Galapagos 8 Days Itinerary 7 nights / 8 days

Transcription

1 Galapagos 8 Days Itinerary 7 nights / 8 days By booking a tour in the Galapagos with us & our partners in the Galapagos, you are contributing to the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund. This trust created in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund supports environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities ability to manage natural resources. Southern/ Central Route Itinerary Sunday: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport) Playa Ochoa (SN), Leon Dormido, SAN CRISTOBAL Monday: Punta Pitt, (SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL Cerro Brujo (SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL Tuesday: Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA (Hood) Gardner Bay (SN, PR, KY) ESPANOLA (Hood) Wednesday: Punta Cormorant (PR), Devil s Crown or Champion (SN), FLOREANA Post Office Bay (PR, SN), FLOREANA Thursday: Sierra Negra Volcano, ISABELA Humedales or Las Tintoreras, Puerto Villamil, ISABELA Friday: Bartolomeor Las Bachas (PR, SN), El Chato (Highlands) Los Gemelos, SANTA CRUZ Saturday: SouthPlazaIsland CCFL (Darwin Station), SANTA CRUZ

2 Sunday: InterpretationCenter, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport) Our partner in the Galapagos alternates two different full week 7 night itineraries as required by the GalapagosNational Park in an effort to better reduce usage on heavily visited sites. The order of visits may vary slightly from the sample itinerary shown here. SUNDAY: Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing, buffet lunch and safety drill, we set sail for Playa Ochoa where we have a wet landing. Here, we can test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions. Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where bird can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we spot Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds. MONDAY: We visit the northeast tip of San Cristobal, PUNTA PITT, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including Blue footed, Nazca and Red-footed boobies, Frigate birds, Swallow-tailed gulls and Storm petrels. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birds and on par with Genovesa (Tower) Island. CERRO BRUJO, is a breathtaking white power-sand beach, considered one of the most spectacular in Galapagos where we have an opportunity to snorkel or kayak from the beach. TUESDAY: We disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to December, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in sky-pointing to show off for potential mates. Nazca boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world and fish at night. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous blow hole.

3 We have a wet landing on GardnerBay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of this white sandy beach where you ll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin s Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions right from the beach, explore by kayak or just relax. There s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Tortuga Rock, explore caves covered with invertebrates. WEDNESDAY: Step ashore at Punta Cormorant, FLOREANA (Charles), one of the few populated islands in the Galapagos. Floreana presents a rich history with mystery and intrigue. Set food on a green-sand beach alive with the sounds of sea lions. Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home of the pintail ducks, common stilts, and the pinkest Flamingos in the world. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including Morning Glory, Cut Leaf Daisies, Palo Verdes and Scalesia leading to a beach with power soft sand. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, we have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil s Crown or Champion, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and corral. We also visit PostofficeBay, not the most scenic, but probably the most famous sites in Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was put into use in the late 18th Century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area. THURSDAY: Today we visit Sierra Negra Volcano, located in the Southwest portion of Isabela, and considered the oldest and largest volcano on Isaleba. From the town of Puerto Villamil, we travel 45 minutes by motorized vehicle followed by some hiking. Along the way, you will usually spot the Vermillion Flycatcher, Galapagos Martins, Whimbrels and Galapagos Hawk. We visit a hidden gem on Isabela Island called Los Humedaleswhich translates to wetlands or Las Tintoreras a lagoon for snorkeling and where eagle rays and sea turtles can be spotted. At Humedales, there are trails from which you find all four species of mangroves, secluded sandy beaches with rocky shores and natural pools from where you can view migratory birds including Whimrels and Semi-palmated Plovers as well as mating Flamingos. We stop at the tortoise breeding center located in the town of Puerto Villamil where we encounter giant

4 tortoises, the namesake of the islands. FRIDAY: We disembark at Bartolome, where it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and Pinnacle Rock, an eroded tuff cone. Crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach or Zodiac with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. Later, we travel by bus to thehighlands of SANTA CRUZ Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Here, we visit the tortoise reserve at Las Primicias one of the private farms in the highlands where we encounter giant tortoises In their natural habitat. We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for The Twins, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. SATURDAY: Today we visit SOUTHPLAZA, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trails lead us through Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia and Sesuvium. Here we can find the Galapagos Land Iguana feeding on the cactus leaves. Toward the end of the hill, we encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory. We also find Swallow tailed gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs. Today we visit the Centro de CrianzaFaustoLlerena (formerly the Charles Darwin Research Station). See all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We stop at Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. Afterward, walk through the town of Puerto Ayora, population 24,000, and the social heart of the islands.

