Galapagos
Galapagos
This ecological sanctuary spread over the immensity of the Pacific reveals a rustic and idyllic destination, specifically for couples who love nature and adventures!
ITINERARY IDEAS
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, formed by 13 islands and thousands of islets- it is a unique destination for honeymooners who want to be immersed in nature.Most of the Galapagos territory is formed by volcanic mountains and rocky coasts and the natural conditions make the archipelago a remote habitat for countless species of living beings and all types of vegetation.
Declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, the government limits the number of tourists, which makes it even more exclusive. It is the bigger nature reserve in the world, with unique experiences; where you can walk among giant turtles, sea lions, blue herons, exotic iguanas and swim alongside whale sharks – a unique opportunity that is only possible in the Galapagos.
The Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s studies. In 1835, the scientist deeply experienced the archipelago, which influenced him to write the book “The Origin of Species”.
The island of Santa Cruz has the Charles Darwin Research Center, where you can learn a little about its history and the archipelago. Santa Cruz is the main island – the archipelago’s entrance gate. It is located in the center of the islands, at an altitude of 864 meters, above sea level. It is an inactive volcano and it is estimated that its last eruption occurred a million years ago.
The island is home to the largest population of the archipelago in the capital, Puerto Ayora, with more than 15,000 inhabitants.
Isabela Island is the largest and wildest of the main islands.
The island has five volcanoes, which make it very special. One of them, the Sierra Negra, is the largest in the archipelago.
The fauna is very rich. Urbina Bay is a natural habitat for giant tortoises. There is also a population of iguanas, sea lions and a large number of birds. Its coast is the best place to spot whales.
The other islands that can be explored on expedition cruises from 1 to 7 days are: San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and the exuberant Santa Fé – one with a crystalline lagoon, here you can get close to the famous iguanas and be dazzled by the indescribable scenario!
Quark Expeditions – Galapagos Cruises
Specializing in expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic and sub-polar regions, Quark Expeditions ® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for 25 years.
With a diverse fleet of specially equipped small expedition ships, icebreakers and exclusive land adventures, it offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on the planet.
Led by passionate and experienced expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the on board program focuses on interaction with the guest to educate and enrich the passenger experience.
The company is known for its unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability.Intimate Galapagos cruise experiences, complete with veteran Quark guides and comfortable, well equipped cabins and excellent service, will now be offered on board the small expedition ship, Evolution. Some of the options offered are:
Expedition to the Galapagos: Darwin Playground, Central and North. Passengers will explore biodiversity and stunning Galapagos islands on this 10-day adventure that shows the wonders of birds on Genovesa Island before venturing into the volcanic islands of the Zodiac and visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Center and the Black Turtle Cove mangroves.
Galapagos expedition: Darwin Park, Far West. This 10-day journey will explore the inland islands of the Galápagos, as well as more remote regions, including Isabela Island, Bartolome, Santiago Island, Bachas Beach and Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island and Española Island, the southernmost island in the archipelago. Passengers will have the opportunity to see nests of iguanas, baby turtles, cormorants that do not fly and other species exclusive to the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos and Antarctica: Ecuador to Polo. Combine the incomparable diversity and wonders of the Galapagos Islands with a classic Antarctic Explorer expedition for the trip of a lifetime. In 21 days, travel from the volcanic islands of the archipelago with the greatest biodiversity in the world, to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, Argentina, through the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Passengers can dive with sea lions, sea iguanas and huge sea turtles a day and a short time later, witnessing thousands of penguins preparing for their guests in Antarctica.
FEATURED HOTELS
FEATURED HOTELS
Pikaia Lodge Gálapagos
This contemporary and sustainable hotel is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain, it is one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in the Galapagos archipelago.
Harmoniously integrated into a scenario that is simply spectacular and isolated from everything, around an extinct volcanic crater on the island of Santa Cruz. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places on earth!
A strong concept spread by the lodge is that of environmental awareness and respect for nature.
The rooms were designed like the bridges of a ship, the steel beams support the sloping roof, which acts as a rain collector – water recycling and solar panels allow the production of up to a third of the hotel’s consumption, a precious resource in the Galapagos.
There is also a modern ventilation system in the rooms, designed to avoid the need for air conditioning – the accommodation gains charm with an elegant and cozy decor and provides incredible views of the mountains, the forests and the sea.
Gastronomy is another strong point of the lodge, its restaurant, with a privileged view of the Galápagos National Park, offers passionate Peruvian and Ecuadorian meals – it houses a cellar with the best wines from South America.
The Pikaia Lodge organizes for couples land and sea tours on their private yacht, exploratory visits in the main national parks, in the private reserves and in highlights the reserves of sea turtles and the paradisiacal beaches nearby. An unforgettable experience!
Southern Ocean Lodge
Perched atop a dramatic cliff above the wild Antarctic Ocean, the Lodge comprises 21 luxury suites, each with stunning coastal scenery.
A spectacular view from the Hanson Bay restaurant offers an incredible setting to taste contemporary local cuisine, featuring the freshest products from the island and the local season.
An open and cheerful bar and a large wine cellar highlight the region’s premium wines and beers.
The culmination of the Lodge’s design, the Great Room features floor to ceiling glass windows with full frontal panoramas and a sumptuous variety of lounge options.
The outdoor seating areas and a heated plunge pool invite you to fully immerse yourself in the untouched environment.
Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests a complete experience on Kangaroo Island.
With exceptional experiences and guided adventures included in the nightly rate, all guests will be able to enjoy a personalized experiential tourism itinerary of the islands’ unique natural attractions.
Housed in its own stunning pavilion, the Southern Spa is an intimate and private oasis of calm set amid coastal drama. An exclusive spa menu offers a variety of Litya rejuvenation and relaxation treatments, inspired by Aboriginal dream time.