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GALAPAGOS -
GALAPAGOS
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Monday, April 10, 2023
Sunday, April 23, 2023
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Galapagos Islands ranked among the world's most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
GALAPAGOS
Yacht Isabella II Western Islands. 5 Days/4 Nights
The Galapagos Islands rank among the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Over 6 million years old and still forming, the volcanic archipelago lies 600 mi (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. This isolation means species have evolved amid the stark landscapes into new and unique life forms that are astonishingly fearless of humans. Designated Ecuador’s first National Park in 1959, it became a one of the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites inn 1978. Its Marine Reserve is among the world’s largest and it is protected by a large Biosphere Reserve, plus whale and shark sanctuaries. Famous as the source of inspiration for Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of evolution, the islands have changed little since he visited 180 years ago.
Our journey begins on Santa Cruz Island, where we explore the lush vegetation of the Highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day, we take in the panoramic views from Bartolome Island, snorkeling with penguins with luck, before swimming off the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, exploring its dramatic lava field. The next morning takes us to Dragon Hill, home of dusty-yellow land iguanas, and then the volcanic crater at James Bay, following in the steps of Charles Darwin. Heading west, we take to our dinghies to discover the wildlife of Punta Vicente Roca, and later make our way pristine environments anywhere on the planet, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the 'Baroque school of Quito', which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. The city's crown jewel is its 'Old Town,' a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial monuments and architectural treasures.
April 10 – Quito
Arrive Quito and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: JW Marriott, Quito, or similar (3 nights)
April 11 – Quito
Experience Quito like a local.
Today is a full day with visits to the Casa del Alabado Museum. The museum occupies one of the oldest houses in the Historic Center and features a privileged look at pre-Colombian art, focused on the religious practices of each group. We visit La Compania Church (also known as the Church of the Society of Jesus), considered the crown jewel of Quito’s Historic Centre and one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in the world. Learn about the ornate San Francisco Church and Convent, which marked the arrival of the first Catholic order in Quito. The church features the “Winged Virgin” above the main alter. It is a perfect example of Renaissance, Mudejar, and Baroque Quito styles. The sight serves as the inspiration for the Legend of Cantuna, which tells the story of a cunning indigenous worker that managed to deceive the Devil.
While in Quito, participate in a unique tasting at the Chocolateria Chez Tiff, a visit to Independent Square (known as Plaza Grande) and stroll the popular Calle La Ronda – a narrow street which hosts traditional artisan workshops.
Included: Cultural Tour of Quito (Live Quito like a Local – full day)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant
April 12 – Quito
Included: City Tour + Middle of the World
This half-day tour with lunch features some of the most iconic sites in Quito’s Historic Centre combined with a visit to the Middle of the World. The trip to Ecuador wouldn’t be complete without a photo depicting one foot in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere! The Middle of the World City, approximately 13.5 km north of Quito, at 0° 0°0°, honors the French Geodesic Mission, located, near the mission’s century, precisely determined the location of the equinoctial line. The tour includes a visit to the Middle of the World Monument, which focuses on the history of the Middle of the World City. After the tour, enjoy lunch at El Crater restaurant located on the edge of the Pululahua volcano crater, overlooking the particular Andean mountain-forest ecosystem, while experiencing Ecuadorian gastronomy.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
April 13 – Quito – Santa Cruz Island
Depart on a flight from Guayaquil to Baltra airport located on Santa Cruz Island. After landing at Baltra Airport, we drive to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the fascinating, more humid Highlands of the island to enjoy lunch, and then continue south down to Puerto Ayora on the coast.
Note: Please dress in comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medications you are currently taking. We recommend bringing sunblock, insect repellent, and anything else you need.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
At the eastern end of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, the islands’ headquarters for scientific research and conservation. Later in the afternoon, we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking. Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Included: Domestic flight included | Quito to Baltra
Accommodation: Yacht Isabella II (4 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
April 14 – Bartolome Island (AM) / Santiago Island (PM)
Bartolome Island – This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort! Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) – After lunch, we board the pangas (inflatable dinghies) and land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach that is ideal for swimming. A trail runs along a lava field that flowed here around 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and understand the volcanic origin of the Galapagos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
April 15 – Santa Cruz Island (AM) / Santiago Island (PM)
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) – The north coast of Santa Cruz host the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. After disembarking, the first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and American flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas (for which the visitor site is named, following a concerted effort to conserve them by the Galapagos National Park). After our walk, we can snorkel from the shore, hoping to spot rays, green turtles, and sharks.
