BEARLAPAGOS 2024

Quito is the capital and the largest city in Ecuador (population: 2.7M). At 9,350 ft. above sea level it’s the highest (constitutional) capital city in the world.

Our team will welcome you and assist you to the hotel (a short 5-minute shuttle ride). A highly-rated airport hotel awaits you for a restful first night in Ecuador before your morning flight to Galapagos.

This is a 2h10m flight, and the price is included in your package. Baltra Island is home to Galapagos’s main airport.

The Monserrat is a First Class 20-passenger yacht. Onboard amenities include private ensuite bathrooms, A/C, an ample sundeck with recliners and shaded area, dining room, bar and lounge, and complimentary snorkeling equipment.

Start your excursions of the archipelago by meeting its oldest and largest inhabitants up close: the giant Galapagos tortoises.

Wander into the incredible underground lava tunnels, some are more than .6 mile long, and learn about the volcanic origins of these islands.

Rest comfortably in your upper deck cabin with a view, A/C and private bathroom.

*Photo shows twin beds. Cabins with queen bed may be available.

This island features a unique reddish landscape with trails that lead to a saltwater lagoon and where the revered ‘palo santo’ trees grow, followed by snorkeling off the beach.

This island features distinctive lava formations and ash-cones, as well as a 375-step wooden ladder that takes you 114 meters above sea level to the top of the volcano, were a spectacular view of the bays below awaits you. The prominent Pinnacle Rock is located on this island, and is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Galapagos.

Meet the paradox of nature that the Galapagos penguin is, up close under the water or from a dinghy as you prefer.

One of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife and sea lions playing in the waters.

Trek toward the cliffs along the island's shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favorite forest, and then jump in the turquoise waters to swim with sea lions, turtles and rays.

Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Great snorkeling opportunity off a glittery sand beach.

If you’re up to it enjoy a hike uphill over volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds.

Take a stroll down the coastline to look for wildlife on the beach, or head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon – a great place to see flamingos.

Take a refreshing dip or snorkel in the crystalline turquoise water to enjoy the underwater wildlife, or just enjoy the views in one of Galapagos most pristine and paradisiacal beaches.

If hiking is not your thing, we’ll enjoy amazing views of the famous rock formations of Kicker Rock, known by locals as “The Sleeping Lion”.

Our chef and kitchen staff will teach us how to make an authentic Ecuadorian ceviche on the sundeck as we start our navigation towards sunset.

Explore this tiny island off San Cristobal by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.

Snorkel right off the beach amid the families of sea lions and their inquisitive pups looking to play.

Enjoy some free time to visit the capital of Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, before our departure back to Quito.

Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site because it has the largest, least-altered and best preserved historic center in the Americas. In last year’s World Travel Awards, Quito won the 1st place for Cultural Destination in South America!

Know as La Basilica, is the most important work of neo-Gothic Ecuadorian architecture and is one of the most representative of the Americas. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the New World. The building is noted for its grotesques in the form of native Ecuadorian animals such as armadillos, iguana, and Galapagos tortoises.

La Plaza de la Independencia (or Plaza Grande) is the principal square of Quito, where the Presidential Palace, City Hall and Cathedral are located.

Known simply as La Catedral, is the Catholic cathedral in Quito, which makes it the seniormost Catholic church in the country.

Known as La Compania, is a Jesuit church best-known because of its large central nave, which is profusely decorated with gold leaf, gilded plaster and wood carvings. This is one of the most significant works of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America. It is Quito’s most ornate church and (according to many) the country's most beautiful.

Commonly known as “San Francisco“, is a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex. It fronts onto its namesake Plaza de San Francisco. The imposing structure has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America.

A 148 ft tall stone monument of a madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Panecillo hill. Locals claim that she is the only one in the world with wings like an angel. This hill and the virgin can be seen from anywhere in Quito’s Historic Center.

This gondola lift runs from the edge of the city centre up the Pichincha Volcano. It’s one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 10,226 to 12,943 ft. The ascent takes about 20 mins. and is rewarded with the most amazing cloud-high views of Quito and the surrounding mountains, volcanoes and sky-capped peaks.

Pululahua Crater is one of only two volcanic craters inhabited in the world, and the only one that is farmed. The caldera of this extinct volcano is approximately 3 miles wide, one of the largest volcanic craters in the planet. Very romantic spot!

The grounds of this “city” contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator (from which the country takes its name) and commemorates the 18th century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission which fixed its approximate location. The complex includes museums, interactive exhibits, restaurants, shops, etc

This onsite museum located right on top or the Equator Line features interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the Earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail and the affects of the Coriolis force on earth.

End the day with a memorable tasting menu of contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine, made with ancestral ingredients from all the corners of the country.

For our Ecuador-only travelers, our services will end upon drop-off at Quito’s airport for your flight to USA. Our travelers continuing to Peru will be assisted to their flight to Lima.