GALAPAGOS PREMIUM MULTISPORT. adventure 7 DAYS

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1 GALAPAGOS PREMIUM MULTISPORT adventure 7 DAYS

2 Our premium trips Enrich through the knowledge of accompanying expert naturalist and adventure guides Explore three islands by land, sea and smallplane flight Were designed as a fullservice package Follow a set itinerary as a private group with shared transportation Include a choice of excellent hotels Include all meals Depart on set dates Our Premium Multisport Adventure is designed for those who jump out of bed each day excited for the challenges, the wonders, the curiosities and sensory pleasures that lie ahead. With the reassurance of the safety and adventure expertise of our three decades of experience, discover a Galapagos that few will encounter where the thrill of biking along deserted coastlines, swimming with curious sea lions and racing marine iguanas in your kayak, is part of daily life. Led by our expert, bilingual naturalist guides, a pristine, extraordinary natural world awaits, where land, sea and underwater adventures take you into the heart of the land of Darwin. Relax into your journey with expertly crafted itineraries, flexible free time and great, oceanfront Galapagos hotels where exceptional service and gourmet cuisine will delight and surprise. Explore these utterly unique islands with expedition connoisseurs whose passion, energy and love are contagious.

3 Why travel with us? Landbased specialists Trips benefit local people, are naturefriendly and minimize carbon footprints We are direct managers of the hotels where you stay 20 years experience in adventure travel Safety first: we don t cut corners Topoftheline equipment We love what we do Want to...? Sea kayak with sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions. Relax on beautiful beaches with sea lions and marine iguanas.. Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Snorkel with tropical fish, rays, sea lions, and sharks. Hike the rim a of an enourmous active caldera. Discover extraordinary lava formations. Bike along pristine coastlines. Explore local food and scene. Travel with a purpose. BOOK THIS TRIP Peace of mind: top technical North American safety standards and liability insurance coverage.

4 Where will you stay? Opuntia Hotels, a network of quality Galapagos hotels with ecoinitiatives, exceptional service, comfort, all close to the ocean. Choose between Comfort and Select service standards. Find out more! About this itinerary Effort Moderate Solo activity

5 DAY 1 San Cristobal hike and snorkel adventure Strangely, San Cristobal is the Galapagos capital but not its biggest settlement After a morning flight from the Ecuadorian mainland to San Cristobal Island, we meet you at the airport and head to our hotel. In the afternoon, after lunch, we begin our adventure with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center to Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the protected archipelago. After our visit, we hike to Tijeretas along natural trails formed through lava rocks. Our guides interpret the amazing flora and fauna we encounter as we pass native plants like Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia and cacti, spotting bluefooted boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds and finches among the vegetation and along the sea cliffs. There are also scenic views of the rugged coastline and the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to enjoy. We cool off from our hike with a refreshing snorkeling session at picturepostcard beautiful Carola Beach, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas, and bask in the setting sun. After a gourmet dinner of seafood, Ecuadorian or international dishes, we explore the friendly, laidback beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighboring colony of Galapagos sea lions. (L, D)

6 DAY 2 Snorkel the northern coast of San Cristobal A chance to snorkel amid the underwater wonders of the Galapagos! In the company of our experienced guide, we search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, bluefooted boobies, and Nazca boobies. There s also the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions the young pups are evercurious and playful. As we snorkel, we might spot eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. With luck, we may even come across hammerhead sharks. After lunch, we head to our first taste of Galapagos magic: we paddle along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal s north coast, a world of comiclooking blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and sea turtles. If we re lucky, we may see rays underwater, marine iguanas perching on lava rocks. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner and evening at the coastal town. (B, Box Lunch, D). We either visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Punta Pitt. The visitor site depends on the day of the week and the Galapagos National Park regulations.

7 DAY 3 Discover Isabela s beaches, lagoons and islets After breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristobal to board our small plane for a thrilling flight across the archipelago s azure waters and volcanic landscapes to Isabela Island. Amazingly, it is still in the throes of creation, formed by six active shield volcanoes. In fact, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. Upon arrival, and check in at our hotel, we saddle up on our bikes for a ride through a succession of Isabela s ecosystems: white sand beaches, mangrove forests, brackish lagoons, even a lava tube cave. The ride is fun and easy, and as ever in Galapagos, there are plenty of birds to spot and wonders to take in. Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos, shaped like a seahorse After lunch, we head to the visitor site known as Tintoreras to explore this beautiful marine world by kayak, weaving between a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Here, meet an unexpected denizen of the Tropics: the endemic Galapagos penguin. Spot reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions as we paddle. Grab a quick dip in the ocean, a swing in a hammock or a drink in the hotel s lounge, before dinner at the hotel and a wander through the sleepy town s sandy streets. (B, L, D)

