Galapagos Escorted 2022

Cultural Galapagos Escorted Trip

October 13 – 23 , 2021

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, hiking and swimming. When you take a Cultural Adventures trip, you are supporting local farmers and fishermen, along with other local people who provide information and services.

• Combine guided tours with opportunities to explore on your own
• Focus on the art, music and culture of Ecuador – both the Andes mountain culture and the Galapagos marine environment
• Travel with a small group of 6 to 10 over 55-year-old travelers
• Visit Quito, Otavalo, and the Galapagos Islands
• Travel with an escort who will provide valuable information before and during the trip

Listening to the local musicians while we enjoy our dinner.

Trip Fee: $3595 per double occupancy; single supplement $390.

Included: All hotels, local land & sea transportation, flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, tours, snorkeling equipment, airport transfers, escort, guides, and 23 meals.

Not Included: International flight to Ecuador and the $120 Galapagos National Park fees & tax.

Click here for full intinerary

Itinerary

Oct. 13

Arrive in Quito - Arrive in the capital city of Quito, sometimes referred to as the cultural capital of the Americas and check in to our hotel. You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel. Casa Joaquin Boutquie,

Oct 14

Quito City Tour

Today you’ll have an introduction to Quito, a cosmopolitan and historic capital city, located in the majestic Andes Mountains. We’ll start with a breath-taking view of Quito and then explore Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch you’ll discover the fascinating work of one of the most renowned artists of the country, Oswaldo Guayasamín at the Chapel of Man Museum (B, L)

Oct 15

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. On the way we’ll stop at the Mitad Del Mundo and stand on both sides of the equator. We’ll visit the Condor Park designed to protect, rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce the Andean Condor and other birds of prey to their original habitat. (B, L)

Oct 16

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, snorkel with sea lions, and observe many sea birds, The day ends with local musicians playing as we enjoy dinner at the harbor. Casa Blanca Hotel (B, L, D)

Oct 17

Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

All aboard as we cruise to Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. Lunch will be served onboard. Swim, snorkel or roll up your pants as you explore Puerto Grande, the best beach of the Galapagos. (B, L)

Oct 18

San Cristobal Island Highlands, Galapagos

Our visit to the highlands begins with a visit to the Cerro Colorado land tortoise-rearing center where we’ll learn about the conservation plans of the National Park Service and see large land turtles resting under the trees. We’ll explore El Junco Lake, the only permanent, fresh water lake in the Galapagos. Back at the hotel you’ll have a chance to view the underwater animals as you ride in a glass-bottom boat. Dinner is on your own so you can try out one of the local restaurants. (B, L)

Oct 19

Frigate Hill & Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

We’ll start with a walk-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. Before dinner you’ll learn how to make ceviche, a favorite South American meal. (B, L, D)

Oct 20

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. We’ll visit the Santa Cruz Highlands to walk through lava tunnels and among giant land tortoises. Lunch in the highlands. . (B, L, Dinner at St of Kiosks)

Oct 21

South Plaza Island

Full day boat trip to South Plaza Island and Carrion Point – South Plaza is one of the best islands from which to observe the brilliant green-yellowy-orange Galapagos land iguanas. Plaza is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. From the cliff you’ll see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown noddy birds. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel at Carrion Point before returning to port. (B, L)

Oct 22

Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

A walk on a path through a cactus forest takes us to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful, white sand beach with iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. You can observe the animals and relax on the beach or swim for a final time. After lunch we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Center and then explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up for a final time. The day ends with a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Oct 23

Flight to mainland Ecuador

The trip ends when you arrive back at the Quito airport in the late afternoon. (B)

An optional trip to the Nazca Lines is available after this trip, If you are interested, contact Connie at 317.908.1220 or cchamp@culturaladventures.info for detailed information.

Participant’s Background Information

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Ecuador.
No immunizations are required for this trip.
Participants must be able to climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces up to a half-mile at a moderate pace over the course of the day.
Basic travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory – insurance to cover trip cancellation is highly recommended.
Deposit of $750 will reserve your spot. Balance is due by August 15, 2021. Refunds will be returned upon written request until Sept 1, 2021. If the trip is cancelled due to COVID all funds paid for the trip will be returned.

This is an active adventure. Participants must be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 2 - 4 consecutive hours of moderate physical activity every day. Daily itinerary may be changed due to regulations of the Galapagos National Park.

If you are ready to explore the Land of the Incas, send in your deposit of $750 now.

Write deposit checks to Cultural Adventures and mail to:
Connie Champlin, 129 Cranberry

Lane, Centerville, MA 02632

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Connie Champlin

Email: cchamp@culturladventures.info
Phone: +1 317-908-1220
Address: Connie Champlin 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632

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