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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS BY LAND AND SEA
SAN CRISTOBAL - ESPAÑOLA - SANTA CRUZ
6D/5N

ITINERARY

DAY 1

SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 1 San Cristobal

Located in the Pacific Ocean some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador , this archipelago and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique “living museum” and showcase of evolution. This “living laboratory” of evolution inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, and continues to offer a unique opportunity to explore a pristine natural ecosystem. Early transfer to the International airport of Quito from where we’ll embark on a 1 hour and 45 minute flight to San Cristobal Island (Chatham). In the afternoon you’ll check into your hotel and meet with your Galapagos naturalist guide. After lunch you'll visit the Interpretation Center where you’ll have an introduction to the Galapagos Islands, flora and fauna, as well the human history of the islands. Then a short walk to Tijeretas Hill, a spectacular view point. A trail leading off from the Interpretation Center heads up Frigate-bird Hill. Here it is possible to see magnificent frigate birds and great frigate birds in the same colony. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them. One of the trails will lead you to a calm water inlet, a perfect place for snorkeling where you may have an amazing encounter with sea turtles, sea lions and many species of tropical fish.
INCLUDED: Transfer out Quito, and Transfer in at the Galapagos, Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.

DAY 2

KICKER ROCKS BOAT TRIP AND SNORKELING DAY

Day 2 Kicker Rocks

After breakfast you will join a group and visit Kicker Rock. This formation is what remains of a volcanic cone that has been eroded by the sea. Above the water, the monolithic rock formation towers over 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean and is home to a number of Tropicbirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Frigatebirds. However, the true appeal of this location lies below the surface of the sea. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has created a channel between the rocks that provides the ideal habitat to view a variety of sharks and rays including Spotted Eagle Rays, White-tip Reef sharks, sea turtles, the elusive Galapagos Shark and Hammerheads! This will be a truly unforgettable experience. Because it is not permitted to moor at Kicker Rock, a lunch stop and swim at a nearby beach is included.
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.

DAY 3

NAVIGABLE TOUR ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

Day 3 Española

Located two hours from San Cristóbal, Española is the southernmost island and one of the oldest in all of the Galápagos archipelago. The island’s flat profile is extremely dry with only a few inches of rain per year. Despite the dry climate the island is one of the world’s only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross . From April to December this island is covered with these adorably clumsy birds. Blue-Footed and Nazca Boobies as well as many other bird species also call this island home.Another unique species found only on Española Island is the Green and Red Marine Iguana (also known as Christmas Iguanas). Quite often you will be greeted by these colorful reptiles. A visit to Gardner Bay for some open water snorkeling completes this island visit.
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.

DAY 4

TRANSFER TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, HIGHLANDS & LAVA TUNNELS - OR -TORTUGA BAY

Day 4 Santa Cruz

After breakfast you'll be transferred by speedboat for approximately 2 1/2 hours from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz (Indefatigable Island).
Highlands and lava tunnels option:
Upon arrival to Puerto Ayora, the largest town of the Islands, our guide will greet you at the main passenger dock and later you’ll check in at our hotel. Santa Cruz is the only island having a road that crosses its interior running from Puerto Ayora in the south to the Itabaca Channel crossing in the north, thus providing the opportunity to see the interior and higher elevations of this marvelous island. You will have a guided tour to the highlands where we’ll be delighted by the island’s variety of life zones and geology and see giant tortoises in their natural state! Then we’ll visit a giant lava tunnel: underground tunnels dug by hot lava twist that turn and intertwine providing an exciting opportunity to view the immense effect of volcanic activity.
Tortuga Bay option: A 45 minute walk through an amazing trail leading us to Tortuga Bay, considered by the majority of visitors one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos. Here you can snorkel in the beautiful calm water inlet that reveals the full richness of the Galapagos marine life. You can see colorful reef fish, white-tip sharks, rays and sea turtles. We’ll also take time to walk through the marine iguana sanctuary where you might also catch a glimpse of blue-footed boobies, lava herons and frigate birds along the shore.
INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, transfer to Santa Cruz in shared service speedboat, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch, accommodation w/breakfast.

DAY 5

ISLAND NAVIGABLE EXPLORATIONS

Day 5 Navigable tour

PLEASE NOTE: The island visited on the navigable exploration day tour will depend on the booking date, availability and itinerary approved by the Galapagos National Park Service. Galapagos itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, guests’ safety, or Galapagos National Park regulations.

DAY 6

SANTA CRUZ- BALTRA- QUITO

Day 6 Santa Cruz - baltra - quito

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Itabaca channel. This drive will take approximately 50 minutes. In the way you´ll make a short stop at the Twins: two collapsed lava craters on each side of the road, surrounded by Scalesia forest-a tree species endemic to the Galapagos. Upon arrival to the Itabaca Chanel you'll take a short 10 minute ride on a ferry to Baltra, followed by a 5 minute bus drive to the the airport to take your flight back to Quito.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Ground transfers out in Galapagos (shared service).

Navigable tour options for day 5

North Seymour Island

North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This island is teeming with life!

Bartolome Island

Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best-known landmark in the islands. Galapagos penguins—the only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers.

South Plaza Island

South Plaza is a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors according to the season. South Plaza is one of Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. The island lies to the southeast of Santa Cruz within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, and you can see underwater lava formations.

INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch and lodging  at Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or Similar Premium class hotel w/breakfast.

Pricing

  • Accommodations  in double or triple occupancy with private bathroom: USD$2350
  • Single traveler applies a supplement

Trip considerations

PLEASE NOTE: 
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, National Park regulations and particular interests of guests. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize your experience, wilderness enjoyment.
The price listed below is based on the accommodations  listed in the itinerary which can be modified according to your preferences and budget.


ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
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