During this week-long visit to the Galapagos Islands, educators will learn about the physical formation and creature history of the islands: the role of continental rift/volcanic activity and isolation in shaping the living habitats and the ensuing animal adaptations.
A major highlight is the ongoing opportunities for close-up observation of animals and birds, many unique to the islands.
Creatures you will observe include sea lions, giant land tortoises, sea turtles, frigate birds, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, exotic fish and tropical birds. As you explore the islands, you will learn about everyday life of the residents as well as how the challenges to the environment are being met.
Included: All hotels, flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos, land and sea transportation, tours, snorkeling equipment, airport transfers, guides, escort and 18 meals
Not included: International flight to Ecuador, the $120 Galapagos Park fee
Trip Fee: $3050 for educators in double occupancy - $3150 for friends of educators
• Proximity to exotic wildlife---sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises, boobies, and more
• Combine guided tours with opportunities to explore on your own
• Guaranteed group size of 10 – 16
• Exclusive service of a top level certified Galapagos National Park Guide
• Travel with an escort who will provide valuable information and travel tips before and during the trip
• Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to learn about the human history of the islands including how Darwin’s visit in 1835 helped inspire the theory of evolution by natural selection
• The San Cristobal Recycling Center to learn about waste management and recycling efforts
• Kicker Rock, the amazing remains of an extinct volcano, to observe birds nesting on the summit and cliffs as well as Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and rays swimming around the rock
•The Charles Darwin Research Station to hear about the on-going threats to the islands ecology and the conservation attempts being made
•A coffee and sugar cane planation in the highlands to understand how coffee and sugar are grown and prepared for sale
•The Wittmer homestead to learn about the attempts by the early settlers to develop agriculture on the islands
•The Pirates caves in the highlands to see how the family lived until a more permanent home was built
•The small spring that provides water to the entire island
•Day visit to an uninhabited island to experience an environment with birds, turtles, mammals but no people, the environment of most Galapagos Islands
July 13
Arrive in Guayaquil - Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel.
July 14
Morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we’ll take a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas, sea turtles, and many sea lions. And you’ll have your first opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions! We’ll stop at the Recycling Center to see recycling in action. Local musicians will perform for us before dinner. (B, L, D)
July 15
All aboard as we sail to Kicker Rock to observe Nazca boobies nesting on the cliffs as well as a variety of sea creatures swimming around the rock. If the weather permits you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel through the channel. (B, L)
July 16
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 to 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) Cultural Adventures: Tours for the Young-at-Heart
July 17
We take a motor launch to Santa Cruz Island to visit the highlands to walk through lava tunnels and among giant land tortoises. Next we’ll stop at a coffee and sugar cane plantation. A visit to the Darwin Center ends the day. (B, L, D)
July 18
A special trip to the highlands to explore the Wittmer homestead and Pirates’ Caves. (B, L)
July 19
After breakfast we’ll walk through a natural cactus forest to Tortuga Bay and enjoy a beautiful, white sand beach with marine iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. After lunch we’ll take a small dingy and explore some of the inlets to observe the birds and animals close up. (B, L)
July 20
Today we will have an exciting yacht tour to an uninhabited island with plenty of wildlife to observe. You’ll be able to snorkel before returning to port. (B, L, D)
July 21
The trip ends when you arrive back at the Guayaquil airport. (B)
Connie Champlin
Email: cchamp@culturladventures.info
Phone: +1 317-908-1220
Address: Connie Champlin 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632.
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