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2012 Discovery Adventures: Galapagos Islands Cruise (SEV10QDA)
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Countries Visited: Ecuador, Galapagos
Trip Style: Discovery Adventures - Bring to life the awe-inspiring destinations featured on the Discovery Channel. Engage colourful cultures, wildlife and landscapes through exhilarating, educational and immersive activities and arrive at a greater understanding of our incredible planet.
Service Level: Comfort - for those who like to travel in comfort
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Group Size: Min 8, Max 16
Meals Included: 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
Accommodations: Comfort hotel (2nts), your choice while on board the catamaran of Deluxe cabins with private balcony (both twin share and double available), a Suite (double) and Standard twin share cabins (7 nts).
Highlights
Quito, Baltra, Floreana, Espanola, Santa Cruz, Rabida, Bartolome, Plazas, Santa Fe, North Seymour.
Description
Follow in Darwin's footsteps and embrace some of the world's most exceptional wildlife. Cruise the incredible Galapagos Islands and see for yourself how Darwin's revolutionary theory is still playing out. From the comfort of a motorized catamaran, you'll snorkel with sea lions before relaxing with a cold drink in the ship's jacuzzi. When you do hop off the boat for island hikes, a Naturalist Guide will be on hand to offer context. From blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises, you will never get closer to wildlife than you will here.
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| Call (866) 373-0865 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10409483 | | G Adventures | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Quito | Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time, and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities, so check in and enjoy the city. A Discovery Adventures representative will hold a briefing at the hotel to review the various aspects of the tour. If you are not able to attend this welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel's reception, indicating what time to be ready on Day 2 of our trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details.
Located 9,348 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 14 miles (22 km) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city center. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito's appeal to thousands of tourists every year.
In 1978, UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable.
Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but leveled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historic buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compania de Jesus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compania contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).
There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archeology, the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo, the Little Bread Loaf, a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvelous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. Tourists can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town.
Quito's large foreign population and steady stream of travelers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a pena if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cuisine.
Just a few hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano at 19,342 ft (5897 m). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador's second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for day hiking up to the refuge on the glacier's edge or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit on an overnight excursion. Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.
Warning: Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveler's checks and cash you don't need in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Quitenos are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city! | | Day 2 | Black Turtle Cove | Day 2 Baltra/ Black Turtle Cove (B, L, D)
We rise early to catch our flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, the group will be met by our expert naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our catamaran, to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. After lunch and a briefing from our naturalist, we embark on our first excursion to visit Black Turtle Cove, an area of small mangrove surrounded inlets where we can view various bird and marine life which may include: herons, pelicans, mustard rays, white tipped sharks and marine turtles.
The Galapagos Islands are located about 620 miles (1,000 km) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named.
Covering nearly 3,100 square miles (5000 square km), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, and is assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. This research station, inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, is the scientific institution that helps the Galapagos National Park with the preservation of the Islands. The station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos tortoises which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training center for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage. | | Day 3 | Floreana | Day 3 Floreana (B, L, D)
This morning, we explore Post Office Bay, on Floreana Island. The history of Floreana Island, also called Charles, has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters were chronicled in John Treherne's book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a book entitled Floreana, which can be purchased at the airport in Baltra or at a local bookstore.
Post Office Bay has an older and less mysterious history. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island's history prior to its designation as a protected area. A short hike up past the post barrel takes us to an interesting lava cave. With the aid of a flashlight, we can descend about 262 ft (80 m) to the point where the sea enters the cave.
Later in the afternoon, we continue to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of green sand, colored by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. From the beach, we hike to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds. We continue to a beach of fine white sand particles known as Flour Beach, an important nesting site for turtles. Around the point, Devil's Crown derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkeling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colorful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, as the water here can be rough and the currents very strong. | | Day 4 | Espanola | Day 4 Espanola (B, L, D)
Early this morning, we arrive at Espanola Island, also called Hood Island, the southernmost island of the Galapagos. We explore Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkeling site where we could find ourselves swimming with sea lions or even reef sharks. We continue in the afternoon to Punta Suarez on the western side of Espanola Island, where views are spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island. There is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The waved albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Espanola is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12,000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of masked and blue-footed boobies are also found here. Red-billed tropic birds dash madly through the air and both marine iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m) into the air, adds to the island's impression of untamed beauty.
During our hike, we follow the trail through a rookery and our naturalist tells us the geological history of the island, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna. | | Day 5 | Santa Cruz | Day 5 Santa Cruz (B, L, D)
In the morning, we arrive back to port in Puerta Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island where we visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago and has the largest population, with Puerto Ayora as its main town. It also boasts the most varied of the islands' vegetation zones: coastal, transition, scalesia, miconia and pampa. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the center of town. Here, an exhibition displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos tortoises and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from wild dogs.
In the afternoon, we may have the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild. | | Day 6 | Rabida | Day 6 Dragon Hill/ Rabida (B, L, D)
This morning, we visit Dragon Hill, then make our way to Rabida Island (also called Jervis Island) where our boat lands on Rabida's red sand beach. We take a short hike along the trail leading to a salt water lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. We continue along another trail past the lagoon into the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Walking back to the beach we search among low-lying bushes for the nests of the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds, and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters. | | Day 7 | Bartolome | Day 7 Sullivan Bay/ Bartolome (B, L, D)
In the morning, visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to explore the huge black lava flows that are a century old. Walking along the lava trail we view various volcanic formations including; lava bubbles and pahoehoe, a real treat for those interested in geology and earth sciences.
Afterward, continue to Bartolome Island (also called Bartholomew). We take a hike up to the summit of the island to get a clearer perspective of the not-too-distant volcanic origins of this area. The panoramic view from here is one of the best among the islands and a favorite spot for group pictures. From here, we can view the double-sided beach of Bartolome directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, we stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. Here, we find fantastic snorkeling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is also worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters, and marine turtles nest here from January through March. | | Day 8 | Santa Fe | Day 8 South Plazas/ Santa Fe (B, L, D)
This morning we visit South Plazas Island, famous for its unusual cactus forest. There is only one place to land, but two different trails offer varied experiences. The shorter of the two hikes leads from the beach into a sparse forest of prickly pear cactus. The second, longer trail goes up a cliff side into an area inhabited by land iguanas. The interior terrain of the island is interesting, with a good panoramic view from the cliff top. Back on the beach, it is easy to sit for hours just watching the antics of the sociable sea lions.
In the afternoon, we continue to Santa Fe Island, also called Barrington, which is well-known as a great place for observing and swimming with sea lions. | | Day 9 | Quito | Day 9 Seymour Island / Quito (B)
This morning we make a brief visit to North Seymour for one last look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Bird life abounds on Seymour Island, probably the most exciting island photographically. Close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos's largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma. Further along the trail we can observe a colony of sea lions.
Following this we sail to Baltra and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Quito. Transfer to our group hotel upon arrival and the rest of the day is at leisure. | | Day 10 | Quito | Day 10 Depart Quito (B)
Depart Quito at any time. |
| | Local Flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Dossier Disclaimer: The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. |
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