Day 1 Arrive Quito
Overnight.
Day 2 Fly and hike San Cristobal (L,D)
Catch an early flight to San Cristobal Island to begin your action-packed Galapagos tour. After lunch at a local restaurant, start your adventure with a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, to learn about the fascinating natural history, island formations, species and how it all relates to Darwin's evolution. You'll explore the dry forest, dotted with cacti, as you hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock. Splendid views of the coastline and the cheerful town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno accompany us on our walk. This will be a good time to enjoy your first encounters with local wildlife such as magnificent frigate birds, blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons and Darwin's famous finches. On the way back to town, we stop for a refreshing swim in the ocean.
Day 3 Sea Kayak Playa Ochoa and Snorkel at Leon Dormido (B,L,D)
This morning, we slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling north along the coast. The route to Isla Lobos, through Darwin Bay and Playa Ochoa, is filled with sea lions, marine turtles, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. On Isla Lobos we admire the athletic marine iguanas. Here you can swim and enjoy the best sea lion encounters in the entire archipelago. Our final challenge for the day is reaching Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone, whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. Leon Dormido offers excellent snorkeling. You might spot hammerheads, white-tipped reef sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel and enjoy the evening in San Cristobal.
Day 4 Hike to Galapaguera, Kayak and Snorkel in Cerro Brujo (B,L,D)
A morning boat ride along the northern coast of San Cristobal leads to the trailhead for La Galapaguera, a lava lake that is home to the Saddleback Tortoise. You'll mingle with these rare beasts in their natural habitat. We'll also visit Cerro Brujo for excellent expedition kayaking and snorkeling. The beach here is gorgeous -- the white sands are filled with colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas. Nearby there is a fresh water lake home to many unique bird species. In the afternoon, we paddle south to explore more beaches and coves along the way to Puerto Grande. From here, embark on your boat to return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for our last evening in San Cristobal.
Day 5 Fly Isabela, Tintoreras and More Beach! (B,L,D)
This morning you will fly by small aircraft from San Cristobal to Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. Almost all of these volcanoes remain active, making this island one of the most volcanic places on earth. After checking into your hotel, you will go out to explore the bay in search of the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as other species such as marine turtles, rays and white tip reef sharks. In the afternoon, you will follow a trail along the coastline through spectacular scenery formed by mangroves and fresh water ponds where pink flamingos, stilts and other birds peacefully feed. Explore several picture-perfect white-sand beaches in search of more wildlife and also pay a visit to the Tortoise Rearing Center where you will learn about the conservation of these fascinating creatures.
Day 6 Volcano Hike and Horse Ride in the Isabela Highlands (B,L,D)
From Puerto Villamil, we journey to the highlands where your horses will be waiting to begin a 6 mile (9 km) ride over irregular terrain near the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted into a blazing show in October 2005. From this altitude, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the 5 mile-wide crater, and the Perry Isthmus and the other volcanoes beyond. From here you will continue by foot to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations. Isabela offers an out-of-this-world environment and exemplifies the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Villamil for dinner.
Day 7 Mountain bike in Santa Cruz Highlands (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you will take a very short flight from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, you explore the highlands on mountain bike. First you will reach El Chato, the natural habitat of the largest tortoise in the Galapagos. As you seek these lumbering giants, you’ll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds bathing in fresh water lakes. Lunch is served at a traditional highland hacienda where you can also explore lava caves with incredible volcanic formations. In the afternoon, you will get on your mountain bike to return from the highlands back to the water. You will ride mostly downhill through highland farmlands and small villages, about 20 kilometers all the way back to Puerto Ayora. You will also have the option to visit El Garrapatero, an expansive beach area with a fresh water lake where you come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes and stilts. Once in Puerto Ayora, prepare for your farewell dinner. Later in the evening you are free to explore nightlife alternatives in the Galapagos’ most populous town.
Day 8 Charles Darwin Research Station (B)
In the morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management projects in the archipelago. The research station is also home to Lonesome George, the very last tortoise of his species. Transfer by bus and ferry to Baltra Island to board your flight back to the continent. Overnight in Quito.
Day 9 Return Home
*This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy.
|
US$ 2695
4 or more travelers
9-day tour beginning and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Tour Code: GM9
Single Supplement: US$300
US$3045
3 travelers
US$3725
2 travelers
Travel Highlights
San Cristobal
Santa Fe
Santa Cruz
Isabela
Charles Darwin research center
Hiking
Sea kayaking
Snorkeling/SCUBA
Mountain biking
Horseback riding
Accommodations: 8 nights comfortable hotel
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Local flights, boat, sea kayak, van or jeep
Note: Flights from Quito-Galapagos-Quito are not included. Please allow US$360 for low season, from Sep. 15-Oct. 31 and May 1-June 14. Allow US$415 during high season, from June 15-Sep. 14 and Nov. 1-Apr. 30. Prices do not include US$100 Galapagos National Park fee. Group & Staff: 2 Min, 16 Max, local guides
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$40 for meals not included, US$41 for international departure tax, and US$100 for Galapagos Park Entrance fee, $10 Galapagos Park tax
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$75
Is it for Me? An adventurous Galapagos itinerary, designed with plenty of daily multi-sport excursions, as well as free time to explore on your own. Travelers should be fairly fit and ready for a variety of activities.
Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1
person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates
2008 : May 9, May 10*, Jun 3, Jun 20*, Jul 7, Jul 31, Aug 6, Sep 12, Oct 8, Oct 24, Nov 19, Dec 26
2009 : Feb 14
*Slight itinerary change. Please contact our office for itinerary and pricing.
Custom dates available, please inquire. Trip can start most Mondays, Fridays and Sundays in Quito.
» Custom dates are available! «
contact our adventure coordinators!
click here
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
|