Northern Ecuador and Galapagos - 9 Days
DAY 1: Arrival – Quito
On arrival at Quito airport your driver and English speaking guide will be waiting for you and bring you to your hotel in the city, where you will have some time to settle in. A special dinner can be added that day (at extra cost)
Accomodation: Hotel Reina Isabel or Similar
Meals: Not Included
On arrival at Quito airport your driver and English speaking guide will be waiting for you and bring you to your hotel in the city, where you will have some time to settle in. A special dinner can be added that day (at extra cost)
Accomodation: Hotel Reina Isabel or Similar
Meals: Not Included
Day 2: Quito & Middle of the World
A guided tour to the historical centre of Quito is a must-see when visiting Ecuador (first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site). The highest capital in the world (2,850m/9,350ft; over 2.2mln inhabitants) is also affectionately known as La Carita de Dios (=The face of God), thanks to its high number of skilfully ornamented colonial churches and monasteries, including finest of South America. Its lively cobblestone squares and narrow streets are lined with the monumental facades of recently restored neoclassical mansions.
Afterwards we’ll take you to the Mitad del Mundo wich is one of the mos visitied sites in Ecuador.
The painted equatorial line of Mitad del Mundo is a popular spot for memorable images; it even crosses the altar of a small chapel. From the panoramic balcony (entrance fee not incl.) of the prominent equatorial monument (1979), you can admire Cayambe volcano (5,790m/19,000ft) on clear days, the highest and only place on Earth where the equator touches snow.
Next door to the equatorial complex of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is the private Inti Ñan Solar museum (= ‘Path of the Sun’). It is dedicated to the ancestral worldview of various ethnic groups. Physics experiments explain gravitational effects on the equator. Try yourself balancing an egg on the head of a nail or miraculously loose your strength on the magnetic line!
Return to the city by mid-afternoon and drop off at your Hotel.
Accomodation: Hotel Dann Carlton or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A guided tour to the historical centre of Quito is a must-see when visiting Ecuador (first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site). The highest capital in the world (2,850m/9,350ft; over 2.2mln inhabitants) is also affectionately known as La Carita de Dios (=The face of God), thanks to its high number of skilfully ornamented colonial churches and monasteries, including finest of South America. Its lively cobblestone squares and narrow streets are lined with the monumental facades of recently restored neoclassical mansions.
Afterwards we’ll take you to the Mitad del Mundo wich is one of the mos visitied sites in Ecuador.
The painted equatorial line of Mitad del Mundo is a popular spot for memorable images; it even crosses the altar of a small chapel. From the panoramic balcony (entrance fee not incl.) of the prominent equatorial monument (1979), you can admire Cayambe volcano (5,790m/19,000ft) on clear days, the highest and only place on Earth where the equator touches snow.
Next door to the equatorial complex of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is the private Inti Ñan Solar museum (= ‘Path of the Sun’). It is dedicated to the ancestral worldview of various ethnic groups. Physics experiments explain gravitational effects on the equator. Try yourself balancing an egg on the head of a nail or miraculously loose your strength on the magnetic line!
Return to the city by mid-afternoon and drop off at your Hotel.
Accomodation: Hotel Dann Carlton or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Quito – Otavalo
We will have a full day in Otavalo. This town in the northern Andean Region is famous for its indigenous market, weaving, ancestral culture and its privileged natural surroundings.
After your breakfast in the hotel, your guide will pick you up for a two hour drive to the town of Otavalo (2530mts.), in the northern Andean Region; this town is famous for its indigenous market, weaving, ancestral culture and its privileged natural surroundings.
During this day there are multiple activities where can be done:
Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui
Meals: Breakfast
We will have a full day in Otavalo. This town in the northern Andean Region is famous for its indigenous market, weaving, ancestral culture and its privileged natural surroundings.
After your breakfast in the hotel, your guide will pick you up for a two hour drive to the town of Otavalo (2530mts.), in the northern Andean Region; this town is famous for its indigenous market, weaving, ancestral culture and its privileged natural surroundings.
During this day there are multiple activities where can be done:
- Cotacachi Village, a small town well-known for its leather goods. San Antonio de Ibarra, home of expert wood carvers; you can visit their shops and witness first-hand how they create true works of art.
