We’re going to the Galapagos! And you can come along. We’ll be hosting a very special small-group trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands from the 21st to the 28th of February 2016 (with optional Quito add-on starting on Feb 19th) to experience the incredible wildlife and natural diversity of these amazing islands. This very special itinerary is the result of our 2015 pilot trip to the Galapagos and includes all of the best places and experiences you can pack into eight days while island hopping across this majestic archipelago.
ITINERARY:
*See Below for Optional Quito Pre-Trip Add-On*
21 Feb – Welcome to the Galapagos!
Today you will arrive on San Cristobal Island and begin your island hopping adventure around the Galapagos. After arriving in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel near the center of town. Afterwards, we will visit the Interpretation Center for an overview of the geological, political and cultural history of the islands. We will walk a series of trails and visit a series of scenic overlooks including the statue commemorating Charles Darwin that looks over the island. In the late afternoon we will visit Playa Loberia for our first snorkel. Here we will hope to have our first encounters with sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas and other Galapagos wildlife. Welcome dinner in town followed by overnight at Casa de Laura.
22 Feb – Kicker Rock
After breakfast this morning, we head out by boat from San Cristobal to visit the famous Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido). Our full day excursion will have us both above and below the water to explore what these islands are best known for up close and personal. Plan to see a ton of underwater life and, if we’re lucky, sharks. Lunch today is aboard the dive boat. We will also get to enjoy some leisure time on Manglesito beach. Dinner will be back in town. Overnight at Casa de Laura.
23 Feb – Isabela
After breakfast this morning we depart San Cristobal Island for Isabela. We will travel by small aircraft and arrive before lunchtime. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and has much to offer. After checking in to the Casa Isabela we’ll have time to visit the beach and enjoy lunch in town. In the afternoon we will visit some of the cultural sights of the island including the Wall of Tears as well as go in search of flamingos and one of the most scenic overlook points in all of the islands. Isabela is home to a small but charming downtown area where we’ll enjoy dinner followed by overnight at Casa Isabela.
24 Feb – Los Tuneles
Today after breakfast we will journey to a new area recently opened by the Galapagos National Park. Los Tuneles is an incredibly unique series of lava stone formations with some of the richest biodiversity in all of the Galapagos. On this trip we will hope to see penguins, pelicans, cormorants, blue footed boobies, frigate birds, lava gulls, big lobsters, sharks, manta rays, sea lions, sea turtles and even sea horses. This is a place you will never forget. We will travel to Los Tuneles by speed boat – a 90 minute trip. Lunch and refreshments will be available on board. Once back in town, we will enjoy dinner before overnighting at Casa Isabela.
25 Feb – Tintoreras
This morning we go in search of yet another rare animal, the Galapagos Penguin. This is the most endangered of all penguin species and can be found only here in the Galapagos. We will visit the islands of Tintoreras to find them and should also encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, blue footed boobies and other wildlife. On the way back to Isabela we’ll get a chance to snorkel once again and will of course keep a look out for sharks. After lunch back in town, we’ll head to Concha de Perla to swim with sea lions and some of the best snorkeling in the islands. Dinner will be back in town followed by overnight at Casa Isabela.
26 Feb – Santa Cruz
This morning we depart Isabela by boat for the island of Santa Cruz. The two hour crossing will have us on Santa Cruz in time for lunch. On arrival we will transfer into the highlands and check in at the Galapagos Safari Camp. This very special property will be our final home in the Galapagos. After lunch at the lodge, we head out to visit the most iconic animal of the Galapagos – the giant land tortoises. We will also visit and walk through the lava tubes and learn about the volcanic forces that created these islands. Dinner is back at the lodge followed by overnight at Galapagos Safari Camp.
27 Feb – Galapagos Safari Camp
After breakfast at the lodge, we head out to Garrapetero Beach. After a long trip, today is about relaxing and we have several optional (but included) activities available. Bikes and kayaks will be available at Garrapetero Beach. In the afternoon, you can also go into town and visit the Charles Darwin Center or choose just to relax at the lodge. Sunset drinks back at the lodge followed by dinner and overnight.
28 Feb – Heading Home
After breakfast we will depart from Safari Camp to Baltra Island, home of the Galapagos primary airport. Onward travel at own arrangements.
What’s it Cost?
Price is $4,150/person sharing.
What’s Included?
- All Activities and associated transportation
- All Entrance Fees
- All Meals
- All Guiding Fees
- Transportation between San Cristobal and Isabela by plane
- Transportation between Isabela and Santa Cruz by boat
- All Refreshments (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- All Accommodations
What’s Not Included?
- International Airfare to San Cristobal (SCY) and from Baltra (GPS)
- Passport and Visa Requirements (no visa is required for US passport holders)
- Galapagos conservation entry tax payable upon arrival ($100)
- Ingala tourist control card payable in Quito or Guayaquil ($20)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Mandatory Travel Insurance
- Gratuities for Porters and Guides
- Any Costs for Food or Activities Enjoyed Separate from the Group
OPTIONAL QUITO WEEKEND ADD-ON:
The Galapagos can be a difficult place to get to, even from major cities. Most flight itineraries will become much easier by adding on a short stay in Quito. For that reason, we strongly recommend this add-on program.
19 Feb – Welcome to Ecuador!
Most flights from the US will fly directly to Quito. This is your opportunity to explore the vibrant capital of Ecuador with a two night pre-trip extension. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel Patio Andaluz in the downtown historic district of the city. This is the most exciting area to explore of the city and on a Friday night, there will be a great vibe. We will convene for a welcome dinner in one of the central areas to celebrate the beginning of our adventure. Overnight at the Hotel Boutique Portal de Cantuña.
20 Feb – Walking the Center of the Earth
After breakfast, we will depart the hotel to visit the Telefériqo which is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. The Telefériqo rises from the city center up to the east side of Pichincha Volcano to lookout Cruz Loma at a dizzying 12,943 feet. After lunch, we will leave the city to visit Mitad del Mundo and walk along the earth’s equator. Back in Quito for the evening, you’ll have free time to explore the vibrant historic city center on a Saturday night. Overnight at the Hotel Boutique Portal de Cantuña.
21 Feb – To the Islands!
After breakfast, transfer back to Quito airport for self-arranged flights to San Cristobal in the Galapagos. Group itinerary resumes on arrival.
What’s this Add-On Cost?
Price is $550/person sharing.
What’s Included?
- Round trip transportation to/from Quito airport
- All activities and associated transportation
- All entrance fees
- Two breakfasts, one lunch and one welcome dinner
- All guiding fees
- All refreshments (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- Two nights accommodations in a central, boutique hotel
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare to and from Ecuador or onward to Galapagos
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities for Porters and Guides
- Any Costs for Food or Activities Enjoyed Separate from the Group