5 SUNDAY: We visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we spend time in port before heading to the airport for our flight back to the mainland departing noon time on Aerogal. INCLUDES: Allmeals&snacks Non-alcoholicbeverages&purifiedwater Local beerwithdinner Cabinaccommodation Captain s welcome and farewell cocktail party Use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks Bilingualnaturalist guide Dailyactivities&hikes Transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock Transfers from & to your hotel in Quito from the airport. Airfare to Galapagos round trip from Quito or Guayaquil. EXCLUDES: International flights Galapagos entrance fee (park tax) (USD 100 adults, USD 50 Kids under 12 years) Transit control card fee (USD 10) Gratuitiesto guides and crew Bar bills&souvenirs GENERAL INFORMATION Galapagos Park Tax: The entrance fee to the National Park is $ for adults and $50.00 for children 11 and younger is not included in the cruise rate, however, this charge can be added to your confirmation and prepaid to us for your convenience. TransitControl Card: A TCT card or tarjeta de control de transito is required by INGALA for all visitors to Galapagos to control migration. The fee is $10.00 per person and can be prepaid to us for your convenience.

6 Only those passengers flying to Galapagos on Sunday (the same day as departure) can prepay the park tax and TCT. For passengers who opt not to prepay the park entrance fee and TCT card, you will be responsible to pay the local authorities in cash upon arrival (in exact change in US dollars in good condition only please), you will also be required to fill out your forms and stand in applicable lines. Rates are subject to change at any time until day of departure Communication: Most telecommunication providers have signal in Galapagos and passengers can use their mobile/cellular phones that are activated for international calling on days when the yachts are in close range to port. Specialoccasions: You may order a bottle of Chilean wine ($25) or a birthday cake ($15) to be served at dinner time. A fruit basket ($7) can be placed in your cabin. It is prohibited to bring flowers to Galapagos. Please advise us at least 30 days prior to arrival or include details in your passenger information form. Purchases on board: Every passenger has an open tab at the bar and boutique, which are paid the last day of the cruise. We accept cash (US Dollars), Travelers checks, MasterCard and VISA. Terms & Conditions Cruise rates include; Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, purified water, Captain s welcome and farewell cocktail party, local beer with dinner, guided shore excursions, use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock. Airfares include all taxes and airfare fuel surcharges. Airfares are subject to change at any time up until the day of departure and even after tickets have been paid in full. Rates do not include; International Airfare, Galapagos entrance fee (park tax), Transit control card fee, alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases on board and travel insurance. Galapagos Park Tax; The entrance fee to the National Park is $ for adults and $50.00 for children 11 and younger is not included in the cruise rate, however, this charge can be added to your confirmation and prepaid to us for your convenience.

7 Transit Control Card; A TCT card or tarjeta de control de transito is required by INGALA for all visitors to Galapagos to control migration. The fee is $10.00 per person and can be prepaid to us for your convenience. Only those passengers flying to Galapagos on Sunday (the same day as departure) can prepay the park tax and TCT. For passengers who opt not to prepay the park entrance fee and TCT card, you will be responsible to pay the local authorities in cash upon arrival (in exact change in US dollars in good condition only please), you will also be required to fill out your forms and stand in applicable lines. Rates are subject to change at any time until day of departure. Communication; Most telecommunication providers have signal in Galapagos and passengers can use their mobile/cellular phones that are activated for international calling on days when the yachts are in close range to port. Special occasions; You may order a bottle of Chilean wine ($25) or a birthday cake ($15) to be served at dinner time. A fruit basket ($7) can be placed in your cabin. It is prohibited to bring flowers to Galapagos. Please advise us at least 30 days prior to arrival or include details in your passenger information form. Packing List Dress is casual and comfortable, and informality is basic to all activities. We recommend you pack in a soft-sided suitcase or duffel as storage space is limited on board. Checked bags should be securely locked with a TSA lock or shrink-wrapped for your security. Clothing: long pants that are lightweight, nylon zip off pants, shorts, short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts, Polo shirts, lightweight cotton shirts, windbreaker or lightweight waterproof rain jacket with hood, sweatshirt (July to Oct only). Shoes: walking shoes or light hiking boots, rubber soled (boat shoes) or flip flops, sport sandals with a Velcro strap (Tevas) Otheritems: wide brimmed hat, bandana, two bathing suits, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), lip balm, sunglasses with UV filter and strap, small backpack, water bottle, camera with waterproof bag, small binoculars, underwater camera, earplugs, toiletries, motion sickness medication. Hair dryers, beach towels, walking sticks, biodegradable soap and shampoo are provided and therefore it is not necessary that you bring these items.

