Galapagos: Land Based Vacation Package

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Day 01 – Arrive Quito

Arrival to Quito Airport, collection by our representative and private transfer to your Quito hotel.

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Day 02 – Morning Tour of Quito

We begin with a visit to the colonial heart of Quito founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro. The city was made a UNESCO world culture site in 1978 denoting its exemplary preservation of some of the finest buildings in all of the Americas. The finest churches are included on our tour of La Compania, the monastery of San Francisco and we follow with an insight to working life in Quito at La Ronda. We conclude our Quito visit to learn of high-quality chocolate making and the passionate journey taken by Republica del Cacao right here in the heart of Quito.

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Day 03 – Santa Cruz Island & Charles Darwin Research Station

On arrival in the Galapagos our guide will greet you and accompany you on your transfer to the ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz will be your base to explore the archipelago. Your transfer journey offers the opportunity to see giant tortoises in their natural setting, you can enjoy lunch here at a local ranch. After lunch we will arrive at the Charles Darwin Research Station where you will have time to examine the extensive work of this conservation institute in preserving the Galapagos natural habitats.

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Day 04 - 06 – Island Visits Galapagos

Spanning days four, five and six of your itinerary you will visit a selection of stunning islands. The particular islands are subject to change due to climatic conditions and availability. What can be assured is that all of the islands are magnificent destinations where you will be in awestruck by the wonders of mother nature. This day too can offer Galapagos diving with the option to do two different dives, for qualified and certified divers. Typical examples of dive options include Mosquera which is an islet situated between Seymour and Baltra island and a second dive at the Seymour Channel. Please talk to your luxury travel expert for diving details.

Bartholomew Island

A journey of two hours will see you arrive at Bartholomew Island where you ascend the steps to see a glorious view of the almost lunar landscape of Sullivan Bay and the famed Pinnacle Rock. This volcanic island holds a now dormant caldera and a landscape with a host of volcanic colors and minerals. The animal life about Bartholomew abounds with sea turtles, sharks, white-tip reef sharks, tropical fish, and sea lions. On land you can view Sally Light-foot Crabs, marine iguanas, sea lions, Lava Herons and most importantly Galapagos Penguins.

Santa Fe Island

A journey of about forty-five minutes by boat will see you arrive at Santa Fe Island. This small island is home to the unique Sante Fe rice rat and the Sante Fe land iguana which can be seen occasionally beneath the giant cacti here; some of which stretch to over 6 meters (20 feet) in height. You will also visit the idyllic sandy beach at Barrington Bay where sea lions come to play and bask in the sun. There are two hiking options from where you can see Galapagos hawks, night herons, mockingbirds and doves. Following on enjoy some snorkeling at the picturesque bay to endeavor to find a stingray or sea tortoise.

North Seymour

Today we depart from the Itabaca Channel to journey by boat to North Seymour Island. The island offers a wonderful insight to the Galapagos seabird colonies along some magnificent hiking routes. The endemic species here include blue-footed boobies and the bedazzling frigate birds with their bright red chests. The ability to witness the interaction of the birds, nesting, breeding and their fascinating courtship dances are what make this island truly special. Following on from lunch you can try some snorkeling beside the sea lions on the shoreside or enjoy a swim at the beautiful Bachas Beach. A perfect end to a perfect day!

Plazas Island

Following a morning journey of two hours by boat you will arrive on the shoreline of South Plaza Island. On landing you will witness the large sea lion population along with land and marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies and a host of tropical birdlife. This small island is a gem in the Galapagos Islands and hosts a diverse range of flora including Sesuvium (shoreline purslane) which changes from bright green to red, orange, and purple over the course of a season. Its colors make for a fine showcase of an amazing natural carpet.

Bay Tour and Tortuga Bay Visit

This tour of the bay combines hiking, snorkeling and some timeout to enjoy the natural treasures such as Loberia and its sea lions; or at Las Grietas for the perfect snorkeling adventure in the underwater crevasses. Next, we take a walk to the white sandy beach of Tortuga Bay, en route passing through an Opuntia and Candelabra cactus forest. The forests abound with birdlife of Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and yellow warblers. The beach too is a haven of live with stingrays, fish, baby reef sharks, sea turtles and pelicans as just a few of the visitors to these waters. Keep a look along the cliffs too for the nesting blue footed boobies. Keep your camera ready as mother natures marvels wait for nobody!

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Day 07 - Fly to Guayaquil/Quito and Depart

Following on from breakfast you will take the ferry to Baltra and onward to Baltra Airport for your departure flight to Quito or Guayaquil. This evolutionary journey will leave you forever changed and enriched by the understanding of life’s ever changing, ever evolving beauty. Such experiences make your soul spiritually richer and impart an eagerness to travel and learn even more about the secrets of our wonderous blue planet.