Galapagos trip | Elite Galapagos Luxury Cruise

Floreana Island is located the southernmost of all the islands. The island has a rich history of tales of pirates, pirates, whalers, and settlers. Visitors are invited to follow in the footsteps of the whalers of 1700 and send a postcard from the famous "post office". At the northern tip of the island is Punta Cormorant, with two beaches, one of which is a nesting site for Galapagos green turtles. Between the two beaches is a salt lagoon that attracts flamingos and other shorebirds.

A pristine piece of land between the Baltra and North Seymour Islands, Mosquera Island is a small, low-lying island covered with black lava rocks, sparse vegetation and a white sandy beach lapped by the vibrant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Just 160 metres in diameter and about 600 metres long, Mosquera Island is the tiny home of one of the Galapagos' largest colonies of sea lions. Marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs and Lava Gull also populate the shore, and orcas have occasionally been seen off the coast. The abundance of marine life in the coral reefs attracts snorkellers to the Galapagos rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, barracudas, moray eels and schools of colourful fish, including hawkfish.

Santa Cruz is centrally located and also the second largest island in the archipelago. Puerto Ayora is located here which in turn is the largest city in the Galapagos. Here you will therefore find everything else you could possibly need (from ATMs to bars and internet cafés). For visitors, it is a very varied island where all kinds of things can be undertaken.

Genovesa also known as "Bird Island", is located about 95 km north-east of Santa Cruz. This horseshoe-shaped island gets its name from its spectacular bird-watching opportunities. In addition, the island has a volcanic caldera whose wall collapsed, forming Great Darwin Bay. This beautiful bay is surrounded by cliffs and is home to frigate birds and swallow-like gulls, the only nocturnal species of gull in the world. The island also offers sanctuary to an impressive abundance of lava gulls, tropical birds, petrels and Darwin's finches. Visitors will also find a beautiful crater lake in the centre of the island, as well as a large Palo Santo forest.

Northeast of Santa Cruz Island lies the elongated Santiago Island, also known as San Salvador Island or James Island. The island's best spot is undoubtedly Puerto Egas, where you will find a long lava coast with rock formations with an impressive variety of wildlife, including iguanas and fur seals. While geology lovers should head to Sullivan Bay to explore the black lava flow, diving enthusiasts can enjoy the Cousin's Rock dive site. This site is home to a triangular rock that rises about 10 metres above the water and consists of layers of volcanic rock.

The name of this island 'sea lion island' is very appropriate given the large numbers of sea lions that colonise the island here. You will never get enough of these. Moreover, the island has good snorkelling opportunities. The curious and playful Galapagos sea lion likes to come and have a look.

Located in the central part of the Galapagos archipelago, the small, flat island of Baltra (South Seymour Island) is the only island that is not part of the Galapagos National Park, being a military base and home to the local airport. With its extremely dry landscape and sparse vegetation, it can seem like another planet. Since the island is designated as a non-visitor site, travellers arriving in Baltra will be immediately bused to one of two ports, where they will board a cruise ship that will take them to Santa Cruz island.

Darwin Bay, located on Genovesa Island in the Galapagos, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its stunning natural beauty. Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, bird watching, and hiking along the scenic trails. Notably, Darwin Bay is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

The archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution. On these remote volcanic islands, a thousand kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast, you’ll find extraordinary biodiversity. Many animal species are found nowhere else in the world. Here you’ll find marine iguanas, giant Galápagos tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Sea lions, penguins and albatrosses also call this place home. Beneath the surface of the sea, just as on land, life teems. Marine mammals and fish, including whales, manta rays and hammerhead sharks, inhabit the ocean.
Please note: The Galápagos Archipelago is a protected nature reserve where strict regulations must be observed during your visit; always follow your guide’s instructions to ensure you do not cause any damage to this very special and unique ecosystem.

Of all the Galapagos islands, the island of San Cristobal has been inhabited the longest. This is because it is home to a source of fresh water. The highest point on the island measures 730 metres and is the top of a dormant volcano and is located most easterly. In clear weather, a trip to the El Junco lagoon is highly recommended; you will be surrounded by many birds. San Cristobal has a lively centre for the evening where not only you but also the many sea lions go, it gives a great view by the bay.

Santa Cruz is centrally located and also the second largest island in the archipelago. Puerto Ayora is located here which in turn is the largest city in the Galapagos. Here you will therefore find everything else you could possibly need (from ATMs to bars and internet cafés). For visitors, it is a very varied island where all kinds of things can be done, including the Charles Darwin Research station. Should you want to do some more activities, this is of course also among the possibilities. The Cerro Dragon national park in the highlands of Santa Cruz or the El Chato turtle reserve are among the possibilities, if time permits.

Quito averages 2,850 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains. The colonial downtown was one of the first city centres to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and is beautifully maintained. Quito is ranked among the continent's most beautiful cities. It also has one of the largest colonial centres in Latin America; only Havana in Cuba has a larger historic core, but is not nearly as beautifully restored. Outside the old city centre, Quito also has modern neighbourhoods.... On a clear day, Quito offers stunning views of the snow-capped summit of the Cotopaxi volcano. And where Rio de Janeiro has the famous statue of Christ, in Quito a stone Maria looks out over the city from the 'Panecillo' hill.

The spectacular Galápagos National Park is situated approximately 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago. The park is often referred to as a ‘living museum’ due to its phenomenal melting pot of species.
The area inspired Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution and is regarded as a living laboratory where evolution is still taking place. The park is home to a variety of animals and plants found nowhere else. These factors, together with ongoing volcanic and seismic activity, have earned the park its UNESCO status.
Visitors can spot animals such as land iguanas, giant tortoises, a variety of finches and many other animal and plant species. Situated at the confluence of three ocean currents, there is also an incredibly rich and abundant marine life off the coast.
Please note: The Galápagos Archipelago is a protected nature reserve where strict regulations must be observed during your visit; always follow your guide’s instructions to ensure you do not cause any damage to this very special and unique ecosystem.

With a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks, numerous volcanoes and exuberant cloud forests are the Northern Andes, a long, narrow plateau looming over Ecuador's western region. Visitors to the area can lose themselves in the wide variety of things to do on the mountain slopes, ranging from exciting outdoor activities to fascinating cultural experiences. Highlights include a scenic hike and canopy tour along the verdant landscape of Mindo Cloud Forest and a stroll along the cobblestone streets of Quito's Old Town to see the beautiful colonial architecture. Don't miss a visit to the small town of Otavalo, home to the hugely popular Otavalo Market, known as the largest market for traditional jewellery, textiles and handicrafts in South America.