Note: To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.

Arrive To: Arrive at Quito's international airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day.

Lodging: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Quito –
Colonial Quito, the First UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Equator

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Orientation to the program.

Explore Quito’s colonial center; the best preserved colonial and historic center in Latin America, starting with a panoramic view of the city at El Panecillo hill. Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (small bread roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. In present times, the hill is the site of a city monument and lookout point where visitors can get 360° views of Quito. On clear days, it is even possible to spot Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.

Afterwards continue to the colonial center. While walking through the narrow streets, you will learn about Quito’s rich history going from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial period, to the Republican era. Admire the wonderful architecture of its colonial buildings and the uniqueness of religious art pieces from the famous Quitenian School of art that combines the European Renaissance and Baroque styles with the indigenous and mestizo influences.



Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products.

Afternoon: After lunch, continue to the famous Middle of the World and celebrate the ability to be in both hemispheres at the same time - a once in a lifetime experience. Learn important facts, myths and legends about the Geography of Earth while visiting the Equator as well as the history of the first group of scientists who had the hard mission to determined Earth’s shape in 1743. Visit the Ethnographic museum where you will get a general vision about Ecuador’s demography, geography and economy.

Return to the hotel.

Lecture: Galapagos: A Natural Laboratory of Evolution and its Threats.



Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport.
Flight to Baltra Island, Galápagos (44 lb weight limit for checked luggage, please pack accordingly). Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito.

**Note: The Galápagos airline tickets are isued in Ecuador and held by the group leader for safekeeping. The airline tickets will be distributed to participants on-site.**

Lunch: Light lunch served on the flight.

Afternoon: Arrive to Baltra Island.

Baltra Island hosts one of the two available airports in the Galápagos Islands. The other airport is located on San Cristobal Island.

Transfer to pier to board yacht.
Welcome orientation and light snack.

Our first activity in the Galápagos will be a visit to North Seymour Island (dry landing).

North Seymour is well known to birders. It has one of the most active seabird breeding colonies in the archipelago. In April and May, Blue-footed boobies begin to perform their amusing mating dance. They oftentimes nest very near the trails, giving visitors the opportunity to get a closer view during the walks. Sea lions have a busy season from August to December, with females either mating, giving birth or tending to their pups. Watch out for protective mothers and aggressive males defending their harems.

Swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.

*Please note: Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are always subject to change by the Galápagos National Park. Itineraries are not guaranteed.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.


Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The visit to El Barranco (a.k.a. Prince Phillip's Steps) includes climbing/descending approximately 20 steep and irregular stone steps (there is a hand rail).

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Dry landing on Genovesa Island at Darwin's Bay.

Genovesa is a great place for a bird watching walk plus swimming or snorkeling at Darwin Bay. The island's volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush offer a prime habitat for the birds of the Galápagos. In March and April, male frigatebirds begin courtship rituals, showing off their inflated red pouches. By August, the island is full of Nazca Boobies (Masked Boobies) and Red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls can be found nesting. Darwin Bay is the caldera of an extinct volcano which has been partially eroded and offers superb swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Visit El Barranco (a.k.a Prince Phillip's Steps) on the southern part of Darwin's Bay, Genovesa Island. During the panga rides along the cliffs, look for fur seals and several species of seabirds.

Prince Phillip's Steps is a trail which leads up a steep rock staircase through squadrons of frigatebirds and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Red-footed Boobies perch on the branches of Palo Santo trees and Storm Petrels, which serve as prey for Short-eared Owls, are found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail.

The youngest area of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels. Two species of petrels can be seen here, nesting in cavities and holes in the lava. One is the Wooden Petrel, which feeds during the night, and the other is the endemic Galápagos Petrel that is active during the day.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Wet landing at Sullivan Bay.

Enjoy a walking field trip to observe the unique geological features of this island. Good walking shoes are a must--the volcanic terrain is sharp and rough.

Santiago, or San Salvador, is the fourth largest island in the Galapagos. A volcanic eruption that took place in the early 1900s formed huge lava flows in the area that is now Sullivan Bay. As the lava cooled off, it solidified into a black sheet of interesting shapes and textures that made its way to the sea. The rope-like lava seen on this island is called pahoehoe lava. Other interesting formations include lava bubbles and tree shapes, ghosts of Santiago's past. Few plant species have been able to root in this harsh environment. Although the volcanic formations on Santiago have the obvious spotlight, keep an eye out for American Oystercatchers nesting along the coast (July) and Galápagos Hawks performing their acrobatic courtship rituals (August).

Swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Wet landing on Rabida Island.

This afternoon, spend time on one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago, Rabida (Jervis) Island. It's famous red sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes and it is also a great snorkeling site. The island is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galápagos Hawks, and Brown Pelicans.

Swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos -
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station and Garrapatero Beach).

