GALAPAGOS PREMIUM wildlife discovery 5 DAYS
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
A truly privileged way to experience the magic and wonder of the Galapagos Islands, our Premium Wildlife trips have been crafted to be safe and stimulating, enriching and exciting. Drawing on our 26 years of experience, we designed this journey not only as a venture into the unknown, but as an expedition to your heart. In the company of our expert, bilingual naturalist guides, memorable encounters with amazing, endemic creatures amid an astounding natural world both on land, on sea and underwater await across three amazing islands. On our Premium journeys you re not a mere observer: you ll be snorkeling, hiking, tasting and feeling the true spirit of the land of Darwin, packing your vacation full of lasting memories. Enjoy the peace of mind that we ve thought everything through for you: we will escort you throughout. Avoid seasickness causing cruise vessels as you stay in quality Galapagos hotels with ecoinitiatives, exceptional service and comfort, all close to the ocean. Galapagos wildlife is truly oneofakind. Entrust your experience to experts who live their lives for adventure.
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...? 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. BOOK THIS TRIP Peace of mind: top technical North American safety standards and liability insurance coverage.
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 Easy to moderate Solo activity
DAY 1 San Cristobal hike and snorkel adventure 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 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) Strangely, San Cristobal is the Galapagos capital but not its biggest settlement
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 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. 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.
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 oneofakind, selfguided 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. Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos, shaped like a seahorse Seafood, Ecuadorian and international cuisine are served for lunch at our hotel. Grab a quick dip in the ocean, or a swing in a hammock, before we set out to explore the Tintoreras visitor site. 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, refuel with a delicious dinner at the hotel. Following dinner, you might want to stroll along the expansive beach and sandy streets of idyllic Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 Galapagos tortoises can reach 4 feet in length, weigh 475 pounds and live up to 175! 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. 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. 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. Time permitting, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park s tortoise breeding program. In the evening, enjoy the port s array of shops, restaurants and bars, and celebrate our onceinalifetime adventure with a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 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, all meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide, all sea, land, and interisland air transportation. 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 Inner Island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela is 25 pounds in one piece of luggage.
Walk Snorkel Hiking Important information BOAT TRAVEL TIME SMALL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME SEASON ALTITUDE WEATHER 2 hours 40 minutes 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 Walking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, noncotton trekking clothes, sunblock, sun hat, and repellent.
GALAPAGOS PREMIUM wildlife discovery 5 DAYS CONTACT US info@neotropicexpeditions.com PHONE (5932) 604.6800 TOLL FREE: 1888.234.3413 www.neotropicexpeditions.com