Effort: Easy to Moderate. No experience required. Activities: Wildlife interaction, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Explore and enjoy the Galapagos like few can. Hike, swim, snorkel. Get up close to amazing creatures and pristine nature. Learn from top naturalist guides. Kick back at our great hotels. Explore at your own pace and avoid sea-sick cruising. Enjoy flexibility while appreciating the peace of mind that we ve thought everything through for you. Galapagos wildlife is truly one-of-a-kind. Entrust your experience to passionate experts.. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Flow between islands and activities with minimal transit time and maximum contact. Follow Darwin s footsteps to meet the Galapagos endemic wildlife. Relax on beautiful beaches with sea lions and marine iguanas. Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Hike through a wide variety of environments and ecosystems Snorkel with tropical fish, rays, sea lions, and sharks. Explore local food and scene. Travel with a purpose. 1
DAY 1: SAN CRISTOBAL ADVENTURE After a morning flight from the Ecuadorian mainland to San Cristobal Island, we meet you at the airport and head to our hotel. You can explore the town and have lunch. Early in the afternoon, start your Galapagos adventure with a self-guided walk to visit the local Interpretation Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, natural history, and social dynamics of the unique Galapagos archipelago. Back at the hotel, you re free to enjoy some island seafood specials in the port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. 2
DAY 2: SNORKEL THE NORTHERN COAST OF SAN CRISTOBAL A whole day 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 ever-curious 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. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel for a relaxed evening at the coastal town. (B, Box Lunch). 3
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. Once checked into your hotel, set out on a one-of-a-kind, self-guided easy hike. Isabela is a true treasure trove. As you explore along wooden walkways, observe an incredible variety of fauna and flora, from giant tortoises, flamingos, finches and mockingbirds. Continue through coastal ecosystems including white sand beaches, the alluring poison apple forest, a gaping lava tube, dark mangroves and brackish lagoons. Seafood, Ecuadorian and international cuisine are all available in the small beach town of Puerto Villamil. You can grab a quick dip in the ocean, or a swing in a hammock, before setting out to explore the Tintoreras visitor site, as part of a shared basis boat tour. It s a group of small rocky islets filled with hidden coves and isolated beaches, explored by small boat and with snorkeling gear. Get ready for close encounters with the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. At the end of the day, your evening is free and easy. (B) 4
DAY 4: HIKE IN 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 other-worldly 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. We return to the lowlands in time to spend our last afternoon on Isabela relaxing on the perfect beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere. Dinner arrangements are free. (B, Box Lunch) 5
DAY 5: CROSS TO SANTA CRUZ FOR A HIKE IN THE HIGHLANDS We leave Isabela early aboard a public speed boat, for our ride east to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora, the archipelago s largest settlement. We meet you at the dock and head to the hotel. 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. Private transportation will take us back to the coast at Puerto Ayora. You re free to enjoy the port s array of shops and restaurants, before perhaps visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park s tortoise breeding program on your own, or enjoying the hike out to the snorkeling site of Las Grietas. In the evening, there are plenty of options in town for dining and a handful of bars. (B) 6
DAY 6: BAY TOUR, SNORKEL AND TORTUGA BAY ADVENTURE A day dedicated to exploring Puerto Ayora s fascinating natural environment. After breakfast, we join a naturalist guide and shared group to make our way west from the port, stopping by the Lobería where sealions can be observed. We come to an islet called Punta Camaño, a great place to don our snorkels, masks and fins to meet sea lions and schools of fish. Passing through the romantically-named Canal del Amor, we disembark at Playa de los Perros, where, after a short walk, groups of jet-back marine iguanas bask beneath the sun s rays, occasionally slipping off into the sea to feed. Following lunch in Puerto Ayora where there are options aplenty for you to choose from 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 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. Dinner is free. (B) 7
DAY 7: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT 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. Upgrade to premium hotels Only hotel & transfer package, without excursions/activities 8
INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED NOTE Accommodations in comfort class hotels, meals as listed (B = breakfast), bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide, all sea and land transportation during the tour. 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 Inner Island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela is 25 pounds in one piece of luggage. IMPORTANT INFORMATION BOAT TRAVEL TIME: Two hours SMALL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME: 40 minutes ACTIVITY DURATION (PADDLE, HIKE, BIKE, SNORKEL): Two to four hours per activity SEASON: Year-round ALTITUDE: 0 3,688 feet (1,124 meters) 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: Hiking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, non-cotton trekking clothes, sunblock, sunglasses, sun hat, and repellent. 9 Revised December 11/2017