Galápagos National Park straddles the equator 600 miles west of Ecuador's Pacific coast. Undisturbed for centuries and isolated from the mainland, unusual species of birds, plants, reptiles and some mammals developed on the rocky, volcanic atolls of the Enchanted Isles. Darwin's visit and subsequent studies of the island's flora and fauna in 1835 contributed to the formulation of his theory on the evolution of species and brought this fascinating ecosystem to the attention of the world. The park, Ecuador's largest, was established in 1959 to protect the archipelago's unique environment and wildlife. Its landmass consists of nearly 3,000 square miles which is divided between 6 large islands, 12 smaller islands, and over 40 islets. In 1986, the creation of the Marine Resources Reserve expanded the preserved area to include more than 27,000 square miles of ocean. This exciting program offers a great value in the archipelago, featuring one of the most complete 8-day itineraries, aboard one of the nicest vessels in these waters. It is an ideal opportunity to explore these remarkable islands, and to watch and photograph their unique wildlife.

After an overnight in Quito, we tour the Lake District, visiting with artists from a variety of handicraft specialities. Following a morning flight to Baltra Island, we begin the cruise aboard our comfortable 48-passenger, luxury 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. We study marine iguanas and flightless cormorants on Fernandina, watch land iguanas on Plaza, observe blue-footed boobies on Hood, swim with Galápagos penguins at Bartolomé and have the chance to snorkel with sea lions and fur seals! While enjoying beautiful views of white, olive or red sand beaches caressed by turquoise waters, we’re impressed by the powerful forces of nature. Following our 8-day cruise, we fly to Guayaquil and connect for the flight to Lima and, the next morning, on to Cusco. Here we spend a couple of days exploring impressive Inca sites such as the Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Chinchero & Ollantaytambo. A visit to Pisac is another opportunity to experience and shop the colorful Andean markets before taking the train to Machu Picchu. Spending the night at a nearby hotel we have plenty of time for in-depth explorations of the Incas Lost City before returning to Cusco and Lima.