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Ecuador Wildlife Tour in Quito and the Galapagos aboard the Seaman Journey

Join Latin Trails on a captivating adventure with their Quito and Galapagos tour aboard the Seaman Journey. This tour seamlessly blends cultural exploration in Quito with unparalleled natural beauty in the Galapagos, promising a truly unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in Quito's rich history and culture and learn to appreciate iconic wildlife.

Key information

  • Private or group wildlife tour
  • Maximum group size of 16 participants
  • Starts and ends in Quito
  • Naturalist bilingual guide - level II or III (English and Spanish)
  • Children from four to 18 years old can join under the supervision of a parent or guardian
  • Park fee and local taxes not included

Highlights

  • Marvel at several endemic species, including the lava lizard and chatham leaf-toed gecko
  • Walk through the street of the seven crosses and see other cultural attractions
  • Experience a tradition dating back to the 18th century at Post Office Bay
  • Intimate journey with personalized and comfortable travel arrangements
  • Experience unmatched service from Latin Trails' acclaimed crew
  • 6 nights accommodation at a hotel and on board
  • Enjoy exquisite cuisine on every stage of your journey
  • Park fee and local taxes not included

Skill level

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate

Styles


7 activity days in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: Maximum of 16 participants
Airport transfer included: Mariscal Sucre International Airport
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Accommodation

Illa Experience Hotel (2 nights)

The Illa Experience Hotel in Quito offers more than just luxury accommodations. It's a homage to tradition, culture, and the essence of Ecuador. The hotel believes that remembering is an art, a way to honor roots and enrich the present. The hotel evokes memories of laughter-filled family gatherings and comforting embraces.

Every corner of the hotel tells a story, inviting guests to connect with their heritage and savor the moments that shaped Ecuadorian culture. At Illa Experience Hotel, Ecuadorian traditions are shared with guests. Every detail there is crafted to evoke the essence of Ecuadorian life.

The hotel was born as the first luxury experience hotel in Quito, Ecuador, with the concept of renewing and reconstructing the meaning of luxury travel. Its name, 'Illa', represents "sacred light" and "good fortune," and symbolizes the light they want to transmit to all their visitors and tourists in Quito, Ecuador.

Being a boutique hotel, which they consider a 17th century house, Illa Experience Hotel shares a journey through time of family traditions, history, and stories of love, community, and unity. Its team are the descendants of a hard-working family who has dedicated their entire life to teaching them that hard work, honesty, and love are the key values to growth.

They have worked in the tourism industry for over 30 years - discovering, exploring new routes, and sharing their knowledge with travelers from all over the world. They decided to create Illa Experience Hotel as an approach to merge their own traditions with tourism, and share their view of how they see their city and their country.

Illa wants to show all of its guests how Quito has changed throughout time and for that reason, it has been designed in three main epochs: colonial, republican, and contemporary, in a harmonious design.

A key location in Quito

  • In the picturesque neighborhood of San Marcos
  • Close to museums, restaurants, and artist workshops in addition to a charming central plaza - plenty of things to explore right next door
  • Minutes' walk away from La Ronda, Santo Domingo Church, San Francisco Church, and the other attractions in the historic center
  • Just four blocks away from the plaza grande

The hotel's perfect location, allows it to offer guests experiences outside of the tun-of-the-mill city tour. The team also collaborates with the neighborhood to give their guests a taste of local life.

Facilities details

Guests will feel the tradition of this place, accompanied by well-equipped rooms and facilities to spend unforgettable moments.

  • 4 suites and six deluxe rooms
  • Ines Restaurant is one of the best in Quito
  • Roof bar with a downtown view
  • Wellness area and wine cellar
  • Eco-friendly elevator
  • Gym (with cardio machines)
  • Spa

Rooms include access to the private spa with a jacuzzi, overlooking the inner courtyard (therapies and massages are available at an additional cost).

