8-DAY DELUXE VACATION ON BOARD THE M/V EVOLUTION
FROM $6,450.00 ADULTS – $5,483.00 CHILDREN
AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY ARRIVALS IN BALTRA UNTIL DEC 5, 2020
The M/V Evolution is a charming 32-guest expedition yacht, ample enough to provide spacious staterooms along with various social areas (including inside and outside dining) yet small enough for guests to be able to experience nature in an up-close and personal manner. This artful combination of factors, results in a yacht which offers excellent service, accommodations and attention to detail, and causes minimal impact on the environment. Rated 5 stars by Trust Pilot, and highly recommended by Forbes, Conde Nest Traveler, Sotheby’s, Luxury Travel, and Travel + Leisure.
This 8-day Evolution Deluxe Cruise – From Baltra Vacation Package includes following the steps of pirates and Charles Darwin with shore excursions in the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Espanola, Fernandina, Santiago, Rabida, Bartolome and San Cristobal, with many opportunities for nature walks and hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and panga rides.
- 7-Night cruising with your choice of Premium or Deluxe Staterooms
- Morning and Afternoon guided explorations of the Galapagos Islands
- Use of the snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
- Snorkeling opportunities
- Kayaking and Zodiac Rides
- All Meals included on the M/V Evolution cruise
- Services of English-speaking Naturalist Guides during cruise
- Transfer from Baltra Island Airport to board the M/V Evolution
- Transfer to San Cristobal Island Airport on completion of cruise
- Personalized service of our Ecuador-based partners
Day by Day Itinerary: Evolution Deluxe Cruise – From Baltra
DAY 1 | SATURDAY | Welcome to Baltra | L.D.
Upon arrival on Baltra Island, transfer to the deluxe M/V Evolution for a 7–night cruise in your choice of a Deluxe Stateroom or a Premium Stateroom with daily explorations following the steps of pirates and Darwin through Daphne Major Islet. Bachas Beach, the Wild Tortoise Reserve, and the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz Island, Punta Vicente Roca, Urbina Bay, and Tagus Cove in Isabela Island (also known as Albemarle Island), Punta Espinosa in Fernandina Island (also known as Narborough Island), Pinnacle Rock and Overlook in Bartolome Island, Sullivan Bay in Santiago Island, Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet, and Osborn Islet in Espanola Island (also known as Hood Island). In San Cristobal, a visit to the Interpretation center is included prior to boarding your plane for your flight back to the mainland.
Once on board the M/V Evolution we will have lunch and a quick briefing en-route to our first visitor site: We will circumnavigate Daphne Major Islet which is home to a variety of birds including Galapagos martins, blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies, short eared owls, red billed tropic birds amongst others. After these visits we will get ready for our welcome cocktail and first briefing before continuing to dinner.
DAY 2 | SUNDAY | B.L.D.
Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca: In the morning we visit Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Snorkeling is incredible here as a result of the nutrient -rich waters of the Humboldt Current that bathe the western side of the archipelago. We will have a chance to see colorful fish, sea lions, penguins and sea turtles in the water.
Fernandina Island: Punta Espinosa: Begin the afternoon with a visit to Fernandina Island, home to La Cumbre volcano, which erupts frequently (most recently in May 2005). We visit Punta Espinosa, a narrow spit of land, where a number of unique species, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, flightless cormorants, herons, egrets and Galapagos hawks can be seen in close proximity.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks, Snorkeling, and Zodiac Rides.
DAY 3 | MONDAY | B.L.D.
Isabela Island: Urbina Bay: Urbina Bay is directly west of Isabela’s Volcano Alcedo, where we will make an easy, wet landing (a hop into a few inches of water). We walk on a stretch of three miles (5 km) of the marine reef that has been uplifted by as much as 13 feet (4 meters) out of the water. A highlight of this excursion are the giant land iguanas and giant tortoises, as well as the opportunity to go snorkeling amongst marine creatures, or just relaxing on shore.
