Galapagos Islands

Giant Tortoises, Volcanos, and Wild Penguins - Extension to Ecuador: An Andean Adventure

Price

2,355 USD

Duration

4 Days

Level

moderate

Date

July 14, 2022

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

4 days for

2,355 USD / 715 KWD / 8,670 AED

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Overview

Galapagos Islands: tortoises, volcanos and wild penguins, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You will be continuously surrounded by breathtaking natural settings, secluded beaches, and unique wildlife, all untouched, pristine, and rate. Prepare to swim with sea lions and turtles, meet giant tortoises, and snorkel with penguins (the only wild penguins found north of the equator) and watch marine iguanas, waved albatross, and blue-footed boobies, among the numerous exceptional species residing on the islands.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to:

Relax on otherworldly beaches surrounded by marine iguanas and sea lions.
Hike to the rim of the volcano with the second largest caldera on the Earth and witness moon-like landscapes from its viewpoint.
Meet the emblematic Galapagos Tortoises and learn about this fascinating species.
Discover the magnificent marine wildlife of the Galapagos Islands while snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, sea birds, eagle rays, and sharks at two off-the-beaten-path sites.

Share this trip:

Activities: boating/cruising, hiking/trekking, nature watching, snorkeling, Birds Watching

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (14th July 2022): Flight to Galapagos Islands: Baltra Island - Isabela Island (B, L)

After breakfast, you will take a 2.5-hour flight to the Galapagos Islands and land on Baltra Island. From the airport, you will head to Puerto Ayora (a 45-min drive) for lunch, Afterwards, you will board a public speedboat heading to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest of all the Galapagos Islands, where you will arrive after 2-3 hours. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the Puerto Villamil beach (2 miles long) where you will meet marine iguanas and giant tortoises sunbathing next to you! You will not only get a taste of the local biodiversity but also the relaxing ambience of the village life on the Galapagos Islands. Note: The domestic flight is not included in the price and comes at an extra cost (the final price is subject to change upon booking). Accommodation: Isa Mar or similar.

Day 2 (15th July 2022): Hiking on the Sierra Negra Volcano (B, L)

Today, you will enjoy a great hiking adventure on the Sierra Negra Volcano that boasts the second largest caldera in the world. Six volcanoes make up Isabela Island, and all (but one) are active, which makes it one of the most volcanically active places on earth. You will begin with a 1-hour drive towards the highlands of Isabela (where you will see an entirely different landscape of the Galapagos Islands) and the starting point of the hike. During the trek, you will be able to observe a variety of birds including finches and flycatchers and, if lucky, Galapagos hawks. Once at the top, you will enjoy a well-deserved view from the rim of the caldera the dimensions of which 7.2 x 9.3 km) will take your breath away. If you choose to continue hiking (also depending on the volcanic activity), you can visit Chico Volcano, a collection of small craters, where you may see fumaroles, vents in the volcano (holes from which steam escapes into the air), and unusual lava formations. This area is a remarkable visual record of the geological history of the Galapagos. From the highest observation point on the hike, you will enjoy views of Isabela’s other volcanoes and the nearby islands. You will then hike back to the starting point and drive back to town. Hiking distance and time: 4-10 miles depending on the group, 3-8 hours depending on the group's preferences. Accommodation: Isa Mar or similar.

Day 3 (16th July 2022): Snorkeling in Los Tuneles and El Finado / Tortoise Breeding Center (B, L)

In the morning, you will take a 45-minute boat ride to Los Tuneles: a remarkable lava formation consisting of arches and caves, caused by the drastic change in lava temperature clashing with ocean water about a million years ago. There, you can admire Galapagos penguins, sea birds, eagle rays, and sharks as you slowly crisscross through the labyrinth of rocks and tunnels. If sea conditions permit, you will disembark to walk on the unique volcanic rock formations, gaze at sea birds peacefully resting on the rocks, and take in the beautiful surroundings dominated by opuntia, candelabra cacti, and red mangroves. Then, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal clear waters for a dive into the remarkable underwater world. Just ten minutes from Los Tuneles, you will find El Finado, an inlet that local fishermen have used for many years as a resting place during their journeys in the ocean, thanks to its tranquil and shallow waters. You can snorkel among submerged caves and small reefs formed by lava rocks. This is also a preferred spot for white-tipped reef sharks, colorful tropical fish, and stingrays. As you approach mangroves, waters will be shallower offering you the opportunity to see parrotfish, hogfish, and wrasses up-close, in a mysterious and unique habitat. You will take the boat back to Puerto Villamil (a 45-minutes ride). Back in town, you will head to the tortoise breeding center. This breeding station has an informative visitor center that allows you to learn about the origins and evolution of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises, and the steps being taken to preserve the species from threats such as habitat destruction and introduced species. In the center you will see baby hatchlings and young tortoises. After they turn 4 months old, they are taken out to be released into the natural habitat in the area. There is a short hiking trail where you may be able to spot giant tortoises in the wild. Total activity time for Los Tuneles and El Finado: 5-6 hours. Accommodation: Isa Mar or similar.

Day 4 (17th July 2022): Departure from Galapagos Islands / Departure (B)

After breakfast, you will head to the pier where you will catch the speedboat to Puerto Ayora (a 2-3-hours trip), and from there you will drive to the airport (a 45-minute drive). Notes:

The domestic flight is not included, and comes at an extra cost (price subject to change upon booking).
If you need a PCR test before your departure, you may need to stay an extra night as the PCR test results require, as of today, 24-48 hrs. We can help you with such arrangements (cost not included in the price below).

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement applies and amounts to 640 USD.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.

This Includes

Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary or similar, based on double occupancy.
Meals as listed in the itinerary.
Transportation as listed in the itinerary.
Tours as described in the itinerary.
Naturalist Guide on the Galapagos Islands.
Snacks and purified water.

This Excludes

International airfare.
Domestic air ticket: Quito – Galapagos – Quito.
International air-tickets and airport taxes.
Wet suit/ snorkeling equipment.
Travel insurance.
Visa and visa fees.
Additional/optional activities.
Beverages.
Meals not listed above.
Single supplement.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, etc.
Gratuities and tip.
Galapagos Park Fee ($100 payable directly in Galapagos).
Galapagos migratory card 20.00 per person (subject to change)
PCR Test.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges and operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.