Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
Trip Highlights Discover the Galapagos without the masses on your own private tour with a certified, local, Galapagos National Park guide Relax at environmentally-conscious, ocean-view lodging on three distinct Galapagos Islands, guided by local naturalists Explore overgrown pirate caves and freshwater springs on Floreana, one of the Galapagos best-kept secrets Witness lumbering giant tortoises, sea-lions, sharks, penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, rays and more Hike along the rim of one of the Galapagos Islands most active volcanos with expansive views of the crater and island. Enjoy opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and stand-up-paddle, read a book or enjoy a cocktail on the beach near your room!
Ecuador at a Glance
Are you interested in sustainable architecture and design? The Galapagos Archipelago is home to the first airport run completely on renewable resources on earth located on the small island of Baltra in the volcanic archipelago. Using solar and wind power, the airport has been built from recycled materials as well. Scientists figure land-dwelling iguanas from South America must have drifted out to sea millions of years ago on logs or other debris, eventually landing on the Galápagos. From that species emerged the marine iguana, the only lizard that can swim, which spread to nearly all the islands of the archipelago. Each island hosts marine iguanas of unique size, shape and color. On Floreana in the southern Galapagos, there is a pirates cave! Floreana was the first of the islands to be permanently settled and the cave provided temporary housing for some of the earliest inhabitants, as well as a hiding place for pirates.
Kapawi Your Ecotour Map of the Galapagos An Island of History and Wildlife As part of this exclusive program you will visit four different Galapagos Islands where you will spend time with the unique wildlife the islands are rightly famous for: the sea lions, the world-renowned giant tortoises, the marine iguanas, the blue-footed boobies, and much, much more. Galapagos is also one of the planet s few World Heritage Marine Reserves. This is truly an unmatched environment. A highlight of the trip is spending three nights on Floreana, Quito Quito Shell Shell Airport Kapawi Canoeing a peaceful island home to the Galapagos smallest population, only 150 people. It is also the least developed and the most natural of the four inhabited islands. Once a pirate s lair, Floreana was the first inhabited island in the Galapagos and descendents of the original population still live here together with the mysterious tales and legends that surround their ancestors.
How do I know which meals are included? Great question! Refer to the legend below when viewing each day of the itinerary: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Full Itinerary
DAY 1 Day One Based on your flight itinerary, we will have a representative waiting for you with a sign with your name on it at the airport in Quito. You will be transported to La Jimenita, a cozy hotel not too far from the airport with plenty of space to relax and unwind before your adventure truly begins. If you re up for it, the owner will give you a personal guided tour of the archaeological tunnel on-site. Day Two B, L & D DAY 2 After breakfast we ll transport you to the airport for a quick flight to Baltra, the first solar-powered airport in the world, on the Galapagos Islands. Your certified Galapagos National Park Guide will meet you at the airport and then help you transfer to the quaint town of Puerto Ayora, on the Island of Santa Cruz. You ll take a relaxing walk to Tortuga Bay before a guided trip to the Charles Darwin Foundation and visit to the tortoise breeding center. You will stay the night on the island at the superbly situated Hotel Villa Laguna. I recommend this company to anyone who wants to meet new people and explore the unknown, all while being extra kind to the environment! Kayla Sweeney
Day Three B, L, & D DAY 3 DAY 4 In the morning, we ll pack up after coffee and breakfast to begin the next leg of our adventure. You ll be able to avoid the crowds typically found in public transfer by taking a private speedboat to Isabela Island. After a delicious lunch, visit the calm turquoise waters of islet Las Tintoreras, where you can find sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other life. Cap off the afternoon with another visit to a Tortoise Breeding Center, and stay the night at the boutique hotel, La Casa Marita, surrounded by picturesque beaches. Day Four B, L, & D Volcanic eruptions created all the Islands in the Galapagos, and you will get to see this geologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela, one of the youngest and most volcanically-active islands of the archipelago. You have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands with your guide, starting with a hike up the crater of Sierra Negra Volcano, and then to the rim of the Volcan chico. With unique soil unlike any other island, Isabela Island is home to more tortoises than any other. The late afternoon is yours to explore or relax. If you want to broaden your horizons and go to exotic places all while feeling taken care of and in good hands I recommend Gondwana Ecotours. Jena Frederick