Isabela Island: Tagus Cove: In the afternoon we visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. A wooden stairway rises to the trail entrance and continues around Darwin Lake through a dry vegetation zone, and ends in a promontory formed by spatter cones. The site provides spectacular views of our anchorage in the bay, as well as Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks, Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Zodiac Rides.
DAY 4 | TUESDAY | B.L.D.
Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock: In the morning we visit Bartolome Island, famous for Pinnacle Rock, where we will see Galapagos Penguins and sea lions. We will also hike a trail to Bartolome’s summit where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and our beach, where the crystal blue waters of the bay cradle your yacht.
Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay: Enjoy an afternoon visit to Sullivan Bay, one of the most outstanding volcanic sites in the Galapagos. In the nearly 100 years since the Sullivan Bay Flow, only a few plants like Mollugo and Lava cacti have managed to take root in this harsh environment. Oystercatchers can be seen fishing for crabs and mollusks in the tide pools of Sullivan Bay. After exploring the lava flow, there is swimming and snorkeling with playful sea lions off two small coralline beaches.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks, Snorkeling, and Zodiac Rides.
DAY 5 | WEDNESDAY | B.L.D.
Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas Beach: In the morning we visit Las Bachas, a sandy white -coral beach that is a major egg -laying site for sea turtles. The name Bachas refers to the remains of landing craft left here at the end of WWII. Ashore marine iguanas mingle with flamingos and other wading birds in another of the many super saline lagoons found in the Galapagos.
Rabida Island, commonly known by its English name of Jervis, is unique for the very red color of the beach and cliffs, beneath which one can find gliding sea turtles and perched blue footed boobies. A thick forest of Palo Santo trees sits back from the beach sheltering a yellow saltwater lagoon. Pelicans next in the thickets and brightly colored pink flamingoes graze the lagoon. A sea lion colony likes to laze on the red sands of the beach. We hike up a tiny peninsula for a wonderful view of the beach and lagoon. Sea caves invite exploration further down the coast.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks, Snorkeling, and Zodiac Rides.
DAY 6 | THURSDAY | B.L.D.
Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station: Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos and its capital, Puerto Ayora, is the economic center of the Islands. In the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to visit the Giant Tortoise and Land Iguana Breeding and Rearing Program. Here we used to find Lonesome George (now deceased), the last of his particular race of tortoise.
Afternoon visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where the dry coastal vegetation transitions to lush wet fields and forests overgrown with moss and lichens. Our destination is the Tortoise Reserve, where we will have chances see these animals in the wild.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks.
DAY 7 | FRIDAY | B.L.D.
Espanola Island (Hood): Punta Suarez: Hood is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and is one of the most popular due to the breathtaking variation and number of fauna that inhabit the island. In the morning we visit Punta Suarez where you will witness the largest variety of marine iguanas in the Galapagos, masked boobies and blue footed boobies nesting along the cliff’s edge, as well as the famous waved albatross.
Espanola Island (Hood): Gardner Bay: In the afternoon we visit Gardner Bay, a magnificent long white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore, and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate new arrivals.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks, Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Zodiac Rides.
DAY 8 | SATURDAY | San Cristobal Island / Home / Next Destination | B.
San Cristobal Island Interpretation Center: Today our Galapagos cruise comes to an end, but before we bid farewell to the Evolution and her crew we pay a visit to the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center on San Cristobal Island. The Center presents a comprehensive exhibit of the islands’ natural history, human interaction, ecosystems, flora and fauna and your naturalist will use the exhibits to provide an illustrated overview of life on the Islands. A short trail arrives at Frigate Bird Hill, where both, magnificent -frigates and great -frigates can be seen in the same colony.
Activities: Hiking/Nature Walks.
Next we are transferred to the airport for the local flight back to the mainland (airfare is not included) to connect with your outbound flight (airfare is not included).
