and/or islands 
• Bilingual national park guide
• Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
• Purified drinking water, coffee, tea & some juices
• Fuel Surcharge

                       *Included activities on the Galapagos

• Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla Bartolome - Snorkeling (1.5 hours)
• Isla Bartolome - Panga ride (30 mins)
• Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
• Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Snorkeling (45 mins)
• Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla North Seymour - Snorkeling (1 hours)
• Isla Mosquera - Snorkeling (1 hour)
• Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)
• Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkeling or swimming (1 hour)
• Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkeling (1 hour)
• Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Rabida - Snorkeling (1 hour)
• Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

Not included are:

• Airfare to/from Quito
• Transfer from Quito International Airport to Quito Hotel (can purchase R/T transfer for $85, 1-2 people)
• Galapagos National Park entry fee ($120, cash only)
• Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance (required to go)
• lunch/dinner in Quito
• Any add-ons or excursions in Quito
• Soft drinks (colas/sodas, ice-tea, etc), Alcohol 
• Gratuities (approximately $200 pp, cash only)

Tour Cost per person: 

      =>  Junior Suite Cabins (Upper Deck): $8,300
      =>  Ocean View Cabins (Lower Deck):  $7,950  

Pre & Post Trip Extensions are available.  

          See details below

=============== Optional PRE-Galapagos Extension (PRE-Cruise) ===============
 

Banos & Cotopaxi 

Start/Finish:                  Quito, Ecuador
Accommodation:        2 Nights Hotel
Included:                        2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, Transportation, Hotel, 

                                         Full-Time English Speaking Guide, Park Fees

Not Included:               Other Meals, Alcohol, Tips, Sundries    
Transport:                     Per Daily Itinerary 

PRICE:       $745 Per Person  (Requires Minimum of 3 Participants); Single Supplement:  $200

Itinerary:

Day 0 (May 11 - Optional):  Overnight in Quito (not included in the excursion package) 

May we suggest arriving in Quito the evening before the excursion so that you have time to settle in and rest before being picked up on the morning of the 12th.  Extra nights in Quito are not included in the excursion package but can be purchased for $165/night per room on the checkout page.  We are staying at Le Parc Hotel, Quito (https://en.leparc.com.ec)

Day 1 (May 12):  Quito -> Baños De Agua Santa    (Meals Included: N/A)

In the morning you start your route to Baños de Agua Santa, commonly referred to as Baños, a charming town located in the Tungurahua Province of Ecuador. Known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and outdoor adventures. At midday, enjoy lunch (own expense) and continue to Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), known for its powerful cascade and impressive viewpoint. You can also visit other nearby waterfalls such as Manto de la Novia. Later, you will visit Casa del Árbol, It is a must-visit attraction that offers an exhilarating experience like no other. Known for its iconic "swing at the end of the world," this enchanting spot attracts adventurers and nature lovers from around the globe.  At night, you will have time to explore the city and sample the local cuisine.

Included activities:  Baños hiking;  Casa del Árbol hiking;  Pailón del Diablo hiking

Accommodation:  La Floresta Hotel, double rooms.

Day 2 (May 13):  Baños De Agua Santa –> Quilotoa –> Cotopaxi. (Meals Included: Breakfast).

We depart from Baños after breakfast and start your scenic journey towards Cotopaxi National Park.  At midday you will arrive in Quilotoa Lagoon in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, a stunning turquoise crater lake nestled within the Quilotoa Caldera. It is a popular tourist destination due to its mesmerizing beauty and unique geological features; here you will have time for lunch to enjoy typical Ecuadorian food.   Finally, you continue your trip to Cotopaxi National Park. It is home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi, standing proudly at over 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). The snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi creates a breathtaking backdrop against the vivid blue skies, offering a sight that will leave you in awe. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a wide array of wildlife, including rare species such as the Andean condor, llamas, and the elusive Andean fox. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will find themselves immersed in a paradise of natural wonders, with abundant ora and fauna to Discover and appreciate.

Your second day concludes at Cuello De Luna Hotel, which is also located in Cotopaxi National Park.

Included activities: Quilotoa – hiking; Cotopaxi – hiking

Accommodation:  Cuello de Luna Hotel, double rooms.

Day 3 (May 14):  Cotopaxi National Park -> Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Meals Included: Breakfast).

