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Difficulty Level
An easy trip for anyone. Emphasis is on wildlife and nature, with lots
of time to pursue your own interests.
Included Highlights
• Tour of Otavalo market
• 3 nights in the Galapagos Islands
• Amazon Jungle Excursion (3 nights)
• City tour of Quito
Accommodation
5 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night hacienda, 3 nights twin-share cabins
on board our motorized, air conditioned yacht, 3 nights twin-share accommodation
at the jungle lodge.
Transportation
Motorized, air-conditioned yacht, local flight, canoe (motorized and paddle),
taxi, van, walking.
Food Included
All meals while in the Galapagos and at La Selva Lodge, breakfast daily.
Local English-speaking naturalist
guides in both the Galapagos (certified by the Charles
Darwin Research Station) and at La Selva Lodge. Local English-speaking
guide for 3 full days while in Quito and Cayambe.
Budget
Allow USD $20 per day for food - for additional expenses, see dossier.
Drinks and tips are extra on the boat and at the lodge. You must pay a
USD $100 (cash) Galapagos park entry fee (subject to change).
Associated ST Project
A portion of proceeds from each tour is donated to the Charles Darwin
Foundation, supporting conservation in the Galapagos.
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From Quito you fly to the Galapagos Islands
to observe the abundant wildlife for which the islands are renowned. Your
holiday concludes deep in the Amazon jungle, where you can relax amidst
the lush greenery of the rainforest.
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Day 2 Cayambe (B) We begin
our tour by heading north to the village of Cayambe, spending the night
in a historic hacienda nestled at the base of Cayambe Volcano, just a
short distance from Otavalo. Go horseback riding, take a dip in the swimming
pool, or explore the vast property on foot.
Day 3 Otavalo / Quito (B)
We return to Quito, stopping in Otavalo to explore the largest handicraft
market in South America, where villagers sell handmade goods as well as
livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Day 4 Galapagos Islands (B, L, D)
We take an early flight to the Galapagos Islands, transfer to our yacht
and begin cruising to the first island for the beginning of a trip filled
with natural wonders.
Day 5, 6 Galapagos (2B, 2L, 2D)
We visit several islands during our Galapagos adventure, viewing abundant
wildlife and soaking up the spectacular scenery. Each day, we travel from
the yacht to the islands, via a small, motorized launch with our naturalist
guide. On land we will explore the islands as our guide interprets the
natural history and educates us on the interesting wildlife. Most days
you can snorkel or dive among sea lions, and there is always time to relax
out on deck.
Day 7 Quito (B) Visit one
last island before flying to Quito. Free evening in Quito.
Day 8 Quito (B) Enjoy a
half day tour of Quito with its colonial architecture, markets and cafés.
Free time to wander around and enjoy the city on your own.
Day 9 Amazon Jungle Lodge (B, L, D)
Today we fly to Coca, located on the edge of the Amazon. We travel by
motorized dugout canoe to our Amazon lodge - your home in the rainforest.
Day 10, 11 Amazon Jungle Lodge (2B, 2L,
2D) Our Amazon lodge provides comfort in the jungle with
private bathrooms, hot and cold running water and screened jungle-view
rooms. Climb a tower 43m (141 ft) tall to view the canopy and choose from
various guided jungle walks, bird watching and wildlife spotting activities.
Day 12 Quito (B) Return
to Quito and transfer to hotel. The final evening is at leisure.
Day 13 Depart Quito
Your Home Away From Home!
The G.A.P Adventurer I, II & III, yachts owned and operated by Ecuadorians,
each have 8 comfortable air-conditioned twin-share cabins, with private
facilities.
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Notes
(1) Passport details, nationality, full name and date of birth must be
advised at time of booking.