PRICES PER PERSON IN US$ – NO MINIMUM GUESTS REQUIRED
AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY ARRIVALS IN BALTRA UNTIL DEC 5, 2020
CATEGORY | DOUBLE | TRIPLE1 | QUAD (2 BDR) | CHILD2 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Stateroom | $6,450.00 | N/A | $6,450.00 | $5,483.00 | $3,225.00 |
Premium Stateroom | $6,900.00 | N/A | $6,900.00 | $5,865.00 | $3,450.00 |
² Child rate applies up to three children (15 yrs. and under) per family.
VALID FOR ARRIVALS IN BALTRA ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: | |||||
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JAN 2020 |
FEB 2020 |
MAR 2020 |
APR 2020 |
MAY 2020 |
JUN 2020 |
JUL 2020 |
AUG 2020 |
SEP 2020 |
OCT 2020 |
NOV 2020 |
DEC 2020 |
INCLUDES
-
Assistance at the Quito Airport by the staff of the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel
-
One Night at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel with breakfast and tax
-
Assistance at the Quito Airport by Quasar staff to receive delivery of cruise documentation
PRICES PER PERSON IN US$ – NO MINIMUM GUESTS REQUIRED – UNTIL DEC 31, 2019
DOUBLE | TRIPLE1 | QUAD (2 ROOMS) | CHILD | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
---|---|---|---|---|
$129.00 | $113.00 | $129.00 | $40.00 | $102.00 |
INCLUDES
-
Assistance at the Quito Airport by the staff of the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel
-
Two Nights at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel with breakfast and tax (One on arrival date, and one upon return from the cruise)
-
Assistance at the Quito Airport by the Quasar staff to receive delivery of cruise documentation
PRICES PER PERSON IN US$ – NO MINIMUM GUESTS REQUIRED – UNTIL DEC 31, 2019
DOUBLE | TRIPLE1 | QUAD (2 ROOMS) | CHILD | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
---|---|---|---|---|
$258.00 | $226.00 | $258.00 | $60.00 | $204.00 |
INCLUDES
-
Meet & greet service at the Quito Airport
-
Private Transfer Quito Airport / Hotel
-
Private Transfer Quito Hotel / Airport
-
Two Nights in Quito at the La Casona de la Ronda Hotel with breakfast & tax
-
Private Guided Excursion of Colonial Quito & the Alabado Archaeological and Art Museum
-
English-speaking Guide Service during tours and excursions
-
On-site logistical support services of our corresponding in-country offices to quickly address any unforeseen situation and provide the necessary assistance as the case may require
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Welcome to Quito, Ecuador!
Meet and greet service upon arrival to the Quito Airport by your local host from Quasar for your private transfer to the La Casona de la Ronda Hotel for a two-night stay with breakfast and taxes included.
DAY 2 | Colonial Quito & the Alabado Archaeological and Art Museum | B.
Quito was named as the first “World Cultural Heritage Site” in the world by UNESCO in 1978. This historical city has the largest and best-preserved Historic Center and colonial quarters in Latin America. Quito’s Colonial Center features narrow streets lined with charming balconies filled with geraniums which enhance the beautiful and unique architectural elements that are emblematic elements of our historical legacy. Our excursion of colonial Quito starts with its small winding streets and romantic plazas to reach the Independence Square or Plaza Grande to continue with some of the most famous temples that are a part of the many major architectonic icons of this World Heritage Site. Then we continue the tour for an Experiential Visit to the outstanding Archaeological and Art Museum “Casa del Alabado.” This Pre-Columbian Museum boasts a collection of 400 pieces dating back to 4000 years ago, hidden on a beautifully restored colonial residence in the heart of Quito’s Historic Center. The museum exposes through experiential visits the daily life of several of the remarkable Pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited the present territory of Ecuador. The exhibits focus on the fascinating cosmos vision of these ancient cultures centered on the integration of three different and interacting worlds: The Underworld, The Middle World and the Supra world. The Axis Mundi is a mystical world of magic and wisdom which connects the three worlds through the knowledge of the Shamans. While watching varied objects from these ancient cultures, guests will learn fantastic facts about them and experience a host of hands-on activities of the ancestral times in the history of Ecuador. Upon completion of the tour, head back to Quito and your hotel.
