Wonders of the Galapagos Islands

From $3195.00, per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Trip Type: Cruise

Join us for the journey of a lifetime to the Galápagos Islands aboard the state-of-the-art exploration vessel, the M.V. SANTA CRUZ and discover a region unmatched in its beauty and its role in the history of natural science. Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Galápagos Islands are literally overflowing with life, including species such as the flightless cormorant and the marine iguana, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. With virtually no natural predators on the islands, the abundant wildlife is fearless and accepts human company up-close to an extent not found elsewhere on earth. Here, you can walk among 400-pound tortoises, nearly touch spiny-backed iguanas, and snorkel in crystal clear waters alongside sea lions, dolphins and tropical penguins.

Excursions are led by our highly qualified team of certified naturalists, whose knowledge and enthusiasm will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this fascinating and often mysterious natural realm. This unique itinerary also includes time in mainland Ecuador, allowing you to browse the colorful Andean market of Otavalo, explore the magnificent colonial section of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit a traditional Inca village.

We are also pleased to offer a six-night Post-Program Option to Peru’s legendary “lost city” of Machu Picchu and the historic cities of Lima and Cuzco.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Fly to Quito and transfer to the superior first-class Hilton Colón Hotel, ideally located near one of Quito’s lively markets.

Day 2

Quito is a city of startling contrasts where thousands of years of Indian tradition are interwoven with imported Catholicism, Spanish language and European culture.

This evening, enjoy a private welcome reception in the hotel.

Day 3

Travel to Calderón, a small town where artisans continue the time-honored tradition of masapan, the crafting of intricate figurines, dolls and Christmas ornaments from bread dough.

Continue to the ancient town of Otavalo, acclaimed for its finely woven sheep and alpaca wool.

Day 4

Arrive on the small Galápagos island of Baltra and embark on m.v. Santa Cruz for lunch and your first daily briefing from the ship’s naturalists.

Continue on to Santa Cruz Island, whose alluring white beaches, giant prickly pear cactus forests, and a wide assortment of vibrantly colored flamingos, prehistoric-looking iguanas and immense tortoises make it an ideal introduction to the archipelago.

Day 5

Following a dry landing on this tiny, rocky isle, enjoy unsurpassed views of the surrounding lunar-like craters, mangroves and lava formations from the top of Cerro Bartolomé.

On Santiago Island this afternoon, stroll along the glistening ebony sands of James Bay, where a wide variety of birds and wildlife peacefully comingle.

Day 6

Make a wet landing on the mesmerizing red sands of Rabida Island.

Day 7

In the morning, venture into Santa Cruz’s lush highlands to look for giant tortoises and other birds and wildlife.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about efforts to protect the island’s rare population of giant tortoises.

Day 8

Arrive this morning on the shores of San Cristóbal, the first Galápagos isle that Darwin landed on in 1835, and home to the Galápagos’ provincial capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell reception in the hotel.

Day 9
Return to the U.S.

Machu Picchu - Post-Program Option

Extend your Galápagos Islands voyage with a visit to the mysterious and enchanting Inca complex of Machu Picchu.

This six-night expedition of a lifetime highlighting Machu Picchu features exclusive expert-led tours, an opportunity to take a spectacular sunrise excursion to the “Lost City of the Incas,” and visits to the historic Inca capital of Cuzco, the beautiful Urubamba Valley and the ancient Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Your Northwestern Host 

Amanda Sloan is the director of Clubs for Northwestern Alumni Association. Prior to her Northwestern arrival in September of 2006, she was employed by Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia for seven years. Amanda earned a master’s degree of public administration in nonprofit management from Georgia State University in 2005 and a BA in speech and hearing pathologies from the University of Iowa in 1999.