The Galápagos Islands aboard the Origin

We are looking forward to safely traveling once again with alumni and faculty. Our hopeful planning is informed by University precautions and protocols. Due to the pandemic, Harvard has prohibited all University-related travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Since group travel is planned far in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your study leader’s participation before cancellation fees begin for your program.

Date: January 1, 2022 - January 10, 2022
Trip Type: By Sea

Group Size: Up to 16 guests
Price: $14,990 per person double occupancy / $22,990 single occupancy

Activity Level 3

Detailed Itinerary

General Terms and Conditions

More information coming soon.

Fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 7-night cruise aboard 20-passenger premium-class yacht, the 142-foot Origin. Accompanied by a superb staff of resident naturalists, observe Giant Galapagos tortoises, flocks of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos penguins, colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions, along with other fascinating sea life. Conclude with a tour of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, and its lovely riverfront. An optional post-trip extension to Machu Picchu offers an excellent introduction to the rich cultural and archaeological wonders of Peru.

Schedule by Day

Jan 1: Depart U.S. / Arrive Guayaquil
Jan 2: Guayaquil / San Cristobal Island
Jan 3: Cerro Brujo / Punta Pitt
Jan 4: Punta Suarez / Espanola / Gardner Bay
Jan 5: Punta Cormorant / Floreana / Post Office Bay
Jan 6: Santa Cruz Highlands/ Charles Darwin Research Station
Jan 7: Bartolome Island / Black Turtle Cove
Jan 8: South Plaza / North Seymour Island
Jan 9: San Cristobal Island / Guayaquil
Jan 10: Guayaquil / Return to U.S.

Pricing

$14,990 per person double occupancy / $22,990 single occupancy

Accommodations

2 nights at the Hilton Colón Guayaquil
7 nights aboard the M/V Origin

Extensions

Optional Machu Picchu Post-Extension
January 10 - 16, 2022
Discover the breathtaking Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu. Fly Guayaquil to Lima and onward to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire. From Cusco, transfer to the Urubamba Valley. Take a dramatic train ride to Machu Picchu. On the return spend two nights in Cusco.Airfare from Guayaquil to Lima is not included. Additional information and itinerary will be sent to confirmed travelers.

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

This is a moderately active program. In the Galápagos, walks are approximately one to two miles long (sometimes over uneven and rocky terrain) at a leisurely pace suitable for wildlife observation. There will be wet landings on many islands. Dinghy rides along the coast and shorter walks are available for participants as an alternative to longer and more challenging walks. There are opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking. Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet and Otavalo is at an elevation of 8,307 feet. Walking in the city and the Andean highlands will also be at a leisurely pace.

Study Leader(s)

Gabriela Soto Laveaga

Professor of the History of Science and Antonio Madero Professor for the Study of Mexico

Mode of Travel

Origin

The Origin is a premium class vessel whose understated luxury redefines the nature of cruise travel. With a maximum capacity of only 20 guests, this yacht offers an opportunity to explore the Galápagos Islands in exclusive style.