Galapagos: Eco Experience<br>8 days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and ancient Incan significance. Airport transfers are provided for travelers with purchased AESU group airfare. Inclusions: Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased AESU group airfare Welcome cocktail (subject to arrival time)   Meals: In-flight Our adventure begins with an exploration of Quito. Sitting at an altitude over 9,000 feet above sea level at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, stretching along a central valley formed by the east and west ranges of the Andes. Our tour includes the Old Town, the “Balcon Quiteño”, the Legislative Palace, the colonial center, Independence Plaza, Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, “La Compañía” and “San Francisco” churches. After lunch at a cozy local restaurant in the old town, we continue to the ‘Mitad del Mundo’, Middle of the World monument to visit the “original” equator that makes Quito the most famous example of a city located in two hemispheres. We continue to Inti-Ñan, an open-air museum and a great place to learn more about the history of Ecuador and its indigenous people. Inclusions: Tour of Quito, guided by a local historian Admission to churches, where applicable, Middle of the World and Inti-Nan Museum   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome dinner A morning flight brings us to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival we make our way to the highlands of Santa Cruz, stopping at the Scalesia Cloud Forest for a short trek through the scrublands in search of giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. We explore one of the many lava tunnels found across the islands due to the archipelago sitting on a tectonic plate. Charles Darwin conceived his theory of evolution on the Galapagos and the research station named after him provides a whole range of information about the conservation efforts made to preserve the unique ecosystem. The station is also an ideal place to meet more Galapagos tortoises. We end our day in Puerto Ayora, located on the southern shore of Santa Cruz Island. Inclusions: Flight from Quito to Santa Cruz Island Guided tour of Santa Cruz Island Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We depart Santa Cruz by speed boat this morning. After approximately two hours, arrive at Isabela Island, the largest island of the Galapagos. We begin our visit at ‘Tintoreras’ a group of small islands in front of Puerto Villamil, where we see penguins, sea lions and colorful fish in the shallow sea and observe sharks in a small channel. After lunch we hop on our bikes and visit the Wetlands Complex and the Wall of Tears. This five mile ride over a mix of compacted sand and ballast track takes us along a path of pools, beaches and mangroves. At the end of our journey we reach the Wall of Tears, known as El Muro de las Lágrimas, and one of the most important historic sites in the Galapagos Islands. It gets its name from the crying and sacrifices of the prisoners who were forced to build it. Our day ends in Puerto Villamil where we share today’s experiences over a dinner of local specialties. Inclusions: Speed boat ride from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island Guided tour of Tintoreras Bicycle ride to the Wetlands Complex and the Wall of Tears   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We are in for a special treat today. The Sierra Negra Volcano is one of five active volcanoes located on Isabela Island and the only one that visitors are allowed to hike to. We catch a ride to the volcano's trail entrance, then gear up and enjoy a 7.5 mile climb, guided by a certified naturalist. Upon reaching the top, peer into the volcano’s glowing fumaroles and 6-plus mile wide caldera, then close your eyes and absorb the energy of the Galapagos Islands, feeling your surroundings and the powerful connection to the land. Though the volcano remains active today, there hasn't been any recorded activity in nearly 20 years. We return to our hotel with time to relax and get ready for dinner. Inclusions: Guided hike of Sierra Negra Volcano   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Early this morning, we bid farewell to Isabela Island as a speed boat takes us back to Santa Cruz Island. We visit Tortuga Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Galapagos, with an opportunity to spot marine iguanas, pelicans, rays and colorful fish. This is an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking or paddle-boarding, observe marine iguanas and birds or swim with harmless sharks in a cove. After a short hike through the cactus forest of Opuntia Kakteen, take a refreshing last dip in the ocean. In the afternoon we visit ‘Las Grietas,’ a long crevasse or fissure canyon of high volcanic walls filled with emerald green waters. The protected walls ensure that the water, which is a mix of sea and freshwater entering from opposite ends of the cavern, is crystal clear and calm – perfect for a relaxing swim. Enjoy local delicacies at our farewell Galapagos dinner tonight. Inclusions: Speed boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island Tortuga Bay beach snorkeling Swimming with (harmless) sharks Opuntia Kakteen cactus forest Las Grietas emerald water swim   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner   Optional activity:   Tortuga Bay kayaking or paddle boarding After breakfast, we take final selfies with our new-found friends, before leaving Santa Cruz to Quito for our connecting flights home.   Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Private airport transfer Flight to Quito Arrive home with memories of one of the world’s most intriguing destinations and plans for your next exciting adventure!