Galapagos Facts-

The Galapagos Islands, made up of 13 large islands, six smaller islands, and over 40 islets, are located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian mainland. Its wonders span from the most varied geological formations of lava flows, blowholes, spatter cones and lava tunnels to beaches of olive, white, or black sand, and the most diverse landscapes and species of animal and plant life.

On some islands you will find red mangroves, scalesia trees and acacias, and/or cactus, micronias and Palo Santo trees. The most surprising sights are the animals, which Charles Darwin saw on his visit in 1835 and he used what he saw to construct his theory of evolution. Some of these animals cannot be found anywhere else on earth! The giant land turtles gave the archipelago its name and other species unique to the islands are the Darwin finch, hawk and marine iguana. Also see Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, bright Yellow Warblers, fur seals, sea lions, frigate birds and free-roaming albatross.

                   Blessed by their isolation from the mainland and their equatorial location, the Galapagos Islands are beautiful all year through, making it so there is no single time of year that is better than another for visiting. Cruises operate on a year round basis. Temps average 70 degrees in September with little rainfall. Most birds nest year round, so you can see courtship, mating, chicks hatching and rearing almost any time of the year.

        When you visit the Galapagos National Park, stick to the following park rules to help preserve the unique flora and fauna on the Islands:

• Do not remove any plant, animal, or remains of such (i.e. shells, bones, & pieces of wood), or other natural objects.

• Be careful not to bring any live material or food to the Islands, or from one island to another.
• Make sure you do not touch, handle, feed, or chase the animals.
• Stay within the permitted areas and only visit the Islands together with a licensed National Park Guide.
• Do not leave any garbage or litter on the Islands, or throw any off your boat.
• Do not deface the rocks.
• Make sure you do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the Islands.

Over 1,900 species of plants and animals in the Galapagos (Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands”) cannot be found anywhere else on earth!               

 Galapagos Islands Cruise & Quito, Ecuador Adventure

Land and Cruise Itinerary

Download Itinerary here (pdf)

 Day 1 Sat. Sept. 4                Depart your hometown to Quito, Ecuador

                   Fly in to Quito, Ecuador from your home city to start your adventure!  Transfer to our hotel where we’ll be staying for the next 2 nights- the Vieja Cuba Hotel.  Depending on your arrival time you can start exploring. This evening there will be a casual welcome get together to meet your fellow travelers and dinner will be at leisure with others from the group. 

Our Vieja Cuba Hotel –Quito, Ecuador- 4 Nights

This lovely old colonial house has been renovated with style and flair. The owner, a Cuban immigrant, has spared no expense in the redesign: A soothing fountain in the courtyard and gleaming hardwood floors lead to cozy rooms with exposed brick and modern wood beds. The rooms are simple but rustic and comfortable. Bathrooms have nice mosaic tiles and showers. Everything is very clean and very new. The attractive restaurant downstairs offers homemade dishes and great mojitos. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, room service 7am-10pm, laundry service. Standard rooms feature private bathrooms and either two twin beds or one double bed.

 Day 2 Sun. Sept. 5           Touring Quito and the “Middle of the World”

                 After breakfast, we take a short drive outside of Quito with our guide to the “Middle of the World” monument and visitor complex, where you’ll have fun taking pictures as you cross from one hemisphere to another at the equator- you can step between the world’s hemispheres in the blink of an eye.

 We return to Quito for a tour of the city. Drive through the residential area and the House of Culture, the University, the Legislative Palace, and Alameda Park. See the highlights of charming colonial Quito, including Independence Square, La Ronda, and La Compania. See cobble-stoned streets, busy plazas, and elegant cathedrals. Then we drive up Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding snow-covered volcanic peaks (weather permitting).

