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Details Galapagos Highlights
Begin and end this memorable eight-day Monograms Independent Vacation in the second capital of the
Inca empire - Quito, Ecuador. Visit such historic relics as the San Francisco Plaza Church and the
wonderful stained glass of the basilica. Next it's on to the Galapagos Islands for four nights.
You'll explore the interesting islands and most likely see penguins, pelicans, flightless
cormorants and marine iguanas, and, of course, sea lions. You'll also visit the world renowned
Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the breeding place for the Galapagos or
Giant Tortoise.
Day 1
MIAMI-QUITO, ECUADOR
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| Fly to Quito.Quito, Ecuador. (Days 1-2) Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy
left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See INDEPENDENCE SQUARE dominated by its formidable
CATHEDRAL, SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH and the BASILICA with its marvelous stained glass
windows. (B)
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Day 2
QUITO
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| Enjoy city sightseeing.
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Day 3
QUITO-BALTRA ISLAND-SANTA CRUZ
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| Fly to Baltra to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Transfer to Santa Cruz Island
and the Finch Bay Hotel.Galapagos Islands. (Days 3-7) Each day enjoy an included day cruise to
outlying Galapagos Islands. First, stop for a guided visit of the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH
STATION. Since 1965 the Research Station has been the breeding place for the famous Galapagos
or Giant Tortoise. Next day, travel to Santa Fe where you will see the endemic Santa Fe land
iguana. Also see the large Opuntia cactus forest. The beach area is covered with California sea
lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling with sea turtles. On day 5,
board a yacht bound for South Plazas and Punta Carrion Islands. Wildlife includes sea lions,
land iguanas and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas
and female land iguanas. Also known as a bird-watcher's paradise where you will see nesting
swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds,
pelicans, and Audubon's shearwaters. Visit North Seymour Island and Las Bachas Beach on day
6, recognized for tropical birds. A colony of sea lions is located on the north side of the
island. There are also opportunities to see small groups of fur seals. (B,L,D at Finch Bay
Hotel)SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin's finches abundant in the surroundings,
the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves.
Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and beachfront access.
All rooms offer twin beds, private facilities, and air conditioning. Guests will enjoy daily
boat excursions to various Galapagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town,
and viewing the local flora and fauna.
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Day 4
SANTA FE ISLAND
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| Cruise and guided sightseeing.
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Day 5
PLAZAS AND PUNTA CARRION ISLAND
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| Cruise and guided sightseeing.
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Day 6
NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND AND LAS BACHAS BEACH
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| Cruise and guided sightseeing.
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Day 7
SANTA CRUZ-BALTRA-QUITO
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| Quito, Ecuador. (Days 7-8) On arrival in Quito, transfer back to the hotel for one more
night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B daily)
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Day 8
QUITO-US
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| A morning flight allows for hometown connection.
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Additional Information
Meals
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| - American breakfast daily (B), 4 lunches (L), and 4 dinners (D)
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City Highlights
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- QUITO City sightseeing; visit Independence Square, the cathedral, San Francisco Plaza
Church and the Basilica GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Cruise to five islands
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- Please note surcharges may apply due to special events on in the different cities -
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