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Galapagos Tour Trips - Galapagos Islands Travel |
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The Magic of Isabela
Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Tourist Class Galapagos Hotels
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| Call Toll Free (USA & Canada): (845) 345-3204 |
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Wildlife to See
Galapagos Sea Lions, Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Blue-Footed Boobies, Flamingos, Frigate Birds, Pelicans, Darwin´s Finches, Galapagos Fly-Catchers, Galapagos Mockingbirds, and more.
Introduction
Our eight day Magic of Isabela land tour takes you to three different islands, allowing you to see the varied environments and the unique wildlife inhabiting them. You will get to snorkel with sharks, swim with sea lions, and get within feet to iguanas and many other ancient species fearless of human presence. You will also be taken through some of the most incredible landscapes, proof to the archipelago´s volcanic origins, such as the moonlike terrain of Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. All while resting comfortably at our choice selection of economic hotels and accompanied by our bilingual naturalist guides. Discover Galapagos with an affordable trip itinerary.
info@naturegalapagos.com
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* Our programs can start every day * |
- Summary
- Complete Itinerary
- General info
- Hotel Selection
- Tour Map
Activities: |
short hikes, snorkelling, kayaking and wildlife viewing |
Age range: |
4 yr - active 60's |
Trip style: |
soft adventure |
Pkg type: |
all inclusive |
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| Day 1 |
✔ Arrive San Cristóbal Airport
✔ Visit Interpretation Center
✔ Cerro Tijeretas & Playa Carola
✔ Overnight at San Cristóbal |
Day 2 |
OPTION 1:
✔ Visit
Highlands
✔ Visit El Progreso
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OPTION 2:
✔ Visit Kiker Rock and
✔ Isla Lobos (navigation) |
✔ Overnight at San Cristobal |
Day 3 |
✔ Speedboat to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
✔ Highlands & Tortuga Bay
✔ Overnight at Sata Cruz |
Day 4 |
✔ Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
✔ Speedboat to Isabela
✔ Short Visit to Flamingo Lagoon
✔ Overnight at Isabela Island
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Day 5 |
✔ Volcan Sierra Negra + Volcan Chico
✔ Concha Perla
✔ Overnight at Isabela Island |
Day 6 |
✔ Tintoreras Islet (Snorkeling & boat tour)
✔ Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
✔ Wall of Tears (Muro de los Lagrimas)
✔ Overnight at Isabela Island |
Day 7 |
✔ Kayaks Puerto Villamil - El Faro
✔ Highlands of Isabela (Campo Duro)
✔ Mango viewpoint and Cueva Sucre
✔ Overnight at Isabela Island |
Day 8 |
✔ Transfer out Baltra Airport
✔ Visit “The Twins” on way out
✔ Goodbye Galapagos! |
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NOTE: itinerary subject to change due to National Park dispositions or to circumstances beyond our control (force majeure). |
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8 Day Galapagos Tour Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival to San Cristóbal Airport. After lunch, we will visit The San Cristobal Interpretation Center where we will learn about the islands, evolution of their species, fauna, migration, and how humans came to live there. Then will make our way to “Cerro Tijeretas”, or “Frigate Hill” for some snorkelling. Then we will go to “Playa Carola” for our first contact with the beautiful waters of these islands. Hotel Accommodation provided.
Hotel Accomodations - L - D
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Day 2:
** You may choose ONE of the following options for this day - Let us know beforehand what you choose so we can arrange this.
OPTION A: Hike on the Highlands
After breakfast, we will visit the Highlands of San Cristobal our first stop is “Mirador de la Soledad”, where we will enjoy magnificent views of San Cristobal Island. Then we will go to the Junco Lagoon, the only fresh water lagoon in San Cristobal. Lunch at a local farm in the Highlands will be followed by a short stop at Playa de Puerto Chino. On the way back we will visit “El Progreso” in the highlands, where we will be able to see how the people of the island cultivate their food and wonderful coffee
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
OPTION B – Kicker Rock + Isla Lobs
After the Breakfast we wil prepare to visit to Kicker Rock, also known as the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido in Spanish). This amazing spot is located 2 hours from the coast of San Cristobal's Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea form two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. Tropicbirds, Frigates and boobies fill the magnificent surroundings. It is great for snorkeling. Then we will continue to small island Isla Lobos, and see a large colony of sea lions that rest and play together upon its rocky shores. We can do come good snorkeling in the clear waters. Lunch Box will be provided on board. Afet this we will return to Puerto Baquerizo
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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DAY 3:
After breakfast, we will transfer from (06:00 AM) San Cristobal to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Is.). We will then visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz to make closer contact with the giant Galapagos tortoises as well as birds, like the Bird Wizard and finches. All day, we will be surrounded by the endemic vegetation of the Galapagos, such as escalecias and matazarnos. In the afternoon we will make our way to the beautiful white sand beach Tortuga Bay. After a short hike, we may relax on the calm waters and the awsome landscape.
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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Day 4:
After breakfast, we will first visit the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station and its interpretive Center. Here we will have the great opportunity to see a large variety of Giant Galápagos tortoises as representatives to the most important islands on the archipelago.
Afterwards, we will head to Puerto Ayora for a visit to the most famous art galleries there. We will then take the public speedboat to Isabela Island (at 14:00 pm), where after arrival we make a short visit to the Flamingos Lagoon.
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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DAY 5:
Early in the morning after breakfast, we will have a full day tour of the Sierra Negra Volcan. This volcano is located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil and is the world’s second largest volcanic crater, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will hike the crater and enjoy the view of the beach below before continuing on to Volcan Chico, a still active volcano which warms the surrounding ground. (Box lunch will be provided). In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel and later we will have the opportunity to go snorkeling in Concha Perla, where we will ba able to swim with sea-lions and see a variety of colorful fish, starfish, and sea urchins. (Snorkelling equipment is included in this visit: tube, mask, fins).