Seaman Journey catamaran (4 nights)

The Galapagos Seaman Journey is a first-class catamaran that offers a luxurious and adventurous experience in the Galapagos Islands. With a capacity for 16 passengers, it combines comfort, elegance, and stability. Guests can enjoy encounters with endemic species and relax in well-furnished, spacious areas and expansive decks while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

With a bar and lounge area staffed by dedicated personnel, this catamaran is the perfect choice for an unforgettable experience in the Galapagos.

First class / superior expedition cruise

With a capacity of 16 passengers, this cruise is perfect for families and friends looking for a niche boutique experience in the Galapagos.

Activities for everyone

On board, there are plenty of activities to choose from, like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and more.

Spacious suites and cabins

On the main deck, there are six standard suites and on the upper deck, there are two matrimonial suites.

Cabins

  • Panoramic windows to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the islands
  • Private bathroom, hot / cold water, hair dryer
  • Air conditioning with independent controls
  • Twin beds on standard suites
  • Queen beds on matrimonial cabins
  • Sofa beds for converting matrimonial cabin into a triple room
  • Safe box in all cabins for personal belongings

Facilities

  • Indoor dining and living room
  • Al fresco dining room
  • Tanning area
  • Cocktail area
  • Sun deck with shaded area
  • Lounge area

Enjoy aboard:

  • Menus for special requirements (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten free)
  • Organic toiletries and amenities by ECO TERRA
  • Interactive cooking lessons
  • 4 sea kayaks
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • All size wetsuits available for rent

Commitment to the environment

Galapagos Seaman Journey uses good quality fuel, as well as a manufacturer's certificate validating the boat's machinery as a minimum pollution component. It has one of the lowest fuel consumption rates per guest on any yacht in the Galapagos, being within the lower one percent consumption range.

At the anchoring sites, the main machines are switched off and only one of the generators is allowed to work, whose power (60 hp) ensures that it is a low noise source, and the machines are also lined on the inside with noise-insulating material.

The catamaran when underway or when anchored in any permitted location on the islands uses lights necessary only for the activity in all external sectors of the decks, so as not to affect the nocturnal marine life.

Food waste that is discharged into the sea passes through a food grinder during navigation. The same process is done with black water, which is filtered until it reaches the status of potable water.

No liquid ballast is used for the operation of the catamaran and tank cleaning is done exclusively during dry dock.

They also maintain a means of communication with the community to clarify doubts about the environmental management of the project. They support activities that contribute to the sustainability of community relations as well.

Used lubricating oils and similar are rigorously retained for delivery to the port and other waste is managed according to the procedures of the approved waste management plan.

The paints used on the catamaran are led-free and they prevent the attachment of sessile organisms such as mollusks or algae, which is also known as "antifouling." This reduces the catamaran's environmental impact when sailing.

Program

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Upon your arrival at Quito airport, your adventure will begin as you meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Quito, nestled in a circle of Andean peaks, is the world's second-highest capital and boasts one of the most picturesque settings.

Originally settled by the Quitu tribe, it became an important part of the Inca Empire before being re-founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America, offering excellent museums, churches, and art galleries.

Day 2: Quito City tour

Start your day exploring the bustling streets and squares of Quito's historical center, the largest in the Americas. Walk through the street of the seven crosses, admiring the facades of old colonial homes and churches as you head to Independence Square, located at the Government Palace.

Marvel at the sculpted Compania Church and its stunning interiors, and visit the iconic San Francisco, home to a multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. End your day with a visit to the Panecillo hillside, offering breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the Andes Mountains.

Then, you will visit the Panecillo Virgin, one of the most important monuments of Quito.

Day 3: Flight to Galapagos and San Cristobal Interpretation Center

Fly to the Galapagos Islands, where you will go through an inspection to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the archipelago. Once in San Cristobal, you'll be transferred to the Seaman Journey catamaran.

In the afternoon, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where you can learn about the geological and human history of the islands, as well as conservation efforts. This center is the oldest museum of natural history in the Galapagos and provides inspiring insights into the archipelago's preservation.

