14 Day Golden double cruise Itinerary

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! Upon arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO),
your hotel shuttle bus driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight: Quito
Suggested Hotel: Wyndham UIO
Meals: -/-/-

Your coordinated shuttle bus will pick you up to take you to Quito’s airport for your flight to Santa Cruz.
AM – Arrival at Baltra airport
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour.
PM – Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre (Santa Cruz)
At this site, you can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago. They comply with the captive breeding programme and then return to repopulate the areas where their population has been affected. The land iguanas of Santa Cruz, Isabela and North Seymour are also in a captive breeding programme, as the populations in these areas suffered from feral dogs. One of the main attractions is the famous embalmed Lonesome George. Estimated to have died between 93 and 109 years of age, it is recognised as the last of its kind and a symbol of the efforts invested to conserve endangered species. The captive tortoises are used to

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM – Post Office Bay and Baroness Lookout
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Floreana Island as you visit Post Office Bay and Baroness Lookout. Step back in time to the 18th century, when sailors from whaling ships established a unique postal system on this very spot. They placed a wooden barrel here, serving as a makeshift mailbox, where they stored letters to be collected and delivered by fellow sailors returning home. Astonishingly, this honor system is still in use today, with tourists leaving their letters that miraculously find their way to their intended recipients.
While exploring Post Office Bay, take a moment to relax on the pristine beach, where you might encounter Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles, and golden rays. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Galapagos penguins, as this is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where they reside. For a breathtaking view of the coastline, venture to the top of the small basaltic cone known as Baroness Lookout. This vantage point was beloved by Eloisa von Wagner, one of Floreana’s eccentric early settlers, who even built her house nearby.
PM – Cormorant Point and Devil’s Crown
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Cormorant Point and Devil’s Crown, two captivating destinations on Floreana Island. As you approach Cormorant Point, you’ll be greeted by a charming colony of Galapagos sea lions, basking in the sun on the sandy shores. This peninsula, adorned with smaller volcanic cones, is blanketed by a tropical dry forest of palo santo, creating a mesmerizing landscape.

Prepare to be amazed by the unique beaches found here. The landing beach boasts green sand, sparkling with glassy olivine crystals that were once expelled from nearby tuff cones. On the southern side of the peninsula, a “flour sand” beach awaits, composed of incredibly fine white coral sand, courtesy of the parrotfish who have diligently pulverized the calcareous skeletons of living coral.
As you explore the waters surrounding Devil’s Crown, get ready for an underwater spectacle. This snorkeling haven boasts a magnificent coral reef at its center, attracting a vibrant array of marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of playful dolphins. Please note that the current can be strong at times, so it is recommended for experienced swimmers only.

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM – Punta Suárez (Española)
Punta Suarez is a great place for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photography opportunities.
PM – Gardner Bay (Española)
In the afternoon we will head for Gardner Bay. Gardner Bay, located on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Dinner and overnight on board. In any case, let go and allow the soothing waters to work their relaxing and restorative magic on you.

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM – Pitt Point & Islet (San Cristobal Island)
Wet landing followed by a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes a 90-meter-long, olivine beach and a path that climbs to the top of volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as, two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.
PM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
Wet landing. Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations and a beautiful white sandy beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. There is a lagoon visit where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast.

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM-Lobos Island
In the morning you will visit Isla Lobos. The name of this island means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
PM-Tijeretas Hill & Interpretation Center
Dry landing. The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats, and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of Frigatebirds, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below…