- Cuicocha Lake, an impressive crater-lake garnished with two islets in the middle, surrounded by deep blue-water. It has an interpretation center or you can take a small boat ride in the lake. Wonderful views of the Imbabura and Cotacachi Volcanoes can be enjoyed from the crater’s rim. Short or long walks are optional.
- Peguche workshops, just 10 minutes northwest of Otavalo; visit a couple of local workshops where you can admire the craftsmanship of the locals and the beautiful tapestries and weavings.
Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Otavalo Market – Rose Farm – Papallacta
Early in the morning, your prívate transfer will pick-you-up to take you to the Otavalo’s Market.
For most tourists Otavalo’s highlight is the daily handicraft market on Plaza Poncho, where skilful native merchants wait for you to play the game of bargaining on alpaca sweaters, ponchos, hammocks, pan flutes and other souvenirs. This region is famous for its woven textiles.
Afterwards, we’ll take you to visit the Ecuadorian roses that are exported all around the world. Though most plantations are strictly closed, this excursion gives you the opportunity to look behind the scenes of a rose-farm in the Cayambe area, halfway between Quito and Otavalo.
Afterwads your transport will take you to experience the most interesting place in Ecuador to relax and rest before your adventure in Galapagos. You can use the first-class facilities (dressing rooms, lockers, showers and thermoludic area with pools and whirlpool) from Spa-resort of Termas de Papallacta. It is best to switch between warmer and the cold pools, but you can also cool-down with the fresh mountain air. Optional treatments (sauna, massages, hydrotherapy, body aesthetics) preferably are reserved in advance (not included).
Accommodation: Termas de Papallacta Spa-Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Early in the morning, your prívate transfer will pick-you-up to take you to the Otavalo’s Market.
For most tourists Otavalo’s highlight is the daily handicraft market on Plaza Poncho, where skilful native merchants wait for you to play the game of bargaining on alpaca sweaters, ponchos, hammocks, pan flutes and other souvenirs. This region is famous for its woven textiles.
Afterwards, we’ll take you to visit the Ecuadorian roses that are exported all around the world. Though most plantations are strictly closed, this excursion gives you the opportunity to look behind the scenes of a rose-farm in the Cayambe area, halfway between Quito and Otavalo.
Afterwads your transport will take you to experience the most interesting place in Ecuador to relax and rest before your adventure in Galapagos. You can use the first-class facilities (dressing rooms, lockers, showers and thermoludic area with pools and whirlpool) from Spa-resort of Termas de Papallacta. It is best to switch between warmer and the cold pools, but you can also cool-down with the fresh mountain air. Optional treatments (sauna, massages, hydrotherapy, body aesthetics) preferably are reserved in advance (not included).
Accommodation: Termas de Papallacta Spa-Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Papallacta – Quito – San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Cruise – The Galapagos Treasure (cruise starts on Tuesday or Friday)
Transfer to airport to fly to the Galapagos
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport
At San Cristobal Airport you have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage is inspected. In front of the arrival hall you will meet your naturalist guide and fellow passengers, and you will be transferred to the harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Our inflatable dinghies will bring you the last stretch to the yacht, which is anchored at Wreck Bay.
PM: Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)
The only (unpaved) road into the highlands of San Cristobal passes the formal sugarcane plantation and penal colony El Progreso and a row of ecologic wind generators. Next it reaches the highest parts of the agricultural zone and El Junco Lagoon, one of the scarce sweet water lagoons in the archipelago. Colorado Hill is on the decent to the south coast.
The breeding centre at Colorado Hill (named Galapaguera Jacinto Gordillo) is among easiest places where you can see Galapagos giant tortoises. This and similar breeding centres on Santa Cruz and Isabela have been created to rescue these endangered giants by collecting their eggs in the wild, reproduction in captivity and repopulation once the hatchlings are big enough and less vulnerable for predators.
Around the large corral, there is also an interpretive botanical trail and an interesting visitor’s centre. In here the natural history of the local giant tortoises is explained to you; including the relationship and evolutional differences between San Cristobal sp and other (sub)species. On the trail you can spot songbirds as well, such as yellow warblers, endemic Galapagos large-billed flycatchers and the Chatham mockingbird (unique to this island), that put Darwin on track of his evolution theory.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to airport to fly to the Galapagos
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport
At San Cristobal Airport you have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage is inspected. In front of the arrival hall you will meet your naturalist guide and fellow passengers, and you will be transferred to the harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Our inflatable dinghies will bring you the last stretch to the yacht, which is anchored at Wreck Bay.
