Hotel del Parque, Guayaquil
Guayaquil might be known to travellers as a port-stop en route to the Galápagos, but the opening of the chic Hotel del Parque puts this s... Read more
Welcome to the boutique lodge, Pikaia, headquarters for discovering nature’s headline act: the Galápagos Islands. Cruise between islands on a luxury yacht and meet the real-life inspiration behind Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Marvel at dramatic evidence of the area’s volcanic provenance. And when you think you’ve seen everything on terra firma, head beneath the waves for a whole new treasure trove.
Journey Highlights
Welcome to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main port and a bustling city. Upon arrival into the gateway to Galápagos Islands, your A&K representative will accompany you to your boutique accommodation. Ease into local time and get your first taste of the country with a chocolate experience like no other. Pick your own cacao pods and watch as they are transformed into decadent chocolate.
Hotel del Parque
Journey to the airport for your flight to Baltra in the Galápagos archipelago. Leave the city behind and take your front-row seat for nature’s dizzying showcase of evolutionary magic in the Galápagos. Your A&K Guardian Angel will welcome you at the VIP Lounge area of Baltra Airport before accompanying you on board your private cruise along Itabaca Canal to Santa Cruz Island. Here, a private vehicle whisks you towards your luxurious lodge, your base for discovery of the Galápagos and its incredible wildlife. Originally discovered by the Spanish Bishop of Panama in March 1535 when his ship was blown off course en route to Peru, the islands were put on the map after Charles Darwin visited in 1835 whilst serving as a naturalist on HMS Beagle.
Pikaia Lodge | Meals: BLD
Step aboard your luxury yacht for a whole day dedicated to discovering exactly what inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Head first to North Seymour Island, where prickly pear cactus and Palo Santo trees stand out in an arid wilderness. Spy great frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies. And get up close to Galápagos sea lions and iguanas. Next, cruise to Bachas Beach and seek out small flamingo ponds overflowing with iguanas, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds and gulls. Spend time with nesting sea turtles on the coral beach. Then, back on the yacht, plunge into the steaming water of the Jacuzzi and watch dolphins play below.
Pikaia Lodge | Meals: BLD
Explore your island paradise, your way. Soak up the laid-back vibe of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos. Lose yourself in the fascinating world of the ‘Father of Evolution’ at the Charles Darwin Research Station and stop by the giant tortoise-breeding programme. Trek deep into the Scalesia Forest and encounter Darwin’s finches – possibly the most famous birds in the archipelago. Snorkel amongst sea turtles moving dreamily underwater or embark on your own wildlife-spotting tour by bike or on foot.
Pikaia Lodge | Meals: BLD
Back on board your luxury yacht for a cruise to Bartolomé Island, the tip of an underwater volcano. Climb to the summit for sweeping views of James Bay and Santiago, your next stop. Cool off with swimming and snorkelling among Galápagos penguins, marine turtles and a kaleidoscope of fish. Marvel at sea lions curled up on rocks and watch flamingos stalking through the water of beachside saline lagoons. Journey onwards to Sullivan Bay and step back in time to the volcanic beginnings of the Galápagos. Experience the surreal and starkly beautiful environment of white coral sand beach and lava, as spy hawks, finches and mockingbirds soar overhead.
Pikaia Lodge | Meals: BLD
Continue your island adventure this morning, your way. Choose from a menu of included activities depending on the weather and tidal conditions. Alternatively join your A&K Guardian Angel this afternoon, on a revealing tour of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos. Wander past humble dwellings and shops and be introduced to some of the descendants of the Norwegian, Swiss and German families that originally settled here four generations ago. Return to your lodge and seek out your favourite spot to enjoy nature’s show before dinner.
Pikaia Lodge | Meals: BLD
Rise early this morning to soak up your final taste of the Galápagos, before your transfer by road and ferry to the airport for the return flight to Guayaquil where your journey ends.
Meals: B
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Guayaquil might be known to travellers as a port-stop en route to the Galápagos, but the opening of the chic Hotel del Parque puts this s... Read more
Hidden in a secluded location and nestled on top of an extinct volcano crater, Pikaia Lodge is a stunning new alternative for exploring t... Read more
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800, send us a booking enquiry to book this journey or contact your travel agent.
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