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Galapagos Escapade Overview

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Tour Galapagos's highlights on a wildlife adventure from Quito

Travel to the Galapagos – the islands where giant tortoises roam free, and marine iguanas make hauntingly slow progress across the beaches. This is quite possibly the most surreal location on earth, yet at the same time, the purest and least corrupted by mankind. The Galapagos Islands’ biggest drawcard is the incredible wildlife, both on land and underwater, and this escapade is the perfect way to experience this outstanding destination.

  • Snorkel in the pristine waters of Isla Isabela
  • Hike volcanic trails in Isla Rabida
  • Explore the remote beauty of the Daphne Islands
  • Experience the energy of Ecuador’s vibrant Quito
  • See iguanas stroll the streets in Puerto Avora
  • Discover Darwin’s theories of evolution

Galapagos Escapade Summary

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Day 1 Quito

Travel to Quito and discover this vibrant city resting beneath Volcan Pichincha. Spend a free day exploring Ecuador’s busy capital, where cobblestone streets wind between impressive colonial buildings, and intricate decorative architecture drips from the archways of churches and cathedrals.

Day 2 Isla Santa Cruz

Sail to the first stop on this Galapagos adventure – Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the town of Puerto Avora, where it’s not unusual to spot iguanas parading past gift shops, as the wildlife breaches the familiar boundaries of habitats. Discover the conundrum of the Galapagos mockingbirds, which inspired the formulation of the theory of natural selection, on a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 3 Isla Isabela

Admire the turquoise waters surrounding the largest island in the archipelago. Formed by five gigantic volcanic craters, hike through the magical landscape that surrounds Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the region. Meet some of the famous local inhabitants with a trip to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and peek into the Galapagos's penal past at the convict-built Wall of Tears. Jump aboard a dinghy and paddle to Tintoreras for a spot of snorkelling or swimming.

Day 4 Isla Rabida

Sail to Isla Rabida, where a diverse landscape of various volcanic formations is ripe for exploring. Witness the sight of palo santo trees and opuntia cacti poking optimistically up through the cemented lava fields. Visit Cerro Dragon and walk to a lagoon shared by ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos.

Day 5 Isla Santa Cruz

Rise early and head to the mangrove swamp at Caleta Tortuga Negra. Paddle dinghies through this tranquil paradise and look for turtles, rays and the Galapagos sharks. Take an afternoon trip to Sombrero Chino, and circle the cove through a sea lion colony and masses of iguanas. This is the perfect spot for some snorkelling, so jump in and make like a turtle!

Days 6-7 Isla Daphne/Quito

Enjoy a rare treat and set foot on one of the Daphne Islands. Only accessible by small boats, there are major restrictions on tourist numbers that can visit this area of the Galapagos. This is the final opportunity to spot the spectacular red-billed tropicbird, as well as many other birds and sea lions that call Daphne home. Return to Baltra, before flying back to the distant mainland to enjoy a final night in Quito.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Quito, Ecuador

  • Finish:

    Quito, Ecuador

  • Group size:

    Min 1 , Max 16

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Accommodation:

    Hotel (2 nts), Motorised yacht (4 nts)

  • Transport:

    Boat

  • Notes:

    1. Price includes Quito - Galapagos return flights.
    2. Compulsory Galapagos park entry fee US$100 and Transit control card fee US$10 (subject to change) are payable locally to the relevant government authorities.
    3. Prices for this trip are seasonal - please select your preferred travel date for exact trip price.
    4. Please note that prices for this trip increased in January 2012 due to a fuel surcharge imposed by the Ecuador government on flights to/from the Galapagos Islands. The prices printed in the brochure are therefore incorrect.
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About Ecuador

    • 7
    • GLSE
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
    •  
       
       
       
       
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    • Marine, Wildlife
    • Original
Contact us

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