Suggested flight: July 8, Shanghai–Amsterdam MU771/12:30/18:30 Accommodation: Amsterdam Airport hotel

Suggested flight: Amsterdam–Quito KL751/10:15/14:55 Take international flights, connecting onward to Quito, Ecuador's capital. Meals: Welcome dinner Accommodation: Five-star hotel in Quito

Visit the Equator Monument and museum, stroll through Quito's old town, then head to El Panecillo toward evening to admire the city at night. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (group meal), dinner (group meal) Accommodation: Five-star hotel in Quito

Suggested flight: July 11, Quito–Coca LA1397/09:30/10:09 Fly to the tropical rainforest, then travel by boat to the eco-lodge. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (packed light meal), dinner (at the lodge) Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center eco-lodge or equivalent

View the rainforest from an observation tower, hike deep into the forest, and take a night walk. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (at the lodge), dinner (at the lodge) Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center eco-lodge or equivalent

Watch parrots eating clay, learn about traditional Indigenous life, hike the lagoon trail, and take another night walk in the rainforest. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (at the lodge), dinner (at the lodge) Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center eco-lodge or equivalent

Suggested flight: Coca–Quito LA1396/10:49/11:25 Say farewell to the rainforest and return to Quito's old town. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (group meal), dinner (group meal) Accommodation: Five-star JW Marriott hotel or equivalent