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Dry landing on Santa Cruz Island and field trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The objective of the CDRS is to conduct scientific research and environmental education to promote conservation of the islands' unique environments. The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world.

Board a bus and travel from Puerto Ayora to the mist-shrouded highlands of Santa Cruz Island to view Los Gemelos ("The Twins") craters.

The twin craters found at the highest point on Santa Cruz are actually giant sinkholes, and do not owe their existence to volcanic activity. They were created by erosion and the collapse of surface material into cracks and underground caves. Scalesia forests surround the sinkhole and are home to unique cloud forest vegetation.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Afternoon visit to Garrapatero Beach (dry landing).

El Garrapatero is an attractive beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Surrounded by mangroves and blessed with a fresh water lake, the site is a favorite hangout for flamingos and all nature of shore birds. Good water visibility and plentiful marine life make this a nice spot for snorkelers. February marks the nesting period for marine iguanas and by May their young begin to hatch.

Swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day’s activities.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Dry landing on Santa Cruz and walk on trails up to the lookout on Cerro Dragon.

Cerro Dragon ("Dragon Hill"), located on a northwestern corner of Santa Cruz, was named after a colony of land iguanas that inhabited the site in the 1970s. Flamingoes and shorebirds seasonally visit the lagoons in search of shrimp, appearing in larger numbers during the dryer season when the crustaceans are more plentiful. The rocky beach provides good snorkeling opportunities when the tide is high.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Navigate the waters of Eden Islet to view wildlife.

Swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day's activities and lecture.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos -
Floreana Island (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant and Devil's Crown).

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Wet landing at Post Office Bay.

The infamous Post Office Bay can be found on the northern side of Floreana Island. This is the site where whalers used to "mail" their correspondence. A barrel was used as a makeshift postbox, and held letters from sailors across the globe. If a passing ship happened to be heading where the mail was addressed to, the captain would collect and deliver it. Although the barrel is no longer the original one, the system still works since visitors continue to collect and drop off their letters and postcards.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Wet landing on Floreana Island at Punta Cormorant.

Floreana Island is the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has a colorful history, with varying accounts of how the island was settled and how its first residents (German immigrants) died or mysteriously disappeared. The only family remaining from the original settlements are the Wittmers who continue to live on the island.

A wet landing at Punta Cormorant will take us through a beach of greenish sand where sea lions like to congregate. The beach's unusual color is a result of the olivine crystals present in the sand. From here, a trail leads us to a lagoon where flamingoes can be found wading with other birds such as oystercatchers, and Black-necked Stilt. A white sandy beach near the lagoon is good for swimming and is a known nesting site for green sea turtles. Around January, pregnant females come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs (between 75-100 eggs per nest) before returning to sea. The eggs begin hatching in April and May.

Swimming and snorkeling activities at Devil's Crown.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Dry landing at Punta Suarez.

Our walking exploration will take us over loose boulders and challenging rocky ground as we make our way to view nesting boobies and the famous blowhole.

Punta Suarez, on the western side of Espanola Island, is home to the Galapagos Hawk and the red form of the marine iguana. In January, the iguanas change color, adopting bright hues that are attractive to potential mates. Visitors have a good chance of seeing Blue-footed Booby chicks around October. Espanola is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the look-out for these large and graceful flyers! Albatrosses display courtship behavior in April, nest and lay eggs in May, and by December the young fledge and leave for a few months before returning in March.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Onboard the yacht.


Afternoon: Wet landing at Gardner Bay.

Gardner Bay is situated on Espanola's eastern coast. Its beautiful white sand beach is usually dotted with sunbathing sea lions. The soft sand and clear waters make this a perfect location for snorkeling and swimming. In January, green sea turtles steal ashore under cover of night to dig pits and lay eggs before making their way back to sea. Eggs hatch from April to May.

Swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Onboard the yacht.


Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

Lodging: Galaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos and Flight to Quito-
San Cristobal Island (Interpretation Center).

Breakfast: Onboard the yacht.


Morning: Dry landing on San Cristobal Island and visit the Interpretation Center.

San Cristobal Island, also known as Chatham Island, is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago and the first island visited by Darwin during his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835. It is also the easternmost and the fifth largest island in the Galápagos, covering an area of 558 square kilometers. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on the southwestern side of San Cristobal, is the provincial capital and the second largest populated area in the Galápagos.

Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Quito.


Lunch: Light snack served on the flight.

Afternoon: Late afternoon arrival in Quito.
Transfer to the hotel.

Time at leisure to finish packing or relax before joining the rest of the group for dinner.


Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant, with scenic views of the city.

Lodging: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart From: Transfer to the international airport for flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

Breakfast: Early morning breakfast at the hotel restaurant (dependent on flight times).

Meals Included: Breakfast