Galapagos Dreaming - 10 days from Quito

• Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights. Start and end in Quito, Ecuador.
• Departs on Fridays
• Trip focus: A moderately active trip. Stunning wildlife viewing and close encounters.
• Accommodation: 2nts hotel in Quito, 7nts simple hotels in Galapagos
• Group Size: Max 15, tour representative in Quito, tour leader and naturalist guides throughout

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 9 nights accommodation in single, double or triple rooms
• Private bathroom, clean and comfortable.
• Meals daily as specified in tour (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Drinking water
• Airport transfers to and from accommodation in Galapagos and Quito
• Flights to and from the Galapagos to Quito
• International transfers on departure only
• Full pre departure briefings and logistical support in Quito
• All land and sea transport
• Sea kayaks
• Mountain bikes
• Snorkelling equipment
• Naturalist guides authorized by national park of Galapagos.

Not Included:

• National Park entrance fee $100USD, and $20USD Ingala transit card, only payable in cash, upon arrival
• Alcoholic / Soft drinks /Gratuities
• 2 evening meals
• Anything not specified in the package
• Optional diving (please enquire for diving package)
• International airport transfers
  

SURFING & DIVING

Ask about your opportunity to surf what are considered to be some of the best waves to be found in Latin America. San Cristóbal Island especially and Isabela Island offer world-class surf throughout the year.

WHERE WE DIVE

Leon Dormido – Kicker Rock. (Intermediate)
Tropical fish, Galapagos Shark, Batfish, Occasional Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Eagle and Golden Rays, Moray eels, Green sea turtles, stingrays, barracuda, triggerfish, boxfish, frogfish, and plenty more!

Reprinted with permission of the author, Crystal Hightower. © Copyright 2010 Crystal Hightower

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Quito - Welcome to one of the highest capital cities in the world, Quito .You are free arrive anytime you wish and take in some of the many sites of Quito.  This evening you will be met by a representative for a briefing about your upcoming adventure and an opportunity to get know your new travel mates before your first dinner together.(D)

DAY 2 – San Cristobal Island Bike Ride
The trip begins with a morning transfer to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. We make our way to the top of San Cristobal for panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. After sampling some of the local cuisine we’ll head up into the highlands for a scenic downhill bike ride.  Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, we’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until we reach a beach called La Loberia. There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sun bathing, playing and vying for our attention. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 – Kicker Rock Snorkelling
Start with a short boat ride to Kicker Rock, observing the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way, stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed Boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea is a truly impressive sight! Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. Then we relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands , feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of Kicker Rock in the distance. Late in the afternoon we visit the Interpretation Center, to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present day efforts protecting this amazing World Heritage site. (B,L) OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE

DAY 4 – Floreana & Isabela Islands
Depart San Cristobal Island to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the waved albatross along the way. We’ll have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Witmer’s, one of the islands first settlers. After lunch, take a siesta while listening to the waves or walk along the coast in search of sunbathing iguanas. This afternoon we’ll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves from long ago. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Isabela Tintoreras Walk
A short walk takes us to a nearby wetland that is home to pink flamingos and pintail ducks. After lunch, we’ll board small pangas to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin, then hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras or Shark Alley, an isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next, we’ll test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. (B,L,D)

DAY 6- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike
Enjoy a full day hike up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the look out for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Here you can experience a bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. We’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico in route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela. That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or have a relaxing swim before dinner. (B,L) 

DAY 7 – Isabela Wetlands & Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Visit the Breeding Center of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos and later, make our way the wall of tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we’ll visit Pink flamingos,  one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, sit with the birds and iguanas or head toward your favorite beach bar. (B,L)

DAY 8 – Santa Cruz
Head for the Highlands to explore an underground lava tunnel and visit Primicias Ranch. For the first time we’ll be able to see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away. Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Foundation. We’ll learn about the foundations successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of Giant Tortoise. This afternoon we’ll take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga bay is gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices. Evening group dinner to farewell the enchanted islands. (B,L,D)

DAY 9- Santa Cruz & Quito
Bidding farewell to the Enchanted Islands today, you’ll have a free morning with a variety of optional activities on offer or just kick back and enjoy some last minute souvenir shopping! Depart Santa Cruz Island and return to Quito. Swap photos then celebrate at our final dinner together. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – Quito
DEPARTURE DAY – Today is the last day of the tour and we’ll be sure to get you to the airport if you have a flight out before noon. If you just can’t bear to leave, our representative will be able to advise you and help with some of the many tours available in and around Quito.(B)

SPECIAL NOTE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERAY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND OR GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATION CHANGES