Suggested flight: Quito–Baltra AV1688/11:10/12:20 Morning: Quito–Baltra Island–Embarkation Afternoon: Explore the highland scenery. Welcome to the mysterious Galápagos Islands! On arrival at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guide will warmly greet you and help you reach the Itabaca Channel. A short ferry crossing gives you your first direct taste of the islands' distinctive charm. Along the way, admire Baltra's magnificent arid landscape and learn about its rich history as a US air base during World War II, just the first of many fascinating stories on your expedition. In the afternoon, explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Walk through a reserve and encounter giant tortoises grazing peacefully, some weighing more than 600 pounds. Observe endemic birds such as Darwin's finches and Galápagos flycatchers. If the schedule permits, explore lava tunnels, remarkable remnants of the volcanic forces that created the islands. Lava tunnels, Darwin's finches, Galápagos flycatchers, giant tortoises, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails. Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: The lava wilderness of Punta Moreno Afternoon: Elizabeth Bay. Begin exploring Punta Moreno early in the morning. Its volcanic terrain looks barren yet supports a thriving habitat. Walk inland beside brackish lagoons where flamingos, crakes, ducks, and herons rest peacefully. Along the rugged coast, you may encounter Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, experiencing the vitality of this unusual ecosystem. Sea lions and oystercatchers are also frequent visitors, making this a remarkable example of how life flourishes in the Galápagos' harshest environments. Highlights: spectacular scenery, Galápagos mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, American flamingos, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, ducks, and rails. As the afternoon progresses, sail into tranquil, magnificent Elizabeth Bay, a sheltered haven surrounded by tall mangroves and austere lava landscapes. With no established trails, a small-boat journey through channels and coves rich in marine life offers a distinctive nature adventure. Elizabeth Bay is an excellent place to see rare Galápagos penguins, with a global population of only approximately 3,000. It is also an important nesting area for flightless cormorants, while blue-footed boobies and pelicans dive gracefully for fish. Watch for fish of an unspecified type gliding through the clear water and sea turtles moving at leisure. Highlights: mangroves, herons, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, flightless cormorants, and sea turtles Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Meals: Breakfast–Lunch–Dinner Morning: The spectacular coast of Urbina Bay Afternoon: Tagus Cove, in Darwin's footsteps. Our journey begins at Urbina Bay, a distinctive Galápagos site where a dramatic geological uplift in the 1950s exposed large areas of former seabed. Along the trail, fossilized shells and corals testify to this underwater history. Land iguanas inhabit the area, and in certain seasons giant tortoises stroll leisurely here. Galápagos hawks frequently circle overhead or perch in trees, scanning their surroundings with sharp eyes. Highlights: magnificent scenery, Galápagos mockingbirds, Galápagos hawks, Darwin's finches, Galápagos flycatchers, and Galápagos land iguanas. In the afternoon, visit historic Tagus Cove, where Charles Darwin landed during his journey around the islands. Walk through dry palo santo forest, home to Darwin's finches and mockingbirds, while enjoying sweeping views of Darwin Lake and northern Isabela's towering volcanoes. A coastal small-boat excursion offers excellent opportunities to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the Galápagos martin, an exceptionally rare and endangered small endemic bird. Highlights: magnificent scenery, herons, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and starfish Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Punta Espinoza, a volcanic wonder Afternoon: Punta Albemarle—where wildlife meets history. Punta Espinoza is a true natural wonder at the foot of the Galápagos' most active volcano. On landing, the largest colony of marine iguanas greets you, basking on black volcanic rock. Sea lions rest on the beach while pups explore tidal pools. Flightless cormorants patrol the shoreline, and Galápagos hawks search keenly for prey among the mangroves. Cold, plankton-rich waters make this a flourishing habitat where herons, oystercatchers, pelicans, and sea turtles thrive in pristine surroundings. Highlights: magnificent scenery, herons, Galápagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galápagos hawks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and shorebirds. In the afternoon, visit Punta Albemarle, where military history intertwines with abundant Galápagos wildlife. During World War II, the United States established a radar base here to monitor potential Japanese threats; its remains are still visible. Although the lava-covered terrain appears barren, the coastline sustains abundant, varied wildlife. Some of the islands' largest marine iguanas live here, alongside Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and numerous shorebirds, creating a distinctive blend of history and nature. Highlights: Galápagos penguins, land and marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, and Sally Lightfoot crabs Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Puerto Egas—on the edge of the wilderness. Afternoon: Espumilla Beach/Buccaneer Cove—a pirates' refuge. Puerto Egas is a fascinating destination combining history with abundant wildlife. Although there is no actual harbor, remnants of a 1960s settlement attempt still stand. Along the coastal path, marine iguanas bask lazily and sea lions rest on rocks. Herons, oystercatchers, and various shorebirds complete this thriving ecological scene. Small, secluded groups of Galápagos fur seals inhabit rocky grottoes at the trail's end. Land iguanas were also reintroduced to the island in 2019 after an absence of more than a century. Highlights: magnificent scenery, herons, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, oystercatchers, Galápagos hawks, Darwin's finches, marine and land iguanas, Galápagos doves, and shorebirds. Espumilla Beach, on Santiago Island's northern coast, is a breathtaking one-kilometer stretch of rusty-brown sand. Surrounded by mangroves and dry forest, it supports Galápagos hawks, small passerines, and mockingbirds. Flamingos and wild ducks are often seen in the salt marsh during the rainy season. Then explore Buccaneer Cove, a historic pirate refuge in the 17th and 18th centuries. Towering cliffs and unusual rock formations create a powerful natural panorama. Although there are no hiking trails, a small-boat excursion provides a rare chance to observe wildlife closely and learn more about the islands' rich history. Highlights: herons, boobies, Galápagos hawks Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Dragon Hill/Daphne Island. Afternoon: Explore Black Turtle Cove. Visit one of two iconic Galápagos sites: Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz, where land iguanas roam and flamingos gather in a saltwater lagoon; or Daphne Major, a seabird nesting site and the location of groundbreaking research into Darwin's finch evolution. Both offer unique, unforgettable wildlife experiences. Highlights: herons, Darwin's finches, Galápagos flycatchers, American flamingos, Galápagos land iguanas. Explore Black Turtle Cove by small boat, a shallow-water sanctuary surrounded by dense mangroves. Sea turtles, reef sharks, and various rays inhabit it, and it is an important breeding area for turtles and sharks. Watch herons, cockatoos, and pelicans feeding among schools of anchovies. Although landing is not possible, close observation of abundant wildlife from the boat provides an unforgettable experience. Highlights: mangroves, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, reef sharks Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Rábida Island—a red ecological jewel. Afternoon: Sombrero Chino—a perfectly formed volcanic cone. Rábida is one of the archipelago's most distinctive islands, famed for red sand and iron-rich volcanic terrain. Sea lions bask on the beach, while a small nearby saltwater lagoon supports flamingos, wild ducks, and long-legged waders. Inland trails offer enchanting beach and lagoon views, with opportunities to encounter Darwin's finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. The coastal cliffs are excellent for birdwatching, with Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, brown storks, and graceful herons soaring nearby. Rábida is one of the rare places where both Galápagos sea lions and fur seals can be seen together. Highlights: red-sand beach, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos hawks, Darwin's finches, and Galápagos flycatchers. Sombrero Chino is a small island famed for its distinctive conical volcano. A narrow channel separates it from Santiago Island, creating one of the Galápagos' most enchanting bays. Turquoise water, white coral sand, and volcanic rock form a magnificent scene. Follow a coastal path through Galápagos sea lion habitat; you may also spot Galápagos penguins resting on lava rocks. This place unites breathtaking natural beauty with unique Galápagos wildlife for an unforgettable experience. Highlights: lava tubes, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galápagos hawks Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Seymour Island—a birdwatcher's paradise Afternoon: Explore the highlands. North Seymour is a haven for bird lovers, with a large colony of magnificent frigatebirds whose males inflate bright red throat pouches during courtship, creating an impressive spectacle. On the ground, blue-footed boobies perform their famous courtship dances, while swallow-tailed gulls perch on sea-facing cliffs. Inland, land iguanas thrive under conservation measures and marine iguanas bask lazily. Nearby, Galápagos sea lions surf and play in the waves. Highlights: Galápagos sea lions, magnificent frigatebirds, land and marine iguanas, Darwin's finches. Enjoy a wonderful journey through Santa Cruz's lush highlands. Walk in a reserve and perhaps see giant tortoises weighing over 600 pounds feeding peacefully. Observe endemic birds such as finches and flycatchers up close. If scheduled, explore fascinating lava tunnels, remarkable remnants of the volcanic forces that shaped the islands. Highlights: lava tunnels, Darwin's finches, Galápagos flycatchers, giant tortoises, barn owls, and 'white-cheeked thrush gulls' [bird name unclear in the source] Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: Sullivan Bay—a land of volcanic wonders. Afternoon: Bartolomé Island—iconic scenery and penguin encounters. Walk through Sullivan Bay on a fascinating journey into the Galápagos' volcanic origins. The trail crosses vast pahoehoe lava flows with distinctive textures that vividly recount ancient eruptions. The terrain may initially seem barren, yet pioneer plants, darting lava lizards, and small birds adapted to extreme conditions reveal life's resilience in subtle details. Penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers dot the shoreline, bringing life and color to the rugged volcanic scenery. Highlights: lava tubes, Galápagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galápagos hawks. Bartolomé is one of the archipelago's most iconic sights, famed for easily observed penguin colonies and magnificent Pinnacle Rock. Peach-colored sand on the nearby beach adds exquisite color to the scene. Hike to the summit for a panorama of moonlike volcanic terrain dotted with cones, islets, Sullivan Bay, and towering Pinnacle Rock. Highlights: volcanic terrain, Pinnacle Rock, herons, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Morning: El Barranco—a birdwatching paradise Afternoon: Darwin Bay—an outstanding wildlife spectacle. El Barranco, on the southern side of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, is a precious wildlife sanctuary. Its fragile lava cliffs provide refuge for storm petrels and many short-eared owls. Along the hiking trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on volcanic rocks. At the cliff base, Galápagos sea otters rest peacefully while seabirds soar over the captivating scene, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers. Highlights: nesting magnificent frigatebirds, Galápagos sea lions, Genovesa ground finches, Genovesa cactus finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, and Galápagos fur seals. Darwin Bay on Genovesa is a spectacular birdwatching destination. On the beach, hundreds and thousands of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soar overhead, nest in bushes, or rest on the sand. Along the shore, Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas blend into the landscape. Inland, you may encounter night herons, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin's finches, Galápagos doves, and alert mockingbirds. This immersive ecological experience brings you close to a vibrant natural paradise. Highlights: nesting magnificent frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, Galápagos sea lions, yellow-crowned night herons, Genovesa ground finches, Genovesa cactus finches, and Galápagos mockingbirds Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (aboard), dinner (aboard) Accommodation: Aboard the cruise vessel

