Galapagos 8 Days/5 Nights
Selling price: US$3,699.00 (Twin room sharing)
US$4,699.00 (Single room occupancy)
US$4,699.00 (Single room occupancy)
Itinerary:
Day 1 – U.S. / Quito
Sep 13 Tuesday
Fly to Quito
Day 2 – Quito (Ecuador)
Sep 14 Wednesday
Upon flight arrival at Quito, capital of Ecuador, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(Dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 3 – Quito
Sep 15 Thursday
Declared a "World Heritage Site"by UNESCO in 1978, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas.
Full day sightseeing of Quito; Visits of The Basílica del Voto Nacional, Basilica the highest church in Ecuador, walk the Street of the Seven Crosses Plaza Grande main square, La Compañía Church – considered the finest in Latin America, come to the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you’ll be able to take in the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral.
You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of the world. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 4 – Quito / Galapagos, San Cristobal Island
Sep 16 Friday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the M/V SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day5 – Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island) / Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Sep 17 Saturday
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day6 - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Sep 18 Sunday
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day’s activities before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day7 – Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil / Lima (Peru) / U.S.
Sep 19 Monday
Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Connect International flight to Lima, Peru.
We will fly to Lima to connect homebound flight and arrive the U.S. the next day.
Day 8 – U.S.
Sep 20 Tuesday
Flight arrives in U.S.
Inclusions:
Your Travel Value Includes:
1. Accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed. Hotel taxes and service charges.
2. Cruise aboard M/V Santa Cruz included; accommodations in upper deck twin-bedded rooms with private shower.
3. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included as specified in the itinerary.
4. Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in itinerary, including admission charges where applicable.
5. Galapagos National Park entrance fee and INGALA Transit Control Card
6. Intra Ecuador fares and airport taxes are included: Quito-San Cristobal Island, Baltra Island-Quito or Guayaquil.
7. Services of Tour Escort throughout
8. Bottle water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions.
Not included:
1. Airfares to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point.
2. Local guide and driver gratuities are not included.
3. Personal Expenses - phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
California SOT: 2072696-40
Please call: (909) 480-5961
Or Email: info@joieexpress.com
Day 1 – U.S. / Quito
Sep 13 Tuesday
Fly to Quito
Day 2 – Quito (Ecuador)
Sep 14 Wednesday
Upon flight arrival at Quito, capital of Ecuador, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(Dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 3 – Quito
Sep 15 Thursday
Declared a "World Heritage Site"by UNESCO in 1978, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas.
Full day sightseeing of Quito; Visits of The Basílica del Voto Nacional, Basilica the highest church in Ecuador, walk the Street of the Seven Crosses Plaza Grande main square, La Compañía Church – considered the finest in Latin America, come to the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you’ll be able to take in the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral.
You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of the world. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 4 – Quito / Galapagos, San Cristobal Island
Sep 16 Friday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the M/V SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day5 – Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island) / Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Sep 17 Saturday
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day6 - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Sep 18 Sunday
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day’s activities before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day7 – Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil / Lima (Peru) / U.S.
Sep 19 Monday
Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Connect International flight to Lima, Peru.
We will fly to Lima to connect homebound flight and arrive the U.S. the next day.
Day 8 – U.S.
Sep 20 Tuesday
Flight arrives in U.S.
Inclusions:
Your Travel Value Includes:
1. Accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed. Hotel taxes and service charges.
2. Cruise aboard M/V Santa Cruz included; accommodations in upper deck twin-bedded rooms with private shower.
3. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included as specified in the itinerary.
4. Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in itinerary, including admission charges where applicable.
5. Galapagos National Park entrance fee and INGALA Transit Control Card
6. Intra Ecuador fares and airport taxes are included: Quito-San Cristobal Island, Baltra Island-Quito or Guayaquil.
7. Services of Tour Escort throughout
8. Bottle water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions.
Not included:
1. Airfares to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point.
2. Local guide and driver gratuities are not included.
3. Personal Expenses - phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
California SOT: 2072696-40
Please call: (909) 480-5961
Or Email: info@joieexpress.com