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Ecuador Tours and Travel

Opuntia Isabela Naturalist Tour, 4 Days

This incredible tour explores the Galapagos´ largest and most diverse island. Following in Darwin’s footsteps, you will explore mangroves, beaches, and volcano
craters in pursuit of wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

Trip Highlights:
• Snorkel with Galapagos penguins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish
• Explore one of the most ecologically-diverse trails in the Galapagos
• Walk to the world’s 2nd largest volcano caldera to see incredible lava formations
• Incredibly close encounters with Galápagos wildlife
• Top-notch naturalist guides expertly lead every step of your journey

DAY 1: SNORKEL & EXPLORE TINTORERAS ISLETS
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 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: EXPLORE 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. Depending on fitness level, we may continue down 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 walk one of the most scenically-varied trails in the Galapagos. We begin on 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. 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 4 – TRANSFER OUT
After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to either the airport or dock. We can then arrange transfers to Baltra airport or visits to other islands (optional). (B)

Price per person in US$: $1121 with 2 people, $937 with 3, $868 with 4, $776 with 5. Single supplement = $305

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INCLUDED: Accommodations at Iguana Crossing Hotel, expert bilingual guide, land transportation, activities as described, 2 dock/airport-hotel 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, Hiking, Snorkeling Accommodations: Iguana Crossing Hotel

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: Layered clothing, hard-soled shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, non-cotton kayaking gear, sun block, hat and mosquito repellent

ABOUT ISABELA ISLAND: Isabela Island is the largest and most biodiverse island in the archipelago. It 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.

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