ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

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9 Days

Start in Quito, Ecuador and finish in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Guides: Pat & Denise Lemmon

The Galapagos Archipelago conjures up images of an isolated, almost mythical setting where Charles Darwin derived the basis for the theories of his book, The Origin of Species. Over 150 years later, this special group of islands continues to mesmerize visitors from all over the planet. Many species in the Galapagos are found only here and present startling differences when compared to their cousins living elsewhere on the globe. One thing most Galapagos species have in common is a charming and completely disarming fearlessness around humans. This Adventure is a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most pristine wildlife environments.

This Adventure may be combined with Mystical Machu Picchu for 7 more days of walks and sightseeing in the amazing Andean wonderland of Peru. Travelers participating in both Mystical Machu Picchu and The Galapagos & Ecuador will receive complimentary airfare between the 2 tours – Lima, Peru and Quito, Ecuador.

Highlights

Quito, capital of Ecuador, with some of South America's most enduring colonial ambiance; though only 15 miles from the equator, the city boasts a spring-like climate moderated by its high Andean elevation
The captivating charm of the Andean highlands with a hacienda stay in Peguche and the color of the Otavala handicrafts market
Several hikes through the Galapagos Islands with ship naturalists to help explain the more obvious and discover the less conspicuous island delights
Coming nose-to-nose with marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and all their delightfully unbashful fellow Galapagos critters
4 nights aboard a well-appointed ship with gourmet meals and the opportunity to both learn and relax between island visits