DAY 3 | Quito Hotel / Quito Airport to begin Galapagos Cruise / OR Flight Home | B.
At the appropriate time, your local host will provide you with a shared transfer to the Quito Airport to board your flight to the Galapagos (airfare is NOT included). Upon arrival at the Galapagos airport you will be met by your local host and transferred to the ship to begin your cruise. OR to check-in for your flight home.
NOTE: Tour stops may be different than those listed
PRICES PER PERSON IN US$ – NO MINIMUM GUESTS REQUIRED – UNTIL DEC 31, 2019
DOUBLE | TRIPLE1 | QUAD (2 ROOMS) | CHILD | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
---|---|---|---|---|
$545.00 | $439.00 | $444.00 | $439.00 | $432.00 |
INCLUDES
-
Meet & greet service at the Quito Airport
-
Private Transfer Quito Airport/ Hotel
-
Private Transfer Quito Hotel/ Airport
-
Three Nights in Quito at the La Casona de la Ronda Hotel with breakfast & tax
-
Private Guided Excursion of Colonial Quito & the Alabado Archaeological and Art Museum
-
Private Guided Excursion of the Northern Andes: Cultures, Handicrafts, Nature & Markets
-
English-speaking Guide Service during tours and excursions
-
On-site logistical support services of our corresponding in-country offices to quickly address any unforeseen situation and provide the necessary assistance as the case may require
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Welcome to Quito, Ecuador!
Meet and greet service upon arrival to the Quito Airport by your local host from Quasar for your private transfer to the La Casona de la Ronda Hotel for a three-night stay with breakfast and taxes included.
DAY 2 | Colonial Quito & the Alabado Archaeological and Art Museum | B.
Quito was named as the first “World Cultural Heritage Site” in the world by UNESCO in 1978. This historical city has the largest and best-preserved Historic Center and colonial quarters in Latin America. Quito’s Colonial Center features narrow streets lined with charming balconies filled with geraniums which enhance the beautiful and unique architectural elements that are emblematic elements of our historical legacy. Our excursion of colonial Quito starts with its small winding streets and romantic plazas to reach the Independence Square or Plaza Grande to continue with some of the most famous temples that are a part of the many major architectonic icons of this World Heritage Site. Then we continue the tour for an Experiential Visit to the outstanding Archaeological and Art Museum “Casa del Alabado.” This Pre-Columbian Museum boasts a collection of 400 pieces dating back to 4000 years ago, hidden on a beautifully restored colonial residence in the heart of Quito’s Historic Center. The museum exposes through experiential visits the daily life of several of the remarkable Pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited the present territory of Ecuador. The exhibits focus on the fascinating cosmos vision of these ancient cultures centered on the integration of three different and interacting worlds: The Underworld, The Middle World and the Supra world. The Axis Mundi is a mystical world of magic and wisdom which connects the three worlds through the knowledge of the Shamans. While watching varied objects from these ancient cultures, guests will learn fantastic facts about them and experience a host of hands-on activities of the ancestral times in the history of Ecuador. Upon completion of the tour, head back to Quito and your hotel.
DAY 3 | The Northern Andes: Cultures, Handicrafts, Nature & Markets | B.L.
The Northern Andes (Imbabura Province) is a magical land of lakes, beautiful green landscapes, and living cultures. The excursion to this wonderful region features, Andean villages, great natural scenery and the legendary Otavalo Indigenous culture.
