10 Days Pristine Galapagos Vacation Package
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Priced From: $4,975 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Dec
So inspired by the rugged and unique beauty of these islands was a young 19th-century British naturalist named Charles Darwin that he developed new ideas that would revolutionize science for centuries. And fortunately, not much has changed at the Galapagos since the HMS Beagle landed in the 1830s. Ancient giant land tortoises still walk the rocky inlands, marine iguanas still plunge into the sea to fish, and the distinctive birds that captured Darwin’s attention still grace the islands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1 : USA & Guayaquil
Arrive in Guayaquil, check into the deluxe Hilton Colon.
Day 2 : Baltra & Santa Cruz Island
This morning, fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Today, board the Galapagos Explorer II—your home for your adventure in this pristine place.This afternoon, cruise to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island. Don’t forget your binoculars. This will be your first encounter with the magnificent and diverse flora and fauna of this legendary place. Here you might see flamingos in marshland lakes, famous Darwin Finches, Hood Mockingbirds and Lava Lizards.The gorgeously arid vegetation includes oppuntia cactus, palo santo (bursera) and other endemic plants. From the wonderful landscape of Cerro Hill you can see Rabida Island in the west. On the beach you will see the famous marine iguanas, sea lions, American Oystercatchers, pelicans and a small Blue-Footed Booby colony.
Day 3 : Bartholome Island & James Island
Be sure to bring your camera, for today you will set out for Bartholome Island—a natural wonderland of varied volcanic formations with a 350-foot summit and a fabulous 360° view.You are sure to encounter a small colony of Galapagos penguins—the only penguins north of the equator. Sea lions are also found here, and behind the beach are lovely red and white mangroves, salt bush, morning glory and prickly pear cactuses. This afternoon, land on a black beach at Puerto Egas on Santiago Island with its dramatic eroded rock formations forming a memorable backdrop. Take a trail across the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen, then continue along the coast. Gaze into tide pools, and watch iguanas feeding on exposed algae while oyster catchers dive after Sally Lightfoot crabs. The trail then leads to the Fur Seal Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where fur seals can be seen.
Day 4 : Punta Espinosa & Punta Vicente Roca
Spend an exciting morning exploring Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. Here you might see penguins diving off the rocks into the water, and marine iguanas congregating in the largest groups anywhere in the islands—basking in the sun, or swimming in the tide.This afternoon, you will visit Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, largest island in the Galapagos. Isabela is composed of six volcanoes merged into a single land mass. Wolf Volcano on Isabela is also the highest point in the archipelago. Here you will see unique species that occur only in this part of the archipelago, and dramatic mountainous terrain unlike anything else in the chain.Continuing along the island’s sheer cliffs, you will reach a large cave perfect for snorkeling or exploring. Plunge into the water and you are likely to see a great variety of marine life. Manta rays, sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, and even dolphins and sunfish have been seen among the fish within this bay.
Day 5 : Seymour Norte & El Chato
Enjoy your morning on Seymour Norte—a small, flat island with a long sandy beach where sea lions and marine iguanas may be found relaxing in the sun.Then this afternoon, travel back to Santa Cruz on a 45-minute journey through the changing vegetation of El Chato (Highlands), where you will see one of the most famous inhabitants of the islands—the giant ancient tortoises.
Day 6 : San Cristobal & Cerro Brujo
This morning you may choose to visit either La Loberia, home to a sea lion colony, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies; or Islas Lobos, less than an hour’s ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno; El Junco Lake, a freshwater lake with spectacular views; or the fascinating interpretation center.This afternoon, you will have time to explore Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill). Swim, snorkel, take a walk or simply relax on the beach, keeping an eye open for exotic birds such as blue- footed boobies, brown pelicans, whimbrels, sanderlings, Darwin’s finches and yellow warblers.
Day 7 : Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Hood Island is the southernmost island of the archipelago. This morning, you will head there to visit Punta Suarez. Because of its isolation, the island boasts a large population of indigenous wildlife.Look for sea lions surfing the breaking waves and groups of iguanas basking in the sun. Further inland, masked and blue-footed boobies nest beside the trails. Hike a trail towards the cliffs to the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where seawater jets high in the air.In the afternoon, visit Gardener Bay, where you can walk along the longest and most magnificent beach in the Galapagos—the turquoise water contrasting beautifully against the white sand. Up the coast is wonderful snorkeling, as well as Gardner Rock—home to cactus finch, plus white-tipped reef shark and other colorful sea dwellers.
Day 8 : Santa Cruz Island & Rabida Island
At Puerto Ayora Town on Santa Cruz Island, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Darwin Station to learn about research conducted on the island since the famous naturalist’s time.Here is a Galapagos tortoise breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. In the afternoon, you will set out for arid Rabida Island. In addition to exploring the island’s volcanic features, visit a salt-water lagoon known for flamingos and a beach that is home to a large sea lion colony.Take a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the distinctive teal waters, red sands and volcanic peaks. There is also great snorkeling here—keep an eye out for rays and other colorful marine life.
Day 9 : Santa Cruz Island, Guayaquil & Quito
Start your last morning in one of the world’s perfect paradises, with a visit to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island before your return flight to Guayaquil and Quito.Once in Quito, enjoy a tour beginning in the north part of the city, heading towards Mirador del Guápulo, then to the National Congress, passing by Alameda Park and the Basílica del Voto Nacional towards Plaza Grande.The Historic Center is a wonderful place to discover the city’s history in its churches and facades. A short walk takes you to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Church of the Companía de Jesus and Church of San Francisco. A short journey into the volcanoes and hills of the Panecillo Mountains that surround Quito affords wonderful views and picturesque landscapes.
Day 10 : Quoto, Lima & U.S.
Depart for your flight back to the U.S. or fly to Lima, Peru, for a fascinating extension to see the spectacular sites of Machu Picchu.
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For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Galapagos vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/08
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