Travel dates:
- November 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st 2019
- December 5th, 7th 2019
Inclusions:
- 8 breakfasts, 4 lunch and 1 dinner
- Transport: Plane (domestic flights ex. international flights), speed boat, private vehicles, taxi and public bus
- Accommodation: 9 nights in a hotel
Included activities:
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
- Floreana - Snorkeling
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
- Kayaking - Isla Isabela
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
Itinerary:
Day 1: Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2.00 pm.
Day 2: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Welcome to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. As you arrive on the Galapagos Islands, you will join other travellers who are starting the trip on the Islands. After joining up with the group, travel to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim with sea lions, and maybe even some sea turtles. Continue back to town. Tonight you may wish to head out with the group and enjoy some of the fresh seafood available.
Day 3: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Today begins with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido (approx 45 mins) or Isla Lobos, observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way you may spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies and/or might swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions. Here you can snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few. This snorkelling is in open sea, on occasion the currents can be quite strong so it's particularly important you are a confident swimmer for this activity.
Later you will head to the interpretation Center. You will learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects which seek to preserve the unique Galapagos wildlife. Next, you will make your way to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), which is located two kilometres from the Interpretation Center, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. From here you can also see Kicker Rock, an eroded volcanic formation protruding from the sea which has become an emblem of the island. You will return to town in the late afternoon/early evening.
Day 4: Isla Floreana/Isla Isabela, Galapagos
Take an early morning boat ride today towards Floreana Island, which should take about 2.5 hours.
On arrival to the island, snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. Afterwards venture to a black sand beach which belongs to the Witmers, decedents of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos.
Day 5: Isla Isabela, Galapagos
Start your second day on Isla Isabela with a short bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. The centre has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own. Afterwards, you will make your way to a brackish lagoon where you'll be able to observe flamingos.
In the afternoon you'll board a small pangas for Tintoreras or Shark Alley.You will travel along the coastline in the hope to spot blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin who is home on the western part of the arquipelago. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the quiet, sandy bottom.
Day 6: Isla Isabela, Galapagos
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano (approximately 45 minutes by bus), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second-largest crater in the world. Weather permitting, take a challenging hike of around 17 kilometres up the rocky mountain, which takes between five and six hours. After the hike, you will make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please take your plastic rubbish with you.
Day 7: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Today you will start the day with a kayak around Isabela before transferring by private speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz.
Once you arrive on Santa Cruz you will head to a restaurant that offers a typical Ecuadorian lunch package, referred to as ‘Menu’. Usually this consists of a fresh juice, basic entrée (usually a soup) as well as a main meal. These lunch deals are top-rated throughout Ecuador so it’s a great way to eat like a local.
Day 8: Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos
In the afternoon visit the higher part of the islands to observe the giant tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. Afterwards, visit a locally owned Sugar cane farm. Here the farmers will show you the process in which sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later head back to Puerto Ayora.
Day 9: Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos/ Quito
You say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito (Please note the flight will make a stop in Guayaquil) You'll arrive back to Quito later afternoon.
Day 10: Quito
This morning your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time. Because there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, they recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. If you choose to stay on, they’d be happy to assist you with booking accommodation.
Exclusions:
- Visas
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
