Itinerary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is a city with a wealth of character and well-preserved colonial architecture. With restored mansions, horse-drawn carriages and Old World-style plazas, it is a perfect walking city.

With our local guide we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic, walled old town as we discover the hidden history of this colonial city. We’ll see Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, and Plaza Bolivar.

After lunch our tour continues with a drive to visit the impressive Castillo San Felipe. Built in the 17th century to protect  the city from marauding invaders, it is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas. Next, see the 17th century Convent of La Popa, a beautiful convent building that sits atop the highest point in the city, commanding spectacular views of the bay, old town and Caribbean Sea beyond.

Embarkation

Today we will fly via commercial airline (ticket not included) to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands, where we’ll learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Charles Darwin Research Center

The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago's ecosystems.

One element of this is a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970's.

These captivating, enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close up photos.

Morning: Espumilla Beach & Buccaneer Cove

Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.

This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.

A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.

Afternoon: Egas Port

Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas.

A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

Morning: San Cristobal Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is and iconic feature of the Galapagos that has been formed over time by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano. 

The channel that runs between two imposing shards of rock is often described as one of the most thrilling sites for snorkeling and diving where it is common to see spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks and even hammerhead sharks.

Afternoon: San Crstobal Airport

We depart from San Cristobal airport taking a commercial flight to Guayaquil.

After breakfast we will depart for our full day sightseeing tour including a one-hour tour on the Panama Canal with the pleasure to enjoy the vegetation and wildlife (monkeys). 

We will then proceed to the Miraflores Lock where you will be able to watch ships entering the lock and discover the new museum where you can test your skills to enter the lock on a simulator. A buffet lunch will be served at the Miraflores Restaurant providing a great view of the canal.

In the afternoon, we will continue our tour including the Old City with the most important sites.