GALAPAGOS SANTA CRUZ ESSENTIAL JOURNEY 2 DAYS/2 NIGHTS OR 3 DAYS/3 NIGHTS ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

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1 GALAPAGOS ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS SANTA CRUZ ESSENTIAL JOURNEY 2 DAYS/2 NIGHTS OR 3 DAYS/3 NIGHTS Effort: Easy to Moderate. No experience required. Activities: Wildlife interaction, walking, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Santa Cruz is the most populated island in the Archipelago and a must see in your Galapagos visit. Home of the Charles Darwin Research Station, it also features one of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the islands: Tortuga Bay. It bloomed in the 20th century when Europeans moved in and develop rich agriculture that evolved in time to become a great source of organic products such as coffee, sugarcane, bananas, oranges, avocados and lemons. Enjoy fantastic wildlife encounters and taste the local gastronomy. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about the conservation efforts in place to preserve the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and enjoy a typical lunch at a local ranch. Walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Snorkel and observe wildlife at the beautiful Punta Estrada Visit a chocolate workshop and local art galleries. 1

2 DAY 1: VISIT TORTUGA BAY, BEACH TIME AND MEET LOCAL ARTISANS AND WORK SHOPS One of the most famous beaches of Galapagos is Tortuga Bay, we walk on a beautiful trail for around and hour to get to this pristine white sand beach. The dry forest is full of iguanas, finches, mockingbirds, and endemic cacti. The beach itself is a gorgeous place for us to relax and enjoy the view. We may take a water taxi to go back to town. In the afternoon, we ll walk along the main street of Puerto Ayora exploring local picturesque artisans in town, will visit a chocolate workshop and learn about tempered of chocolate, glass art, recycled objects and much more. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase souvenirs that make a difference in the local community (B, L) 2

3 DAY 2: FOODIE EXPERIENCE, GIANT TORTOISES AND FARMING IN THE HIGHLANDS We ll drive a short distance to the biggest agricultural area of Galapagos: the highlands of Santa Cruz. Our first stop is a local shop where we will find all sorts of local crops and even make our own corviche, another delicacy of the Ecuadorian cuisine. Then we will visit a family project where tourism and agriculture join together in a unique environment. Participate in local farming and have a great lunch while learning the way of life of Galapagos highlanders. After lunch we walk among Giant Tortoise in their natural habitat. We ll see them take mud baths in the ponds and interact among each other. (B, L) 3

4 OPTIONAL DAY/NIGHT EXTENSION DAY 3: SWIM AND SNORKEL AT PUNTA ESTRADA VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION Enjoy a delicious healthy breakfast and get ready for a great day of snorkeling and swimming in Punta Estrada. This is a perfect habitat for sea turtles and Marbled Rays, you may also spot sea cucumbers and sand dollars. After lunch we ll visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. We visit the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the place where the famous Lonesome George lived for more than 40 years. The interpretative trail of the CDS takes you through the life cycle and natural history of these incredible reptiles. You ll see representatives of the 11 sub-species living in the islands. Observe the unique land iguanas living in this Research and Breeding Center and learn about conservation efforts to keep their population thriving. (B, L) 4

5 INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED NOTE Accommodations comfort or premium class hotels, meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch), bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide, all sea and land transportation. Flights to and from Galapagos, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park, Galapagos transit card, transfers, tips, hotel & restaurant beverages. This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and adjustments to the Galapagos National Park policy. All tours are shared with a group. Please enquire about private tour options. IMPORTANT INFORMATION SEASON: Year-round ALTITUDE: 0 3,688 ft. (1,124 mts.) above sea level WEATHER: 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: Walking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, non-cotton trekking clothes, sunblock, sun hat, and repellent. 5 Revised June 3/2016