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Five women wearing sun hats stand at a wooden railing overlooking a lush green crater in the Galapagos Santa Cruz Highlands.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Natural & Cultural Wonders: A Galápagos Voyage for Women

Program No. 23941RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 10B, 8L, 9D )
3 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Quito Elevation: 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. 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. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1.5 riding time. Walking approximately 1.5 miles; mostly flat terrain, some steps. Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes suggested for today's activities. This leisurely-paced day in Quito is very important as it will give the group time to acclimate to highland elevations.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: 8:00 a.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We'll review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will start our day with a visit to the Iñaquito Market, where we will see first-hand the abundant natural resources Ecuador has, including the great variety of fruits, vegetables, and fish plus many more natural products used in traditional medicine in the Andes. Afterwards we'll ride to the center of the city for an orientation to Ecuador’s capital. We'll accompany the Group Leader in a walking exploration of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning about Quito's history from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial Period, to the Republican Era. The architecture found in Quito’s historical center is a great example of the Baroque style which is a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art. Our field trip will include visits to the San Francisco Church and Convent and the Plaza Grande.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant including an introduction to typical Ecuadorian food products and cuisine.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will ride to La Carolina Park in preparation for a visit to Quito's internationally-acclaimed Botanical Garden. Ecuador is among the world’s top 20 most biodiverse nations in both plant and animal species. We’ll learn about the country’s unique flora and the regions in which they grow as we accompany our Group Leader on a walking exploration of the gardens. Although a few collections feature exotics from other countries, the primary focus of the exhibits is on native flora—including an extensive orchidarium and an ethnobotanical garden—that are representative of the country’s various regions. Before we return to our hotel for dinner, we'll enjoy an expert presentation on the ecosystems of Ecuador.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare luggage for early check out and flights to the Galápagos. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss sites because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.
Activity Note
The flight to/from the Galapagos takes approximately 2.5 hours and makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain onboard during the stop. This flight allows each person to bring a 50 lb checked bag/suitcase, plus a carry on. Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito until our return. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are determined by the Galápagos National Park. The park reserves the right to change cruise itineraries without prior notice.
Breakfast:
Early, at the hotel.
Morning:
Hotel check out. After boarding the bus we will transfer to the airport in preparation for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our Quito Group Leader will assist us with check-in procedures and bid us farewell as we proceed through security and get ready to embark on our flight. Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands we'll deplane and walk across the tarmac to the airport building and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. With passport in hand we will stop at the Immigration counter for an inspection of our travel documents before we can proceed to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we will meet our naturalist Galápagos Group Leader and take a bus to the pier and embark on the yacht. Once on board, we'll take part in a welcome orientation and a safety drill.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
Wet landing at Playa las Bachas for a field trip to a flamingo lagoon. Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Playa las Bachas is also a great location for viewing migratory and aquatic birds. The name of this location dates back to WWII, when the U.S. army abandoned two barges on the beach. Locals found it hard to pronounce the word "barges" in English; over time, the common mispronunciation of the word became the norm, resulting in the name Playa las Bachas. Opportunity for snorkeling and/or swimming before returning to our vessel.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht, after a welcome cocktail with the crew.
Evening:
Orientation to the next day's activities.
Activity Note
Prince Philip's Steps: difficult dry landing onto rocky shore; ascending/descending a steep stone staircase (about 40 steps) carved into the approximately 82-foot stone cliff. The staircase has a wooden railing; individual steps are irregular in both shape and size and oftentimes slippery. Darwin Bay: Easy to moderate hike on coral sand and slabs of lava. The trail is approximately .9 miles in length. When the tide is high, parts of the trail might be covered in water.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
After a panga ride and wet landing, we will accompany our naturalist leader on a walking exploration of Darwin Bay in search of pelagic species. The island's volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush offer a prime habitat for the birds of the Galápagos. In March and April, male frigate birds 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. Opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and/or kayaking before returning to the yacht.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
Dry landing at Prince Phillip's Steps (a.k.a. El Barranco). After climbing the stone steps we will walk on local trails in search of local birds. The Prince Phillip's Steps visitor site includes a steep stone staircase and a rocky trail that extends for approximately 1 mile through squadrons of frigate birds 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. We'll return to the yacht in time for dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Enjoy an expert presentation by our naturalist Group Leader, followed by an orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change).
Activity Note
South Plaza: dry landing and moderate difficulty due to slippery rocks and uneven trail conditions. Santa Fe: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, uneven trail conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
Following our dry landing on Plaza Sur (South Plaza) Island we will embark on a walking field trip on rocky trails in search of local flora and fauna. As we follow the trail to a cactus forest, we hope to get a closer look at land iguanas and their habitat before moving on in search of local sea lion colonies. Sea lions usually give birth from August - November and females begin mating within weeks of having their young. South Plaza is also a great place for viewing seabirds in flight including Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other pelagic species.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
Wet landing on a small beach on Santa Fe Island; a favorite sea lion hangout. We'll walk along a short looping trail that runs close to the beach. On the trail we will have the opportunity to get close-up views of the large Santa Fe Opuntia cactus while we look for Santa Fe land iguanas and Galapagos hawks. Opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and/or kayaking before returning to the yacht.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Orientation of next day's activities.
Activity Note
Santa Cruz Highlands: dry landing and moderate to difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven (and possibly muddy) trails. Driving approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
We will tender ashore to Santa Cruz Island, then we'll board a bus and ride to the highlands. Our naturalist will lead us on a walking field trip on local trails and lightly wooded areas to view native forests and the Twin Craters. Then we'll drive to a nearby farm and walk on grassy trails in search of giant tortoises living in the wild. We'll learn more about their diet, breeding habits and overall biology as we observe them in their natural habitat. In addition to giant tortoises, Santa Cruz is home to several species of Darwin's finches as well as Yellow Warblers, Galápagos Rails and Paint-billed Crakes. A dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels into the highland region of the island.
