SUMMER GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE ON BOARD THE NEW ENDEMIC CATAMARAN

EQ TOURING; “Luxury Galapagos & Ecuador” is proud to introduce ENDEMIC, a new mega catamaran in the Galapagos islands. We have included in our suggested fleet such a great boat, a combination of luxury and comfort that promises efficient high end expeditions in the archipelago.

This will be a sophisticated and unique catamaran on the Galapagos charter scene. She can host up to 16 guests and nature explorers in eight comfortable cabins, all of them with a private balcony and individual luxury facilities. The impressive saloon can host formal and casual dinners where our chefs blend the traditional flavor of our local spices with the international gourmet taste of the most well known dishes.

Your expedition will be led by a Naturalist Guide who will escort you in each exploration of the best sites we have in our itineraries; our Guides are able to share information with travelers of all ages and levels of knowledge and will make of your expedition and unforgettable vacation or as we call it, travel experience.

The luxury catamaran Endemic features:

  • All panoramic suites
  • Wall to wall sliding glass doors
  • Outdoor balcony
  • Top Naturalist guides and crew
  • Cruise Service Officer (hotel manager)
  • Spacious, modern and elegant
  • Ample exterior areas
  • Al fresco dining and BBQ areas
  • Open sky lounge with Jacuzzi
  • Sun terrace and observation platform
  • Great itineraries and visitor points
  • Long and short itineraries available
  • Kayaks and snorkeling gear
  • Transverse stability

7 Nights / 8 Days Program exploring Ecuador & the Enchanted Galapagos Islands starting on August 14, 2018



B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner



- DAY 1, AUGUST 14, TUESDAY / WELCOME TO QUITO, ECUADOR

Arrive in Quito where you will be met by your guide after passing the customs area and then transfer to your boutique hotel Le Parc. Two nights in double accommodation, buffet breakfast and local taxes included.

- DAY 2, AUGUST 15, WEDNESDAY / QUITO GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE / (B,L)

- Your guide will meet you today at 09:30 am and will take you to visit the « Mercado Central » where you stop at various affiliated stations, the Chef explains about the products and culinary traditions. You buy together the ingredients for the cooking class. You can take pictures, taste some endemic fruits and make your own purchases if desired. You return to Altamira (walking or by transport).
- The cooking class begins: we offer you a chef's hat and an apron for preparing the 3 dishes you will cook; which they are typical Ecuadorian recipes: a « Locro Quiteño », a « Encocado » and a Chocolate Soup. These foods have been chosen specifically because the ingredients used can be found worldwide, so you will have the chance to cook these recipes in your own country. You are invited to participate and to become a Chef: you have the possibility to manipulate food, peel, cut, season, mix, beat... During the class, the Chef is accompanying and guiding you, he gives explanations and details about the history of each dish and its origin.
- After elaborating the 3 courses, you have the pleasure to taste what you own prepared with the Chef in and unique place: in the “patio” of a Colonial House. The class ends with a round of applause for all participants.
- After your nice lunch made by your own the tour continues exploring the city and you go in direction to the chocolate museum, in this place you can learn about the cacao bean and the all process to make the famous Ecuadorian chocolate. Of course, here you have access to the historical information and how important it is for our national economy.
- Once we finish this visit we will continue visiting the different plazas and seeing people and traditional works.
- Once you finish the visit we will continue to the traditional neighborhood of La Ronda, here we can have a clear idea of how the village looked back to the XVIII century.
- At the end of the afternoon, we will go to visit the monastery of Santo Domingo and admire the art of the famous school of art of Quito from the Spanish colony period. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel.

- DAY 3, AUGUST 16, THURSDAY / FLY TO GALAPAGOS & BOARD THE LUXURY CATAMARAN ENDEMIC / (B,L,D)

- After a two hour flight (aprox.) you will arrive to the Baltra airport, your guide will meet and greet with you and will take you to the boat. Board the Endemic catamaran for 16 passengers.
- Begin your 5-night cruise through Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands”. Accommodations will be in suites. All cabins are spacious and feature a private bath/shower and air-conditioning. All meals, lectures and shore excursions are included. The excursions and cultural programs are led by category “3” naturalist guides with years of experience in guiding in the Galapagos Islands.
- In the afternoon you will visit Bartholomew Island, is an small but scenic island, home to the iconic, pointy Pinnacle Rock. There are only two visitors areas on Bartholomew, a series of wooden steps leading to a scenic overlook and a small, sandy beach. There’s not a lot of wildlife on the way up the steps – look for lava lizards – but the view is spectacular. The small beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos as there is a small penguin colony ad they enjoy darting around snorkelers underwater. You can also see any number of fish and rays, and maybe even a shark or two if you are lucky!

