Night 1 & 9: Hilton Colon Guayaquil Guayaquil, Ecuador Situated on the banks of the Guayas River and conveniently located in the bustling heart of Ecuador’s main port and economic center, the Hilton Colon Guayaquil offers a warm welcome. Presenting a remarkable architectural design, and offering a panoramic view of the city, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s booming commercial and financial district. Boasting a large pool with a tropical bar, the hotel’s leisure amenities include an on-site casino, squash court, sauna, gym, spa and five restaurants.
Nights 2 - 8: Aboard Isabela II Cruising the Galapagos Islands An expeditionary-style yacht, the sleek Isabela II carries just 40 Tauck guests on a Galápagos Islands cruise. This recently renovated, fully air-conditioned vessel offers many of the amenities of much larger ships, including a library and reading room, boutique, lounge, bar-salon and comfortable dining room in which a combination of Continental and Ecuadorian cuisine is served. All staterooms feature private bathrooms with showers, desk, two bedside tables, and ample storage space. Her Ecuadorian crew includes trained naturalists who accompany shore excursions and an on-board physician. Shore excursions are via Zodiac-style panga and the Isabela II carries her own glass-bottom boat for observing the undersea world.