The morning of the last day you start your return trip to Quito as we approach the end of our journey together.  The transportation will drop you off at the La Parc Hotel in Quito where you will have the day free to explore the city before the group meeting with everyone at 6pm 

=============== Optional POST-Galapagos Extension (POST-Cruise) ===============

GALAPAGOS EXTENSION: Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island 

Start/Finish:        Santa Cruz Island - >Baltra Island -> Quito        

Included:                      2 Nights Hotel, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, Transportation, Hotel, 

                                      Full-Time English Speaking Guide, Park Fees

Not Included:              Other Meals, Alcohol, Tips, Sundries, Insurance    

Transport:                    Per Daily Itinerary 

PRICE:        $855 Per Person  (Requires Minimum of 3 Participants);  Single Supplement:  $105

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

=> Additional Transfers (if not traveling with the group transfer) 1-3 pax: $95

=> Additional Post-Tour Accommodation in Santa Cruz $95.00

Itinerary:

Day 1: May 22

Destination: Rancho El Manzanillo + Garrapaterro (Meals Included: Lunch)

On the morning you finish your cruise aboard the Grand Queen Beatriz, our guide will pick you up at the Charles Darwin Station to continue your activities in the Galapagos islands. Your first visit is in the highland of Isla Santa Cruz. Here you can observe the giant tortoises roaming the wild – your naturalist guide will fill you in on the lives and habits of these fascinating creatures.

In El Manzanillo ranch you may opt to have a “Trapiche experience”. A trapiche typically refers to a traditional sugar mill or sugarcane press used to extract juice from sugarcane for making sugar or other products.

At El Manzanillo Ranch, you'll enjoy a satisfying lunch. Following that, your next adventure awaits at Garrapatero Beach. Renowned for its tranquil waters, this beach is perfect for engaging in water-based activities. You'll have ample time to relish the shoreline and partake in snorkeling, immersing yourself in the aquatic wonders.

Included Activities: Highlands – Hiking; Garrapatero Beach – Snorkeling

Accommodation: Lobo de Mar – double rooms.

Day 2: May 23

Destination: Tortuga Bay + free time (Meals Included: Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will go kayaking at Tortuga Bay. Tortuga Beach, located on Santa Cruz Island, is a pristine white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters and backed by lush green vegetation. As you step onto the soft sand, you'll immediately feel the tranquillity and natural beauty that defines the Galapagos Islands. Here, you may encounter marine iguanas basking in the sun, sally light foot crabs scuttling across the rocks, and various shorebirds such as pelicans and herons searching for their next meal. Be sure to bring your camera to capture these incredible moments and the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Following lunch, you'll have leisure time to explore Puerto Ayora at your own pace and savour the myriad offerings this island holds. From shops and authentic eateries to charming cafes, you can choose your own adventure.

Included Activities: Tortuga Bay – Kayaking

Accommodation: Lobo de Mar – double rooms.

Day 3: May 24

Destination: Puerto Ayora –> Baltra Airport -> Quito (Meals Included: Breakfast).

Early in the morning on your last day you'll be transported to Baltras Island to start your return trip to Quito. We extend our sincerest gratitude for choosing to embark on this extraordinary adventure with us. 

Included Activities: Group airport departure transfer

Daily group classes will include a mix of morning and/or afternoon sessions in a variety of mostly swing & blues dance styles (ECS, Lindy, blues, blues-swing fusion, etc), with a strong emphasis on both partnering & connection as well as introducing fun new step patterns and stylings.  

Other group activities may include afternoon & evening dances, a cocktail social hour, games night, as well as many other fun "non-dancing" activities.  So many options, so little time!

The Galapagos Islands are a largely untouched natural paradise. In order to experience the splendor of the diverse landscapes and waters, the included activities on this trip often require a moderate level of fitness. We ask that you read the itinerary carefully to ensure that you will be able to participate fully.

Our smaller-sized ship makes cruising from island to island a breeze so you can spend more time exploring the gorgeous surrounds than stuck onboard. Compact size means that the steps between the decks are steep, and as they are designed to maximize living area space, sleeping quarters are cosy.

For getting to small islets, coves and prime snorkeling spots, it is sometimes necessary to use a Zodiac boat (panga). You will need to be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.

The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.

Things are never set in stone when you’re traveling on island time. A sense of humor and flexibility will ensure you have a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world no matter what happens. While the crew will do their best to follow the itinerary, variations may occur due to weather or under direction from local authorities.

You will want to fly in and out of the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (airport code: UIO).  We will have one overnight stay in Quito both before the Galapagos cruise and after at Le Parc Hotel, Quito (https://en.leparc.com.ec).  Plan to arrive on May 14th (or May 11th if you are doing the pre-trip extension).  Plan to depart Quito May 23rd

Travel insurance is required for all of our international trips and will help protect both your investment and our vendors should you need to cancel.  We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers COVID-19, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. 

There are many companies that offer travel insurance. 

=> You can sign up for one such policy during the payment checkout portion of this registration. 

=>  If you are a AAA member, you may want to check with them as well.