- DAY 4, AUGUST 17, FRIDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / (B,L,D)

- In the morning you will visit Cormorant Point located in Floreana Island, this visitor sites features two beaches and a flamingo lagoon, but oddly enough, no cormorant (which are found mostly in the western islands of Fernandina and Isabela). Cormorant point is sort of like two sites in one: the landing site is a green sandy beach with sea lions, but a short walk takes you to the other side of the point and a gorgeous white sand beach. You can wade in up to your ankles, but do not go any deeper: the waters off this beach are full of stingrays! On most days, you can see dozens of them just off the beach. The next visiting point is Devil’s Crown, located off of Floreana Island. The Devil’s Crown is a jagged set of rocks in a roughly circular shape; they are the final remnants of an ancient volcanic crater mostly eroded over the ages. It is a marvelous snorkeling spot: the deep water on one side is good for seeing large rays, sharks and other spectacular large marine life, while the interior of the “crown” is clam and often full of playful sea lions.

- In the afternoon you will visit Post Office Bay, located in Floreana Island. Back in the day, whalers and other ships roamed the seas, often for years at a time. For the men who worked on these ships, communication with home was very difficult and they would leave letters in certain places around the globe: one such drop off was a barrel at what came to be known as “Post Office Bay”. The barrel is still there: leave your own letter for a loved one! The site also features a nice sandy beach perfect for relaxing or snorkeling. The next stop is The Baroness’ Overlook, also located in Floreana Island. From a sandy beach, a short trail leads to the Baroness’ Overlook, where the visitors will get a good view of the Floreana coastline. Ask your guide for the story of the “Baroness of the Galapagos”. It is a murder mystery which is unsolved to this day! After a visit to the overlook, there will be the opportunity to take a panga ride along the coast or take out one of the sea kayaks.

- DAY 5, AUGUST 18, SATURDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B,L,D)

-In the morning you will visit Chinese Hat, off Santiago (James) Island. Chinese Hat, name for its distinctive conical shape, is a visitor site memorable for geology and animal life. The island is known for lava tubes and pillow formations, meaning that it likely was formed underwater and later was pushed to the surface by geological forces. Besides being and informative case study in volcanic geology, Chinese Hat is home to sea lions, penguins and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The hike is followed by panga rides, snorkeling and kayaking.

- North Seymour Island has something for everyone! The Frigate birds and blue-footed boobies nest right next to the rocky trail, allowing for spectacular photographs. The island is home to a booming population of land iguanas, often seen contentedly munching on cactus pads. There are usually dozens of sea lions near the landing site and along the beach. As if that is not enough, the snorkeling is excellent!

- DAY 6, AUGUST 19, SUNDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / (B,L,D)

- Today in the morning you will visit Mosquera Islet, which is a sandy, sparsely vegetated sand bar known for sea lions, lava gulls, shorebirds and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Lucky visitors might get to see a yellow-crowned herons as well! The visit features a guided walk around the islet and the chance to snorkel offshore.

- In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island. Some say the rocky hill got its name because it’s shaped like a dragon, others say it is because there are so many land iguanas along the trail. Either way, Dragon Hill is a fun hike along a dusty trail winding through cacti and Palo Santo trees. Look for birds, including flycatchers, warblers and flamingos and pintail ducks in the salty lagoon. This visit is followed by the opportunity to the snorkel offshore.

- DAY 7, AUGUST 20, MONDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / (B,L,D)

- Darwin Bay located in Genovesa Island is a long-eroded remnant of a prehistoric volcanic crater; Genovesa Island has a distinctive shape. A memorable visitor site on the bay leads through some mangroves and past many nesting birds included red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, gulls and more. From February to June, the Frigate Birds inflate their bright red throat pouches. Look for stingrays trapped in tidal pool at a low tide. Following the visit, our guests will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak or take a panga ride around the tranquil bay. Snorkelers sometimes see Hammerhead sharks!

- Prince Philip’s Steps also located in Genovesa Island. Across Darwin Bay from the morning visitors site, Prince Philip’s Steps is an spectacular site for bird lovers. After a brief clamber up a rocky bluff, visitors emerge onto a plateau where they can see the elusive short-eared owl: this site is one of the only places in Galapagos where these birds are commonly seen. Look for Redfooted and Nazca-boobies, storm petrels and tropic birds. The visit is followed by the chance to do some more snorkeling or kayaking in the bay.

