Galapagos Travel Ideas

Itinerary:

Galapagos explorers can now enjoy an expedition adventure with comfort and safety aboard the 48-guest yacht La Pinta, scheduled to start operations on March 7, 2008 - with 7-night voyages. Yacht La Pinta offers a relaxed yet lavish expedition atmosphere, with plush outside cabins; the highest standards of service; international cuisine plus celebrated Ecuadorian dishes, and all the amenities that make the Galapagos Expedition a trip of a lifetime.

Please ask one of our experts about our pre and post Galapagos accommodation add on or one of our many other great Quito and Ecuador extensions.

Day 1 Friday. Quito to the Galapagos

NOTE: The itinerary listed below is to be used as a guide only. Actual itineraries are set closer to departure.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival into North Seymour you are transferred by land and small "panga" (zodiac type vessel) to your vessel the La Pinta.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the small and cozy capital of Galapagos. This attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Transfer to board Y/LA PINTA. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat Drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.

Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal[Chatham] Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar saloon for a cocktail offered by the Captain, enjoy the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner. LD

Day 2 Saturday. Galapagos Islands

North Seymour Island
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration. Lunch on board.

Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz Island)
Explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this "Dragon Hill" we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colourful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes. Back on board, our expedition plan will reveal the details of next day's activities. BLD

Day 3 Sunday. Galapagos Islands

Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galapagos: the Charles Mockingbird. Lunch on board.

Punta Cormorant (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like stilts and sandpipers. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day's expedition plan and dinner BLD

Day 4 Monday. Galapagos Islands

5 Day itinerary passengers join - 4 Day itinerary passengers leave

Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly coloured birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Swimming or snorkeling. Lunch on board.

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina [Narborough] Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the Galapagos National Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner. BLD

Day 5 Tuesday. Galapagos Islands

Highlands of Santa Cruz [Indefatigable] Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like "Lonesome George" within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day's expedition plan and dinner. BLD

Day 6 Wednesday. Galapagos Islands

Bartolome Island
A small satellite island of the neighbouring Santiago Island, Bartolome is a landmark of Galapagos Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galapagos Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolome. Lunch on board.

Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolome is the colourful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkeler. The day can end with a rewarding stroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galapagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night. BLD

Day 7 Thursday. Galapagos Islands

After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.

Punta Suárez (Española [Hood] Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December), colonies of Nazca - and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner. BLD

Day 8 Friday. Galapagos Islands - Quito

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Bus ride to see the emblematic reptile of Galapagos at la Galapaguera. Deciduous forest, land birds, endemic plants, etc. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.

Why not consider our Otavalo, Papallacta or Quito add ons.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The itineraries and program are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galapagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.

• Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
• Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore

You return to Quito late afternoon where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel. Tonight is free to enjoy the magic of Quito. BL

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

• Pre and post cruise accommodation and transfers are NOT INCLUDED in the trip price. Please see or Quito accommodation modules for your choice of hotel.
• Ecuador departure tax $40.80 USD
• Local currency is USD
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialling Code: 592
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

HOTELS:

Please see our Galapagos Pre and Post module for Quito hotel choices for your pre and post cruise options.

DEPARTURE:

• 8 day itinerary every Friday
  
  OTHER OPTIONS
• 4 day itinerary every Friday
• 5 day itinerary every Monday

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Domestic Flights Quito - Galapagos - Quito (+/-$550USD)
• Galapagos Park entrance fee of $100USD
• Visitors ticket of $10USD
• All Transport
• All tours as indicated
• Local Guides
• All entrances
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Pre & Post accommodation in Quito. Please see our Galapagos pre and post hotel module options
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Information

Yacht La Pinta, Galapagos Islands (vessel)

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

8 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

9 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

10 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD