Ecuador Tours and Travel

 

Opuntia Galapagos Walking Adventure, 7 Days

Effort: Easy to Moderate
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, and Swimming

Experience a unique hiking journey through the Galapagos Islands, with wildlife and nature encounters in areas usually limited to boat-based itineraries. Explore off-the-beaten-path lava trails full of exotic birdlife, stroll white sand beaches home to marine iguanas and sea lions, snorkel with tropical fish and sharks, and enjoy the view after summiting the world’s second-largest caldera. Our top-notch, friendly, bilingual naturalist guides accompany you every step of your hiking, snorkeling, and swimming adventure. A perfect trip for families and groups of all ages!

Trip highlights:
• Hike lava rock trails to meet blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions
• Snorkel with tropical fish, hammerhead and white-tipped sharks
• Explore Miconia forest trails and meet giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz cloud forest
• Walk the rim of the Sierra Negra, the world’s second largest volcano caldera
• Experience the wonder of the Galapagos finch species that inspired Charles Darwin
• Relax on picture-perfect white sand beaches
• Enjoy more active hikes than with boat-based tours, for more wildlife encounters
• Top-notch adventure and nature guides accompany you every step of your journey

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN CRISTOBAL AND HIKE IN FRIGATE HILL
We meet you when you arrive on San Cristobal Island and welcome you with lunch and an briefing at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. We continue our hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galapagos cotton, and other endemic vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by the Chattam lava lizard, and bird species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the late afternoon, we visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. Our first evening is free to explore this tranquil port town. Overnight in Casa Opuntia in San Cristobal. (L)

DAY 2: HIKE IN EL JUNCO, SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO
After breakfast, our adventure begins with a hike to El Junco, the island’s main active volcano crater and lake located 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. This crater lagoon is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the entire archipelago. The lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks, common gallinules, frigate birds, and many other endemic species. We continue on to La Galapaguera in Cerro Colorado, a new facility operated by the National Park to breed and protect the subspecies of giant turtles endemic to San Cristobal (Geochelone chathamensis). In the afternoon, we visit Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy excellent snorkelling; for certified divers, this is also one of the best dives in the islands. You’re almost guaranteed to get postcard-quality pictures if you bring an underwater camera with you. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. In the evening, we return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and spend the night in Casa Opuntia in San Cristobal. (B L)

DAY 3: TINTORERAS HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA
From Puerto Baquerizo Moreno we fly to Isabela, this is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 5 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All of these volcanoes (except for one) remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Here, we visit the Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay for wildlife and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations, find Isabela marine iguanas socializing with one another, and meet a large colony of sea lions. We pass through mangroves and salty lagoons that are home to the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also spot American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, and many other shore birds. In the afternoon, we relax on exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in the tranquil port town of Puerto Villamil, dinner and overnight at Iguana Crossing Hotel. (B L D)

DAY 4: VOLCANO DISCOVERY HIKE IN THE ISABELA HIGHLANDS
From Puerto Villamil, we drive to the highlands of Isabela Island to prepare for a hike that will take us on trails across irregular terrain to arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. On a clear day, the view from the Sierra Negra feels like a spiritual awakening. Sierra Negra is an active volcano that last erupted in October 2005, and is the second largest caldera in the world. We hike around the rim of the crater, from which you have a fantastic view of the 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled caldera, the other Isabela volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus beyond. From here, we hike to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening on the “Enchanted Islands.” (B L D)

DAY 5: VISIT LONESOME GEORGE & HIKE IN EL CHATO RESERVE
After breakfast, we take a fast boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. Here, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management projects in the archipelago. The research station is also home to Lonesome George, a photogenetic giant tortoise who is the very last of his species of Pinta Island tortoise. Afterwards, we drive to El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island – the natural habitat of the large Galapagos tortoise. As we seek these lumbering giants, we will also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We explore fascinating lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations that were used by pirates in the eighteenth century, and on a clear day, we can see Media Luna, an old
collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. In the evening, we are free to explore excellent dining options and nightlife in the Galapagos’ most populous town. Overnight in Angermeyer Waterfront Inn. (B L)