Salt Mine (James Bay, Santiago Island) - Our wet landing on James Bay follows in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. The young naturalists spent about six days exploring the island in 1835, enthralled not only by the species he encountered – finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, and yellow warblers, as well as Galapagos doves, hawks and flamingos – but also by the vegetation and the fascinating geological formations. Our hike takes us uphill to one of these for panoramic views: a crater filled with brackish water. The salt from this lagoon was mined in the 20th century, but the businesses didn’t prosper. More active explorers can hike all the way around the cone.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
April 16 – Isabela Island (AM) / Fernandina Island (PM)
Punta Vicente Roco (Isabella Island) – Since there is no landing site at this location, we explore the captivating coast by dinghy, seeking out abundant wildlife including colonies of Galapagos fur seals, the nesting sites of Nazca boobies, not to mention flightless cormorants, penguins and marine iguanas. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Back on board, we navigate along the Bolivar channel, were nutrient-rich upwellings provide fertile fishing grounds for cetaceans.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) – We end our journey on a high note, by visiting the island of Fernandina, the youngest island of the archipelago and arguably one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. Our visitor site of Punta Espinoza boasts an amazing combination of apparently barren landscapes and abundant wildlife, all dominated by the lofty volcano at the heart of the island. Highlights to spot include hawks, penguins, huge numbers of marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its beguiling blue eyes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
April 17 - Baltra Island (AM)- Guayaquil
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon/evening at leisure.
Included: Domestic flight included | Baltra to Guayaquil
Accommodation: Wyndham Guayaquil (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
April 18 – Guayaquil
Our journey ends today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Galapagos Tour Price: includes 3 Nights in Quito + 1 Night in Guayaquil (2 Domestic flights included)
Owners Cabin (1) – C$9,450 per person based on twin occupancy - waitlisted
Classic Cabin (7) - C$8,990 per person based on twin occupancy
Classic Cabin Solo use (1) – C$13,990
Single Cabin Solo (1) – C$9850 waitlisted
Add Prepaid Gratuities: C$210 per person
Deposit: Galapagos Tour, C$750 per person
Balance Due: January 9, 2023
Solo’s looking to share – inquire
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary.
Group price is based on minimum of 12 guests. Trips with less than 12 guests may be subject to cancellation. Rates, taxes and fees effective July 1, 2022 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted with a minimum of 12 guests.
Important Information – Galapagos
Please remember that exact route and program may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. It is also subject to change without prior notice due mainly to any modification to the Galapagos National Park policies and regulations.
Dry landing: guests step from the panga (dinghy) onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into around 8 inches (20cm) of water and wade ashore.
Packing checklist: (1) small backpack, comfortable walking shoes, sneakers with rubber soles, shorts, long pants, t-shirts, long and short sleeved shirts, wind breaker, bathing suit, hat, sunblock and repellent, sunglasses, binoculars, camera & any medicine you may be taking.
Included while onboard: Accommodation, all meals aboard the ship, island site visits, snorkeling, gear, presentations and talks hosted by Galapagos National Park -certified naturalist guides, Internet*, luggage handling, medical on board (excludes the cost of medication), taxes and shared transfers from Guayaquil hotel to airport / airport to Quito hotel.
*Internet connectivity consists of 2 computer work stations in the business centre and wi-fi in the yacht’s social areas; given the remote location of the Galapagos Islands, the internet connection is intermittent and low bandwidth.
Not Included: International air tickets, wet suits, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages (excluding coffee, tea, water), tips, personal expenses, fuel surcharge, and any additional items. Wetsuits are available for rent at an additional cost of approx. USD 17 per person, per 5-day voyage.
Cancellations: 91 days and over prior to departure – loss of deposit(s) per person, 90 days prior to departure 65% per person of the total trip cost, 60 – 31 Days prior to departure 75% per person of the total trip cost, 30 days prior to departure or no show – 100% per person of the total trip cost. Air Tickets are 100% non-refundable at time of issuance plus applicable administration fee. Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $75 may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person aged 12 or more is eligible, through if less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: International Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost. Domestic air is included.
Baggage Allowance: Dimensions, weight restrictions will be dependent on airline terms. Charges may be levied by the airlines for checked baggage or in the event baggage limits are exceeded.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information posted on our website is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s). Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. Contact us for the most up to date pricing and availability.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
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