In a nutshell

An incredible journey lasting four days and three nights in Ecuador: Together with local guides, you'll experience the wonder and discoveries made by Darwin in the Galapagos Islands, a haven for terrestrial biodiversity, amid giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas and brightly colored birds, before flying to Quito to discover how it feels to walk on the equator, straddling the two hemispheres.

Main stops

Day 1 * Panoramic shuttle and boat tours from Manta to Santa Cruz Island, via Guayaquil and Baltra Island * Exploration of the hinterland of Santa Cruz amid giant tortoises * Lunch in a local farm * Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to discover indigenous flora and fauna * Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 2 * Sea adventure to one of the Galapagos Islands to see native animal species * Lunch on the boat * Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Santa Cruz

Days 3 and 4 * Flight to Quito: Visit to the Intiñan ethnographic museum and walk to the “Middle of the World” monument, erected in between the two hemispheres * Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Quito * Flight to Lima and reboarding at the Callao port

The programme

Day 1 – Flora and fauna of Santa Cruz Island * At first, it's all green and blue: The Guayaquil region and its palm, banana and cocoa plantations, as well as the flight over the ocean to Santa Cruz Island, will kick off your adventure in the Galapagos Islands. * As soon as you arrive, you'll realize why Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection right here: The islands are a treasure trove of biodiversity with 560 plant varieties and an indigenous fauna boasting penguins, iguanas, blue-footed boobies and the unmissable giant tortoises. * Walk among the tortoises like the great naturalist did and have lunch at a local farm, then head to the Charles Darwin Foundation, which studies and preserves the flora and fauna of this archipelago declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. * Later on, as you dine in the first of the various exclusive hotels that await you, you'll find that even the most ecofriendly islands can boast all comforts.

Day 2 – The Galapagos seen from the water * The following day, you'll sail in the marine reserve around one of the islands and discover its delicate ecosystem from the water, amid volcanic cliffs and sea lions lying in the sun, while you enjoy lunch on board.

Days 3 and 4 – Quito, the middle of the world, and Lima * New discoveries await you on solid ground: Fly to Quito, the city on the equator, to immerse yourself in the life of indigenous people at the Intiñán museum and discover the “middle of the world” at latitude 0° 0' 0” , amid physics and folklore, before flying to Lima to reboard the ship.

Good to know

All meals are included.
To best experience these territories, remember to bring along a backpack with hat, sun lotion and a light waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.
Please take your passport with you: It is a mandatory requirement to take part in this experience.
The experience may be canceled up to 90 days before the land excursion's starting date.
Locations and order of visits are subject to change depending on weather conditions or other operational factors.
The coach transfer from Manta to Guayaquil lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: Book early.
We cannot guarantee that the Costa Tour Expert will be present for the whole duration of the experience.