DAY 6: CERRO CROCKET AND TORTUGA BAY HIKE
Today we hike into the amazing cloud forest highlands of Santa Cruz Island. On the way to the summit of Cerro Crocker (the highest point on the island at 864 meters), we will have another chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and observe other intriguing wildlife like the vermillion flycatcher. This hike will also bring us closer to fabulous vistas of the Media Luna crater. Following a trail through Miconia forest, we reach a lookout point with amazing views of the coastline below. In the afternoon, we go on a soft hike to Tortuga Bay’s pristine white sand beaches, where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. Considered the best in the archipelago, these beaches and their dry forest habitat offer a peaceful spot for the nature lover. Also found here are pelicans, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, doves, and marine iguanas. These paths offer excellent opportunities for bird watching. In the evening, we return to spend our final relaxing evening in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

In the morning, we return to Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island for our flight back to the continent. (B)

I want to book this!

Fixed Dates: December 15 to 21 / 2011

2011 Prices per person in US$: with 4 people = $2460 double, with 5 or more people = $2136 double. Single supplement = $543.
Minimum of 4 people needed or supplement will apply.
2012 Prices per person in US$: with 2 people = $3442 double, 3 people = $2560 double, 4 people = $2234 double, with 5 or more people = $1927 double. Single supplement = $543.

INCLUDED: Accommodations Opuntia Lodges; all meals as described (dinner is only included on Isabela Island); snorkeling gear; professional English-speaking guide; professional Galapagos naturalist guide; and land and sea transportation.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos (subject to change); Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (subject to change); meals not mentioned above; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, or gratuities; guide tips; and personal expenses.

**PLEASE NOTE** This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, and adjustments of Galapagos National Park policy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2-3 hours per transfer
HIKING DURATION: 2-4 hours per day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: Sea level to 600 meters
AVERAGE TEMPERTATURES: 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 TEMPERATURES: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: water sandals, hard-soled walking shoes, rain jacket, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, sunblock, hat, and mosquito repellent

Casa Opuntia Hotel is the finest accommodation on San Cristobal Island. The hotel overlooks the newly rebuilt boardwalk and is only a few meters away from Playa de Oro Beach. Casa Opuntia s Restaurant features some of San Cristobal s best sea food dishes to be enjoyed surrounded by endemic gardens and perfect ocean views. Casa Opuntia has 10 rooms, a swimming pool, and a bar that are always ready to welcome our guests.

Hotel Services & Facilities: Private Outdoor Pool, Opuntia Waterfront Gourmet Restaurant, Wireless Internet, Air Conditioned Rooms, Full Service Bar, Beach Towels, Laundry Service, All Non-Smoking Rooms

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

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Galapagos Hiking Adventure, 7 Days

Level: Easy to Moderate Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, and Swimming

Experience a unique hiking journey through the Galapagos Islands, with wildlife and nature encounters in areas usually limited to boat-based itineraries. Explore off-the-beaten-path lava trails full of exotic birdlife, stroll white sand beaches home to marine iguanas and sea lions, snorkel with tropical fish and sharks, and enjoy the view after summiting the world’s second-largest caldera. Our top-notch, friendly, bilingual naturalist guides accompany you every step of your hiking, snorkeling, and swimming adventure. A perfect trip for families and groups of all ages!

Trip highlights:
. Hike lava rock trails to meet blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions
• Snorkel with tropical fish, hammerhead and white-tipped sharks
• Explore Miconia forest trails and meet giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz cloud forest
• Walk the rim of the Sierra Negra, the world’s second largest volcano caldera
• Experience the wonder of the Galapagos finch species that inspired Charles Darwin
• Relax on picture-perfect white sand beaches
• Enjoy more active hikes than with boat-based tours, for more wildlife encounters
• Top-notch adventure and nature guides accompany you every step of your journey

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN CRISTOBAL AND HIKE IN FRIGATE HILL
We meet you when you arrive on San Cristobal Island and welcome you with lunch and an orientation at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. We continue our hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galapagos cotton, and other endemic vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by the Chattam lava lizard, and bird species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the late afternoon, we visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. Our first evening is free to explore this tranquil port town. Overnight in San Cristobal. (L)