=> One of our venders recently recommended Allianz Global Assistance. Covid coverage is available through them. You can contact the Allianz reservations team at  866 884-3556.  

=> Another option is to purchase insurance through our affiliate company, World Nomads* 

 CLICK HERE to contact them.

*PLEASE NOTE:  We do not represent World Nomads.  As an affiliate, we receive a small commission when you get a quote from them using the link provided.  This is information only and not a requirement to buy travel insurance through this company.

Once you have purchased your travel insurance, please let us know the company name, contact information, and policy number you have with them.

Should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, celiac, vegan, severe food allergies) it's essential that you inform us of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure in order to make sure the chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.

PASSPORT

You will need a current passport to enter Ecuador.  The expiration date on your passport should be no less than 6 months after the last day of your visit.  

ECUADOR VISA

Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians and British do not currently require a visa for Ecuador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government agency in your country of origin.

CLICK HERE for our best tips on travel preparation and packing from our WWDA Website.

Know before you go – take a look at the great information here.  Note – shots are not required to visit the Galapagos, but please evaluate your needs and check with your doctor.  CLICK HERE for a Galapagos Island check list specifically

Here is an excellent packing list from our tour provider:  CLICK HERE 

WORLDWIDE DANCE ADVENTURES (WWDA) CANCELLATION POLICY: 

1)  You will receive a full refund minus a $150 cancellation fee if cancelled within 14 days of your registration and greater than 180 days prior to the trip.  You will receive a 50% refund minus a $150 cancellation fee if cancelled after 14 days of registering but more than 180 days prior to the trip.  Within 180 days of the trip, all purchases will be final.  If you are cancelling due to your own health or to the health of a family member, your travel insurance should be able to reimburse you for the cost (check your insurance policy for details).

2)  If you need to cancel for any reason, your ticket is fully transferable (minus a $150 administration fee) contingent upon confirmation and approval from Worldwide Dance Adventures.  The other person will need to register separately online for the trip and let us know on that form that this is a transferred ticket (not purchased). They will also need to pay any cost differentials.

3)  If the trip has to be cancelled by the organizers for any reason, Worldwide Dance Adventures will first attempt to reschedule.  If you are unable to attend the new dates, a full refund will be given, minus any credit card or PayPal fees accrued. 

4)  It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. By making a deposit you agree to the above terms of Service and Cancellation Policy.

Passport & Visa

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Liability:

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: 

We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

If you have any questions, please contact us at danceadventures@comcast.net

If you are unable to join us this year but would be interested in a Galapagos trip at any time in the future, join our "Galapagos Dance Adventure" Facebook group to learn about those opportunities when they arise.  CLICK HERE to join. 

On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, if you bought the hotel transfer package, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (Le Parc Hotel, Quito: https://en.leparc.com.ec). Otherwise you will need to find your own transportation to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure. 

A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm when you meet others traveling with you on your sail to the Galapagos Islands. As today is an arrival day, you can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this meeting. After the meeting, we will have a big group welcome dinner and dance.

Quito sits at high altitude under the towering Pichincha volcano. It is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most beautiful in South America. The city stretches along the valley and is surrounded by the Andes. The Old Town of Quito is awash with history, with more than 30 churches to explore, and a number of fascinating museums. La Compania de Jesus is considered to be the most beautiful and ornate churches in the Americas. The city's oldest street, Calle La Ronda, is well worth exploring. 

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time can be as early as 4:30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a 1-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. (Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the welcome meeting).

The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil to pick up other passengers. (Total flight time is about 3.5 hours). 

You will be met in the arrival hall of the airport by the National Park Guide, and transferred to your boat, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – a first-class boat with all of the creature comforts you’ll need. 

This afternoon you will travel into the interior of Isla San Cristobal to visit the highlands site of ‘Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado’ (Red Hill) where the national park has established a breeding program and information centre for native tortoises. Here, we will be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.

Having cruised overnight, arrive at Bartolome – one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic cones, lava flows, and home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards.

Bartolome is a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as seen by the amazing lunar-like landscape. The Pinnacle Rock is one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos – a rock structure protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays.

Head to nearby Isla Santiago, where you can hike to the top of a once-active volcano (360 wooden steps) and enjoy superb views across to Sullivan Bay. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glance of the Galapagos Hawk. You also have the opportunity to go snorkeling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and (hopefully) penguins.

On Santiago's eastern coast sits James Island. Here, take a walk on Pahoe-Hoe lava, from an eruption that occurred in 1897, and witness the regrowth of unique plant species since the last eruption. Look out for marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins. On a walk, your guide will explain the interesting geological history of the islands.

