~CulturalAdventures~ Tours for the Young At Heart

Cultural Galapagos Escorted Trips 2012

Download the Cultural Galapagos Trip Flier

11 days - $2995 - July 6 - 18; July 18 - 28

Cultural Adventures tours offer you the opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture as part of a small group. You’ll enjoy select experiences away from the usual tourist sights during a visit that combines soft adventure with maximum comfort. The tour is land-based providing a comfortable hotel each evening after a day of exploring the islands, viewing the incredible animals and birds, sailing, snorkeling and swimming. All our multi-lingual guides are Ecuadorian and have extensive knowledge about the history, culture, flora & fauna of Ecuador. When you take a Cultural Adventures trip, you are supporting local farmers and fishermen, along with other local people who provide information and services.

Included: All hotels, flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos, land and sea transportation, tours, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, airport transfer, escort, guides & 23 meals Not included: International flight to Ecuador and the $100 Galapagos Park fee

Itinerary:

Day One – Arrive in Quito - Arrive in the capital city Quito, sometimes referred to as the cultural capital of the Americas and check in at the Hotel Quito. You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel. Hotel Quito

Day Two – Quito City Tour – You ‘ll have the morning to relax and adjust to the altitude - This afternoon we’ll take a tour of Quito, the cosmopolitan and historic capital of Ecuador. We'll explore the old colonial city and end the day with an Andean welcome dinner so you can get acquainted with the other guests on the tour. Hotel Quito (B, D)

Day Three – Otavalo - We’ll take a private van and drive north through amazing Andean landscapes to Otavalo with its famous indigenous market featuring an amazing array of textiles and crafts. The morning will be spent visiting the market. After lunch in a typical restaurant or hacienda we’ll visit the Condor Park that overlooks lake San Pablo and the city of Otavalo. Hotel Quito (B, L)

Day Four - Loberia Beach, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos – Morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we’ll take a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas and observe many sea birds, such as frigates and boobies, as they fight against the wind. And you’ll have your first opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions! The day ends with dinner at the harbor. Hotel Casa Blanca (B, L, D)

Day Five - Frigate Hill & Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos - The day starts with an optional hike up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view. Next we’ll visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history, biology, and geology of the islands. After a relaxing lunch we’ll take a dinghy tour of the bay to observe harbor activities, look for sea turtles and watch sea lions climb on the fishermen’s boats. Dinner with the group. Hotel Casa Blanca (B, L, D)

Day Six - San Cristobal Island Highlands, Galapagos - Today we’ll explore the San Cristobal highlands beginning with a visit to the Cerro Colorado land tortoise-rearing center. Next we'll explore El Junco Lake, the only permanent, fresh water lake in the Galapagos. After a picnic lunch we’ll visit a coffee plantation and savor a delicious cup of Galapagos coffee. Back at the hotel you’ll have your choice of beach and water activities. Or you just might want to explore the town. Hotel Casa Blanca (B, L)

Day Seven- Lobos Island & Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos - All aboard as we cruise to Lobos Island and Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. Lunch will be served on board. Swim, snorkel or roll up your pants as you explore Wizard Hill, the best beach of the Galapagos. As local musicians perform, we’ll enjoy a Galapagos lobster dinner. Hotel Casa Blanca (B, L, D)

Day Eight – Highlands & Lava Tunnels, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos - We take a motor launch to Santa Cruz Island and you’ll have a chance to unpack before lunch. After lunch at the harbor we’ll visit the Santa Cruz Highlands to walk through lava tunnels and among giant land tortoises. Dinner with the group at a local restaurant ends the day. Mainao Inn (B, L, D)

Day Nine- Darwin Station & Boat trip, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos – We’ll start the day with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where research focuses on how to preserve the islands. Then it’s all aboard for an all day boat trip to observe land iguanas, marine turtles and sea bird colonies. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel and swim in a beautiful lagoon. Lunch will be served on board. On our return to land, we might be fortunate enough to see hundreds of blue-footed boobys fishing for dinner. The evening is free for you to explore the town of Puerto Ayora. Mainao Inn (B, L)

Day Ten– Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos - We’ll walk along a path through a cactus forest to Tortuga Bay and enjoy a beautiful, white sand beach with iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. You can observe the animals and relax on the beach or snorkel for a final time. After lunch we’ll take a glass-bottom boat and explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up for a final time. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner and special folk dance program at a private restaurant in the highlands. Mainao Inn (B, D)

Day Eleven – Flight to mainland Ecuador - This is the end of the tour. (B)