Galapagos Family Adventure

br />Join the ranks of the great explorers who have visited the Galapagos Islands. Spend three nights and four days aboard the M/V Galapagos Legend where you learn from your on-board naturalist guide, a native “Galapageño.” Kick off the adventure in the Ecuadorian highlands, overnighting at a 300-year-old Hacienda. Play soccer and make new friends at the Agustin Delgado Foundation. Travel through the spectacular Andes aboard the Chaski Antawa, “Messenger Train.” Get up close with the iguanas, penguins and giant tortoises that call the Galapagos ecosystem home. From stargazing to snorkeling, delight as your family makes one stunning discovery after another.

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador - Tour Begins
Your Ecuadorian eco-adventure starts today! Ecuador, slightly smaller than the state of Nevada, offers your family unique experiences and a rich, friendly culture. From bustling Quito to the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos, adventure awaits at every turn. Begin in the Andes Mountains, in Ecuador's capital city – Quito.

Day 2: Quito - Peguche - La Magdalena - Ibarra
Dive into the Ecuadorian culture – from its food to its rhythmic music – during a fun-filled day! In Calderon, local artisans demonstrate how they create famous “Masapan” bread dough figurines. Then, it’s on to Condor Park where you will have an up-close experience with the most revered bird of the Andes. Travel to the nearby village of Peguche and experience the Andean Instruments Museum. Learn how flutes are created…then, roll up your sleeves and make your own instrument! Next, enjoy lunch with some locals and learn about their customs. Dance along during a folkloric show featuring native music. Journey to the special Karanki indigenous community of La Magdalena, seemingly lost in time high on the slopes of Cubilche Volcano. Share in the harvesting activities, observe traditional embroidery skills and explore the scenery. This evening, make yourself at home in an authentic Andean hacienda for a relaxing two night stay. This charming colonial estate features a swimming pool, kid-friendly activities and amenities for your family’s enjoyment. Get to know your fellow travelers during a wonderful dinner.

Day 3: Ibarra - Otavalo - Chota Valley - Soccer Match
Today’s first stop is in Otavalo to visit a native market. Check out the local fruits and vegetables and see artisans at work on their pottery, handicrafts and art. This afternoon, meet the students at the Agustin Delgado Foundation and soccer school. Here you’ll enjoy a soccer lesson and learn about this nation’s national pastime. Then, experience “Bomba” music and learn this traditional dance, featuring lively African-inspired drumming.

Day 4: Ibarra - Chaski Antawa Train Ride - Cuicocha Crater Lake - Quito
Enjoy a truly “hands-on” experience when you visit a local farm to assist in the morning milking. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Ecuador, where popular exports include bananas, cocoa, coffee and sugarcane. Thirty percent of Ecuadorians are employed on farms. In Ibarra, taste some “helados de paila.” This farm-fresh ice cream is crafted with local fruits. Then, climb aboard the Chaski Antawa “Messenger Train” and travel through tunnels, over gullies and across the impressive landscape to the charming town of Salinas. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the community and perhaps make some new friends. Later, at the foot of the Cotocachi Volcano, set sail on a cruise through Cuicocha Crater Lake, exploring the islands in the lagoon. Return to Quito this evening.

Day 5: Quito - Yaku Water Museum & Middle of the World
Today you will visit the Yaku Water Museum. The word “yaku” means “water” in Kichwa, and the museum focuses on the importance of water throughout the world. The Yaku Museum rests on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and offers lovely views of Quito’s Old Town. Next, visit the Middle of the World complex and stand on the Equator! Visit the monument to the equatorial line at latitude 0° and experience the changes in the forces of nature at the “Pathway of the Sun.”

Day 6: Quito - Baltra Island - Embark Ship - Santa Cruz Island (Bachas Beach)
Begin your expedition to the Galapagos! A morning flight whisks you to beautiful Baltra Island where you will board your cruise ship, the m/v Galapagos Legend. After enjoying lunch onboard, disembark at Santa Cruz Island. Set foot on the stunning white sands of Bachas Beach and swim in the clear blue waters. Catch your first glimpse of marine iguanas, sea birds and flamingos. Even spot the nesting sites of sea turtles among the mangrove beds. Cap off your day with some contemplative stargazing on deck.

Day 7: Plaza Island - Santa Fe Island
This morning, hop aboard your panga to visit Plaza Island. Explore an impressive cactus forest; then see how many adorable Galapagos sea lions you can count when you reach their colony. Plaza Island has abundant land and marine iguanas; search for the rare hybrid species. Continue to Santa Fe Island, home to the largest land iguana found in the Galapagos. Be on the lookout for more colonies of sea lions, finches and mockingbirds. Have a camera ready in case you spot the king predator on the islands, the Galapagos hawk. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Galapagos snake! Cool off by snorkeling with colorful schools of fish.

Day 8: San Cristóbal Island (Pitt Point and Cerro Brujo)
Arrive on the one-of-a-kind green sand beach at San Cristóbal Island, plentiful with seabirds and marine life. A walk up a volcanic tuff hill with your guide reveals great views of the bay. Get up-close and personal with eccentric Blue-footed boobies and amusing Great Frigatebirds, which inflate their throats to look like giant red balloons in hopes of attracting a mate. Keep your eyes peeled for Nazca and Red-footed boobies, too! Play in the water or snorkel with mischievous sea lions. Tonight, join an interactive discussion on the wildlife that you’ve seen on your journey.

Day 9: San Cristóbal Island - Disembark Ship - Quito
At Port Baquerizo Moreno, visit the San Cristóbal breeding center, La Galapaguera, to learn about the national park’s giant tortoise program. These gentle animals are sure to impress with their sheer size and humble beauty. Bid farewell to the m/v Galapagos Legend and the friendly animals and birds you’ve come to recognize. A flight from San Cristóbal’s airport returns you to Quito. Tonight, trade stories of your incredible adventures during a memorable farewell dinner.

Day 10: Quito - Tour Ends
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. Your colorful family adventure through Ecuador and the Galapagos is over – but you’ll always carry with you an appreciation of the cultures and wildlife from this corner of the globe.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
7/11/2012 - 7/20/2012	$3,399
2/13/2013 - 2/22/2013	$3,599
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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