Explore Galapagos 2020

Explore Galapagos Escorted Trip

Postponed until October 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. Not only will you experience two diverse ecosystems of Ecuador, you will meet local people and learn about the culture. When you take a Cultural Adventures trip you are supporting local people who provide information and services.

* Stay at boutique hotels on three Galapagos Islands
*Proximity to exotic wildlife---sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises, boobies, and more
*Travel with an escort who will provide valuable information and travel tips before the trip and see that your needs are met during the trip
*Group size is limited to 10 or less travelers
*Designed for the traveler over 55

*Designed for the traveler over 55

Highlights

Tour colonial and modern Quito

Snorkel at Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Isle

Walk among giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz Isle

Enjoy the antics of the Galapagos penguins on Isla Isabela

Trip Fee: $3595 per double occupancy; single supplement $380

Included: All hotels, local land & sea transportation including flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, tours, snorkeling equipment, airport transfers, escort, guides, and 24 meals.

Not included: International flight to Ecuador and the $135 Galapagos National Park fees & tax

Click here for full intinerary

Itinerary

Oct 15

Arrive in Quito - Arrive on your own in the capital city Quito, sometimes referred to as the cultural capital of the Americas. You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel. Hotel Quito or equivalent

Oct 16

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. Lunch will be in a charming restaurant in the historic area. 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) Hotel Quito

Oct 17

Loberia Beach, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival at San Cristobal Island we’ll take a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas that blend so well with the black, pitted lava coast. You’ll 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 and sea turtles. As local musicians perform, we’ll end the day with dinner at the harbor. (B, L, D) Casa Blanca hotel

Oct 18

Kicker Rock, San Cristobal

All aboard as we cruise to Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. A highlight of the day will be an opportunity to snorkel through the channel at Kicker Rock and view a variety of sea life. Next stop is Puerto Grande, the best beach of the Galapagos where you can swim, view the marine iguanas and seabirds, or just relax on the sand. (B, L)

Oct 19

Frigate Hill, San Cristobal

We’ll start the day with a walk up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view. Next is a visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the human history, biology, and geology of the islands. You can snorkel below Frigate Hill before lunch. This afternoon we’ll take a glass bottom boat ride before having dinner together. (B, L, D)

Oct 20

Highlands & Darwin Center, Santa Cruz

We’ll start the day by taking a morning motor launch to Santa Cruz. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, we’ll travel to the highlands to enjoy a picnic lunch and to walk among giant tortoises. You’ll also have a chance to explore the lava tunnels. Before dinner together at the harbor we’ll visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Center. (B, L, D)

Oct 21

Uninhabited Island, Santa Cruz

Today we’ll have an exciting yacht tour to an uninhabited island with plenty of wildlife to observe. Depending on the itinerary determined by the National Park to avoid crowding, our day would be spent on So Plazas, Bartolomé or Seymour Island. You’ll be able to snorkel before returning to port at around 5 PM. (B, L)

Oct 22

Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast 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. After lunch we’ll take a boat and explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up for a final time. Dinner will be at a popular restaurant on the harbor. (B, D)

Oct 23

Tintoreras, Isla Isabela

A motor launch will take us to beautiful Isla Isabela. This afternoon we head to Tintoreras Inlet to see Galapagos penguins, the second smallest in the world, observe white tip sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions and nesting boobies. There will be time to take photos of the thousands of marine iguanas warming themselves in the sun. You’ll also have an opportunity to snorkel. (B, D)

Oct 24

Volcan Chico, Isla Isabela

Today those who want a challenge can hike to Sierra Negra Volcano for a fantastic view of the huge caldera. This group will hike for about 6 miles (9 km) on a moderate-gradual uphill trail before reaching the top. Others may decide to spend the morning relaxing or walking along the beach. In the afternoon a visit to the Isabela Tortoise Rearing Center and then a walk along the boardwalk to see flamingos and marine iguanas is on the agenda. Everyone will have a final opportunity for free time before our final dinner. (B, D)

Oct 25

Flight to Mainland Ecuador

Today we return to the mainland of Ecuador. We’ll take a motor launch from Isabela to Santa Cruz and catch the flight back to the mainland. The tour ends when we reach the Quito airport in the late afternoon. (B)

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 everyday. Daily itinerary may be changed due to regulations of the Galapagos National Park.

Participant’s Background Information

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru.
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 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.
Please check with me before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Deposit of $750 will hold your place. Deposits received by January 15, 2020 will receive a $100 discount. Payment of the balance is due by June 30, 2020.

If you are ready to walk among giant tortoises and snorkel with sea lions, 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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