ABERCROMBIE & KENT pre-cruise EXTENSION
FROM - TO
GUAYAQUIL - ECUADOR
GUAYAQUIL - ECUADORDURATION
8 DAYS
PRICE
FROM $13,900 *
See the the tranquil backwaters of the Galapágos archipelago. This expert-led tour offers an in-depth view of the islands, the living natural laboratory that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Highlights
- Go island-hopping cruise around the Galapágos
- Discover the story of Charles Darwin on the islands.
- Savor exceptional Relais Châteaux dining and hospitality onboard, an A&K exclusive in the Galápagos Islands
DAY
1
MEET THE LOCALS IN GUAYAQUIL
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Arrive at José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, Guayaquil, and meet your local guide in the International Arrivals area for the transfer to Hotel del Parque where you will stay for the night.
DAY
2
THE GLORIOUS WORLD OF THE GALAPÁGOS
KICKER ROCK, ECUADOR
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristóbal Island in the Galapágos. On arrival, you will be escorted in a Zodiac boat to your home for the next seven nights, a luxurious Relais and Chateaux yacht, where you will be shown to your stateroom and have time to relax over a buffet lunch. This afternoon, it’s time to embrace nature at Kicker Rock, a striking geological formation off the western shores of San Cristóbal. As the yacht departs the harbor, you will have time to relax in the comfort of your surroundings. By late afternoon, you will approach León Dormido, or Kicker Rock, a dramatic tuff cone that rises 150 meters (500 feet) from the sea. Shaped by erosion into two towering walls, it creates a striking channel and a spectacular backdrop for photographs, especially at sunset. As you circumnavigate the formation, you will observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigatebirds perched on the cliffs.The evening will unfold with a cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and crew, followed by a briefing on the next day’s activities. A multi-course dinner, prepared by the yacht’s chefs, will complete the first day of your Galápagos journey in refined style.
DAY
3
IN SEARCH OF THE RED-FOOTED BOOBY
DARWIN BAY, GENOVESA, ECUADOR
Genovesa Island is your destination after breakfast. Take your binoculars in the hope of spotting red-footed boobies and endemic owls. Follow El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, a steep staircase carved into the rock leading to a plateau popular with birdlife. Storm petrels and mockingbirds frequent this spot, and, if you’re lucky, you might glimpse a short-eared owl. A longer cruise along the shore is an alternative if you don't wish to disembark. After lunch on board, you will pick up a trail in Darwin Bay on Genovesa that leads from a coral beach through mangroves for more birdwatching, passing past tidal pools where sea lions play, to reach a spectacular viewpoint. After returning to the yacht to relax and hear the daily briefing about tomorrow’s activities, all that’s left to do is enjoy another superb fine-dining experience.
DAY
4
A NURSERY FOR SEA TURTLES
SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS, ECUADOR
Bachas Beach or Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz are the possible destinations after breakfast. Some wonderful sights await at Bachas Beach, including flocks of flamingos, red and black mangroves, and, of course, plenty of birdlife. This is also the main nesting site of sea turtles in the archipelago, where females lay an average of 70 eggs each. Black Turtle Cove is one of the archipelago's most entrancing marine sites. Sail around the complex maze of saltwater inlets, lined with three different species of mangrove, which acts a nursery for sea turtles, rays, and sharks, as well as a nesting site for sea birds. After lunch on board, Dragon Hill is the chosen spot for an afternoon walk around a brackish lagoon, with beautiful views of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago. You might be accompanied by some iguanas, too. In the evening, back on board, the daily briefing will be followed by another gourmet dinner.
DAY
5
UNDER THE VOLCANO
URBINA BAY
Keep watch for sea lion colonies and other diverse species off Fernandina Island’s Punta Espinoza. Here, the resident bulls carefully guard their harems and keep lookout for sharks that threaten the colony’s pups. Glimpse some of the hundreds of marine iguanas that share this rocky domain, the largest colony in the Galápagos, as they warm themselves along the rugged shoreline. Then, sail through the Bolivar Channel to watch for whales and dolphins. Disembark at Isabela Island’s Urbina Bay, home to four miles of dry seabed exposed by a volcanic eruption. After a wet landing on the beach, explore the remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high. Keep watch for the Galápagos land iguana, marine iguana, giant tortoise, and other distinctive species that call this island home.
DAY
6
IN THE SHADOW OF THE GALAPÁGOS HAWK
PUNTA ESPINOZA, FERNANDINA, ECUADOR
Embark on a fun-filled morning, as we unveil another geological wonder at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island , the youngest andmost pristine Island in the Galapagos, formed by active volcanoes that stretch along the coast. Immerse yourself in an ecosystem untouched by introduced animals, witnessing sea lion harems lounging on the beach. Resident bull sea lions diligently guard their territory, keeping a watchful eye for sharks that may threaten the colony’s pups. Along the rugged shoreline, hundreds of marine iguana, forming the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun and blend into the dark lava rocks. Explore the point to discover the nests of flightless cormorants, now close to shore since losing their ability to fly. Dive into the pristine waters for an invigorating snorkeling excursion, accompanied by the graceful presence of sea turtles. Time for a little relaxation over lunch before reaching Tagus Cove, where graffiti carved on the cliffs by pirates and whalers in the 19th century is still visible. A short, steep hike will take you to Darwin Lake, a place to view land birds such as tree finches, yellow warblers, and large-billed flycatchers. Kayak in the shadow of the cliffs for a good look at geological features before returning to the yacht for free time, the daily briefing, and another splendid dinner.
DAY
7
HOME OF THE YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
PUERTO EGAS
After breakfast you will depart for the northwest side of Santiago Island, stepping ashore on a black-sand beach that was visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. Follow the trail across the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen, before continuing over terrain strewn with volcanic ash and basalt. The distinctive yellow-crowned night heron is one of the birds that frequents this island for its sea urchins, octopus, and starfish. You’ll spot iguanas grazing on the algae beds and colonies of endemic fur seals bathing in the pools formed by the volcanic rocks. After lunch, Rábida Island beckons, its dark-red sand an incredible vision. This is considered the epicentre of the archipelago due to the island’s diverse geology. Nesting brown pelicans and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches favor this spot. Snorkel amid the marine life or take a boat ride along the cliffs for a good look at nesting seabirds. Return to the yacht for the familiar round of relaxation, briefing, and a gourmet dinner.
DAY
8
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DARWIN
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
After breakfast you will disembark the yacht for your final experience in these enchanted islands, a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station. It's a chance to gain an insight into the work of scientists and conservationists, as well as the staff of the National Park, to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also visit the Fausto Llerena tortoise breeding center to find out about their care and reintroduction to their natural environment. You will then be transferred to the airport and enjoy access to the VIP lounge prior to your flight to Guayaquil, where you will embark on your cruise and begin the next chapter of your journey.
THIS ITINERARY IS AVAILABLE FOR THESE VOYAGES
* Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published, and subject to availability. Supplements may apply during high season and holiday periods, festivals, special events and due to high demand. Internal and international air excluded.
