Galapagos Overland Adventure - (Double)
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Port
Callao (Lima), Peru
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$5699.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
5 Days/4 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L/D)
Transfer from Callao to Guayaquil Airport by road – 60 mins.
Located on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s principal harbour and largest city, with about 3 million inhabitants. Guayaquil’s strong culture and traditions stand in amazing contrast to the modernity of its new constructions. Guayaquil’s harbour, "Puerto Maritimo", is the main sea port of the country and is where 80% of the country’s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled. The commercial and industrial centre of Ecuador, Guayaquil lies about 60 kilometres from the Gulf of Guayaquil and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy lunch and a city tour before checking in at the hotel.
Hotel: Wyndham Santa Ana Hotel - Guayaquil- 1 night (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will head straight to the airport to take our 1:30 hours flight to Galapagos.
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, a Galapagos Naturalist Guide will welcome us and help with our luggage and guidance towards the public bus that heads towards the Channel of Itabaca which separates the island Baltra from Santa Cruz. A public ferry crosses the azure waters of the channel towards Santa Cruz, which will take approximately 5 minutes. On Santa Cruz, board a private vehicle to transfer to Puerto Ayora on the other side of the island. Driving through the rural areas of the island, travelers can experience the agriculture of the archipelago as well as the diversity of its flora. Surrounded by wild landscapes and different species, keep a lookout for the finches that are famous for being the basis of Darwin´s theory of evolution.
During our first visit, to the Santa Cruz Highlands, we watch the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how the private ranches aid to protect these special animals. We can hear their sounds while they are trying to eat the leaves of the trees or crashing through the undergrowth. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes gather here: Small young ones with shining carapaces, and older ones which are a little bit more laggard and cracks in their shells showing evidence of a long life. While seeking the giant tortoises, the local guide will share the story of the origin the lava tunnels located at this area. Formed by the lava floods of the volcanoes, they range from the highlands down to the sea level. The roof is collapsed in several spots. Nevertheless, a large section is intact and gives the ability to explore until the tunnel gets too small to pass leaving one to wonder what undiscovered mysteries lay beyond. The guide will share in detail the story of the origin of these tunnels. Lunch will be served at a local venue in the highlands.
We then continue to the hotel for check-in. Dinner is served at the hotel after an exciting and memorable day.
Hotel: Angermeyer Hotel - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos -3 nights (or similar)
Day 3
Today you will take a full-day boat tour to ONE of the following islands:
Bartolomé
An early start brings you to Itabaca Channel, where you step aboard a yacht for a day in paradise -- beautiful white beaches, clear water, and a wealth of wildlife to observe. Enjoy breakfast while watching the sunrise at sea during the two-hour boat trip. There is also a chance of spotting dolphins and other marine residents very close to the boat in the early hours. There will be either a dry or wet landing on Isla Bartolomé, where you'll discover a fascinating moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones -- lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. Due to its geographical location, Isla Bartolomé's lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. Hike the 300 steps to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands -- Santiago, North Seymour, Baltra, Santa Cruz and Rábida -- and the eroded tuff cone called Pinnacle Rock. The rock is home to thousands of sea birds and is the most photographed landscape in the Galápagos Islands. Change clothes and head to the beach for a short ride to Sullivan Bay for snorkeling. For those not wishing to snorkel, a dinghy ride provides a fantastic encounter with the diminutive Galápagos penguin. Back at the southern beach, the shallow sea invites you to go swimming and snorkeling with the Galápagos penguins, sharks, starfish, rays, sea turtles and plenty of other exotic and colorful fish. Enjoy the diversity of native residents, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and many more. Lunch is served back on the boat.