Day 4: San Cristobal Island, Galapaguera, and Cerro Brujo

In the morning, visit the Galapaguera to observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal Island is home of several endemic species, including the mockingbird, lava lizard, and chatham leaf-toed gecko.

In the afternoon, head to Cerro Brujo, a beautiful white coral beach perfect for swimming, bird watching, and snorkeling. This was the first coast Charles Darwin walked on in 1835. The area is rich in diverse wildlife and unique vegetation, making it an incredible place to explore.

Day 5: Española Island, Gardner Bay, and Suarez Point

Start your day at Gardner Bay, a perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, and kayaking. Observe sea lions and sharks in the crystal clear waters and spot three species of Darwin finches. In the afternoon, visit Suarez Point, known for its blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. The site also features a magnificent blowhole, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Day 6: Cormorant Point, Champion Islet, and Post Office Bay

In the morning, visit Cormorant Point, home to the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Observe various shorebirds and explore Green Beach (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and Flour Sand Beach (made up of coral).

Later, enjoy snorkeling at Champion Islet, where you can see sea turtles, sea lions, and vibrant marine life. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, a historic site where visitors can leave and take postcards, continuing a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Afterwards, you can enjoy a relaxing time on the beach.

Day 7: Turtles Trail and departure

On your last day, take a walk along the Turtles Trail, learning about the conservation efforts in the Galapagos. This path offers a chance to connect with nature and understand the island's protection measures. After the morning excursion, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the mainland, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.

This comprehensive tour combines the historical and cultural richness of Quito with the unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the Seaman Journey.

Location

Begin your journey in Quito, nestled in the Andes and renowned for its rich colonial history. Explore its vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking views. On the second day, delve into Quito's historical center, visiting Independence Square, the stunning Compania Church, and the Panecillo hillside for panoramic city views.

On the third day, fly to the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Start with San Cristobal, exploring the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands' geological and human history.

Day four will begin with a visit to the Galapaguera, where you can observe the iconic Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, relax on the pristine white coral beach of Cerro Brujo, perfect for swimming, bird watching, and snorkeling.

Discover Española Island on the fifth day, where Gardner Bay's crystal clear waters and Suarez Point's diverse birdlife await. Then on the sixth day, visit Cormorant Point's flamingo lagoon, snorkel at Champion Islet, and leave a postcard at the historic Post Office Bay.

Finally, walk along the Turtles Trail, gaining insight into the Galapagos' conservation efforts.

Food

Meals on board the cruise are included.

Latin Trails have their own hydroponic orchards on San Cristobal Island, where they harvest produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, lemons, oranges, and more. in order to supply ourselves with organic ingredients. this avoids the arrival of introduced species that come with sourcing from mainland Ecuador.

The following meals are included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Snacks
  • Drinks

The following drinks are included:

  • Water
  • Coffee
  • Tea

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

  • Wetsuits rental: 10 USD per day (available on board)

What's included

  • Round trip domestic flight to / from Galapagos (Galápagos Ecologic Airport)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee
  • Galapagos Ingala card
  • All visits and excursions according to the itinerary
  • Naturalist bilingual guide - level II or III
  • Snorkel gear (mask, tube, and fins)
  • Kayaks
  • Transfers in Galapagos
  • Airport assistance (Quito or Guayaquil, if flights will be booked through Latin Trails)
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation and land services
  • 4 nights accommodation on board in a double suite or twin cabin
  • All meals during the cruise
  • Unlimited purified water, coffee, and tea
  • Wi-Fi will be provided at no additional cost in the hotels used during the tour. However, on the cruise, there is a 10 USD fee per night and per cabin for Wi-Fi access.

What's not included

  • Tips
  • Local taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and services not mentioned above
  • Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
  • Extras and personal expenses

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). Guests should share the international arrival information so Latin Trails' transfer guide can wait at the airport. The flight should arrive on day 1.

Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport Airport transfer included: Mariscal Sucre International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
  • The rest of the payment should be paid 60 days before arrival.
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