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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DAY 6:
After breakfast, we will visit the Tintores Islet; It is called this due to a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks known as “tintoreras” come daily to rest on the bottom. As a ¨Tintorera¨ we will also have the chance to watch other animals native to the region like penguins, and sea lions, and go snorkeling with sharks. On the afternoon we visit Humedales Complex inluding The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, the famous “Muro de las Lágrimas”, the enormous lava rocks wall built during the times Isabella Island was designated as a penal colony (1946 to 1959) . Additionally, we will visit “Mirador Orchidia" and el “estero de Isabela”.
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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Day 7:
After breakfast and depending on the tide, we will make our way to the dock and prepare for the kayaking excursion. After listening to the instructions and safety precautions, and once equipped with lifejackets and oars, we will begin rowing towards Tintoreras Islet where we will be able to observe a variety of fauna from our kayaks, including Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, and Marine Iguanas. We will make our way up to El Faro before heading back to shore (appx. 2 hours). Return to the hotel for lunch (kayaks equipment is included - life jacket, helmet, kayaks).
After lunch, we will visit the highlands of Isabella, specifically Campo Duro, a place where we will meet 60 giant Galapagos tortoises in their semi-natural environment. Also we will visit “la Cueva de Sucre” after that we will go to “Mirador El Mango”.
Hotel Accomodations - B - L - D
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Day 8:
Early in the morning (06:00 am), we will take the public speedboat from Isabela to Puerto Ayora, where our guide will be waiting for you and then we take a breakfast, after that we continue the travel to travel to Baltra Airport, but on the way we will stop by "The Twins" (a.k.a. “The Gemelos”), which are similar to craters, but formed by a collapse of the Earth because of the lava flows that passed below it. The tour will end upon the arrival to the airport where we will depart to Quito or Guayaquil.
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NOTE: itinerary subject to change due to National Park dispositions or to circumstances beyond our control (force majeure).
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RATES INCLUDE
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✔ Accommodation in the selected class hotels
✔ All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
✔ Bilingual speaking naturalist guides for each island and activities
✔ Snorkelling and kayak equipment on Isabela (mask, snorkel and fins, kayaks)
✔ All transfers and transportation in Galapagos during the program
✔ Excursions and visits during the program
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RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
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✘ Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $100.00 USD per person
✘ Migratory Control Card: $10.00 USD per person
✘ Isabela dock fee $5.00 USD per person
✘ Water Taxi from dock to speedboat: $1.00 US per person/ per ride
✘ Soft drinks and alcoholics beverages
✘ Air tickets
✘ Tips
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 IMPORTANT REMARKS
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| Hotel Selection: The hotel selection depends on the category of hotels that you choose. We will indicate which hotels are available for the dates of your trip according to the category selected. Hotels are categorized as follows: Economic Class, Tourist Class, Tourist Superior Class, and First Class. All hotels used were carefully chosen by us after close inspection. Nature Galapagos & Ecuador is the proud owner of the Hotel San Vicente Galapagos (Tourist Class), and La Laguna Galapagos (Tourist Superior Class), both of which are located on Isabela and for both the quality of service can be assured.
Airfare Not Included: The price of the tour does not include air tickets. We can help with booking. You may also book them on your own. PLEASE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT the arrival and departure. Please book early arrival flights (before 12am) and late departure (11am or after) so that you will not miss any part of the tour. You can book your flight through TAME (recommended), AEROGAL or LAN.
Restaurants: We work with local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which also depend on the category of hotel chosen, as not all hotels have restaurant service. Meals are served in the fashion of the local customs as “meal of the day” (one - two options). First class hotels have their own restaurants where gourmet style meals are served. By patronizing local restaurants, we also contribute to the local economy for a sustainable tourism.
Lunch and Dinner: Consist of the meal of the day (not a la carte). If you would prefer a la carte style meals they can be made available for an extra charge. Please let us know before booking your tour.
Guides: We work with local and different guides for each island since each specializes in specific activities and areas of visit. The guides will accompany you throughout all excursions, give explanations and education on their knowledge of the islands, flora, and fauna, and coordinate the activities each day. The Guide activities start and end with the excursions, they will only indicate the restaurant selected but he will not stay with you during this time. The guide will not go with you on the speedboats transfer either.
istances are short in the Galapagos, and as the inhabited settlements have few residents they are very safe to walk around any time of day with normal precaution.
Public Speedboats: We recommend taking a seasickness pill before the speedboat ride between islands. It is also recommended that you carry on small plastic bags in case of seasickness. The speedboats are not completely covered so please make sure that valuables and electronics, is stored in a plastic bag. The guide will not go with you on the speedboats but a new guide will greet you on the other side. There are no services onboard the speedboat as space is limited and the journey is relatively short.
Schedule of Excursions: The schedule of the excursions will be coordinated and determined locally through the guide and those responsible for the operations. The guide will indicate what time each activity will start. The transfers between islands on the public speedboats are the only activities that have fixed departure times (usually AT 14:00 and 6:00). |
Tourist Class Hotels
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** Hotels depend on availability - we may not always use hotels listed below
** We will always stick to the class you selcteted |
Hotel Galapagos Planet in San Cristóbal Island |
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| PALMERAS HOTEL in Santa Cruz Island |
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SAN VICENTE GALAPAGOS HOTEL in Isabela Island |
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- Air-Conditioning and hot water
- Private bathroom
- Wireless Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Located 3 blocks from the pristine white sand beach
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