Wonders of the Galapagos Islands (2010)

Download the Wonders of the Galapagos Brochure

From $3395.00, per person, plus air, based on double occupancy.

Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Explore a region unmatched in its beauty and its importance in natural history when you travel with us to the Galápagos Islands and cruise aboard the state-of-the-art M.V. SANTA CRUZ. Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Galápagos Islands are overflowing with life. Walk among 400-pound tortoises, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds; nearly touch spiny-backed iguanas; and snorkel in crystal clear waters alongside sea lions and tropical penguins. Discover the priceless natural treasures of the Galápagos in the company of our team of naturalists and enjoy time in Ecuador with visits to the colorful Andean market of Otavalo, the colonial districts of Quito and a traditional Inca village. 

Day 1
Depart from the U.S.

Day 2
Quito

Day 3
Otavalo (Quito)

Day 4
Quito/Fly to Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands/Embark M.V. SANTA CRUZ/Santa Cruz Island

Day 5
Bartolomé Island/Santiago Island

Day 6
Rábida Island/North Seymour Island

Day 7
Santa Cruz Island/Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 8
San Cristóbal Island/Disembark M.V. SANTA CRUZ/Fly to Guayaquil

Day 9
Depart Guayaquil/Return to the U.S.

Activity Level
Active

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the magnificent natural treasures of the Galápagos Islands on this customized itinerary aboard the M.V. SANTA CRUZ, a state-of-the-art, eco-savvy exploration vessel designed specifically to navigate the Galápagos Islands.
• Discover how the harsh landscape of the Galápagos has become a safe, thriving home for the quirky finches and primeval iguanas that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and evolution.
• Learn about the Galápagos’ unique ecosystem, natural history and the challenges facing its environment during daily briefings and presentations by our ship’s team of expert naturalists.
• Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the world’s most exotic wildlife from unparalleled proximity as you stroll among seal colonies, come face to face with giant tortoises and swim with dolphins and sea lions.
• Explore a magical underwater world—including breathtaking coral, tropical penguins and a myriad of fish and mammals—while snorkeling and riding aboard the ship’s special glass-bottom boat.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe and learn about efforts to protect the Galápagos’ rare giant tortoises and other indigenous species.
• Discover some of the finest colonial architecture in South America during your stay in Quito, a cosmopolitan city known for its dynamic culture and vibrant street life.
• Venture into the Andean highlands for visits to a traditional village and the ancient Andean town
  of Otavalo, site of one of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.

M.V. SANTA CRUZ
The charm, intimacy and personal service of the small ship cruise experience are the hallmarks of travel aboard the first-class expedition vessel, M.V. SANTA CRUZ. Her ability to navigate the Galápagos archipelago’s narrow channels, shallow bays and environmentally sensitive waters, ensures that participants enjoy the most comprehensive access possible to the region. Each of its 44 cabins features private bathroom facilities, air conditioning and an ocean view. All meals, featuring international and Ecuadorian specialties, are served in single, unassigned seatings in the ship’s inviting dining room. The M.V. SANTA CRUZ offers a wide array of modern amenities and facilities, including a full fleet of Zodiacs for landings on the islands and a glass-bottom boat for viewing the aquatic environment.

Program Features

In Quito

• Three nights in the superior first-class Hilton Colón Hotel.
• Welcome reception.
• Full American breakfast daily.
• Tour of Quito’s historic colonial district.
• Excursion to the ancient Andean town of Otavalo, site of one of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.
• Air transportation from Quito to the Galápagos Islands.

On board the M.V. SANTA CRUZ

• Four-night cruise from Baltra to San Cristóbal Island with calls at Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago, Rábida and North Seymour islands.
• Accommodations in tastefully appointed outside staterooms with private bathroom facilities.
• Three meals served each day featuring international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
• Six multilingual naturalists sharing their in-depth insight and specialized expertise about the Galápagos’ distinctive ecosystem and wildlife during daily excursions and multimedia presentations.
• Two island excursions each day by Zodiac landing craft, focusing on the natural history, unique wildlife and conservation efforts in the Galápagos (conditions and weather permitting).
• Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the world’s most exotic wildlife from unparalleled proximity.
• Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe and learn about efforts to protect the islands’ rare giant tortoises and other indigenous species.
• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• Glass-bottom boat for further exploration of the Galápagos’ diverse marine life.
• Air transportation from the Galápagos Islands to Guayaquil.

In Guayaquil

• One night in the deluxe Hilton Colón Hotel.
• Full American breakfast.
• City tour of Guayaquil.
• Farewell reception.
• UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enhanced Travel Services

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions.
• Services of an experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Director to accompany you throughout the program.
• Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard the ship.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information for each participant.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

Machu Picchu Post-Program Option
Complement your Galápagos journey with this extension to the mysterious and enchanting Inca complex of Machu Picchu, located in the Peruvian Andes and obscured from humankind for 400 years by lush jungle growth and the isolation of the mountains. Additionally, explore historic Lima, the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, the beautiful Urubamba Valley and the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

Your Northwestern Host

Susie Atkinson

Susie Atkinson has been with Northwestern’s Office of Alumni Relations and Development for 11 years and currently serves as Director of Development Special Events. A Chicago native, Susie graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s in English Composition. 

Updated July 16, 2009.