Along the way we will make a short visit to Quitsato Middle of the World Monument, a local community enterprising marked by a large orange beacon and located at the place where modern GPS technology has identified the exact position of the Equator: our planet’s latitude 0’0’0’. Once at Imbabura time is spared to visit the local workshops at the picturesque town of Peguche, cradle of the woven articles and the wind instruments atelier. During your visit we offer you a hands-on experience by visiting local homes – workshops to admire how the famous Otavalo textiles are woven artisanally as well as semi-industrially. You can also visit a hat-making home-workshop where the family handcrafts and distributes different types of wool hats which are used by diverse indigenous groups throughout the Andean Region. Menu lunch will be served at a local Hacienda.
During the afternoon, guests can opt for any of the following visits:
The Otavalo Market: The Otavalo Indigenous Market is famous for its colorful textiles and the unlimited display of amazing handicrafts.
Cotacachi leather village: You may also visit the village of Cotacachi located at the foothills of the Cotacachi Volcano where you will visit the local workshops and you can also shop for quality leather goods.
For Nature lovers the Peguche Waterfall: Used as a purification ritual bath by local indigenous communities, this 30-meter waterfall offers a brief hike perfect to continue your afternoon tour.
Peguche wind instruments atelier
DAY 4 | Quito Hotel / Quito Airport to begin Galapagos Cruise / OR Flight Home | B.
At the appropriate time, your local host will provide you with a shared transfer to the Quito Airport to board your flight to the Galapagos (airfare is NOT included). Upon arrival at the Galapagos airport you will be met by your local host and transferred to the ship to begin your cruise. OR to check-in for your flight home.
NOTE: Tour stops may be different than those listed
PRICES PER PERSON IN US$ – NO MINIMUM GUESTS REQUIRED – UNTIL DEC 31, 2019
DOUBLE | TRIPLE1 | QUAD (2 ROOMS) | CHILD | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
---|---|---|---|---|
$963.00 | $755.00 | $737.00 | $755.00 | $799.00 |
In Galapagos Islands: M/V Evolution. This charming 32-guest expedition yacht is ample enough to provide spacious staterooms, along with various social areas – including inside and outside dining – yet small enough for guests to be able to experience nature in an up-close and personal manner. This artful combination of factors results in a yacht which offers excellent service, accommodations and attention to detail, while causing minimal impact on the environment.
The M/V Evolution offers 3 suites, 8 premium staterooms and 5 deluxe staterooms all with exceptional accommodations, climate control, safe-boxes and ample space to hang and store clothing, private bathrooms with hair dryers, amenities like those of any fine hotel and ample space to store toiletries. There is a lounge with a bar and facilities for lectures, slide shows and films. The lounge also features a library with a wide range of books, movies and board games. The yacht features both inside and al-fresco dining areas and a sky deck lounge on Albatross deck with a bar and beautiful rattan furniture.
Special Features of the M/V Evolution include a Jacuzzi (great for your enjoyment after snorkeling) with lounge chairs for sunbathing, extensive outside areas, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear and wetsuits. There is a boutique onboard for purchasing amenities and souvenirs and a reception area where your cruise director can always be found. The yacht features a fully equipped infirmary with a doctor onboard at all times. For family cruises, there is a Kids Club with activities like star-gazing and movie nights. These cruises also offer child-oriented guides who organize learning activities and provide children with a kid’s expedition journal for their entertainment. A Sony PlayStation system console is available in the library as well as a wide range of board games and movies for children. Children’s Menus are specially prepared for family Galapagos cruises.
M/V Evolution Plans
Albatross Deck: On this deck you will find 2 Master suites and 1 twin suite with ocean-view windows, the captain’s bridge, and the al-fresco sky lounge and al-fresco bar.
Beagle Deck: This is the main deck of the yacht where you will find the interior dining room, al-fresco dining area, reception area and main lounge with bar. On the outside, towards the bow, you will find the Jacuzzi with lounge chairs for sunbathing.
Cormorant Deck: On this deck you will find 9 premium staterooms with ocean-view port holes. The infirmary and the public bathroom.
Darwin Deck: On this deck you will find 4 ample deluxe staterooms with portholes.
- Prices are subject to change without previous notice.
- The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and local regulations.