8 To order gear specifically selected by experts for your trip contact: Ship to Shore Weather Conditions Currently, over 150,000 people from all over the world visit the Islands each year. We recommend that you book your trip at least 3-6 months prior to your intended date of departure and 9-18 months prior to book during the holiday seasons. Galapagos is a subtropical destination and most all of the seabirds and reptiles nest year round. You can see courtship, mating, chicks hatching and rearing at any time of the year. Located on the equator, the Galapagos Islands have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate. The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety of climatic zones. The coastal areas are arid and covered with plants adapted to desert conditions. The highland areas receive moisture almost all year round, which support lush vegetation. Temperatures are determined almost entirely by ocean currents, which are influenced by the trade winds. There are two seasons, both of which have some precipitation. The Galapagos get an average of ten inches of rain per year, so it is never considered "rainy". During the months of December to May, the cooling currents subside, temperatures rise and the climate is warm and sunny with occasional showers. In June, the trend begins toward cooler temperatures with moderate breezes, which continue through November. This period is often referred to as the "garua" (pronounced gah-ru-ah) season, which means mist in Spanish. TEMPERATURES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC MAX AIR TEMP: MIN AIR TEMP: AVG SEA TEMP: AVG RAINFALL: (Fahrenheit and inches) Suggested Reading There are many great field guides, novels and photographic books on Galapagos available at bookstores or through Longitude Books Some older titles may be out of print, so check your local library or internet sites for used copies. FIELD GUIDES

9 GALAPAGOS, A Natural History, John Kricher, 2006 REEF FISH Identification GALAPAGOS, Paul Human, 2003 Flowering Plants of the Galapagos Islands, Conley K. McMullen, 1999 A Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos Islands, Castro and Phillips, 1996 GALAPAGOS, A Natural History Guide, M.H. Jackson, 1990 PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAYS The Galapagos, Exploring Darwin s Tapestry, John Hess, 2009 GALAPAGOS, Islands Born of Fire, Tui de Roy, 1998 GALAPAGOS, Islands Lost in Time, Tui de Roy, 1980 GOOD READING GALAPAGOS, PreservingDarwin slegacy, Tui de Roy, 2009 GALAPAGOS: Both Sides of the Coin, Pete Oxford & Graham Watkins, 2009 GALAPAGOS at the Crossroads, Pirates, Biologists, Tourists, and Creationists Battle for Darwin s Cradle of Evolution, Carol Ann Bassett, 2009 The Beak of the Finch, Jonathan Weiner, 1994 Clinker Islands, Lillian Otterman, 1993 Floreana, Margaret Wittmer, 1989 CLASSICS The Enchanted Isles, Herman Melville, 2002 GALAPAGOS; World s End, William Beebe, 1988 GALAPAGOS, A Novel, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., 1986 DARWINISM Charles Darwin on the Origin of Species, The Illustrated Edition, David Quamman, 2008 The Reluctant Mr. Darwin, David Quammen, 2005 Darwin in Galapagos, Footsteps to a New World, Thalia Grant & Gregory Estes, 2010

10 On Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, 2004 (an excerpt from The Origin of Species) The current flight schedule is as follows: On Sundays to/from Galapagos: Quito to Guayaquil AEROGAL Flight 2K36 ETD 8:10AM ETA 9:00AM Guayaquil to San Cristobal AEROGAL Flight 2K36 ETD 9:40AM ETA 10:35AM San Cristobal to Guayaquil: AEROGAL Flight 2K37 ETD 11:20AM ETA 2:15PM Guayaquil to Quito: AEROGAL Flight 2K37 ETD 2:55PM ETA 3:45PM On the day of departure, please be at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil one and a half hours prior to departure for check-in. Because flight schedules and airports are subject to change, please do check with your hotel upon arrival for a message from Greentrek to verify the correct check in and departure times. We suggest you avoid making international connections the same day as the flight may be delayed or changed to an alternate flight. Thank you for choosing Greentrek!