GALAPAGOS ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS

Transcription

1 GALAPAGOS ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS GALAPAGOS ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS 8 DAYS Effort: Easy to Moderate. No experience required. Activities: Walking, snorkeling, birdwatching, swimming, wildlife observation, community interaction, and foodie experience. This three island journey takes you on a natural history voyage of evolution and wildlife exploration following Darwin s footsteps. Walk trails on active volcanoes; snorkel waters vibrant with color and movement, experience the originality of Galapagos through it s fresh, delicious food and distinctive local communities. Relax at our waterfront properties and lounge on sandy beaches next to sea lions and marine iguanas. This trip is ideal for families and leisure travelers. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Visit El Junco, the only permanent freshwater lake in Galapagos. Walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Explore exotic organic fruit trails and enjoy a delicious coffee tasting from an award-winning grain. Snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and tropical fish. Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you ll find hatchlings and older breeding species. Discover Tintoreras, a marine sanctuary where you ll walk and snorkel. Learn about the conservation efforts of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Visit a chocolate factory and local art galleries. 1

2 DAY 1: LEARN ABOUT WILDLIFE NATURAL EVOLUTION AND SNORKEL WITH SEA TURTLES AND SEA LIONS Start your adventure at the beautiful beach of Lobería, home to a healthy colony of sea lions. Practice your snorkeling skills and delight in the proximity of sea turtles swimming next to you. If you feel energetic enough don t miss the hike to the Las Negritas cliff for some unique marine bird and iguana spotting along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the interpretation center and learn about the unique natural and human history of the Galapagos. On our way back we stop for a refreshing snorkel and swim at Punta Carola or Playa Mann, where we swim with sea turtles and sea lions and take in the spectacular Galapagos sunset. (L) 2

3 DAY 2: COMMUNITY AND WILDLIFE: VISIT ONE OF THE ONLY FRESHWATER LAKES IN GALAPAGOS, A LOCAL FARM WITH EXOTIC FRUIT CROPS, TASTE AWARD-WINNING COFFEE Today we visit El Junco, the only permanent freshwater lake in the Galapagos. This walk reveals magnificent panoramic views and close encounters with San Cristobal s native plant species. This Crater Lake is home to frigate birds, common gallinules, white-cheeked pintail ducks and more. With some luck we ll witness the unique ritual of frigate birds washing the salt from their feathers in the lake s fresh water. After a short drive we stop at Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a wonderful breeding center where tortoises roam free. We walk for an hour among these wild giant tortoises and learn about conservation efforts to preserve these endangered, endemic species. We continue to Hacienda Tranquila where we stop for lunch. This is a fantastic opportunity to share in the local lifestyle of the Galapagos Highlands. We ll walk through native fruit trails and taste oranges, passion fruit, guavas, pomarrosa (rose apple), ovos and other exotic varieties. We can help feed the farm animals and learn about coffee harvesting methods. We spend the afternoon there and catch a beautiful sunset behind Kicker Rock from the viewpoint. Giant swing optional! (B, L) 3

4 DAY 3: VISIT TINTORERAS ISLET, PRISTINE BEACHES AND THE WALL OF TEARS We take short boat ride from town to Tintoreras, where we ll walk and snorkel. These calm waters are the home of sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and penguins. Tintoreras offers a high concentration of wildlife that will amaze you. After going around on the boat and walking on Tintoreras itself, we snorkel for a chance to marine life abundant in this bay. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town. We then set out on one of the most scenic walks in the Galapagos. Our hike takes us along immaculate beaches, into an alluring poison apple forest and a lava tube cave, and through brooding mangroves and brackish lagoons. As we pass through these varied ecosystems, we ll see lots of giant tortoises, flamingos, and other birds. (B, L) 4

5 DAY 4: ENJOY A VISIT TO ISABELA S HIGHLANDS, ENDEMIC ECOSYSTEMS AND LEARN ABOUT ORGANIC FARMING This morning we head up to the highlands and hike up to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. One of the youngest lava fields in the world, surrounded by Galapagos hawk and endemic plants, the effort is worth it. Then we visit a local ranch to have lunch and learn about the life of the first Isabela settlers. We ll explore organic agriculture practices, gentle animal farming, coffee plantations, sugar cane production and some amazing vegetation and birdwatching. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the locals and share in their daily lives and traditions. (B, L) 5

6 DAY 5: DISCOVER A GIANT TORTOISES BREEDING CENTER, FLAMINGOS AND A GREAT SNORKEL Today we walk a short trail to the Giant Tortoise Center, completed in 1994 and home to the tortoise populations of southern Isabela. We ll get a chance to see hatchlings as well as older tortoises. Along the way to the Tortoise Center we pass through a manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos a delightful and unexpected sight for Galapagos. After a delicious lunch made with local and organic products, we head to one of the favorite local hangouts, Concha y Perla, for a fantastic swim and snorkel. (B, L) 6

7 DAY 6: SANTA CRUZ, VISIT TORTUGA BAY AND LOCAL WORK SHOPS Early in the morning boat transfer to Santa Cruz, once we arrive we will visit one of the most famous beaches of Galapagos Tortuga Bay, we walk on a beautiful trail for around and hour to get to this pristine white sand beach. The dry forest is full of iguanas, finches, mockingbirds, and endemic cacti. The beach itself is a gorgeous place for us to relax and enjoy the view. We may take a water taxi to go back to town. In the afternoon, we ll walk along the main street of Puerto Ayora exploring local picturesque artisan shops and discovering a chocolate artisanal workshop. Some create very interesting pieces out of recycled materials! (B, L) 7

8 DAY 7: FOODIE EXPERIENCE, GIANT TORTOISES AND FARMING IN THE HIGHLANDS We ll drive a short distance to the biggest agricultural area of Galapagos: the highlands of Santa Cruz. Our first stop is a local shop where we will find all sorts of local crops and even make our own corviche, another delicacy of the Ecuadorian cuisine done with plantain, fish and peanut. Then we will visit a family project where tourism and agriculture join together in a unique environment. Participate in local farming and have a great lunch while learning the way of life of Galapagos highlanders. After lunch we walk among Giant Tortoise in their natural habitat. We ll see them take mud baths in the ponds and interact among each other. (B, L) 8

9 DAY 8: TRANSFER OUT TO ITABACA CHANNEL Today you will have a transfer from the hotel in Puerto Ayora to the Itabaca channel. Then continue by yourself to Baltra Island for your flight back to the mainland. (B) 9

10 INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED NOTE Accommodations in comfort or premium class hotels, meals as listed (B = breakfast, L = lunch), bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide, all sea and land transportation during the journey. Flights to and from Galapagos, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park, Galapagos transit card, dinners throughout the program tips, hotel & restaurant beverages. This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and adjustments of Galapagos National Park policy. All tours are shared with a group. Please enquire about private tour options. The Weight restriction per person for the Inner Island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela is 25 pounds in one piece of luggage. IMPORTANT INFORMATION SEASON: Year-round ALTITUDE: 0 3,688 ft. (1,124 mts.) above sea level WEATHER: During the warm season from January to May, air temperature is around 77 to 83 F (25 to 28 C) at sea level. During the cool season from June to December, air temperature is around 70 to 75 F (21 to 24 C) at sea level. Temperature decreases with altitude. WATER TEMPERATURE: During the warm season from January to May, water temperature hovers around 77 F (25 C). During the cool season from June to December, average water temperature is about 72 F (22 C). Water temperature also varies significantly by location. SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: Walking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, non-cotton trekking clothes, sunblock, sun hat and repellent. 10 Revised September 30/2016