Return to your hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day we can continue exploring this wonderful city and then the evening is at leisure to enjoy the local night scene with new friends from the group-maybe a group dinner to toast our trip.  (B) 

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Located 9350 ft above sea level and just 14miles south of the Equator, it has a wonderful spring-like climate in a spectacular setting.  Vistas in Quito are dominated by mountains and snowcapped volcanoes standing sentinel in the distance; the city itself sits at the foot of 15,400 ft. Pinchincha. Architecturally Quito has plenty of colonial treasures and modern buildings have been strictly controlled in the old town since 1978, when it was declared a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The old center is full of whitewashed houses, red tiled roofs and colonial churches, with no bright neon to disrupt the ambience of the past. The northern part of the city is the new town, containing modern offices, embassies, shopping centers and airline offices.

Day 3 Mon. Sept. 6             Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands & Transfer to M/V Santa Cruz

Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Baltra and the Galapagos  Islands and then make our way to the dock to board the M/V SANTA CRUZ to begin our cruise through Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands”.   Time to explore the ship and we’ll have an introductory welcome talk as well as lunch and ship’s boat drill.   

                                Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
                This afternoon we head to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, that hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill).  Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago; this area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas and is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station.  Great for bird watching for Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers. 

Tonight our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Tue. Sept 7               Bartolomé Island & Puerto Egas (Santiago (James) Island)

We disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Then a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock; time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling and with a chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.  Lunch on board.

Our afternoon outing is at Puerto Egas (wet landing). The pitch-black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties.  The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur seals. At low tide marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds.  Maybe time for snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk.  Briefing this evening and, if weather is permitting, stargazing on deck. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Wed. Sept 8              Rabida Island (Jervis) & North Seymour Island
                We disembark at Rabida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach which is due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material.  A stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.  Hidden behind a strip of green saltbush is a salt pond where at times Greater Flamingos can be found. Also, keep your eyes open for dolphins.

                This afternoon see a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago.  Then explore colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls and see Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas.  Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes.

Tonight, go over the expedition plan for tomorrow’s outings. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Thur. Sept 9             Highlands of Santa Cruz Island & Charles Darwin Research Station
                A morning bus ride will take us to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat.   The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and the birds are a treat, such as the vermilion flycatcher with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest.  Look for Darwin’s finches, particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. 

                At the Charles Darwin Research Station learn about the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises and about the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science.  Giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise and browse in the handcraft shops.  Then return to our ship for our last evening on board, relax after dinner on the deck, enjoy the stars, and trade stories with your fellow passengers. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Fri. Sept 10              Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island) & Fly Baltra to Quito
                We disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a small attractive port that is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay.  It was this very same island that Charles Darwin first visited, back in September 1835.  Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where you can obtain information that will help you understand the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation.  Then stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, visit souvenir shops before transferring to the airport to take our flight back to the continent.

 We return to our hotel, Vieja Cuba Hotel, in the late afternoon for two more nights together in Quito.  (B)

Day 8 Sat. Sept. 11             Quito-Otavalo Market Excursion

Our highlight today is an excursion to the Otavalo Indian Market, one of the most famous and colorful in all of South America. The Indian fairs and markets of Ecuador are a great look at this small Andean country’s vast cultural wealth and its colorful people. Markets are traditional places for people to come and meet, shop, haggle and gossip, while local native tribes trade foodstuffs, animals, utensils, pans, textiles and all kinds of other items. These Indigenous markets provide a great way to get closer to the Ecuadorians; you can bargain over their wares and enjoy the fruit of their industrious hands in their many and varied handicrafts.

Our guide will meet us for a morning departure towards the scenic roads northeast of Quito. First, we descend into the spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge and then climb out into the fertile Guayllabamba Valley. The drive takes under two hours and passes by the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes.

As we arrive in Otavalo, often called the Persia of South America, we’ll find the market bustling. Otavalenos sell their goods throughout Ecuador, but you will find the best selection and prices here.  Otavalo Indians are an aristocratic society and highly skilled weavers.  The market stalls sell every kind of craft, from wood carvings and naif paintings to Panama hats and jewelry, to woolen rugs, wall hangings, and knit and embroidered clothing, to name but a few items.