PM: Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)
The only (unpaved) road into the highlands of San Cristobal passes the formal sugarcane plantation and penal colony El Progreso and a row of ecologic wind generators. Next it reaches the highest parts of the agricultural zone and El Junco Lagoon, one of the scarce sweet water lagoons in the archipelago. Colorado Hill is on the decent to the south coast.
The breeding centre at Colorado Hill (named Galapaguera Jacinto Gordillo) is among easiest places where you can see Galapagos giant tortoises. This and similar breeding centres on Santa Cruz and Isabela have been created to rescue these endangered giants by collecting their eggs in the wild, reproduction in captivity and repopulation once the hatchlings are big enough and less vulnerable for predators.
Around the large corral, there is also an interpretive botanical trail and an interesting visitor’s centre. In here the natural history of the local giant tortoises is explained to you; including the relationship and evolutional differences between San Cristobal sp and other (sub)species. On the trail you can spot songbirds as well, such as yellow warblers, endemic Galapagos large-billed flycatchers and the Chatham mockingbird (unique to this island), that put Darwin on track of his evolution theory.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Galapagos Cruise – The Galapagos Treasure
The next island of Española is located in the far southeastern corner of the archipelago. As one of its crown jewels, this bird watcher’s and photographer’s dream offers all that you might expect from Galapagos. Enjoy the alluring Gardner Bay and walk in a distance of just a few meters past waved albatrosses, booby colonies, sunbathing marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions and feel yourself within an exciting nature documentary! Several endemic species give you the opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.
AM: Gardner Bay (Española)
Make your first ‘dive’ in Gardner Bay, and admire colorful reef fish, snorkel side by side with a Pacific green turtle, or find yourself in the middle of playful Galapagos sea lions. The striking white coral sand beach is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. But without doubt its main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony. Females stay year round in this nursery, suckling their pups up to an age of 3 years, although these start to learn fishing already after 5 months. During the breeding- and mating season the colony becomes even more populous. The strongest bachelors and elder males return from their secluded bases and start again to conquer and defend their part of the 1300m/4250ft long beach. Pregnant females choose the best territory to give birth, and will mate again with their landlord within a month.
PM: Suarez Point (Española)
Huge ocean waves bang on the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, and form a spectacular blowhole, where a fountain of sea water sprays meters/feet high into the air (depending on the tide and how strong sea breeze pushes the waves). Take a meditative break in silence on this emblematic viewpoint to convert this unforgettable moment in a lifetime experience.
Waved albatrosses soar most time of their lives far out at sea and just come to Española (March-December) to breed and nurture their huge chick. This spectacular seabird is the only tropic albatross (critically endangered species). Besides some strayed individuals on Isla de La Plata (out off the Ecuadorian coast) it only breeds on Española, where you can witness its synchronous courtship dances, which include bowing, whistling and even a stylized form of ‘sword fighting’ with their bills (especially in October)!
Suarez Point is also a massive breeding site for Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Blue-footed boobies don’t bother to breed in the middle of the trail. Especially during the food-abundant garúa-season (2nd half of the year) you can admire amusing courtship dances, mating, breeding, emerging from the eggs, nurturing or first flight-attempts.
Española marine iguanas become bright red with a turquoise-colored crest and legs at the start of the breeding season (starting from Christmas). Hood lava lizards are the largest of the 7 endemic species in the islands, as well as endemic mockingbirds, that have turned to carnivorous behaviour!
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next island of Española is located in the far southeastern corner of the archipelago. As one of its crown jewels, this bird watcher’s and photographer’s dream offers all that you might expect from Galapagos. Enjoy the alluring Gardner Bay and walk in a distance of just a few meters past waved albatrosses, booby colonies, sunbathing marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions and feel yourself within an exciting nature documentary! Several endemic species give you the opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.