8 DAY 4 Hike Isabela s highlands From the coast, we join a naturalist guide and shared group to drive up the flanks of the mighty Sierra Negra volcano. Where road the peters out, we continue on foot. We hike through the intriguing highland ecosystem, which is at times smothered in dreamy clouds. At the top, at the volcano s rim, a surreal world of geological history unfolds before us, with incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and ocean, a pristine otherworldly scene to savor. After a break to catch our breath and take in the views, we hike the rim of this enormous crater and, if the group is feeling energetic, continue on to the caldera of Volcan Chico ( little ), a surreal landscape of vibrant hues created by sulphur deposits. Here we can explore spectacular lava formations and even huffing fumaroles of vapor. Lunch is served at an idyllic giant tortoise reserve amid lush, green surroundings. We return to the lowlands in time to spend our last afternoon on Isabela relaxing on the perfect beaches and soaking up the islandlife atmosphere. Dine at the hotel. (B, Box Lunch, D). The second largest active caldera on the planet, Sierra Negra is over six miles across at its widest point. A monster!

9 DAY 5 Cross to Santa Cruz for a hike in the highlands We leave Isabela early aboard a speed boat, for our ride east to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora, the archipelago s largest settlement. For small groups, we may decide to fly to Baltra airport aboard a small plane instead of using the speed boat. There s no time to lose as the famous Galapagos giant tortoises await. We drive up to the highlands where these lumbering creatures heave their way through their natural habitat. It is truly an honor to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants. Spot pintail ducks, Darwin s finches, frigate birds, egrets and the vermillion flycatcher amid this lush, green ecosystem. Our next stop is the incredible lava tunnels, which made ideal hideouts for the pirates who once frequented the Galapagos. Legend has it that they were also used to hide Inca gold stolen from Spanish galleons. Lunch is served at a traditional hacienda in the highlands followed by a hike to Los Gemelos, two deep volcanic sinkholes at the top of the island, where rocky cliffs surround huge pits of empty magma chambers. Our path takes us through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees, where we will be on the lookout for the elusive shorteared owl, among other emblematic species. The trees are smothered with ferns and epiphytes, which lend the forest a quiet, eerie feel. We return back down to Puerto Ayora, to enjoy the port s array of shops, restaurants and bars, and dinner. (B, L, D) Galapagos tortoises can reach 4 feet in length, weigh 475 pounds and live up to 175!

10 DAY 6 Kayak and Tortuga Bay adventure beach, a kayak. If you prefer to relax, the second beach is tranquil, hemmed by mangroves and ideal for observing birdlife or going for a swim. A day dedicated to exploring Puerto Ayora s fascinating natural environment. After breakfast, we explore the unique landscape of nearby Punta Estrada and Divine Bay by kayak. We paddle through towering lava channel walls, spotting rays and whitetipped reef sharks below us in the serene, clear water. We can also paddle right up to the fearless bluefooted boobies, lava gulls, herons, sally lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs. Following lunch back in Puerto Ayora, one of the world s most beautiful beaches lies a short hike from town: Tortuga Bay. If you feel energetic, at the first beach you come to you can rent a surf board, or at the second If there is enough time, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands from local scientists. Various programs rear endemic plants, land iguanas, and giant tortoises for educational, scientific and conservation purposes. Here, we can learn more about the diverse evolutionary paths and characteristics of the animals and plants that we have encountered during our adventures. As evening comes, we ll return to our hotel to celebrate a wonderful trip and enjoy our last evening in the Galapagos. (B, L, D) Tortuga Bay: #10 in TripAdvisor s Top 25 Beaches in the World

11 DAY 7 Transfer out Finally, it s time bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos. We board a transport to take you north over Santa Cruz Island to the Itabaca Channel, where a short hop on a ferry and a short bus ride takes us to Baltra Island s airport. (B). Ask us about additional activities and experiences we can organize for you. Included Accommodations in comfort or premium class hotels, meals as listed (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = Dinner), bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide/ adventure guide, all sea and land transportation during the tour. Not included Flights to and from Galapagos, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park, Galapagos transit card, tips, hotel & restaurant beverages. This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and adjustments of Galapagos National Park policy. The Weight restriction per person for the interisland flight from San Cristobal to Isabela is 25 pounds in one piece of luggage.

12 Bike Hiking Kayak Snorkel Important information BOAT TRAVEL TIME SMALL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME 2 hours 40 minutes ACTIVITY DURATION (PADDLE, HIKE, BIKE, SNORKEL) 2 to 4 hours per activity SEASON ALTITUDE WEATHER Yearround 0 3,688 feet (1,124 meters) above sea level During the warm season from January to May, air temperature is around 77 to 83 F (25 to 28 C) at sea level. During the cool season from June to December, air temperature is around 70 to 75 F (21 to 24 C) at sea level. Temperature decreases with altitude. WATER TEMPERATURE During the warm season from January to May, water temperature hovers around 77 F (25 C). During the cool season from June to December, average water temperature is about 72 F (22 C). Water temperature also varies significantly by location. SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK Hiking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, noncotton trekking clothes, sunblock, sun hat, and repellent.

13 GALAPAGOS ESSENTIAL MULTISPORT adventure 7 DAYS SHARED SERVICES CONTACT US info@neotropicexpeditions.com PHONE (5932) TOLL FREE: