There's nowhere on the planet like the Galapagos Islands. This wild, 19-island archipelago sits over 600 miles from mainland Ecuador and is home to an astounding 9,000 species of flora and fauna.

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Next year, you can experience the remote Galapagos Islands with Country Living on an exclusive cruise. You'll travel in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who studied the islands and was inspired by them to write The Origin of Species.

During the 11-day holiday in January 2022, you'll experience the very best that this UNESCO-protected sanctuary for wildlife and nature has to offer.

Known for its vast endemic species which thrive thanks to the lack of land predators, the Galapagos Islands remain relatively unspoilt by humans. An expedition cruise around the islands is the perfect way to gain insight into this fascinating corner of the world, where the inhabitants range from the marine iguana to the giant tortoise.

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Arriving in Ecuador's capital Quito, where your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins, you'll walk around the Old Town, soak up the culture and sample the food of the city, before getting up close to one of the country's most extraordinary sites, the active stratovolcano Cotopaxi.

Once you've tasted more traditional cuisine, like ceviche and bolon de verde, it's time to head for Quito Airport to fly across the Pacific Ocean for your Galapagos adventure.

You'll join the Santa Cruz II expedition ship to start exploring the unique islands. From Sante Fe, where you can spot sea lions and the endemic Barrington land iguana, to the oldest isle Espanola, you'll get to know the Galapagos' most incredible islands over seven days.

You'll witness white sand beaches, otherworldly landscapes and more wildlife than you ever imagined seeing in one trip, including blue-footed boobies, albatross and nursing sea lions. Galapagos Islands National Park admission fee, airport lounge access and activities, such as kayaking and snorkelling, are part of the package, too.

What's included?

• Three nights in Quito before the expedition cruise

• Domestic flights and transfers

• Full-day cultural tour of Quito, including lunch

• Full-day Nature Tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch

• Galapagos Islands National Park admission fee, Transit Control Card for Galapagos Islands

• Access to airport lounge at Guayaquil Airport upon return from Galapagos

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the cruise including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas and mineral water)

• Complimentary tea and coffee

• Limited complimentary Wi-Fi

• Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board

• English-speaking Expedition Team who guide activities and provide educational information on board and ashore

• Welcome and farewell cocktails on-board

• Use of the ship's Science Center with library, microscopes and samples

• Professional onboard photographer with tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos

• Use of the ship's hot tubs and gym

• Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities including kayaking, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat

• Complimentary wetsuit rental for suite guests

Want to join Country Living's exclusive tour of Quito and the Galapagos Islands in January 2022? Visit our holiday website to discover more about our 11-day trip.

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