We offer this unique program for families with children between the ages of 7 and 12. Families can enjoy the comfort of staying overnight on land while partaking in day trips to various sites in the Galapagos Islands. In the evening, enjoy the freedom to wander about the charming port towns of the Galapagos Islands. Relax with the locals and experience Ecuadorian culture.
Tour itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Quito. A Core Expeditions representative will meet you and escort you to your accommodations.
Day 2: El Centro Tour. Visit the Old Town of Quito. Introduce your children to the beautiful cathedrals, cobblestone streets of the old town of Quito.
Day 3: Flight to San Cristobal Island. Afternoon visit Charles Darwin Interpretation Center and orientation. Preparatory hike Cerro Tijeretas which offers a beautiful vista of the western landscape of San Cristobal. Opportunity to see male frigate birds known for their spectacular red gular sacs. Introduction to snorkeling in a protected bay.
Day 4: San Cristobal. Accompanied by a naturalist guide we explore San Cristobal. Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido (the sleeping lion) is a 485 foot high formation of two islets. If conditions are favorable, the channel between the islets can be one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in the Galapagos. Above water, see blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, red billed tropic birds, frigates, pelicans, and sea lions. Isla Lobos is a small island home to a sea lion colony, frigate birds, boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, lava lizards and the Galapagos snake (non-venomous) and the possibility of snorkeling with the sea lions.
Day 5: Santa Fe and Isabela – Drift quietly into the clear blue waters of the bay where visitors are welcomed by the strange figures of opuntia cactus trees. Santa Fe, the oldest island in the archipelago is a sanctuary for the dragons of the Galapagos, the land and marine iguanas. Isabela. The largest island in the Galapagos. En route, take note of inter coastal lagoons famous for the variety of migrant birds it attracts. Isabela. Arrive on the shores of the largest island in the Galapagos. We take this moment to relax and play at the beach.
Day 6: Isabela is home to the largest and most active volcano in the Galapagos, as well the oldest settlements in the Galapagos, Villamil on the coast and Santo Tomas inland high on the side of the volcano. Horseback ride to the highlands. In the morning, hike to Sierra Negra, and stand at the edge of the third largest crater in the world. Enter a surreal lava landscape and hike to Volcan Chico to peak into its smoking fumaroles. B / L / D
Day 7: Isabela/Santa Cruz. In the early morning, it's underwater adventure time as we explore the system of islets protecting the bay in search of the shy Galapagos penguins. Then back to Santa Cruz, where you can enjoy an optional hike to the breathtaking and serene Tortuga Bay, a sea turtle nesting grounds, or shop in the local town of Puerto Ayora. In the evening, stroll through this charming beach town and mingle with the locals in any one of their inviting restaurants. B / L
Day 8: Darwin Center. In the morning, we offer an optional excursion to the Darwin tortoise breeding center. Tortoises are fed early morning when they are most active and when the day is coolest. Say hello to Lonesome George, the last of his species. Seymour Norte. The shore lines are controlled by a colony of sea lions basking lazily in the sun, a few looking curiously at the new visitors. Overlooking the interior, the land iguana searches for shade to hide from the hot sun. Plazas. A bird watchers delight, catch the blue-footed boobies dancing, stumble across the largest township of frigate birds. Watch as the male frigate birds inflate their red breasts vying for female attention. Other inhabitants include the ever-present land iguanas, swallow tailed gulls, pelicans, and red-billed tropic birds. Return to Puerto Ayora. As a group we enjoy a farewell dinner to the Galapagos.
Day 9: Breakfast. Flight back to Quito. Arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Free afternoon. Farewell dinner. B / L / D
Day 10: Transfer out.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Activities:
- hiking
- snorkeling
- horseback riding
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
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