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Ecuador Tours and Travel

ISABELA & SANTA CRUZ NATURALIST, 5 DAYS

A premium tour package focused on providing you with the most incredible nature experiences possible. Trek over active volcanoes amongst giant tortoises, lay next to sea lions on white sand beaches, and snorkel in a world-class marine reserve. Firstrate guides and the comfort of the Opuntia Hotels round off this incredible Galapagos wildlife tour.

Trip highlights:
• Snorkel with Galapagos penguins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish
• Learn about evolution as you meet finches, mockingbirds, boobies, penguins, endemic plants giant tortoises, land iguanas, and marine iguanas
• Meet Lonesome George, the last living giant tortoise of his subspecies
• Hike to the world’s 2nd largest volcano caldera to see incredible lava formations
• Hike an endemic forest of scalesia trees, a long-lost relative of daisy flowers
• Relax on sandy beaches amongst sea lions and marine iguanas
• Every step of your journey is expertly led by top-rated naturalist guides
• Enjoy the exceptional service, facilities, décor, privacy, and dining of the finest hotels in the Galapagos

DAY 1: EXPLORE TINTORERAS ISLETS
Isabela Island, the largest Island in the archipelago. Isabela was formed by six volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. Five of these
volcanoes remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. This is a remarkably beautiful island and one of the youngest in the
archipelago. Isabela is also known for its beautiful and expansive white sand beaches. After a welcome lunch, we 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 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: EXPLORE ISABELA’S COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
This morning, we embark on one of the most scenically diverse walks in the Galapagos. We begin 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 the way, we may spot Isabela mangrove finches, American oystercatchers, herons, and flamingos, as well as numerous marine iguanas. After reaching 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: EXPLORE 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 we head to El Chato reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island which is the natural habitat of the incredible Galapagos Tortoise. We explore 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)

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Price per person in US$: $1794 with 2 people, $1449 with 3, $1334 with 4, $1219 with 5. Single supplement = $402

INCLUDED: Galapagos-certified guide, activities as described, all meals as described (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), land transportation, 2 dock/airport-hotel transfers, accommodations at Iguana Crossing Hotel and Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

NOT INCLUDED: Transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz, airfare to/from Galapagos, Galapagos National Park entrance fee, hotel & restaurant beverages, tips

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