AM: Gardner Bay (Española)
Make your first ‘dive’ in Gardner Bay, and admire colorful reef fish, snorkel side by side with a Pacific green turtle, or find yourself in the middle of playful Galapagos sea lions. The striking white coral sand beach is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. But without doubt its main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony. Females stay year round in this nursery, suckling their pups up to an age of 3 years, although these start to learn fishing already after 5 months. During the breeding- and mating season the colony becomes even more populous. The strongest bachelors and elder males return from their secluded bases and start again to conquer and defend their part of the 1300m/4250ft long beach. Pregnant females choose the best territory to give birth, and will mate again with their landlord within a month.
PM: Suarez Point (Española)
Huge ocean waves bang on the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, and form a spectacular blowhole, where a fountain of sea water sprays meters/feet high into the air (depending on the tide and how strong sea breeze pushes the waves). Take a meditative break in silence on this emblematic viewpoint to convert this unforgettable moment in a lifetime experience.
Waved albatrosses soar most time of their lives far out at sea and just come to Española (March-December) to breed and nurture their huge chick. This spectacular seabird is the only tropic albatross (critically endangered species). Besides some strayed individuals on Isla de La Plata (out off the Ecuadorian coast) it only breeds on Española, where you can witness its synchronous courtship dances, which include bowing, whistling and even a stylized form of ‘sword fighting’ with their bills (especially in October)!
Suarez Point is also a massive breeding site for Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Blue-footed boobies don’t bother to breed in the middle of the trail. Especially during the food-abundant garúa-season (2nd half of the year) you can admire amusing courtship dances, mating, breeding, emerging from the eggs, nurturing or first flight-attempts.
Española marine iguanas become bright red with a turquoise-colored crest and legs at the start of the breeding season (starting from Christmas). Hood lava lizards are the largest of the 7 endemic species in the islands, as well as endemic mockingbirds, that have turned to carnivorous behaviour!
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Galapagos Cruise – The Galapagos Treasure
Historical Post Office Bay seems to be located nearly at the end of the world. In a lagoon at the north cape (Cormorant Point) forage and breed American flamingos. Floreana offers some of most spectacular snorkelling sites. Galapagos sea lions probably wait to play with you while snorkelling at Champion Islet. From the dinghy bird watchers can amplify their growing spot lists with endemic Galapagos penguins (the only location in the southeastern corner) and maybe even with the almost extinct Charles mockingbird.
AM: Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Bring your unstamped postcards and post them in the peculiar barrel on this historic site. Together with James Bay (Santiago) this used to be a popular base to complement stocks. Present barrel commemorates the improvised mail service between British 16th century whalers and poachers. Returning vessels also picked-up letters for home delivery. Finally this post box became the termination of the flourishing British whaling industry in this region (Moby Dick), because it let the American frigate USS Essex easily locate and hijack British whalers during the Anglo-American War (1812-1815).
PM: Cormorant Point (Floreana)
The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which is pockmarked by numbers of smaller volcanic cones and covered by tropical dry forest (predominantly palo santo). Please don’t expect to spot the flightless cormorant at Cormorant Point. This emblematic example of evolution lives exclusively in the remote west of Galapagos on Fernandina and Isabela (route C). Instead, its salty lagoon is one of the best places in Galapagos to observe a breeding colony of American flamingos. Though, when breeding is done and the lagoon dries up, these exotic birds tend to be on the move to look for shrimps and algae from other saline lakes.
At the landing beach you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion-colony. The green sand contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The ‘flour sand’ beach on the south side of the peninsula feels very smooth to your feet; this is pulverized by parrotfishes. Schools of sting rays in the surf love this powdery sand to hide themselves, and Pacific green turtles come ashore to burry their eggs in it at night (first months of the year). Next morning you can notice their tracks from the dunes, or eventually still catch an exhausted, delayed one, crawling back to sea.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Historical Post Office Bay seems to be located nearly at the end of the world. In a lagoon at the north cape (Cormorant Point) forage and breed American flamingos. Floreana offers some of most spectacular snorkelling sites. Galapagos sea lions probably wait to play with you while snorkelling at Champion Islet. From the dinghy bird watchers can amplify their growing spot lists with endemic Galapagos penguins (the only location in the southeastern corner) and maybe even with the almost extinct Charles mockingbird.