 Lunch is included at a charming hacienda. In the afternoon, we head back to Quito, and tonight we bid farewell to this wonderful country, a great vacation and, of course, our fantastic travel companions at our farewell dinner! (B,L,D)

Day 9 Sun. Sept. 12            Quito/ US return                               

                   This morning we transfer early to the airport for our flight home!  The end of a wonderful adventure and new friends to share the memories with after the trip!                                     

Price

WE HAVE INCLUDED in the price:

-THE COSTLY (2) AIR FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE ISLANDS (approx $400)

-THE AIR FUEL SURCHARGE

-THE GALAPAGOS PARK FEE (approx $110)  AND VISA TAX 

 Prices are based on per person, land & cruise accommodations, meals and activities as listed under ‘Price includes all of the following’ section in the complete itinerary information above. All cabins are outside on the main deck, with 2 twin beds.

$2899.00         per person, based on 2 to a cabin/hotel room.  Don’t forget we can match you with a roommate.

 -----Add $1199.00 to above rate for a ship cabin/hotel room to yourself—very limited availability

Pre and Post Nights –Hotel: $55 per person in double occupancy; $110 single occupancy (Price includes breakfast & taxes).

Airfare: International airfare is additional into and out of Quito (UIO), Ecuador.  We can check air prices for you or you may purchase your own. We will try and coordinate flights for the group also.

Transfers: $35- arrival transfer.  Departure transfer on day of tour is included as long as you are leaving in the early a.m.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended for many reasons and especially because this is an adventure trip, so please consider the purchase of it carefully.  Information will be made available to you upon request and with your deposit.  Please inquire.

Price does not include: Items of a personal nature, tips to drivers, guides, shipboard personnel, naturalist (all approximately $85 for ship personnel); bottled beverages with included meals; wet suit, and Ecuador airport departure tax-approx $45 per person-paid in country.

Vaccinations/Immunizations: We are traveling to Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. No shots are required for travel, however, you should consult with your health care provider before traveling to make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date and/or to see if your medical provider recommends other medication/immunizations for travel. You may also want to consult the Center for Disease Control’s website, www.cdc.gov/travel. A list of travel clinics is also provided by the International Society of Travel Medicine at their website: www.istm.org.

Passport: For U.S. citizens a current passport is required and still valid for up to 6 months after the trip date; no visas are required though.   PLEASE MAKE SURE your passport name matches exactly with the name you give us including your middle name if it’s included on your passport.  Non U.S. Citizens must check with their consulate for required documents to enter Ecuador.  It is completely the travelers’ responsibility to make sure they have the correct documentation to enter Ecuador.

Activity level: this trip is active with lots of walking/hiking on rough terrain and you must be able to get into and out of dinghy’s or tenders for the wet and dry landings from the ship.

More Information will be coming regarding packing and things to take, etc. with final documents. There is a weight restriction of 1 suitcase, 44 lbs., plus a carry-on for flights to the Galapagos, bring only what you need to the Islands.

 Fine Print – Galapagos Islands Cruise & Quito, Ecuador Adventure Sept. 4-12, 2010

                   Your payment of the required deposit or full payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions.  Please make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.

Important Message from our tour operator: The Galapagos cruise itinerary and the touring arrangements herein are subject to change without notice and can be operated in a different sequence, depending on operational considerations.  All Galapagos itineraries are under the control and direction of the Ecuadorian National Parks Administration. All hotels are subject to change and can be substituted for similar hotels/ lodges.

Initial deposit is $350- preferred by check (payable to Travel Advisors of Los Gatos) or credit card is accepted, and is due with your reservation. We need your reservation form also with all your passport info for the tour operator. Early sign-up is a must!

Final payments are due 70 days prior to departure date, checks preferred or credit cards accepted.

Cancellation Fees and Refunds:  All cancellations must be in writing. The deposit is refundable up to 91 days prior to the trip minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations 90 days or less prior to the trip departure date - no refund of monies paid will be provided.  No show, no refund.  No refunds on unused portions of the tour package. Airline tickets cancellation policies are per the airlines and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee.

Download full Terms and Conditions (PDF)

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