Monserrat

Enjoy the fantastic Galapagos Islands! You will be drawn into a living laboratory of nature and will study how animals adapted to these islands, each of which is entirely unique. You observe and interact with wildlife close-up like nowhere in the world - these animals have no fear of humans and can be approached closely - but not touched. You can swim and snorkel with sea lions and sit right next to giant tortoises!

You will be going on the M/Y Monserrat, a naval steel boat totally refurbished in 2004 when it received an “A” qualification for serving passengers on the Galapagos Islands. The Monserrat is equipped with all navigation and security standards required by the National Park.

Facilities on board: 8 double Cabins with twin lower beds, private bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning, Dinning room, bar, sun deck, TV, VHS, 110 AC.

Important information: this tour will be adapted to your exact dates and can be customized to meet all your interests and needs; however we recommend you to arrive in Quito at least on a Wednesday or Sunday for convenience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday: Arrival in Quito.

At your arrival in Quito our representative will welcome you and transfer to Café Cultura Hotel.

Day 2: Thursday: Flight Quito Baltra.

Morning: After breakfast, we will drive you to the airport to take the flight to San Cristobal where you will start your Galapagos adventure aboard the Monserrat Motor Yacht.

Afternoon: visit to Loberia and Highlands of San Cristobal.
San Cristobal or Chatham is the easternmost island of Galapagos and is also one of the oldest. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part of the island and rich vegetation in the southern portion characterize the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the principal town is the provincial capital and the second largest settlement area in the islands. San Cristobal is home to one of the two airport in the Galapagos Islands and many visitors will begin and end their tour here.

(B, L, D)

Day 3: Friday.

Morning and afternoon: visit to Española: Punta Suarez (Hood Island) and Bahia Gardner.
Punta Suarez is famous for its enormous variety of wildlife: boobies, albatrosses, hawks, doves, finches as well as sea lions and iguanas. The only nocturnal gulls in the world can be seen here. You will observe blowholes where the water from incoming ocean waves will shoot dozens of feet in the air like a geyser. Don't get too close or you may get wet!

(B, L, D)

Day 4: Saturday.

Morning and afternoon: visit to Santa Fe and Plazas.
Keep your eyes open and if are lucky, you'll see the Santa Fe Land Iguana, found nowhere else in the world. Santa Fe land iguanas aren't as colorful as the iguanas on Plazas, but they're big and fun to watch.
This is also a great place for snorkeling. The waters in the cove are a radiant green, and here you can see sea turtles gracefully swimming by. There's also a big colony of sea lions - something you'll never tire of watching in the Galapagos.
(B, L, D)

Day 5: Sunday.

Morning and afternoon: Isla Lobos and La Galapaguera.
Lobería or Islas Lobos or Tijeretas or El Junco and Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island.
Isla Lobos means ”Sea-Lion Island”, and the name is certainly appropriate because they frolic, leap and make a racket here. It is also a nesting place for Blue-footed Boobies and a good place for snorkeling. The boat will have equipment for you.
(B, L, D)

Day 6: Monday. Flight to Quio.

Morning and afternoon: Charles Darwin Station.
You will visit this famous station and have a chance to interact with the scientists there and ask questions about their work and the future of the islands. The Darwin Station is primarily a scientific operation that conducts research and assists other researches within the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve. The information from this research is given to the Galapagos National Park Service and the Ecuadorian Government to better protect and maintain this scientific treasure. The work done here is published in scientific journals and reports. It is also used in interpretive displays for visitors and becomes part of the environmental education process for the younger generation to preserve the islands.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Quito.
Arrival in Quito, transfer to Café Cultura Hotel.
The Cafe Cultura is a wonderful boutique hotel in a nice neighborhood of Quito. It's antique decor is a delight to the eyes! There are many wall paintings and the furniture matches perfectly with the atmosphere. You can go for a walk in the safe neighbor and find restaurants and bars nearby. You will never forget this hotel!

Overnight in Quito.
(B, D)

Day 7: Tuesday. Quito City Tour and Mitad del Mundo.

Morning: After breakfast we will start our Quito city tour which includes visits to the “ Guapulo Mirador”, passing through the 12th of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated. Then we go on through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church, here we will have short stop at the “San Juan Mirador” having a beautiful view of Colonial Quito. We continue our tour, walking through the colonial streets stopping at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, and the archiepiscopal palace. Then we will visit La Compañia Church where many adornments and golden altars are admired. Then we visit San Francisco Cathedral which was built in the XVII century. Next we travel out of the city to visit Mitad del Mundo, the Equatorial marker where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. Your tour includes a visit to the excellent ethnographic museum where you get an overview of the Ecuador's amazing cultural diversity.

International Flight.
Pm. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
(B)

Price Inclusive:

2,850 US $ per person in double occupancy.

Price includes:

• All transfers airport Hotel airport in Quito and Galapagos Islands.
• Guided city tour of Quito and Mitad del Mundo includes: Guide, transport and entrance fee.
• Flight Ticket Quito Galapagos Quito.
• Four night cruise in Galapagos. Includes: All transfers in Galapagos, 5 day cruise on board of Monserrat Motor Yacht in double twin Cabin with all facilities, all meals during the cruise, multilingual naturalist guide, purified water free for drink, coffee or tea.
• Two nights of accommodation in Quito with breakfast.
• English speaking Guide for all tours.
• Our 24 hour Assistance during your entire trip in Ecuador.
• Confirmation of Domestic & International flights.

Price does not include:

• Alcoholic drinks.
• International Air fare.
• International flight airport tax: US$38.
• Entrance Fee to the Galapagos National Park: US$100 per person.
• Beverages.
• Tips.