We continually strive to improve the quality of our trips
throughout Latin America, and the Galapagos is no exception to our rule
of 'Quality First'. Our tours run the way we want them to - we charter
the whole boat! The Adventurer I, II & III are comfortable, locally
owned air-conditioned 72/75/65-foot motor yachts equipped to accommodate
16 passengers each with plenty of room to spare. Our specially trained
crew will show you the charms of these wonderful islands and leave you
with memories to last a lifetime. Your voyage is guided by a Level
III (the highest possible rating) naturalist guide certified by the Darwin
Research Station. Our guides are intimately acquainted with the
flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. The cabin crew and guide work
together to make your journey unforgettable. A representative from our
local office will be on hand in Quito to ensure your Galapagos experience
is smooth sailing from start to finish.
Your home away from home
The Adventurer I, II & III, yachts owned and operated by Ecuadorians,
each have 8 comfortable air-conditioned twin-share cabins, with private
facilities.
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Diver
down!
The Galapagos have been named one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the
world (CEDAM International). The G.A.P Adventurer I, II and III are fully
outfitted with diving gear. There are many different marine environments
to take advantage of and you may see fur seals, sea lions, Manta and Eagle
rays, turtles, Orcas, dolphins, a variety of sharks and more.
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If you want to SCUBA dive, pre-book dives with your tour
at a cost of USD$70/ CAD$110/ GBP50/ EURO60/ AUD$135/ NZD$155 each. Proof
of NAUI or PADI certification required.
The Islands
of Galapagos
The Islands of the Galapagos vary from stark, volcanic islands with immense
lava fields to islands rich with vegetation and rimmed with sandy beaches.
In 1835, Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos and decided that "the
natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves
attention". He was right. The following is a short description of
some of the islands you may visit during the Voyage Galapagos.
Santa Fe Island (also known as Barrington)
Here we find an endemic species of land Iguana and a forest of impressively
tall Opuntia Cacti 'trees'. The Galapagos Mockingbird, Magnificent Frigatebird,
Brown Pelican and several species of Darwin's Finches are also commonly
sighted.
Espanola Island (also known as Hood)
Espanola's Punta Suarez offers the visitor a stunning display of wildlife:
Marine Iguanas with copper red patches, Sea Lions, Lava Lizards and lots
of bird life including finches, boobies and gulls. This is the only island
where the Waved Albatross can be seen during its breeding season (Apr-Dec).
Floreana Island (also known as Charles)
This island is the site of the famous 'post office barrel', which was
placed there by whalers in the 18th century. It is still there, so if
you wish you can continue with the ancient tradition of postal delivery.
We visit Pt. Cormorant which has a jade green volcanic beach, a lagoon
and occasional shore birds and flamingos. There may also be the opportunity
to snorkel at Devil's Crown, a submerged volcanic cone.
Santa Cruz Island (also known as Indefatigable)
Santa Cruz is the economic centre of the Galapagos and the most populated
island of the archipelago. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10
minute walk from the centre of the main town, Puerto Ayora. Here you will
have the opportunity to visit the adult Galapagos Tortoises in captivity,
along with their young, which are raised at the Station. Another lovely
feature of the island is Turtle Bay Beach, a 45 minute walk from Puerto
Ayora along a well-established trail. The pristine white sand beach is
absolutely stunning - a tranquil place with white surf accentuating the
various blues of the deeper water.
Rabida (also known as Jervis)
This small island's volcanic rock is covered by Opuntia Cacti, Palo Santo
trees and low scrubby bushes. Sea Lions abound on the picturesque dark
red beach behind which is a flamingo lagoon. The beach and the nearby
cliffs serve as resting sites for several species of seabirds.
Bartolome Island (also known as Bartholomew)
The geological history of the archipelago is best portrayed by this small
island. The impressive volcanic scenery can be viewed from the top of
Bartolome (114m / 374ft), where you will see varied lava formations, volcanic
peaks and moon-like landscapes.
North Seymour Island
This island is probably the most exciting for photographers. Bird life
is abundant and exceptionally close to the trail. The largest colony of
Magnificent Frigatebirds is found here, as well as nesting Blue-Footed
Boobies and Swallow-Tailed Gulls.
San Cristobal (also known as Chatham)
This island is the easternmost island of Galapagos and one of the oldest.
The principal town is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno which is the capital of
the Galapagos. |
