Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Aboard the M/Y La Pinta
This upgraded version of our classic program offers a superior value in the archipelago, featuring a comprehensive 7-day itinerary, aboard one of the finest vessels in the islands, the M/Y La Pinta. This generously proportioned all-first-class ship with a small yacht atmosphere offers the highest levels of comfort, safety and service and is an ideal base of exploration of these remarkable islands.
Starting with an overnight in Quito, our first day is spent in this charming capital city of Ecuador. On Friday morning, we catch a flight to Baltra Island and start exploring aboard our comfortable 48-passenger, deluxe expedition boat. Accompanied by some of the best English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galápagos, we learn about the natural history of these enchanted islands, visiting the most outlying sites as well as important central and southern islands.
Trip Highlights:
- Take photos of unique animals such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and flightless cormorants
- Walk by the friendly sea lions while they relax and sunbathe on sandy beaches
- Spot Galápagos Penguins, one of the smallest species and the only one found north of the equator
- Swim and snorkel with colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles and other sea creatures
- Hike through the scenic petrified lava landscape on Fernandina Island
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn closely about the giant tortoises
- Navigate by Isabela and Fernandina Islands looking for dolphins, orcas and whales
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 (WED): USA / QUITO
Arrive this evening to Ecuador’s colonial center city of Quito (9,350’) located in a picturesque Andean valley.
DAY 2 (THU): QUITO
A full-day city tour of Quito includes the Panecillo Hill and Inti-ñan solar museum plus a scrumptious traditional lunch.
DAY 3 (FRI): QUITO / BALTRA ISLAND / NORTH SEYMOUR (GALAPAGOS)
Flight to Baltra, meet your naturalist guides and board the M/Y La Pinta. At Seymour Island we see some of the biggest sea bird breeding colonies in Galapagos, Blue-footed boobies, Swallow-tailed gulls and Yellow warblers among others.
DAY 4 (SAT): ISABELA / FERNANDINA ISLANDS
Ride zodiacs and snorkeling looking for penguins at Vicente Roca Point. Afternoon walk on the black lava fields at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. Learn about marine iguanas, sea lions, hawks, and flightless cormorants.
DAY 5 (SUN): ISABELA ISLAND
Disembark at Urbina Bay at the foot of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Afternoon visit and nature walk at Tagus cove with swimming, snorkel or ride kayaks.
DAY 6 (MON): RABIDA / SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Take in the red sands of Rábida Island, look for marine iguanas, sea lions and flamingos. Hike towards a saltwater lagoon on Santa Cruz inhabited by a variety of birds.
DAY 7 (TUE): SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Return to the main island, anchor at Puerto Ayora for visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the highlands with Los Gemelos twin pit craters.
DAY 8 (WED): FLOREANA ISLAND
Dinghy rides along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Kayaking and swimming from the beach. Explore the green beach of Punta Cormorant with time for swimming, snorkeling or riding the glass-bottom boat.
DAY 9 (THU): BALTRA ISLAND / QUITO
Disembark in Baltra Island and board a flight back to Quito. On arrival transfer to a nearby hotel for some time at leisure, return to the airport for the overnight flight home.
DAY 10 (FRI): QUITO / USA
Arrive back to US this morning and make connections home.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request any week throughout the year, subject to availabilityThis trip is customizable according to your travel dates and preferences. To enhance your Galápagos experience, a land-based hotel stay can be arranged in combination with the M/Y La Pinta.
Plan ahead to secure your space!
Read more about booking a cruise with Southwind
2024 Land Cost* (7-day cruise)
4-6 participants: from $9,750 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $9,600 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $480 (hotels only)
*This trip is a total of 10 days and features a 7-day cruise.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Accommodations
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Extensions
Length:3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season:Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents.
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
At the Termas de Papallacta Lodge & Spa, relax among the clear natural hot spring pools and gardens. Nearby you can enjoy an optional 4-5 hour scenic day hike with views of the snow-capped summit of Antisana Volcano.
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.
Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito
Season: Year-round
A haven for nature lovers and families, Sacha is located within a private reserve on Pilchicocha Lake. Providing comfortable accommodations, highlights include nature hikes, a butterfly farm, and a canopy walkway.
Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito
Season: Year-round
This eco-lodge benefits from its isolated location inside Yasuni National Park. Arrive via a 2 hour canoe ride, then a 45 minute dugout canoe journey. Guests have spotted anacondas and several monkey species.