- DAY 8, AUGUST 21, TUESDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – FLY BACK TO QUITO / (B)

- Check out of the boat. Before you departure back to the continent you will visit the Twin Craters, the twins of the leafy highlands of Santa Cruz Island are two sinkholes created long ago by underground lava tunnels which collapsed. A shay trail covers the short distance between the main road and the two sinkholes: it is home to many Scalesia pedunculate trees, endemic to Galapagos. The Twins visitors site is a good place to see finches, Vermilion Flycatchers and mockingbirds.

- After spending amazing days exploring this paradise you will be transferred to the airport. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall. We expect that you will return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable memories for life!.

- Fly back to Quito to continue your journey to the Amazon, Ecuadorian Andes, Peru or to take you flight back home.

9 Nights / 10 Days Program exploring Ecuador & the Enchanted Galapagos Islands starting on August 31, 2018



DAY 1, AUGUST 31, FRIDAY / WELCOME TO QUITO, ECUADOR

Arrive in Quito where you will be met by your guide after passing the customs area and then transfer to your boutique hotel Le Parc. Two nights in double accommodation, buffet breakfast and local taxes included.

DAY 2, SEPTEMBER 1, SATURDAY / QUITO GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE / (B, L)

- Your guide will meet you today at 09:30 am and will take you to visit the « Mercado Central » where you stop at various affiliated stations, the Chef explains about the products and culinary traditions. You buy together the ingredients for the cooking class. You can take pictures, taste some endemic fruits and make your own purchases if desired. You return to Altamira (walking or by transport).

- The cooking class begins: we offer you a chef's hat and an apron for preparing the 3 dishes you will cook; which they are typical Ecuadorian recipes: a « Locro Quiteño », a « Encocado » and a Chocolate Soup. These foods have been chosen specifically because the ingredients used can be found worldwide, so you will have the chance to cook these recipes in your own country. You are invited to participate and to become a Chef: you have the possibility to manipulate food, peel, cut, season, mix, beat... During the class, the Chef is accompanying and guiding you, he gives explanations and details about the history of each dish and its origin. After elaborating the 3 courses, you have the pleasure to taste what you own prepared with the Chef in and unique place: in the “patio” of a Colonial House. The class ends with a round of applause for all participants.

- After your nice lunch made by your own the tour continues exploring the city and you go in direction to the chocolate museum, in this place you can learn about the cacao bean and the all process to make the famous Ecuadorian chocolate. Of course, here you have access to the historical information and how important it is for our national economy. Once we finish this visit we will continue visiting the different plazas and seeing people and traditional works. Once you finish the visit we will continue to the traditional neighborhood of La Ronda, here we can have a clear idea of how the village looked back to the XVIII century. At the end of the afternoon, we will go to visit the monastery of Santo Domingo and admire the art of the famous school of art of Quito from the Spanish colony period. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel.

DAY 3, SEPTEMBER 2, SUNDAY / FLY TO GALAPAGOS & BOARD THE LUXURY CATAMARAN ENDEMIC/ (B, L, D)

- After a two hour flight (aprox) you will arrive to the Baltra airport, your guide will meet and greet with you and will take you to the boat. Board the Endemic catamaran for 16 passengers.

- Begin your 7-night cruise through Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands”. Accommodations will be in suites. All cabins are spacious and feature a private bath/shower and air-conditioning. All meals, lectures and shore excursions are included. The excursions and cultural programs are led by category “3” naturalist guides with years of experience in guiding in the Galapagos Islands.

- In the afternoon you will visit Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island. Some say the rocky hill got its name because it’s shaped like a dragon, others say it is because there are so many land iguanas along the trail. Either way, Dragon Hill is a fun hike along a dusty trail winding through cacti and Palo Santo trees. Look for birds, including flycatchers, warblers and flamingos and pintail ducks in the salty lagoon. This visit is followed by the opportunity to the snorkel offshore.

DAY 4, SEPTEMBER 3, MONDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- Darwin Bay located in Genovesa Island is a long-eroded remnant of a prehistoric volcanic crater, Genovesa Island has a distinctive shape. A memorable visitor site on the bay leads through some mangroves and past many nesting birds included red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, gulls and more. From February to June, the Frigate Birds inflate their bright red throat pouches. Look for stingrays trapped in tidal pool at a low tide. Following the visit, our guests will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak or take a panga ride around the tranquil bay. Snorkelers sometimes see Hammerhead sharks!

