The Galapagos and Andean Cloud Forest High Adventure Tour

TOUR SUMMARY

• Duration: 13 Days
• Group Size: Max 14

 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Diving (optional) / Snorkeling
• Hiking 
• Mountain biking
• Surfing/Body Boarding (optional)
• Bird Watching in the Cloud Forest

From the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world, to the depths of the enriched and deep blue waters of the Galapagos, our carefully planned tour is a must for all lovers of outdoor adventure. Whether you are diving with harmless sharks, playful sea lions, giant manta rays, or just enjoying the company of the Giant Galapagos tortoise, our 13-day adventure-tour is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. The more strenuous activities of the trip are optional, so as long as a person can walk in flat terrain, we can gladly accommodate you.

Limited space available, to register Contact Us and Download a Registration Form

The Galapagos and Andean Cloud Forest Abridged Itinerary

Please feel free to arrive March 16, 2009 and recieve this addtional night in our hotel courtesy of Trackers International.

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)

Day 2, DEPARTURE FOR SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The tour begins with an early 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 islandthrough 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- DEPARTURE DAY FOR MINDO
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 a transfer by van from the airport to Mindo, a 2.5 hour ride. The beautiful pre-montane cloud forest reserve of Mindo is the success story of local community activism, ecotourism and the work of private conservation groups. Home to more than 400 species of birds, locals say it is the only place in Ecuador that is gaining forest. Our guides will meet us in Mindo and take us across the Rio Mindo by tarabita (hand powered cable car) to El Monte Sustainable Lodge, which is run by a warm Ecuadorian/US couple. (B, L, D)

Day 10, MINDO
Here we can relax in the beautiful A Frame cabins set alongside the river or head out with our onsite guides for bird watching, hiking to waterfalls, tubing on the river and swimming. The communal lodge has a restaurant, library and bar.  Horseback riding and mountain bikes can be contracted in town for an additional fee.
(B, L, D)

Day 11, MINDO
Today we can stay onsite to do what we missed the first day, or head into the town of Mindo for a tour of the Armonia Orchid Garden or the Caligo Butterfly Farm, then return to the lodge for the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 12, QUITO
Say farewell to the cloud forest as we head back to Quito by bus for one last night in the capital city. Here we will have an array of churches, plaza’s and museums to choose from to cap the final day of the trip. (B, L, D)

Day 13, QUITO DEPARTURE DAY
Participants will take cabs to UIO International or stay on for extensions.
(B)

Thank you so much and see you soon 

SPECIAL NOTE: TRACKERS INTERNATIONAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND OR, GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATION CHANGES

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE  

• 12 nights full accommodation in single, double or triple accommodations
• Private bathroom, clean and comfortable.
• Meals daily as specified in the tour (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Welcome and farewell dinners in Quito
• Airport transfers to and from accommodations in Galapagos and Quito
• International transfers
• Full pre departure briefings and logistical support in Quito
• All land and sea transport
• Mountain bikes
• Snorkeling equipment
• Naturalist guides authorized by the national park of Galapagos.
• Tour leader throughout out the tour
• Airfare from Quito to the Galapagos and back to Quito

 Not Included

• Galapagos National Park entrance fee $110 USD, only payable in cash, upon arrival to the islands
• Alcoholic / Soft drinks /Gratuities
• 2 evening meals
• Wetsuit hire $20usd
• Anything not specified in the package
• Optional (please inquire for diving package)
• Medical Trip Insurance (we can direct you toward reliable service)