Day Five B, L & D DAY 5 After breakfast, you will have a chance for some kayaking in the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for playful sea lions as you explore the calm waters with your naturalist guide. After lunch, we will head to the Galapagos least-inhabited and most pristine island, Floreana. After we check in, you will walk with your guide for 30 minutes towards a sea lion breeding ground, where later, you will have the chance to snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, rays and shimmering fish. Once you have some downtime, have a lovely dinner in the small village. Gondwana brings more joy, fun, smiles, laughs and awareness to our travel experience! One of my favorite ways to see the world! Edmond Tsang Day Six B, L & D DAY 6 After breakfast, you ll leave to explore the highlands on an open-air bus to discover the history of the island. After a short drive leading to Asilo de la Paz (Peace haven), we ll begin a hike to explore pirate caves and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire island. On the way to your BBQ lunch, we ll stop to see some frigate birds. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to do more snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddling during the afternoon. After dinner, take a look at the stars before settling in for the night.
Day Seven B, L & D DAY 7 DAY 8 The marine activities continue with more chances to look for wildlife, and enjoy the beach. In the afternoon, visit Post-Office Bay, where a group of whalers placed a wooden barrel here in 1793. Seamen would leave addressed letters in the barrel and hope that the next seamen to come along might be headed in the direction of their letters destinations. Today, visitors leave their postcards and sift through the current pile of cards if they find one that they can hand-deliver, they take it with them. After dinner, enjoy one last evening under the stars. B Day Eight Today it is time to say goodbye our new friends (both human and animal) at the Galapagos Islands. After breakfast, take an early speed boat ride to Santa Cruz and then transfer back to Baltra for a flight to Quito. Stay the night at La Jimenita to unwind and relax at the end of a fantastic journey. B DAY 9 Day Nine After breakfast, a taxi will take you to the airport for your departing flight. If you want to stay longer, that can also be arranged.
Accommodations
DAY 1 & 8 Hotel Casa de Hacienda la Jimenita Featuring comfortable and luxurious suites, an on-site restaurant with cozy fireplaces and an extensive garden, free Wi-Fi, natural trails and an archaeological tunnel on-site, the Casa de Hacienda la Jimenita is the perfect ending to great travels. DAY 2 Villa Laguna Located in one of the most convenient areas of the city, Hotel Villa Laguna is a cozy and safe retreat that offers a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere to ensure a pleasant stay before venturing further into the Galapagos Islands. The hotels, restaurants, tours, outings, services, and attention to detail were top-notch. I wouldn t hesitate to travel with Jared and Gondwana Ecotours again! Melissa Gibbs
DAY 3-4 Casa Marita Surrounded by white, sandy beaches and turquoise seas; lush vegetation and active wildlife, La Casa de Marita (Marita's House) is much more than a wonderful boutique hotel in one of the planet's most unique destinations - it's a window to to view the beauty of the Galapagos. We just had to focus on the amazing adventure we were having. We feel like we have experienced something very special and unique going places most tourists do not go. Becky Maeres Roth DAY 5-7 Floreana Lava Lodge Each ocean front cabin has its own bathroom, front porch, a reading and shady area to provide privacy and enjoyment of the outdoors. The lodge also has a common area where guests can relax together and savor a drink while enjoying the striking Galapagos sunsets. The island consists of tidal pools, pristine beaches and superior spots to stargaze--there are few residents here!