- Prince Philip’s Steps also located in Genovesa Island. Across Darwin Bay from the morning visitors site, Prince Philip’s Steps is an spectacular site for bird lovers. After a brief clamber up a rocky bluff, visitors emerge onto a plateau where they can see the elusive short-eared owl: this site is one of the only places in Galapagos where these birds are commonly seen. Look for Red-footed and Nazca-boobies, storm petrels and tropic birds. The visit is followed by the chance to do some more snorkeling or kayaking in the bay.

DAY 5, SEPTEMBER 4, TUESDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- In the morning you will visit the Twin Craters, the twins of the leafy highlands of Santa Cruz Island are two sinkholes created long ago by underground lava tunnels which collapsed. A shay trail covers the short distance between the main road and the two sinkholes: it is home to many Scalesia pedunculate trees, endemic to Galapagos. The Twins visitors site is a good place to see finches, Vermilion Flycatchers and mockingbirds.

- Sullivan Bay, located in Santiago Island features a sandy shore surrounded by lava fields. The lava is relatively recent, being only about 100 years old. Guides will point out the hardy “pioneer” plants: specialized flora which is the first to colonize a lava field. After a hike, guests will enjoy a refreshing swim with the chance to do some snorkeling.

DAY 6, SEPTEMBER 5, WEDNESDAY EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- Visit Chico Volcano/Sierra Negra located in Isabela Island. The volcano was active as recently as 2005 and it is possible to see very recent lava flows and fumaroles. The visit includes the main volcanic caldera and several smaller craters at the Chico Volcano site. There are not many animals in the barren heights of the volcano, but hikers are rewarded with an unforgettable lesson in volcanic geology and a great view of Isabela and Fernandina Islands! Next visit point is Humedales also known in English as “Wetlands” home to abundant bird life, including flamingos, stilts, whimbrels, gallinules, finches, Pintail Ducks, Brown Pelicans and more. Marine iguanas creep through the marshes as well, and an occasional giant tortoise makes an appareance. Part of the trail goes up Orchilla hill, which offers a nice view of the nearby town of Puerto Villamil.

- During the afternoon visit Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, also located in Isabela Island. The Breeding Center is a highlight of any visit to Isabela Island. Here, giant tortoises of the Isabela Island. Here, giant tortoises of the Isabela Island subspecies are hatched and cared for until they can survive on their own in the wild. Hundreds of adorable baby tortoises lumber about in raised pens, designed to protect them from predators including rats and ants. Even the walk to get to the breeding center from town is fun, as it is connected to Puerto Villamil by a boardwalk over some marshy wetlands where sightings of flamingos and other water birds are common.

DAY 7, SEPTEMBER 6, THURSDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- Elizabeth Bay, located on Isabela Island. This unique bay and the rocky small islets which are found there are home to many spectacular species of Galapagos bird life, including penguins, the Galapagos Hawk, Nazca boobies, finches, flightless cormorants, warblers and more. In the clear sea below, visitors will see thriving marine life, including schools of fish, spotted eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas. Elizabeth Bay is only seen by panga ride, visitors will not land at all.

- Urbina Bay also located in Isabela Islad, in 1954 volcanic activity deep underground rocked Isabela Island, thurusting up part of Urbina Bay. The bay’s landscape changed overnight, gaining five meters in height and a kilometer of soggy land that had previously been underwater. Visitors can still see desiccated coral formations on the trail around part of the bay. Urbina Bay is home to an abundant wildlife, including land iguanas, giant tortoises and lava lizards. Bird life includes finches, hawks and mockingbirds. The hike, a relatively long one at 3000 meters is followed by a refreshing swim or some snorkeling in the bay.

DAY 8, SEPTEMBER 7, FRIDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- In the morning you will have a short hike to a scenic outlook at Tagus Cove and a panga ride along the coastline to look for penguins. After the hike, you can choose to do some kayaking and snorkeling, where they are almost certain to see sea turtles.

- In the afternoon you will visit Espinoza Point, located in Fernandina Island. Punta Espinoza is one of the most remarkable visitors sites in all of Galapagos. This memorable hike includes good wildlife watching as well as geology and many spectacular spots for taking photos. Guests will walk over recent (geologically speaking) lava flows see a nesting colony of Flightless Cormorants, and step gingerly through a low maze of marine iguanas sunning themselves.

