Hike through the archipelago's remarkably surreal landscape on this unique land-based Galapagos adventure. The tour begins in San Cristobal, exploring El Junco Lagoon, Isla Lobos and Leon Dormido, where the waters teem with fascinating marine life. Travels continue onto Santa Cruz with a hike through El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Finish your Galapagos tour discovering the beauty of Isabela Island and hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Quito. Overnight.
Day 2: San Cristobal - Frigate Hill (L)
In the morning, you transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island. After meeting your guide and a welcome lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where you learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. Continue on foot towards Frigate Hill, appropriately named for the bird that nests along the hillside. During the breeding season, the large birds are easily recognized by the inflated bright red throat pouch, which the male frigate proudly displays. On your way back to the hotel, stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach.
Day 3: Isla Lobos, Leon Dormido and San Cristobal Highlands (B,L)
This morning you'll travel by boat to Isla Lobos and share the landscape with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions. Enjoy the snorkeling with opportunities to swim with sea lions. You continue onto Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), an enormous rock resembling a sleeping lion that towers over the region, rising 500 feet straight up from the ocean. Snorkelers can share the waters with hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, not to mention the dozens of tropical fish. After lunch, you prepare to explore the San Cristobal Highlands as we travel to La Galapaguera, a new facility operated by the National Park to breed and protect the giant tortoises native to San Cristobal. You'll hike in search of these magnificent Galapagos residents in their natural habitat. Finches, mocking birds and egrets are also likely wildlife to spot along the way. Spend the evening relaxing in the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 4: Santa Cruz Hike (B,L)
This morning you'll take a 3-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island. Stretch your legs hiking through El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Continue your exploration of the islands as you venture into lava caves and unique volcanic tunnel formations. Tonight, you'll relax in the hotel on Santa Cruz
Day 5: Cerro Crocker and Tortuga Bay (B,L)
After a satisfying breakfast, you'll hike into the amazing Santa Cruz cloudforest. Reaching Cerro Crocker, the highest summit on the island, you'll search the area for unique vegetation like the vermilion flycatcher. There's also an excellent chance that you'll encounter more Galapagos tortoises. You'll stop for lunch before taking an easy hike to the white sandy beaches of Tortuga Bay. You'll spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the enchanting wildlife. There are plenty of pelicans, finches, doves, and marine iguanas to view. Overnight Santa Cruz.
Day 6: Explore Isabela (B,L,D)
Take a morning boat to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. This island has six volcanoes and is well known for the 5 subspecies of giant tortoises that live in the cloudforests. Spend the afternoon visiting the Tortoise Breeding Center and follow a trail along the coastline in search of Galapagos penguins and sea lions. Isabela’s salty lagoons are also home to a wide range of sea birds, offering more spectacular birding. Your afternoon is spent relaxing along white sandy beaches. Overnight in Puerto Villamil.
Day 7: Sierra Negra Hike (B,L,D)
Begin your day with a 6-mile hike to the very rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. The view from this 6x5 mile-wide caldera is sensational. From here you’ll hike to the puffing Chico Volcano on the northeast side of the caldera. During your hike you'll have a good chance of seeing finches, flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and short-eared owls. Tonight you’ll spend your last evening in this quiet port town before saying farewell to the Enchanted Islands in the morning.
Day 8: Return Quito (B)
This morning you'll return to Santa Cruz and catch your return flight back to the mainland. Tonight, enjoy the sights and sounds of Quito - toast your travels and the remarkable Galapagos Islands!
Day 9: Return home
Accommodations: 8 nights comfortable hotels
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Local flight, boat, van or jeep, and your own two feet!
Travelers should be prepared to handle 2-4 hours of moderate hiking per day. This is a fairly active itinerary that keeps you moving, but allows plenty of down-time to explore each region.
Can start trip on Wed, Fri, Sat, or Sun (depending on flight availability). Custom dates available, please inquire.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US$ 2195 4 or more travelers
Single Supplement: US$300
US$2595 3 travelers
US$3195 2 travelers
Note: Flights from Quito-Galapagos-Quito are not included. Please allow US$360 for low season, from Sep. 15-Oct. 31 and May 1-June 14. Allow US$415 during high season, from June 15-Sep. 14 and Nov. 1-Apr. 30. Prices do not include US$100 Galapagos National Park fee.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$130 for meals not included, US$41 for international departure tax, US$100 for Galapagos Park Entrance fee, and $10 for Galapagos Park tax
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$75
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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