ISABELA & SANTA CRUZ MULTIACTIVE ADVENTURE, 5 DAYS
A premium tour package that gives ample opportunities for incredibly close
encounters with Galápagos wildlife. Lay on white sand beaches with
sea lions, trek
over active volcanoes amongst giant tortoises, and snorkel in a world-class
marine reserve. First-rate adventure and nature guides, along with top-quality
adventure gear, and premium hotels make this Galápagos wildlife
adventure tour one of our finest!
Trip highlights:
Snorkel with Galapagos penguins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish
Mountain bike the Galapagos most ecologically-diverse biking
route
Hike to the worlds 2nd largest volcano caldera to see incredible
lava formations
Incredibly close encounters with Galápagos wildlife during
active excursions
Meet Lonesome George, the last living member of his giant tortoise
sub-specie
Top-notch adventure and nature guides lead you every step of your
journey
DAY 1: EXPLORE TINTORERAS ISLETS
After transfering to Iguana Crossing Hotel, we enjoy a welcome lunch.
We then head to Las Tintoreras, a set of small islets within Isabela bay,
to walk through an otherworldly landscape of lava rocks. The islets are
home to the Galapagos penguin - the only penguin that can be found in
the northern hemisphere. As we snorkel and explore the many small beaches
and coves, you should also see sharks, sea lions, sea turtles. At the
end of the day, unwind in Puerto Villamil, the island´s lazy beach
town with flamingos and sand streets. (L, D)
DAY 2: HIKE SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
Don your day packs and prepare yourself for a walk into a world of recent
geological history. Hike through the highlands while taking in the gorgeous
vistas until you arrive at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, an active
caldera that last erupted in October of 2005. We hike along the rim of
this colossal 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 km) lava-filled crater. We may continue
our hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico. Here you will explore incredible
lava formations and puffing fumaroles. Take in the endless hues of reds,
blacks, oranges, and yellows that make up this otherworldly landscape.
Eventually, we return to the coast to enjoy the afternoon on the exotic
white sand beaches of this tranquil beach town. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: BIKE THROUGH ISABELAS COASTAL
ECOSYSTEMS
This morning, we embark on one of the most scenically diverse bike rides
in the Galapagos. We start out along a white sand beach, before continuing
onto trails
through the mangroves, then to a lava tunnel, followed by a shady and
wonderful smelling poison apple forest before cutting away from the coastline
and entering the territory of hundreds of Galapagos tortoises. Along our
ride we may spot Isabela mangrove finches, American oystercatchers, herons,
and flamingos, as well as
numerous marine iguanas. After a 5 minute hike up to a stunning lookout,
we continue on to the Wall of Tears - a historic site that dates back
to when Isabela was used as a penal colony. The prisoners built the wall
with lava blocks and had no other purpose than to keep them distracted
from the madness of isolation. In the afternoon, we can take the opportunity
to walk through mangrove forest to Concha y Perla Bay, whose clear waters
are perfect for snorkeling. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: HIKE SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning we take a fast boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island.
On our way we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales. Once we
arrive and checking into
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, we head to El Chato reserve in the highlands
of Santa Cruz Island which is the natural habitat of the incredible Galapagos
Tortoise. We hike in this reserve to learn about these lumbering giants.
We also come across highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers,
finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We also walk into
and explore some amazing volcanic tunnels that were created by hot flowing
lava. As we walk in these underground geological formations we revive
tales of buccaneers hiding Inca gold. We continue to Los Gemelos, two
volcanic craters near the top of the Island. We walk around these deep
craters through a beautiful Scalesia forest covered with epiphytes and
ferns. In this habitat we may see the short-eared owl, one of the two
owls that live in the Islands. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening as
you wrap up your adventure in one of the most magical places on earth.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5: RESEARCH STATION & TRANSFER
TO BALTRA ISLAND & AIRPORT
In the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about
conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. We also get to
meet
Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. We then transfer
by vehicle to Baltra Island for our airport connection back to the continent.
(B)
Price per person in US$: $1840 with 2 people, $1495 with 3 people, $1380
with 4 people, $1265 with 5 people. Single supplement = $402
INCLUDED: Accommodations at Iguana
Crossing Hotel and Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, expert bilingual guide,
activities and equipment described, land transportation, 2 airport/dockhotel
transfers, and all meals (as described (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
NOT INCLUDED:
Transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz, airfare to/from Galapagos, Galapagos
National Park Entrance Fee, hotel & restaurant beverages, tips
Effort Level: Easy to Moderate
Activities: Wildlife Encounters, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Snorkeling Island
Visits: Isabela & Santa Cruz
IMPORTANT: This
itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes,
last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park
policy.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
SEASON: All year
AIR TEMPERATURES: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC
to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to
20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture
of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
SUGGESTED: Hard-soled shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, sun block, hat
and mosquito repellent
Iguana Crossing is Isabela's newest and most
innovative hotel. Its minimalist design and superior service offer guests
a privileged experience in this scarcely populated Island. Iguana Crossing
is located in between of Isabela's extensive white sand beaches and directly
behind a wildlife-filled lagoon. Iguana Crossing offers an oceanfront
swimming pool, Jacuzzi, 12 fully equipped rooms and a master suite.
Hotel Services & Facilities: Central
Air Conditioning , Mini Bar , In Room Phone , Laundry Service , Wireless
Internet , Ocean Front Pool , Steam and Massage Room , Terrace Jacuzzi
, Iguana Restaurant , Full Service Bar
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn is a first class
guesthouse strategically located across the Bay with splendid views to
town and the interior of Santa Cruz Island. The hotel features its own
private dock and waterfront restaurant idyllically situated with wildlife
and natural surroundings. The hotel offers twenty-one fully equipped rooms,
great service and a private ambiance. Do not miss its renowned multi-course
gourmet breakfast!
Hotel Services & Facilities: Waterfront
Gourmet Restaurant , Ample Fully Equipped Rooms , Wireless Internet ,
TV Cable , Air Conditioning , Full Service Bar , Laundry Service