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Ecuador

Galapagos Multisport, 7 Days

The enchanted islands are yours to discover in a way you never thought possible. Experience a new approach to the unforgettable Galapagos Islands. This land-based tour explores uncommon areas in San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz islands. The program comes alive in a unique way as you sea kayak and snorkel in the marine reserve, or hike, horseback ride and even mountain bike on the islands´ high areas. Diving in the world-class marine reserve is optional, but highly recommended.

"We had a fantastic time. Each of our seven days in the Galapagos was crammed with amazing stuff: Kayaking several times, hiking alot, swimming, and the best--several days of snorkeling: Snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, with sea turtles, with a zillion blue, purple, pink and electric fish, with rays, with marine iguanas, with sea lions the people on Galapagos call "lobos" or wolves (who are everywhere-- you literally have to step over them wherever you walk), and the ultimate, best and most memorable snorkeling (at least for me) with penguins! We saw millions of blue boobies, white birds about the size of sea gulls with feet of Carolina blue, and frigate birds. We kayaked one day to an island then hiked to a beach crawling with iguanas. We went fishing for tuna on a fast boat, and Wayne and Will and I each caught nice ones, but the lobos ganged up on Meagan's fish and grabbed it from her line, all caught on video of course.

We went to the Charles Darwin Research Center to meet Lonesome George, the last of his particular species of giant tortoise, and the center of a worldwide search for a mate for him. As the giant tortoises live around 200 years, and George is only about 100, there is hope that one will yet turn up. (Saw a very cute tee shirt: an angry lady tortoise and an apologetic guy tortoise who is saying, "Okay I cheated on you, but that was 150 years ago!") Next day we hiked through the tortoise reserve and saw loads of giant tortoises taking mud baths."
Sema Lederman

Day 1: Transfer and Hike in San Cristóbal
Arrive to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive, we hike to nearby Frigate Hill for splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Get your first encounter with local wildlife, as the hill is often visited by the magnificent and great frigate birds and others like blue footed boobies, swallowed tailed-gulls, and Darwin finches. On our way back we can swim in white sand, Mann Beach. We spend our first evening free to explore around town. (B, L)

Day 2: Sea Kayak Playa Ochoa and Snorkel in Leon Dormido
We slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling along the coast to reach Playa Ochoa. This journey is filled with sea lions, marine turtles, blue footed boobies and frigates birds. In Playa Ochoa we take-out to relax, enjoy the beach, or swim with the visiting lions. After lunch we paddle to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are covered with seabirds. Leon Dormido offers excellent snorkelling, and for certified divers, one of the best dives in the Islands. Here we get good opportunities to see hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon we return for our hotel for our last evening in San Cristobal. (B, L)

Day 3: Snorkel in Santa Fe Island and Sea Kayak in Santa Cruz After breakfast we navigate in a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Fe and the Santa Cruz Islands. Santa Fe Island is home to a beautiful crystal water cove where we snorkel with playful sea lion pups and florescent fish. We also explore a submerged rock where rays and marine turtles can be found. We continue in our boat to Santa Cruz, where we pick up our kayaks to travel around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada paddling through multiple lava channels of calm and turquoise waters. Within the channels, we encounter white tipped sharks, rays, and colonies of blue footed-boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas, perching out from the cliffs. We return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and spend this evening at leisure, to dine or explore alternatives in Galapagos' most populated capital. (B, L)

Day 4: Hike and Mountain Bike in the Santa Cruz Highlands
We transfer to El Chato reserve in the upper domain of the Santa Cruz Island, natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. As we seek out for the giant tortoise, but can also encounter pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds bathing in fresh water lakes. We explore lava caves, incredible volcanic tunnel formations, and Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. This area trails through a Miconia forest with great views down to the coastline. Following lunch, we prepare our mountain bikes to ride mostly downhill through highland farmlands and small villages down to El Garrapatero beach. El Garrapatero is a large beach area with a fresh water lake where you can come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts and other shore birds. Relax in this perfect white beach after a full day of hiking and biking. On the way back to our hotel, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts. This evening is at leisure to relax in your beach front hotel, or join the local nightlife during weekends. (B, L)

Day 5: Hike and Exploration in Isabela
We embark in a fast boat from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by the merger of 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this Island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Here we visit the Galapagos Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay in search of the unique Galapagos penguin and trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations and to meet a large colony of sea lions. The local mangroves and salty lagoons feature the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also witness American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos and many other shore species. In the afternoon we are left to enjoy some exotic white sand beaches. The evening is at leisure in this tranquil port town. (B, L)

Day 6: Horseback Ride and Hike in Isabela
We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil. We set up our horses to ride about 6 miles (9 km) on irregular terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second largest caldera in the world. From this viewpoint you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 mile wide caldera, the rest of the volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus. Form here we hike to Chico Volcano to evidence the rising fumaroles, striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening in the Enchanted Islands. (B, L)

Day 7: Isabela- Santa Cruz, Transfer Out
In the morning we navigate returning to the Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island, for our flight back to the continent, to arrive about 5pm. An optional, one or more days diving tour extension is highly recommended. (B)

2008 PRICE PER PERSON (double or triple occupancy):

Can start on any day, subject to availability -

Here are some 2008 fixed dates that we are trying to work with:
May 26 - June 1, Jun 18 - 24, Jun 29 - Jul 05, Jul 08 -14, Jul 16 - 22, Jul 30 - Aug 05, Aug 13-19, Aug 21-27, Aug 31-Sep 6 (superior), Sep 13-19, Sep 23-29, Oct 12-18, Oct 25-31, Oct 30 - Nov 5, Nov 13-19 (superior), Dec 3-9, Dec 16-22, Dec 20-26, Dec 27-Jan 2

INCLUDED: Accommodations in tourist class superior hotels, all meals except for dinners during the program, adventure and safety equipment, professional English speaking guides, land and sea transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil, Airfare to islands (currently about US$400 in high season, $350 in low season), hotel & resturant beverages, dinners at hotels, National park entrance fee (currently US$100, payable upon arrival), tips/gratuities and personal expenses.

IMPORTANT: These itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
Level: Moderate to Challenging
BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2-3 hours per day
PADDLE TIME: 2 to 4 hours each day
SEASON: All year
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: DAY 25-36ºC, NIGHT 18-26ºC
SUGGESTED: Water sandals, rainshell, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, sun block, hat and mosquito repellent.