Start the morning at Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Santiago in James Bay – one of the most idyllic locations in the Galapagos. With large waves, it is often a favorite among travelers who are beach lovers, and is also an important nesting site for marine turtles.

Look around and see Galapagos hawks, ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans up close. Espumilla is also well known for its forest of palo santo trees and some extraordinary lava formations.

You will also visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. This cove was used by pirates to careen their ships. It is a place of local legends and stories, including where Charles Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favorable, you can enjoy some further snorkeling.

Next stop, Puerto Egas: a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay and northwest of Santiago. South of the beach is Sugarloaf Volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff. This site is named Puerto Egas, after Hector Egas who last attempted to mine salt here. On the walk along the beach, you’ll encounter hundreds of marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. You will also see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow and home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. Snorkeling with the seals always offers the possibility of thrilling encounters.

Today you will visit Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. 

The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You will also see baby tortoises and land iguanas.

Afterwards, head up into the highlands for a total change of scenery. Beginning at the coast you'll travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests – the journey taking about 45 minutes. This is a lush humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands. Plus, you are likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and perhaps even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!

Take a morning excursion to North Seymour, which is one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. The trail on North Seymour crosses inland through the island and then explores the rocky coast. Along the way, the trail passes colonies of blue footed boobies and frigate birds. 

The magnificent frigate bird, a large black bird with a long wingspan and a hooked beak, is extremely fast and has excellent vision. Frigate birds are known for the large red pouch on their necks. During mating season, the males throw back their heads, inflate the pouch (sometimes to the size of a soccer ball), and shake – trying to capture the attention of female frigates. Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the palo santos trees, while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes. 

Your walk is followed by snorkeling where you will discover a colorful variety of fish and, possibly, some white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions.

After lunch, visit the small sandy island of Mosquera: a relaxing stop situated between Baltra and North Seymour. Along the rocks and in the tide pool, Sally Lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. These crabs with their bright red shell tops and blue under shells are stunning against the black lava. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkeling here.

Today you will take a panga (Zodiac boat) to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Paddle among the cove’s peaceful waters, for your first taste of the underwater riches of this region – it’s a wonderful place to see green turtle and is a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. There is also abundant birdlife, such as the yellow warblers and lava herons. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it is not uncommon to see them mating.

In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) this afternoon - one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands. From our dry landing we walk to a brackish lagoon frequented by lagoon birds including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and occasionally flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal location for birdwatching with Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers all regulars here. The path can be challenging but it will be worth it with a spectacular view of the bay!

Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It's shaped like a Chinese hat (Sombrero Chino) when seen from afar, and is geologically fascinating, with many lava tubes leading from the cone to the coast. We approach Sombrero Chino via a beautiful crescent-shaped, sandy beach that is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep a look out for Galapagos penguins on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, opposite Sombrero Chino. Follow a trail that circles the cove and passes through colonies of sea lions marine iguanas. The cove also offers some great snorkeling opportunities, hopefully with sightings of some penguins and sharks. 

On to Isla Rabida, also known as Jervis Island, which is a tiny island sitting roughly five kilometers south of Santiago, having one of the most striking of the archipelago. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the native wildlife has now been returned to a state of isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced a vivid spectrum of colors, not least the red sand beaches and scarlet cliffs. 

From the shore, the trail leads through to what is one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for viewing flamingos. Rabida is also a wonderful place to spot nesting pelicans. Elsewhere, spot pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions. There is an opportunity for snorkeling in a cove full of sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish.

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, it is an early start for our last morning on the islands. Depending on the time of our flight, our time spent on this final excursion could be limited.

Today you will take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, which was so named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sand beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island are a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle, and marine iguanas are also commonly seen. The sand here is particularly white and soft, as it is made of decomposed coral. The rocks provide great snorkeling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingo, whimbrel and great blue herons. This is your final excursion before you return to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. 

Upon arrival in Quito Airport (approximately 4 pm) you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay. Our local representative may stop by at your hotel this evening to get your feedback on your Galapagos experience.  We will have a big group farewell dinner and dance to celebrate the end of our wonderful adventure together.

After breakfast, there are no activities planned, so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, including an Urban Adventures tour that may take your fancy. Explore Ecuadorian food culture and taste traditional ingredients on the Quito Market Discovery Tour, where you’ll visit an authentic market and ride a cable car to the top of Pichincha to view the expansive city (see urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours). 

 As this trip spends very little time in Quito, we recommend you spend a few extra days before or after your trip to experience all the city has to offer. You may even wish to explore further beyond the city and visit Otavalo, Cotopaxi, the Cloud Forest or the Equatorial Monument.  If you wish to stay in Quito, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability), or otherwise can assist you in booking a departure transfer to the airport.