The Excitement of the Galapagos!
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean best known for their impressive array of plant and animal species. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
TRIP COST:
$3,999 per person*
*Based on double occupancy
Price does not include international air.
DAY 3:
Early flight to Baltra – Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos!. Pick up at the airport where we meet our guide. We will get us on the 5 minute ferry ride and then take us on a Highlands tour to visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve and the Lava Tunnels.
La Isla Hotel or similar.
Dinner: Seaside restaurant to be advised.
DAY 4:
Full day trip to Isabela Island:
Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos with lunch
Las Tintoreras
During this boat tour, together with a naturalist guide you will be exploring the beautiful bay of Isabela Island, to see the Galapagos penguins from close as well as the blue-footed boobies. There will be a disembarkation on "Las Tintoreras", a little islet inhabited by tons of little marine iguanas a.o. The exploration walk on this island will lead you to the famous shark channel where lots of whitetip reef sharks ("Tintoreras in Spanish, therefore the name of the island") like to rest; often together with sea turtles and sea lions. Before getting back on board, you will also visit a beautiful little white sand beach inhabited by sea lions. There will also be a great snorkel activity, together with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and - if you get lucky - then the penguins might get into the water with you too.
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Isabela Island Wetlands Complex
Following a beautiful trail along mangrove trees, you will explore the "Humedales", i.e. wetlands, where you will be able to see the Galapagos flamingos in their natural habitat, many other birds as well as marine iguanas. The trail leads you to the most beautiful coconut palm beach.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Playa Puerto Villamil
Isabela Island is the only island with a stunningly beautiful coconut palm beach. Here you can observe big marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, lava lizarrds, pelicans as well as lots of other birds.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza
You will also visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Arnaldo Tupiza, where you cannot only see the baby giant tortoises and different juvenile stages, but also the oldest one (close to 200 years old).
The $10 entry fee to this place is included in the tour price already.
Dinner back on Santa Cruz Island: to be advised.
DAY 5:
Explore the island of Santa Cruz during your time in the Galapagos on this full-day excursion. Join your dedicated guide for a walk from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, where you can relax on the beach and visit the marine iguana sanctuary. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the geology, climate, natural history, and conservation of the Galapagos Islands.
· See Galapagos wildlife in their natural habitat
· Swim in the pristine waters of Tortuga Bay
· Get a closer look at the island while you walk
· A private tour ensures a personalized experience
Dinner: Finch Bay Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing
DAY 6:
TBD - Day tour to San Cristobal , Bartolome, North Seymour or Pinzon Island . Transport by yacht.
These are all hiking and snorkeling trips. North Seymour is only a 45 minute boat ride, whereas, the others are 2 hours.
Seaside Dinner to enjoy the last sunset!
DAY 7:
Flight back to Quito. Check into centrally located Quito Hotel. Remainder of afternoon at leisure.
Dinner in Historic Quito: Tasting menu with wine pairing.
Day 8:
Private Quito City Tour and Food Tasting
Artisan shopping and free time. We will have a late check-out (6pm) before our last dinner and transfer to airport. Flights are generally around midnight.