Your Guides
It is the Republic of Ecuador s policy for travelers to have a specialized guide during their stay on the Galapagos Islands. You will be accompanied on your trip by a bilingual certified Galapagos National Park Guide. To learn more about your personal certified Galapagos National Park Guide, visit their website: http://www.galapagospark.org/nophprg.php?page=programas_turismo_guias What s the difference between a Guide and Gondwana Trip Leader? A Guide is your window into the destination. Always a local, your guide gives insight to the culture, region, and ecosystems. We bring a Gondwana trip leader in addition to a guide for groups of six or more to retain the personal attention that we are known for.
Are there direct flights to Quito, Ecuador? Most flights have a layover. From China, Japan, Canada, & the USA, flights are routed through Miami, New York and Houston. From Europe, flights depart from Madrid, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt and have layovers in the Caribean Islands, Panama City or Bogota. Getting There and Back When should I arrive in Quito? You can arrive at the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport on Day 1 at anytime. What do I need to do to prepare for my arrival and journey? What should I do in preparation for my departure? You can depart at the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport any time on Day 9 of your Ecotour. You will need to speak with the staff at La Jimenita on Day 8 to organize an airport transfer (included) on Day 9 (or whenever you decide to leave). Send us your flight itinerary and we will organize an airport pick-up for you (included). A taxi will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it or the Gondwana Ecotours logo. Make sure you travel with a valid passport and your visa will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Make sure it is valid for another 6 months. What if I want to stay longer in Quito or Ecuador? For those of you who will be staying longer, feel free to ask us for help! An extension option to tour the famous Machu Picchu and other famous Incan ruins in Peru or the Ecuadorian Andes and What if I want to come and explore Quito before my trip? Amazon Rainofrest is available; if you are interested please ask us for more details. If you decide to come to Quito before Day 1 you will need to arrange transportation to our lodging on the first day of the ecotour, but we can provide assistance upon request.
Trip Details Custom dates are only available for individuals, couples, families, and groups 1 Person: $8,999; 2 Persons: 5,999; 3 Persons: $5,499; 4 Persons: $4,995; 5 Persons or More: Please contact us What s Included LODGING Eight nights of comfortable and environmentally-sound lodging (six in the Galapagos; two in Quito) MEALS All of the delicious meals in the Galapagos and your breakfasts in Quito. ACTIVTIES & GUIDES All tours and activities (Private whenever possible). An english-speaking, certified Galapagos National Park guide. A Gondwana trip leader will also be included for groups of more than 6. TRANSPORTATION Roundtrip flight to and from the Galapagos from Quito. All transportation within Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Safe and secure airport transfers your safety and comfort always come first!
Why Travel with Us Our promise is to design handcrafted travel experiences that enrich your mind, body and soul. We strive to put our values into practice with every ecotour that we create. Wonder Our adventures are filled with wonder that amaze, enlighten and deeply connect you to the region. Flexibility There are many opportunities throughout the tour for you to customize your vacation with a variety of day excursions. Local Guides Enjoy the unsurpassable experience of local guides who share their country, culture and customs. Trip Leader A Gondwana Trip Leader is sent to take care of the details for groups larger than five guests, to retain that personal touch that we are known for. Donations A portion of the proceeds goes to the Charles Darwin Foundation. Carbon Offset We carbon offset your airfare good for your conscience and good for our planet. Low-Impact Our ecotours leave a small impression on the environment because of the small group size of 14 and the activities. Unique Lodging Feel the heart of the destination by staying at a boutique hotel that is whenever possible locally-owned and eco-friendly.
Thank You This is our Galapagos Wildlife Adventure Informational Booklet complete with accommodation details, the full itinerary, and other interesting information about your exciting journey to Ecuador. Put down your $500 deposit and receive: A detailed packing list Additional reading materials about your destination Safety and security information Booking Terms & Policies (the first deposit is refundable for 30 days) Our team at Gondwana appreciates your interest in our handcrafted travel experiences. If you have any other questions about our ecotours, please call us toll free: 1 (877) 587-8479 or contact us via email: info@gondwanaecotours.com Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you in Ecuador! www.gondwanaecotours.com *Details of the ecotours are subject to change based on weather and availability.