DAY 2: HIKE IN EL JUNCO, SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO
After breakfast, our adventure begins with a hike to El Junco, the island’s main active volcano crater and lake located 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. This crater lagoon is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the entire archipelago. The lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks, common gallinules, frigate birds, and many other endemic species. We continue on to La Galapaguera in Cerro Colorado, a new facility operated by the National Park to breed and protect the subspecies of giant turtles endemic to San Cristobal (Geochelone chathamensis). In the afternoon, we visit Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy excellent snorkelling; for certified divers, this is also one of the best dives in the islands. You’re almost guaranteed to get postcard-quality pictures if you bring an underwater camera with you. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. In the evening, we return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and spend the night in San Cristobal. (B, L)

DAY 3: VISIT LONESOME GEORGE & HIKE IN EL CHATO RESERVE
After breakfast, we take a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island. Here, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management projects in the archipelago. The research station is also home to Lonesome George, a photogenetic giant tortoise who is the very last of his species of Pinta Island tortoise. Afterwards, we drive to El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island – the natural habitat of the large Galapagos tortoise. As we seek these lumbering giants, we’ll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We explore fascinating lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations that were used by pirates in the eighteenth century, and on a clear day we can see Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. In the evening we are free to explore excellent dining options and nightlife in the Galapagos’ most populous town. (B, L)

DAY 4: CERRO CROCKET AND TORTUGA BAY HIKE
Today we hike into the amazing cloud forest highlands of Santa Cruz Island. On the way to the summit of Cerro Crocker (the highest point on the island at 864 meters), we'll have another chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and observe other intriguing wildlife like the vermillion flycatcher. This hike will also bring us closer to fabulous vistas of the Media Luna crater. Following a trail through Miconia forest, we reach a lookout point with amazing views of the coastline below. In the afternoon, we go on a soft hike to Tortuga Bay’s pristine white sand beaches, where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. Considered the best in the archipelago, these beaches and their dry forest habitat offer a peaceful spot for the nature lover. Also found here are pelicans, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, doves, and marine iguanas. These paths offer excellent opportunities for bird watching. In the evening, we return to spend our final relaxing evening in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

DAY 5: HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA
From Puerto Ayora, we board a fast boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 5 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All of these volcanoes (except for one) remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Here, we visit the Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay for wildlife and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations, find Isabela marine iguanas socializing with one another, and meet a large colony of sea lions. We pass through mangroves and salty lagoons that are home to the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also spot American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, and many other shore birds. In the afternoon, we relax on exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in the tranquil port town of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: SIERRA NEGRA HIKE
From Puerto Villamil, we drive to the highlands of Isabela Island to prepare for a hike that will take us on trails across irregular terrain to arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. On a clear day, the view from the Sierra Negra feels like a spiritual awakening. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005, and is also the second largest caldera in the world. We hike around the rim of the crater, from which you have a fantastic view of the 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled caldera, the other Isabela volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus beyond. From here, we hike to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening on the “Enchanted Islands.” (B, L, D)

DAY 7: ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT
In the morning, we return to Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island for our flight back to the continent. An optional, one- or more-day driving tour extension is highly recommended. (B)

2011 Price per person in US$: $3277 with 2 people, $2438 with 3, $2128 with 4, $1835 with 5+

INCLUDED: Accommodations in tourist superior hotels; all meals as described (dinner is only included on Isabela Island); snorkeling gear; professional English-speaking guide; professional Galapagos naturalist guide; and land and sea transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos (subject to change); Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (subject to change); meals not mentioned above; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, or gratuities; guide tips; and personal expenses.

**PLEASE NOTE** This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, and adjustments of Galapagos National Park policy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2-3 hours per transfer
HIKING DURATION: 2-4 hours per day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: Sea level to 600 meters
AVERAGE TEMPERTATURES: 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 TEMPERATURES: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: water sandals, hard-soled walking shoes, rain jacket, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, sunblock, hat, and mosquito repellent.