- Deposit: A $1,750.00 per person deposit is required to activate the booking process. Due to the popularity of the destination and the high demand for space, early reservations are strongly encouraged. Additional deposits may be required by suppliers, if so you will be notified.
- None of the services have been requested nor confirmed at this time (unless otherwise indicated). If the selected hotels are not available, we will make our best effort to obtain the next best available hotel in the same city/region. We should have confirmation of the suggested services and facilities and/or suitable alternatives within 48 hours after receiving your deposit, which will be applied to the final payment.
- Final Payment: The balance is due 90 days prior to the start of your tour. If full final payment has not been received by the due date, EcoAmerica Tours reserves the right to cancel the reservation without notice.
- Method of Payment: For your convenience, we accept major credit cards (filling out our Credit Card Authorization Form), checks, and PayPal.
- The price does not include: personal expenses, additional activities, international and local airfares as well as airports departure taxes (unless otherwise indicated), gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, bell and wait staff, and any other service not listed. The Galapagos National Park Fee ($100.00 per person) and the Galapagos Immigration Card ($20.00 per person), as well as Fuel Surcharges (if any) are not included.
- Airfares, if any, booked through EcoAmerica Tours may require immediate ticketing, if so, you will be notified accordingly. In most cases, the airfare charge(s) will appear on your credit card statement as processed by the airline(s) used for your travel arrangements.
- Meal Codes: B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner.
- All tour services are SIB shared basis (unless otherwise indicated).
- Please refer to the attached terms and conditions as presented in the credit card authorization form and in our website: Terms of Travel. These terms apply in full to this travel program.
- Travel Protection Plan: Travel insurance is a great way to protect your travel investment. By choosing to offer travel insurance, your travel agent is providing you a financial safety net for most unforeseen travel inconveniences. Allianz Travel Insurance plans have been created to suit most any traveler’s coverage needs. For your peace of mind, we strongly suggest you to purchase travel insurance. For more information, please visit: Allianz Global Assistance or contact us for a personalized quote.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR FULL SERVICE PLATFORM:
One of the main advantages of booking your trip through your Travel Consultant and the destination specialists at EcoAmerica Tours is that you do not have to spend countless frustrating hours looking on-line for hotels, point-to-point transportation, attractions, entrance fees, excursions, and much more. The second is that when traveling with us, you can be certain that we will be with you throughout your trip to continue assisting you and making sure that each one of the services included in your reservation are flawlessly delivered. When traveling with us, you will be talking to a real person who will demystify the travel components and will provide you with information that makes you knowledgeable and informed. When traveling with us you will get real value, just like countless travelers before you. We encourage you to visit the Reviews and Testimonials section in our website.
Working with your Travel Consultant and EcoAmerica Tours means being involved in a different way of doing tourism and comes with the following benefits:
- Celebrating three decades leading the tourism industry in Latin America.
- Regional coverage and exclusive tailor-made programs.
- Fast, friendly and efficient response to your requirements.
- Always available: emergency line and operational offices 24H/7D.
- We care about our guests: EcoAmerica Assistance Network.
- Top guides and the best transportation quality.
- Quality Control Department: care to passengers’ voice.
- Top Producer and great relationship with key suppliers.
- Positive impact of our operations at all levels.
LIABILITIES
EcoAmerica Tours, LLC. and/or any of its agents will not claim any responsibility for injury, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or other irregularities which may be caused either through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of companies or individuals providing or engaged in transportation, accommodations or other services related to the execution of the tour, or through natural calamities and other factors beyond its control. Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of any change, without notice. EcoAmerica Tours, LLC reserves the right to change any tour if considered necessary in order to render better service to its clients. Travelers choosing to participate in these vacation programs do so at their own risk. EcoAmerica Tours is not to be held responsible for injuries, damage expenses, and/or costs resulting from accidents or accidental death while participating in these vacation programs. Travelers have been directed to read these disclaimers. EcoAmerica Tours, LLC