Wildlife of the Galapagos

Day 1 ARRIVAL DAY QUITO
Welcome to one of the highest capital cities in the world, Quito Ecuador. You are free arrive anytime you like to take in some of the sites that this historical colonial city has to offer. There will be a welcome letter awaiting you at the hotel plus an information packet with a list of things to do and see in and around Quito. That evening, during our welcome dinner, there will be a full briefing to inform the group about the trip ahead. (D) Please note - you may wish to arrive a day or two ahead to have time to explore all that Quito has to offer.

Day 2 DEPARTURE FOR SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The tour begins with a morning transfer to the airport and a flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival in San Cristobal you will be transferred to your hotel and after lunch we will make our way to the top of the island through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we will have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe Islands. Afterwards we will jump on mountain bikes for an exhilarating down hill ride through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso and down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. Next we will pay a visit to the Interpretive Center to learn more about the mysterious history of “The Enchanted Islands”. Later we will hit Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful Sea lions and Frigate birds gliding on the thermals. That evening, an island welcome dinner of fresh fish and locally grown produce awaits. (B, L, D)

During our time in the Islands, we will stay in hotels by night and then venture out in “The Christine” (our boat) for snorkeling and beach combing trips by day.

Day 3 SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The day begins with a short boat ride in the Christine to Kicker Rock, observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we will stop off at la Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed boobies along with swimming/snorkeling with the playful young sea lions. A real highlight of the trip! We then continue on to Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea. A truly impressive sight! Here we can dive and snorkel, keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and the occasional harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. After stopping by Cerro Brujo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands, we will return to port late in the afternoon. (B, L- OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE)

Day 4 & 5 FLOREANA AND ISABELA ISLANDS
This morning we depart from San Cristobal Island for Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way. Here we will experience some of the best snorkeling in the islands at Enderby Islet or Champions Bay and Devils Crown. We depart from Floreana to Isabela Island for the evening after a full day of snorkeling. (B, L, D)

Day 5 ISABELA
A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a birds-eye view of this magical landscape. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we visit the Breeding Center of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos. That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L)

Day 6 ISABELA
By pick up truck and on foot we will make our way the wall of tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we’ll pop in and visit Pink flamingos, also stopping at the many natural pools, walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way. We will also visit the Breeding Center of the Giant tortoise, the largest species of tortoise found in the Islands. After lunch we’ll have a boat tour of the bay in a local Punga, where you can observe up close the only penguins found near the equator. Later we will snorkel and hopefully see Marine turtles resting on the sea bed. (B, L, D)

Day 7 SANTA CRUZ
Today is an early morning departure to the Island of Santa Cruz. We will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding or surfing. (B, L, D)

Day 8 SANTA CRUZ, SANTA FE, SAN CRISTOBAL
Today we will pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoises and Land iguanas in captivity, brought back from the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we’ll depart from Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a nice dive/snorkel in a beautiful bay where we can observe the Marine iguanas feeding off the rocks and schools of Surgeon fish just below the surface. Returning to San Cristobal, we will settle in for an evening group dinner to celebrate our last night in the Islands. (B, L, D)

Day 9 SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND-QUITO
We will bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands with an optional visit to La Loberia Beach or last minute souvenir shopping. We depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito for our last night in Ecuador (B, L, D)

Day 10 QUITO DEPARTURE DAY
Participants will take cabs to UIO International or stay on for extensions.(B)