Wonders of the Galapagos Islands
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,256
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife on an adventure to the Galapagos Islands. Staying on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll head on day trips to explore this magical archipelago. You’ll spot giant tortoises in the highlands, hike along volcanic beaches full of iguanas and penguins, and experience the stunning biodiversity of this island chain.
This 5-day Galapagos vacation takes you to the Galapagos Islands to explore the natural wonders of Santa Cruz Island.
On your Ecuador vacation, you’ll connect to Puerto Ayora, the capital of the Galapagos located on Santa Cruz Island. On your first night, head into the Santa Cruz Highlands to stay at the Magic Galapagos Tented Camp, a premium camping experience where your only island companions are the giant tortoises that share the hillside. Over the next couple days, choose from a variety of day trips and excursions to explore the landscape and waters of the Galapagos Islands. Head to North Seymour Island to see blue-footed boobies and frigate birds or explore Bartolome and Sullivan Bay, where you can find the rare Galapagos Penguins and hike the golden beach stretching alongside Pinnacle Rock. Skirt the caldera of Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island or snorkel through the waters to see the world beneath the waves.
Another day, spend your time hiking along the unique rock formations of Las Grietas before kayaking through the waters of Tortuga Bay. Alternatively, hike through the highlands around Puerto Ayora, visiting a coffee farm and sugar cane plantation before spending time at Charles Darwin Research Station, which is committed to the conservation of giant tortoises and marine iguanas. At the end of your time in the Galapagos, connect back to Baltra International Airport to continue your onward journey.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,256
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival - Guayaquil
Upon arrival to Guayaquil, you will be greeted by an English-speaking representative who will welcome you to Ecuador and assist you in meeting your transfer, which will then bring you to your hotel. Please note, your first night can alternatively be arranged for arrival and overnight in Quito (extra cost).
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil |
| Location | View map |
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Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil
Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, as well as mere minutes to the impressive Malecon 2000 and near Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The Wyndham Guayaquil hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Boasting easy …
Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, as well as mere minutes to the impressive Malecon 2000 and near Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The Wyndham Guayaquil hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Boasting easy access to all of Guayaquil's many delights and a host of thoughtful amenities, guests at this non-smoking hotel in Guayaquil will also enjoy easy access to Las Penas Neighborhood, the World Trade Center Guayaquil and Simon Bolivar Convention Center.
Facilities
- ATM
- Bar
- Business Centre
- Dry Cleaning
- Fitness Centre
- Laundry
- Meeting Rooms Available
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant
- Safety Deposit Box
- Sauna
- Spa
- Steam Room
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Guayaquil to the Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and board a flight to the Galapagos Islands, landing at Baltra Airport before transferring to Santa Cruz Island.
Suggested flight (subject to change) from Guayaquil: XL1413 GYE/GPS 1115-1212 (not included, extra cost).
Suggested flight (subject to change) from Quito: XL1413 UIO/GPS 0935-1212 (not included, extra cost).
Today you will arrive on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands' principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you'll notice as you transit through the facility. It was the first ecological airport in the world. Ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Afterwards drive to an exclusive giant tortoise reserve where your tented camp is located. Perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, Magic Galapagos Tented Camp will be your home for the night. Take in sounds of nature in the evenings, with the Milky Way acting as your night-light. Feast your eyes on the mountains and forest surrounding the lodge, and enjoy the peace of the hillside with seasonal resident giant tortoises potentially nearby. Watching the colorful sunset from Magic's western perch is the perfect segue into evening. Dinners are scrumptious three-course affairs, prepared by expert chefs in an open-air kitchen in the main lodge. A favorite post-dinner activity is a short walk to the natural lava tubes on the reserve for a nightcap in the one-of-a-kind 'Lava Lounge!' It's the perfect spot to relax around the fire and share stories from the day's adventures.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Galapagos Magic Tented Camp |
| Location | View map |
-
Galapagos Magic Tented Camp
Magic Galapagos (also known as Galapagos Magic) is a tented camp set in a private reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. It's quite usual to see giant tortoises roam through the grounds of the camp, and it's a pleasure to share this peaceful location …
Magic Galapagos (also known as Galapagos Magic) is a tented camp set in a private reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. It's quite usual to see giant tortoises roam through the grounds of the camp, and it's a pleasure to share this peaceful location with them. After a day out exploring it's a treat to return here, take in a glorious sunset, enjoy a drink by the campfire and then sit down to a superb three course dinner. The 'lava lounge', formed out of natural lava tubes, is the ideal place to round off the day, chatting to other guests and sipping a nightcap.
Facilities
- Restaurant
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
After enjoying breakfast, get set for a half-day bay exploration. This morning, join a Puerto Ayora bay exploration. Beginning at the main dock, set out on in a quick 10-minute navigation to la Loberia Island named after a sea lion colony that inhabits the land. This small island is a great place to snorkel in amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colorful fish, and for playing with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions. Your next stop will be a hike to the Túnel del Amor (Lover's Tunnel) with a great viewpoint from where, if lucky, you can watch resting white-tip sharks. On the way back, visit Punta Estrada's dock, where you'll go on a walk to spot marine iguanas.
OPTIONAL FULL DAY EXPERIENCE WITH EXTRA COST: Visit to Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero. (This tour replaces the Bay Exploration. Minimum 2 passengers.)
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Ikala Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Ikala Hotel
The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the …
The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels.
The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Service
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Outdoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Room Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
Following breakfast at your hotel, join a motor yacht for a shared excursion. Embark onto the motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, and experience the remote islands in comfort and style. This excursion will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. Check the boat's weekly itinerary. You may visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome and Sullivan Bay, according to boats' schedules allowed by the National Park.
** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification. Later, drive to Puerto Ayora to spend the night.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Galapagos to Guayaquil
After breakfast, transfer to Baltra Airport to begin your onward travels.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2024: April 9; May 21; July 30; August 27; October 1; November 5; December 3
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Arrival airport transfer
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in Guayaquil
- 3 nights in moderate to first-class accommodations on Santa Cruz Island
- Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Migration Control Card
- Daily excursion (max 16 guests)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 1 lunch, 1 dinner
OTHER INFORMATION:
This is not a fully escorted tour. Local English guides are used in each different location.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
5 Dec 2023
