The Only Way to Experience the Galapagos is. . .
Nothing tells the story of travel quite like hearing it from someone who has experienced it themselves, so we are beyond excited to share this beautiful video from our friends at Lindblad about their Galapagos Islands experience. . .
Guests describe their experience onboard a National Geographic-Lindblad expedition to the Galapagos Islands (video courtesy of National Geographic-Lindblad)
For years and years, Poe Travel guests have raved about their experience on National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions journeys. We have plenty of anecdotes of our own to share, but this fabulous video from our pals at Lindblad does a great job of showing just how awe-inspiring this destination really is.
As one of the guests in this video says:
“Galapagos is another world, and National Geographic – Lindblad is the way to come here. There is no other choice.”
Lindblad has lots of year-round options for visiting the Galapagos Islands, but we thought we would share one sample itinerary to give you an idea of what’s possible.
Galápagos Escape
8 days
Day 1
Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Your journey begins in Ecuador, either in Quito—Ecuador's capital city in the Andes—or in the coastal city of Guayaquil. Your Poe Travel advisor will help you select the best itinerary and arrange any pre- or post-cruise itinerary for you. Note that Quito sits at a 9,350-foot elevation. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and we recommend it if you opt to reserve additional hotel nights and pre-voyage tours of the city. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil.
On arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay to settle in. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river in lush tropical gardens. In Quito, you have the choice of several lovely hotels, depending on your preferences.
Stay: Guayaquil or Quito hotel (depending on preference)
Day 2
Quito/Guayaquil - Galápagos Islands - Embarkation
Today brings your first foray into the stunning Galapagos Islands as you fly into Baltra, right in the center of the islands. Baltra is a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. Here, you’ll be welcomed by your National Geographic – Lindblad naturalist staff as you embark on your cruise and begin exploring the islands.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Stay: National Geographic Islander II
Days 3-6
Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. Expeditions begin and end at Baltra and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. No two days are alike on a National Geographic – Lindblad expedition. Each itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
North Seymour
Look for nesting frigate birds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
Santa Cruz
Head to the lush, green highlands to look for giant tortoises roaming in the wild.
Isabela
Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as you explore these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.
Fernandina
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.
San Cristóbal
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard, found only on this easternmost island.
Española
Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, this island is home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses at Punta Suárez.
Floreana
Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay and learn about its unusual postal system.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Stay: National Geographic Islander II
Day 7
Galápagos Islands – Disembarkation - Quito/Guayaquil
After one last breakfast onboard this morning, you’ll disembark your ship and take a return flight back to the mainland—either to Guayaquil or Quito, depending on your preference. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure exploring on your own or relaxing after your Galapagos adventure.
You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home, you may choose to spend a night decompressing, or—if you are interested in extending your stay or exploring South America further—your Poe Travel advisor will make all the arrangements for your onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Guayaquil or Quito hotel (depending on preference)
Day 8
Onward Travels
Check out of your hotel in either Guayaquil or Quito for your onward travels, whether this is home to the States or elsewhere in South America.
If you would like to Go Away to the Galapagos with National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions, simply contact us. We will create a customized itinerary to set you on your way.