DAY 9, SEPTEMBER 8, SATURDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/ (B, L, D)

- Espumilla Beach, located in Santiago (James Island) is a pristine sandy beach on the northern part of Santiago Island. At either end of the beach, trails lead through some mangroves to a salty lagoon, where lucky visitors may get to see flamingoes, pintail ducks, stilts or other wading birds. There is good snorkeling and kayaking off the beach. Buccaneer Cove is your next visit point, it is so beautiful that it is possible to forget about their interesting human history. Although there is nothing left of their presence (no buried treasure – sorry!), pirates and whalers used to stop in Buccaneer Cove to repair their ships, take on fresh water and capture tortoises for food. There is no trail here, but it is a good spot for a panga ride, snorkeling and kayaking. As the pang cruises along the shore, look for Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, fur seals, sea lions, and Galapagos hawks soaring overhead.

- Rabida Island is a remarkable island, famous for its cactus groves and scenic rock formations. Finches and other small land birds are commonly seen flitting around the cacti alongside the trails. The hike starts along the red sand beach where Brown Pelicans nest in mangroves. Short trails lead from the beach to some lagoons where flamingos are sometimes seen. After the hike, visitors can cool off with a swim or some snorkeling. Lucky snorkelers and kayakers will see fish, sea lions and turtles.

DAY 10, SEPTEMBER 9, SUNDAY / EXPLORE THE ENCHANTED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – FLY BACK TO QUITO / (B)

- Black Turtle Cove located in Santa Cruz Island is a lagoon maze of mangroves, and pangas are forced to paddle so that their motors do not disturb the wildlife there. You never know what you will see in Black Turtle Cove, there might be sharks, sea turtles, herons or even school of Golden Rays gently gliding through the water. There is no swimming or snorkeling permitted in this site.

- After spending amazing days exploring this paradise you will be transferred to the airport. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall. We expect that you will return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable memories for life!

- Fly back to Quito to continue your journey to the Amazon, Ecuadorian Andes, Peru or to take you flight back home.

 
8 DAYS
10 DAYS
Based on 2 guests
USD 4,876 per person
USD 6.266 per person
Based on 4 guests
USD 4,750 per person
USD 6,140 per person

MainDeck

Upper Deck

Sky Deck


Specifications

Year of construction:
  • 2017
Type:
  • Luxury Motor Catamaran
Length:
  • 105 ft (32 m)
Beam:
  • 43 ft (13 m)
Draft:
  • 5,6 ft (1.70 m)
Cruising Speed:
  • 12 knots
Capacity:
  • 16 passengers
Crew:
  • 8 members + 1 bilingual guide
Engines:
  • 2 Cumming Motors 350 HP
Water capacity:
  • 2.500 gallons
Electric Power:
  • 110V and 220V
Accommodation:
  • Main Deck:
    Five 215ft² / 20m² double cabins (four with private balcony). Dining room and Lounge
  • Upper Deck:
    Four 172ft² / 16m² double cabins (all with private balcony).
Safety & Navigation:
  • Life vests
  • GPS
  • Sonar
  • Naval radars
  • Fire detection and prevention systems.

Quito Services Rates include:

  • Two nights’ accommodation at boutique hotel Le Parc in double accommodation.
  • Private transfers with driver and certified English speaking guide.
  • Mentioned tours.
  • Entrance fee to the visit places.
  • Mentioned meals.

Quito Services Rates do not include:

  • International or local flights.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips & gratuities.
  • Services not mentioned.

Galapagos Services Rates include:

  • Four nights cruise aboard the luxury catamaran Endemic in suite double accommodation.
  • All meals on board.
  • Soft drinks (water, coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks).
  • Shared transfers in Galapagos airport – boat – airport.
  • Free use of Snorkeling equipment.
  • Glass of house wine for dinners.
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell cocktail.
  • Naturalist English Speaking guide category III.
  • The use of kayaks.
  • Excursions in the islands as indicated on itinerary.

Galapagos Services Rates do not include:

  • International flights.
  • Galapagos flights (from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos & Viceversa) USD 540 per adult approx. (due to Operational considerations the internal flights have to be issued by EQ Touring).
  • Entrance fee to the islands USD 100. To be paid upon arrival to Galapagos in cash or we can include it on your invoice upon confirmation. It can be paid before your check-in for your flight to Galapagos- or we can include it on your invoice upon confirmation
  • Beverages and alcoholic drinks.
  • Migration Control Card USD 20.
  • Gratuities for crew and guide.
  • Payment with credit card 3% or bank transfer fees.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Services not mentioned.