AM: Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Bring your unstamped postcards and post them in the peculiar barrel on this historic site. Together with James Bay (Santiago) this used to be a popular base to complement stocks. Present barrel commemorates the improvised mail service between British 16th century whalers and poachers. Returning vessels also picked-up letters for home delivery. Finally this post box became the termination of the flourishing British whaling industry in this region (Moby Dick), because it let the American frigate USS Essex easily locate and hijack British whalers during the Anglo-American War (1812-1815).
PM: Cormorant Point (Floreana)
The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which is pockmarked by numbers of smaller volcanic cones and covered by tropical dry forest (predominantly palo santo). Please don’t expect to spot the flightless cormorant at Cormorant Point. This emblematic example of evolution lives exclusively in the remote west of Galapagos on Fernandina and Isabela (route C). Instead, its salty lagoon is one of the best places in Galapagos to observe a breeding colony of American flamingos. Though, when breeding is done and the lagoon dries up, these exotic birds tend to be on the move to look for shrimps and algae from other saline lakes.
At the landing beach you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion-colony. The green sand contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The ‘flour sand’ beach on the south side of the peninsula feels very smooth to your feet; this is pulverized by parrotfishes. Schools of sting rays in the surf love this powdery sand to hide themselves, and Pacific green turtles come ashore to burry their eggs in it at night (first months of the year). Next morning you can notice their tracks from the dunes, or eventually still catch an exhausted, delayed one, crawling back to sea.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Galapagos Cruise – The Galapagos Treasure
Santa Fe is even for Galapagos an extraordinary site. Below bizarre giant prickly pear cacti you will encounter characteristic land iguanas and other endemic creatures that are unique to this island. Azure-colored Barrington Bay invites to refreshing swimming or snorkeling. Continuing towards the heart of the archipelago, we will possibly be escorted by bottle nose dolphins and will look-out for whales.
AM: Barrington Bay (Santa Fe)
Practically every animal on Santa Fe is unique; endemic to Galapagos, or even to this island alone and extremely vulnerable! This extraordinary island is remnant of the probably most ancient volcano of Galapagos, and gave evolution enough time and isolation to create its wonders.
Your experience starts already before anchoring, when the contours of its bizarre giant prickly pear cactus (opuntia) forests become distinguishable. These largest cacti of the islands have extremely thick trunks indeed, and can grow over 10m/33ft tall! You will land right into a Galapagos sea lion colony on the beach. From their outlooks at the beach ridge surprisingly fearless Galapagos hawks are ready to snatch away a lava lizard; not worrying that even these are unique…
Almost every visitor of Santa Fe becomes eager to get a glimpse of the rare Barrington land iguana. But this pale endemic version is not as easy to spot as its modelling counterparts on South Plaza. This one asks for an adventurous quest (rather untypical to Galapagos); other times it surprises waiting for you next to the trail. Whether you spot it, or not, you will keep going from one surprise into the other.
While snorkelling in the azure coloured Barrington Bay between tropical reef fish, maybe a curious Galapagos sea lion is willing to play with you!
PM: Turtle Bay (Santa Cruz)
Walking the straight paved trail from Puerto Ayora is the only way to reach the popular beach of Turtle Bay. It crosses tropical dry forest with house-high candelabra cacti, where you can compare different species of Darwin finch among other endemic song birds.
One of Galapagos’ widest crescent-shaped beaches has been formed along Turtle Bay. The coastline of Santa Cruz is no longer reached by lava flows, but threatened by the roaring surf instead (popular amongst surfers). Fine coral sand – ground by parrot fishes – has been washed ashore and can become quite hot in the sunny season, and forms ideal places to breed eggs from Pacific green turtles, marine iguanas (and farther north for giant Galapagos tortoises). Once hatching, these offer a rich banquet that attracts a host of predators. Evergreen ‘red’ mangroves with aerial roots colourize the paradisiacal beach wall that hides a lagoon with herons and brown pelicans.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Fe is even for Galapagos an extraordinary site. Below bizarre giant prickly pear cacti you will encounter characteristic land iguanas and other endemic creatures that are unique to this island. Azure-colored Barrington Bay invites to refreshing swimming or snorkeling. Continuing towards the heart of the archipelago, we will possibly be escorted by bottle nose dolphins and will look-out for whales.
AM: Barrington Bay (Santa Fe)
Practically every animal on Santa Fe is unique; endemic to Galapagos, or even to this island alone and extremely vulnerable! This extraordinary island is remnant of the probably most ancient volcano of Galapagos, and gave evolution enough time and isolation to create its wonders.