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM-Santa Fé Island
Situated in the southeastern region of the Galapagos, Santa Fé Island stands out from its volcanic counterparts due to its formation from an uplift. This geological phenomenon has resulted in a predominantly flat terrain, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Interestingly, speculations are suggesting that Santa Fé Island might be the oldest in the Galapagos Archipelago.
What truly sets Santa Fé Island apart is its rich biodiversity, boasting several endemic species that call this place home. As you step onto the island, you will immediately encounter one of the many colonies of sea lions, frolicking in the crystal-clear waters. Along the trail, you’ll come across salt bushes and the magnificent giant prickly pear cactus, which exemplify the gigantism characteristic of oceanic islands. Snorkeling opportunities abound, allowing you to swim alongside playful sea lions and vibrant tropical fish.
PM-South Plaza
East of Santa Cruz Island lies South Plaza, forming one-half of the enchanting “Islas Plazas” duo. Despite its modest size, South Plaza is teeming with some of the most captivating and remarkable species found in the Galapagos.
One of the island’s highlights is its population of land iguanas, which are smaller than their counterparts on neighboring islands. What makes South Plaza truly special is the presence of hybrid iguanas, a result of crossbreeding between marine and land iguanas. These distinctive creatures can be easily identified by their black/grey color, featuring a land iguana’s crest while retaining the face and tail of a marine iguana. The abundance of tuna, their favorite food, has contributed to the thriving population of these fascinating iguanas.
As you explore the rugged cliffs of South Plaza, you will encounter a variety of seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans. The nesting sites of these magnificent creatures provide a breathtaking spectacle, adding to the allure of this island paradise.

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM – Seymour North
After an early breakfast you’ll disembark at North Seymour Island. Here you will see Frigate Birds, the clownish Blue-Footed Booby, and of course the ubiquitous Sea Lions. With luck, you’ll witness the striking courtship display of the male Frigate Bird, in which he inflates a red balloon-like sac below his throat and struts his stuff for all of the young females. Seymour North, Plaza Sur, Plaza Norte, Baltra, northeastern Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and part of Española, were all formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas. They were part of a volcanic lava table deposited in sheet form along cracks located on the ocean floor. The uprisings occurred sporadically and lasted more than a million years to reach its current level. All marine fossils found in the archipelago are found in these islands and the best example is the North Channel side of Baltra. The fossils date from the Pleistocene, and specifically in the case of Baltra, one can say that these volcanic tables were close to the surface about a million years ago.
PM – Chinese Hat
Chinese Hat is a 52m/170ft high volcanic cone, forming another islet right off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand the meaning of the name. This is an excellent place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs, and lava tunnels. Beautiful beaches of white coral sand and holes in the eroding lava fields are filled up with lava sand, which enables rooting. Galapagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas contribute to fertilization and all together create many favorable options for newcomers, such as saltbush and the sesuvium carpet.

Overnight: Cruise ship
Suggested Hotel: Archipel I (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D

AM – Twin Craters (Santa Cruz)

The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport (GPS)
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crewmembers, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra Airport, where we will take the shuttle back to the airport.

Overnight: Quito
Suggested Hotel: Wyndham UIO
Meals: B/-/

Today, after a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, you will be transferred to the dock and board a motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river. Take in the lush beauty of the Amazon en route before reaching the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receiving a warm welcome aboard.
You’ll be joined on the ship by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide you with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore the cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as you glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe nocturnal wildlife before returning to the cruise for a restful evening on the river.

Overnight: Yasuni National Park
Suggested Hotel: Manatee Amazon Cruise
Meals: B/L/D

Travel downstream today to reach the Pañayacu River Delta, where you’ll embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake. Known as “Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language, this rich ecosystem is flooded by river water, creating the perfect habitat for piranhas, paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which you will be able to spot during a walk with your guides.
Recharge your energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, then enjoy some more aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Manatee, your guides will give another interesting talk on the region before dinner.

Overnight: Yasuni National Park
Suggested Hotel: Manatee Amazon Cruise
Meals: B/L/D

Set out early in your motorized canoes to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon—the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay, which provides a healthy boost to their digestion.
In the afternoon, stop to visit the Kichwa Women’s Community Project, where you will learn about the indigenous lifestyle and ancestral culture along the Napo River. You’ll also have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as participating in the Charapas Turtle Conservation program.

Overnight: Yasuni National Park
Suggested Hotel: Manatee Amazon Cruise
Meals: B/L/D

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (90 minutes ride approximately).
NOTE: The foregoing itinerary is our standard operating model. We intend to offer everything as planned and will make every effort to do so, however, depending on inclement weather, or technical or operational difficulties beyond our control, the Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.

Overnight: Quito
Suggested Hotel: Wyndham UIO
Meals: B/-/-

At the scheduled time specified beforehand, a transfer arrangement will be made for you to ensure a smooth and timely journey to the airport.
This transfer service will conveniently transport you from your current location to the designated airport, allowing you to catch your flight and return home comfortably.

Overnight: N/A
Suggested Hotel: N/A
Meals: B/-/-