Suggested flight: San Cristóbal–Guayaquil LA1418/14:01/16:48 Morning: Interpretation Center—a journey through history Afternoon: Depart from San Cristóbal Airport. The San Cristóbal Interpretation Center offers a comprehensive, immersive introduction to the Galápagos' rich natural and cultural history. Interactive exhibitions vividly present the islands' geological evolution, the impact of human activity, and current conservation challenges. From the first explorers to contemporary ecological restoration, the center presents the islands' past, present, and future. Surrounded by picturesque walking trails and open viewpoints, it is essential for visitors seeking to understand the Galápagos' unique and fragile ecology. Themed exhibitions showcase endemic plants and human history. After experiencing the islands' breathtaking biodiversity and magnificent landscapes, it is time to return to mainland Ecuador. A private transfer takes you to the airport, concluding an unforgettable ecological adventure. Every close encounter with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic terrain will remain deeply etched in your memory. The Galápagos is more than a destination: it is a transformative journey you will never forget. Travel safely, carrying wonderful memories! Meals: Breakfast (aboard), lunch (on the plane), dinner (group meal) Suggested hotel: Five-star hotel in Guayaquil

Suggested flight: Guayaquil–Amsterdam KL755/18:35/13:15+1 day Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch (group meal), dinner (on the plane) Suggested hotel: Five-star hotel in Guayaquil

Suggested flight: Amsterdam–Shanghai MU772/20:15/13:15