Your experience starts already before anchoring, when the contours of its bizarre giant prickly pear cactus (opuntia) forests become distinguishable. These largest cacti of the islands have extremely thick trunks indeed, and can grow over 10m/33ft tall! You will land right into a Galapagos sea lion colony on the beach. From their outlooks at the beach ridge surprisingly fearless Galapagos hawks are ready to snatch away a lava lizard; not worrying that even these are unique…
Almost every visitor of Santa Fe becomes eager to get a glimpse of the rare Barrington land iguana. But this pale endemic version is not as easy to spot as its modelling counterparts on South Plaza. This one asks for an adventurous quest (rather untypical to Galapagos); other times it surprises waiting for you next to the trail. Whether you spot it, or not, you will keep going from one surprise into the other.
While snorkelling in the azure coloured Barrington Bay between tropical reef fish, maybe a curious Galapagos sea lion is willing to play with you!
PM: Turtle Bay (Santa Cruz)
Walking the straight paved trail from Puerto Ayora is the only way to reach the popular beach of Turtle Bay. It crosses tropical dry forest with house-high candelabra cacti, where you can compare different species of Darwin finch among other endemic song birds.
One of Galapagos’ widest crescent-shaped beaches has been formed along Turtle Bay. The coastline of Santa Cruz is no longer reached by lava flows, but threatened by the roaring surf instead (popular amongst surfers). Fine coral sand – ground by parrot fishes – has been washed ashore and can become quite hot in the sunny season, and forms ideal places to breed eggs from Pacific green turtles, marine iguanas (and farther north for giant Galapagos tortoises). Once hatching, these offer a rich banquet that attracts a host of predators. Evergreen ‘red’ mangroves with aerial roots colourize the paradisiacal beach wall that hides a lagoon with herons and brown pelicans.
Accomodation: Galapagos Treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Galapagos Cruise – The Galapagos Treasure
AM: Highlands: El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos giant tortoises, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the transition zone of El Chato Tortoise Reserve. The pond in the native forest reserve is the most authentic setting, but sometimes also requires an adventurous quest for these silent heavyweights. Than you have to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and of shrubs being slowly crushed. Most time of their stretched lives is spent slowly and silently, except for a warning hiss, or loud screams during mating, which can be heard from far in the first half of the year. Subsequently females leave the highlands and descend all the way down to the beaches to dig holes and lay their eggs. It is estimated that in 2015 about 32,000 tortoises live in the wild in all the islands, most on restricted locations of Isabela. You will certainly also appreciate the native scalesia forest, overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes; plus chances to spot endemic Darwin’s finches, vermilion flycatchers, yellow warblers, and less common birds like short-eared owls, Galapagos rails and paint-billed crakes.
AM: Transfer to Baltra airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you until the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect that you will return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable memories for life!
AM: Highlands: El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos giant tortoises, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the transition zone of El Chato Tortoise Reserve. The pond in the native forest reserve is the most authentic setting, but sometimes also requires an adventurous quest for these silent heavyweights. Than you have to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and of shrubs being slowly crushed. Most time of their stretched lives is spent slowly and silently, except for a warning hiss, or loud screams during mating, which can be heard from far in the first half of the year. Subsequently females leave the highlands and descend all the way down to the beaches to dig holes and lay their eggs. It is estimated that in 2015 about 32,000 tortoises live in the wild in all the islands, most on restricted locations of Isabela. You will certainly also appreciate the native scalesia forest, overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes; plus chances to spot endemic Darwin’s finches, vermilion flycatchers, yellow warblers, and less common birds like short-eared owls, Galapagos rails and paint-billed crakes.
AM: Transfer to Baltra airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you until the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect that you will return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable memories for life!
|
2018 Price per person, double occupancy*: (All hotels are subject to availability. Rates starting from – Rates subject to promotional dates) with 2 people = USD 3995 with 3-4 people = USD 3885 with 5-6 people = USD 3835 Single Supplement = $869 if cabin 9 is available *Cruise - No single supplement added for one person sharing the cabin with another guest of the same gender. Triple Reduction *Under request, not all the hotels offer this service Includes:
Does not include:
|
|
