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 islands' 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, 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. Unique to the Galápagos experience is the opportunity for travelers to come face-to-face with wildlife and birds. Because the animals have no fear of man, guests witness their behaviors up close while relaxing under the tropical sun on colorful sand beaches, caressed by turquoise waters. Evening lectures review the day’s highlights as participants learn about the natural history of this fascinating ecosystem. that have no fear of humans. This exciting program features one of the most complete 8-day itineraries in the archipelago. It provides the ideal opportunity to explore these remarkable islands and to watch and photograph their unique wildlife in small, intimate groups.

After a night in Quito, our first day is spent in the Lake District of Ecuador visiting the Otavalo market and meeting artists from a variety of handicraft specialties. On Sunday morning we catch a flight to the islands and start exploring aboard our comfortable 20-passenger, deluxe motor-yacht. Accompanied by two excellent, English-speaking, naturalist guides, we learn about the natural history of the area, visiting the most important and diverse visitor sites in the archipelago. We study marine iguanas and flightless cormorants on Fernandina, watch land iguanas on Plaza, observe red-footed boobies on Tower and blue-footed boobies on Hood, swim with Galápagos penguins at Bartolomé and snorkel with sea lions and fur seals!