A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day DISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Choco cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 different hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat. CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city's historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You'll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compania Church-the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture-more than 160 years in the making. DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda-one of Quito's oldest streets-with a wealth of artist's workshops and galleries where you'll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world's finest chocolate producers. CLASSIC Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo-a monument to the Equator-the "middle of the world." Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth's Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine. (B,D)

The Theory of Evolution-and Giant Babies This morning, take a flight to the Galapagos Island of Baltra where you'll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galapagos. DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station- established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program and see many of the various islands' tortoises. Later on board your ship, join in a briefing of the next day's adventures, and enjoy a Captain's welcome with cocktails and dinner. NOTE: The ship's itinerary may vary according to Galapagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited. (B,L,D)