+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Darwin s remarkable Living Laboratory, the spectacular chain of volcanic islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago are amongst the most unique natural landscapes on earth. Renowned for their dazzling array of endemic species, these tiny islands laid the foundations for Charles Darwin s groundbreaking and controversial research into the theory of evolution. This astonishing journey takes you along the length of the archipelago, affording an opportunity to discover a natural bounty that has remained relatively unchanged since the arrival of the Beagle in 1835. Beginning the journey in Quito there will be an opportunity to explore Ecuador s historic capital, before flying down to San Cristóbal to board your Galapagos cruise. Cruising through the eastern islands you will visit colonies of sea lions and winged albatrosses on Española Island and snorkel with hammerhead sharks. There will also be time to visit a Galapagos tortoise breeding centre and discover the spectacular flora and fauna occupying the volcanic landscapes of Isabela Island, as you spend the second part of your adventure enjoying the hospitality of a comfortable eco-lodge. HIGHLIGHTS: Cruise through the remarkable landscapes of the Galapagos archipelago. Visit the sea lions and albatross colonies of Española Island. Spot reef sharks and marine iguanas off Tintoreras. Explore the volcanically active landscapes of Isabela Island. A chance to visit the famous Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz. TOUR INCLUDES: Return economy class flights to the Galapagos Islands
2 nights boutique hotel, 4 nights eco-lodge, 4 nights on luxury vessel 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private or shared basis Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: QUITO Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is then free. DAY 2: QUITO Enjoy a walking tour of Ecuador's capital today, meandering through colonial streets and past palaces, cathedrals and churches infused with the grandeur of its rich heritage. Highlights include the impressive Independence Plaza and the Legislative Palace, home to a number of rock murals that depict the history of the country. A visit to the top of Panecillo Mirador then provides a chance to contrast the setting of modern Quito against its historic heart, before departing the city to pay a visit to the equator line. (B) DAY 3: QUITO - GALAPAGOS CRUISE Departing the city this morning you will fly on to the island of San Cristóbal next, your gateway onto the spectacular landscapes of the Galapagos archipelago. Once used as a penal colony, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest and most fertile islands in the region and on arriving at Cerro Colorado you will be able to pay a visit to its giant Galapagos tortoise breeding centre. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Your first port of call is Española Island, where a visit to Gardner Bay provides an opportunity to visit its sea lion colony and enjoy the island's impressive populations of birds (waved albatrosses and blue-footed boobies are particularly prevalent here). This afternoon then sees you landing at Punta Suarez, where you will be able to view marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks and Darwin finches, as well as a myriad of other species. (B,L,D) DAY 5: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Continuing on to Post Office Bay on Floreana Island today you will visit the spot where whaling ships would drop off and pick up the post, as they made the journey round the cape towards the hunting grounds or home. After a chance to discover something of the island's human history you'll then head for Punta Cormorant, where there will be an opportunity to try a spot of snorkelling and look out for pink flamingos and nesting sea turtles (in season). (B,L,D) DAY 6: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Moving on to Santa Fe next you will have another opportunity for some snorkelling today. The island is home to large numbers of sea lions, as well as land iguanas, frigate birds and lava lizards. One of the oldest islands in the chain, it can also boast forests of giant cacti and Palo Santo trees, whilst a visit to the beautiful beaches of Tortuga Bay provides a chance to spot reef sharks and pelicans.(b,l,d)
DAY 7: GALAPAGOS CRUISE - GALAPAGOS LODGE After a final landing at El Chato on Santa Cruz Island you will disembark the boat today and transfer by public ferry to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos chain. One of the youngest of the islands, Isabela is a haven for an array of interesting flora and fauna and home to more wild tortoises than any of its neighbours. On arrival you will transferred on to the Galapagos lodge where you will be spending the next few nights. (B) DAY 8: GALAPAGOS LODGE A visit to the island's famous tortoise breeding centre this morning provides a chance to learn more about the important conservation work being done here, before you head off to discover more about the wildlife inhabiting the mangrove wetlands. An afternoon boat ride around the bay then presents a chance to look for penguins and sea turtles, before a visit to the small islet of Tintoreras provides ample opportunities for guided walks and snorkelling amongst it famed populations of marine iguanas and white-tipped reef sharks. (B,L) DAY 9: GALAPAGOS LODGE The island is home to a number of still active volcanoes and a drive up into the highlands today takes you to the start of the trek up to the Sierra Negra Volcano viewpoint. Following a gentle incline, the walk provides a chance to spot finches and flycatchers, as well as enjoy the breathtaking views across the huge volcanic caldera. Taking lunch in the shade of a giant jaboncillo tree, you'll then return to the lodge in time to enjoy some free time on the beach. (B,L)
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS LODGE Taking the ferry back to Santa Cruz today, your final day in the Galapagos is a chance to visit the island's famous Darwin Research Centre, headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation. Based in Puerto Ayora, the centre was set up to promote scientific research and advise on the conservation and management of the Galapagos Islands. Of course, you may just prefer to make the most of a final day enjoying the white sand beaches. (B) DAY 11: GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL Fly back to the mainland today, where you will connect with your onward flight arrangements. (B)
ACCOMMODATION GALAPAGOS CASA MARITA Surrounded by palm trees and the white-sanded beaches of Puerto Villamil, La Casa de Marita offers stylish accommodation on beautiful Isabela Island. This boutique hotel has 12 rooms with private balconies and ocean or interior views. All of them are decorated in unique contemporary artistic styles and are fully equipped with air conditioning, minibars, and comfortable seating areas. La Casa de Marita's restaurant serves both national and international dishes made only from fresh, organic, ingredients entirely grown and harvested in Marita's plantation. You can relax on the hammocks overlooking the sea, or enjoy reading a book from the library. TREASURE OF GALAPAGOS Treasure of Galapagos is a boutique catamaran providing decent sized cabins with private facilities and small balcony. The certified professional crew and knowledgeable naturalist guide will guarantee you an intimate and exclusive experience in the Galapagos. Onboard meals include both Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared by a gourmet chef. QUITO CASA ALISO HOTEL The lovely Casa Aliso is a boutique hotel located in "La Floresta", a beautiful traditional area in the northern sector of Quito, which was once the city's most elegant neighbourhood, close the the new town and the main shopping areas and only 5 minutes from the colonial centre of the city. Delightfully secluded and discreet, this charming hotel has a lot of character and only 10 beautifully appointed rooms. There is a small restaurant and the staff are friendly, making for a homely yet sophisticated stay. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
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