Lunch:
At a local ranch in the highlands.
Afternoon:
Our bus will deliver us to Puerto Ayora in preparation for our field trip to the Fausto Llerena Center inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. Our naturalist will lead us on foot through the facility and introduce us to the station's mission and its tortoise breeding projects. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station based on Santa Cruz Island and operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The organization plays an important role in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation efforts in the islands. The station conducts its projects with the help of a large team of scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Late afternoon return to the yacht.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Orientation of next day's activities.
Activity Note
Post Office Bay: easy trail conditions. Mirador la Baronesa: walking on trails, including uphill sections. Punta Cormorant: wet landing and easy trail conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
After a wet landing at Post Office Bay, we’ll walk along a sandy path to a historic spot once used by whalers to "mail" their correspondence. Sailors ingeniously used a barrel 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. Then we'll hike on an uphill trail to the lookout point known as Mirador de la Baronesa. The location was named after one of Floreana's early residents, the Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner. We'll stop at the mirador for a chance to enjoy the stunning views of the bay before continuing on to the ruins of her home and learn about the island's early settlers. Return to the yacht.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
We'll navigate to Champion Islet and then make a wet landing on the green beach at Punta Cormorant, Floreana. During our walking explorations we hope to observe shorebirds and flamingos at the local lagoon and spot endemic plants such as Scalesia vellosa and Lecocarpus pinaffitidus. We will most likely have the chance to spot sea lions lounging lazily on the beach. 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 flamingos 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. Opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the yacht.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Enjoy an expert presentation by our naturalist Group Leader, followed by an orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change).
Activity Note
Punta Suarez: dry landing and difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven terrain. Gardner Bay: wet landing and easy, sandy trail conditions. Osborn and Gardner Islets: panga ride.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
We'll make a dry landing at Punta Suarez this morning in preparation for our approximately 2 hour hike. 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 is home to the Galápagos 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. Española is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the lookout 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. A panga will take us back to the yacht in time for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
Following a panga ride to Española we will make a wet landing at the white sand beach in Gardner Bay. A short walk and swimming/snorkeling activities off the beach will give us the opportunity to relax in one of the islands' most beautiful locations. Gardner Bay's white beach is usually dotted with large quantities of sunbathing sea lions, especially during breeding season which takes place from May through January. This is also an important nesting site for sea turtles! 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. After our visit to Gardner Bay we will enjoy a panga ride around Osborn and Gardner Islets before returning to the yacht.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Orientation of next day's activities.
Activity Note
Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock): no landing. Cerro Brujo: wet landing and easy walking on sandy trails. Isla Lobos: panga ride and snorkeling.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
We'll navigate around Leon Dormido (a.k.a. Kicker Rock) to get a closer look at the iconic stone formation and search for nesting sea birds. The tuff-rock, which rises almost 500 feet from the ocean, has eroded to give it the shape seen as a shoe or sleeping lion. We will be on the lookout for Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and frigatebirds dotting its cliffs. Then we will make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo and begin walking on a white sand beach that is often frequented by lively sea lions. Return to the yacht.
Lunch:
Aboard the yacht.
Afternoon:
We'll board pangas and navigate around Isla Lobos in search of sea birds and sea lions often seen along the rocky coastline. There will be an opportunity to snorkel before heading back to the yacht. Be on the lookout for sea turtles, rays, and frolicking sea lions. Next, we'll sail to nearby San Cristobal and make a dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Then we will accompany our naturalist on a walking exploration of the town. At the end of our activities we'll board pangas and make our way back to the yacht.
Dinner:
Aboard the yacht.
Evening:
Orientation of next day's activities. Prepare luggage for final disembarkation.
Activity Note
Black Turtle Cove: no landing, dinghy ride. The flight to Quito takes approximately 2.5 hours; there is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage. Participants with international flights departing very late this evening/before dawn next morning will check out of the hotel after dinner and transfer to the airport for airline check in. Please see notes section for more options.
Breakfast:
Aboard the yacht.
Morning:
Early this morning we will navigate by panga to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island to observe its rich marine life. As we maneuver around the inlet and into the cove we'll shut down the engines and quietly glide along the mangroves, looking for birds and marine life. The experience will be enhanced by our naturalist's expert commentary and spotting skills. If lucky, we might get to see white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays. Upon our return to the yacht, we will set sail to Baltra Island in preparation for our flight to Quito. From the pier we will board a bus to the airport and then we'll bid farewell to our Galápagos Group Leader and the Islas Encantadas. The flight to Quito makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain on board.
Lunch:
On your own, at the airport. Sandwiches, empanadas and snacks are available for purchase after going through security
Afternoon:
Late afternoon arrival in Quito. We'll board a bus to our hotel and check in, followed by free time to finish packing or relax before joining the rest of the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. During a farewell dinner, share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and flights to North America. Participants with international flights departing very late this evening/before dawn next morning will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in preparation for airline check in.
Activity Note
Hotel check out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s preparatory information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel (dependent on flight times) This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Jun 09, 2027 - Jun 19, 2027
Jul 21, 2027 - Jul 31, 2027
Aug 11, 2027 - Aug 21, 2027
Sep 15, 2027 - Sep 25, 2027
Oct 06, 2027 - Oct 16, 2027
Nov 10, 2027 - Nov 20, 2027
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 11, 2027
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2027 Itinerary Differences: This program date sails on the Tip Top II. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.