Wonders of Ecuador: Galapagos Discovery

Wednesday: Quito, Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take flight to Galapagos.

Suggested flight from Quito (subject to change) LA1413 UIO/GPS 0820-1059 – not included. Suggested flight from Quito (subject to change) AV1688 UIO/GPS 0911-1029 – not included.

Arrival in the Galapagos. English-speaking assistance.

Today we arrive at Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you will notice as you transit through the facility. It was the first ecological airport in the world. Ferry to Santa Cruz Island.

Highland Santa Cruz
The guide will pick you at the airport in order to start the visit to the highlands. You will visit shelters for the giant tortoises, lava tunnels and the twins that are geological formations formed by collapse over time. One of our visit is a private farm that provides the opportunity to marvel at the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. You will have the option to visit geological formations like a natural lava tunnel or twin pit craters "The Gemelos" or both, depending on your energy level! The "Gemelos" or Twin Pit Craters, located in the Scalezia zone of the island, are a great place for bird watching. Look out for Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves and Cattle egret.

Drive to Puerto Ayora for overnight.

Overnight at Deja Vu hotel (Standard room) or similar.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE: Night at Hotel Ikala Galapagos (Standard Room) or similar.
***Not Included: Galapagos National Park entrance fee and tourist transit card.

Included: transportation, Bilingual (Spanish/English) local speaking guide, excursion and lodging.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Thursday: Galapagos

Breakfast.

Half-day excursion to Bay Exploration (SIB – shared service)
This morning we will join a Puerto Ayora’s bay exploration, at the main dock we will have a quick 10-minute navigation to la Loberia Island named after a sea lion colony that inhabits there. This small island is a great place to snorkel in amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colorful fish, and for playing with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions.

Our next stop will be a hike to the Túnel del Amor (lover’s tunnel) with a great viewpoint from where if lucky you can watch resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we will visit Punta Estrada’s dock, where we’ll go on a walk to watch marine iguanas.

Optional full day experience with extra cost:
Visit to Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero (This tour replaces the Bay Exploration. Minimum 2 passengers).

Overnight at Deja Vu hotel (Standard room) or similar
Optional Upgrade: Night at Hotel Ikala Galapagos (Standard Room) or similar

Included: transportation, Bilingual (Spanish/English) local speaking guide, excursion and lodging
Meals: Breakfast.

Full day Motor Yacht Tour with a Local Galapagueño
Set out to sea with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a full day excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos' more remote islands. Recent history has transformed the Galapagos Islands, reshaping the local economy from one of subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture to one where tourism employs some 40% of locals. We have worked with local fishermen to transform their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the Galapagos' rich marine ecosystem to visitors while also helping to preserve them. Their livings are now made from sustainable tourism rather than fishing.
This full day excursion includes snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification.

Overnight at Deja Vu hotel (Standard room) or similar
Optional Upgrade: Night at Hotel Ikala Galapagos (Standard Room) or similar

Included: transportation, Bilingual (Spanish/English) local speaking guide, excursion and lodging
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch on board

Suggested flight to Guayaquil
(subject to change) AV1633 GPS/GYE 1139-1434 – not included
(subject to change) XL1414 GPS/GYE 1211-1502 – not included
Suggested flight to Quito
(subject to change) AV1633 GPS/UIO 1139-1615 – not included
(subject to change) XL1414 GPS/UIO 1211-1651 – not included

Arrival in Guayaquil/Quito and international connection (or extension to your next adventure).
Included: transportation, Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking assistance.

Meals included: breakfast