Footprints of Life Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin stumbled upon the Galapagos Islands 169 years ago. He must have been surprised when a 400-pound tortoise plodded by, or when a dragon-like iguana stared at him from a rock as will your family travelers. The constant seismic activity that formed the islands, combined with their isolation from the world has been the incubator for this archipelago’s rare and unusual animal life. This family tour explores the conceptual origins of biological diversity that remain in the forefront of American dialogue. From the Galapagos Islands, we take your family to Ecuador, home of a beautiful and gentle people. Extend your trip to Otavalo, the Amazon or Peru.

DAY 1 — WELCOME TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Flight to Quito. Welcome to Ecuador!  Check in and take a well earned rest at your Quito home

DAY 2 — QUITO. This morning, at the welcome breakfast, your GTC guide introduces you to the Footprints of Life expedition. Afterwards, we take a tour of Quito. Our drive north to the el Mirador de Guápulo (viewpoint), allows us to admire Quito’s church and its nearby valleys. From the viewpoint, we go south toward Quito’s colonial center—one of the world’s cultural heritage sites—where we can see many historic buildings including churches, museums and monuments. From its summit, see marvelous views of the whole city stretching out below, as well as magnificent views of the surrounding volcanoes. Later, we head toward la mitad del mundo where kids can straddle the equator.. B,L,D

DAYS 3 THROUGH 5 — THE GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO. Fly to your Galapagos embarkation point, your home for the next three nights. The ships are luxury-class, cabins with private bathrooms, a large lecture room, several social areas, 24-hour snack bar and more. Begin a diversity-filled exploration of a land isolated from the evolutionary processes of the developed world. Using pangas as your mode of transport, and with the help of the ship’s onboard naturalists, you can examine a unique ecosystem of seals, turtles and giant tortoises. Observe the same variety of animals that were the basis for Darwin’s Origin of the Species. Stare down dragon-like iguanas, watch diving blue-footed boobies or sunbathe with sea lions. B,L,D

Among the islands you may visit:
	Espanola: the southernmost and oldest island is a breeding site for 12,000 pairs of waved albatross
	Santa Cruz: home to Charles Darwin Station, a center for tortoise research and breeding.
	Genovesa:.home to Darwin’s Bay red-footed boobies, great frigate birds.
	San Cristobal: the site of the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center.

DAY 6 — QUITO. After a last morning on an island, we head back to our disembarkation point where we bid farewell to our captain and crew and take a return flight to Quito. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Quito. B,L,D

DAY 7 — FAREWELL! Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay. Adios y gracias for following the Footprints of Life with us!

Extensions
Otavalo – This two day mini adventure includes hiking among orchids and hummingbirds at Lake Cuichocha.  Afterward, head to famous Otavalo market for indigenous crafts.  Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui and the next morning choose between horseback riding or a visit to a Condor reintroduction center.


Southern Highlands – Fly to Cuenca and learn about the charms of this town recognized by UNESCO.  See Incan ruins, go horseback riding, take a Spanish class, visit a local school and visit Cajas National Park.  Your home for the duration is the impeccably restored colonial house – Hotel San Lucia.


Thank you for joining our Galapagos Islands Adventure!