Seymour & Bachas
Get acquainted with North Seymour Island and Bachas beach. Head to Itabaca Channel, where you step aboard a yacht for the one-hour cruise to Seymour Island. Transfer by dinghy to the rocky coast near a small Palo Santo forest consisting of gray and silver trees that are leafless most of the year. Seymour is famous for its large colonies of birds. The very special male frigatebirds, with their red pouches, attract females in breeding time, and the famous Galápagos blue-footed boobies can be observed here. These seabirds have a wedge-shaped tail and long, pointed wings. For courtship, the males lift first one, then the other blue foot into the air and dance to impress the female. Other highlights of this excursion are a beach with small cliffs and a chance to observe seagulls, sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans. Your freshly-cooked lunch consists of two courses and is served on the boat. During siesta time, the yacht navigates to Bachas Beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Take a short hike to a flamingo pond just behind the beach, and afterward, refresh yourself with a swim or snorkel at this isolated beach with white sand and turquoise water. Sea lions, rays, tortoises, and tropical fish may join you in your underwater experience.
Plazas & Punta Carrion
Transfer to Itabaca Channel, where you step aboard a yacht for a day on South Plaza Island. This is one of the smaller islands of the Galápagos. Plazas welcome travelers with a bright, colorful red and green carpet of sesuvio -- an endemic plant -- and the loud, friendly barking of several sea lion families. The ocean's turquoise water perfectly complements the white sandy beaches and the black lava rocks of the coast. Take a leisurely hike alongside basking sea lions and land iguanas found on most parts of the island. The trail leads to the highest cliff, where swallow-tailed gulls wheel through the air and blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds glide gently on the wind. Bring along binoculars for close-up views. The view from the highest point, looking out over the ocean and the powerful waves breaking against the cliffs, is an experience you won't forget. Afterward, the trip continues to Punta Carrion, where lunch is served on board the yacht. This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks, and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.
Floreana
Navigate to the small town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, located on Floreana Island, about 2½ hours from Santa Cruz. Board local transportation known as a chiva for a 30-minute ride up to the highlands. The dirt road is surrounded by typical dry vegetation, replaced by lush, green vegetation as you gain elevation. Banana, coffee and cacao farms dot the landscape. A beautiful walk lets you observe the typical flora and encounter giant Galápagos tortoises. Continue to the place where the German Wittmer family settled in 1932, using caves as their home. Lunch is served at a small restaurant in town. La Loberia Bay is home to a small colony of sea lions. Marine iguanas rest on the rocks, and turtles populate the clear water.
Isabela
Head to Puerto Villamil -- the town on Isabela Island -- about three hours from Santa Cruz. You will visit the Isabela Tortoise Breeding Center. Your guide explains the different activities developed by the National Park to protect the fragile environment. Different species and sizes of giant Galápagos tortoises live here. Walk to the humedales (wetlands) by way of a well-maintained path. This beautiful spot is composed of lagoons, rocks, mangroves, and trees that attract flamingos and migratory birds. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. You'll visit the Las Tintoreras scenic area with colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks (tintoreras) resting in the channels formed by lava flows. Snorkel in the company of sea lions, penguins and marine turtles.
Santa Fe
Formed by tectonic uplifting rather than by volcanic activity, Santa Fe boasts one of the most beautiful coves in all of the Galápagos. Some of the island's endemic species include the Galápagos hawk, Galápagos snake, land iguanas, various types of finches, and the Galápagos mockingbird. Your visit includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes, where Galápagos hawks and Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions will usually accompany swimmers and snorkelers during beach time.
Whichever island you visit, your day trip ends with a late afternoon return to the hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Dinner will be served at the hotel
Day 4 (B/L/D)
Today, take a full-day boat tour to one of the following nearby islands: Bartolomé, Seymour & Bachas, Plazas & Punta Carrion, Floreana, Isabela or Santa Fe (see above for descriptions).
Whichever island you visit, your day trip ends with a late afternoon return to the hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Dinner will be served at the hotel
Day 5 (B/L)
After breakfast, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its famous residents within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration in the islands. Gain insight into the huge efforts made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also part of the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena -- the breeding center for the tortoises. Tortoises are raised here in the care of researchers and then, when ready, are re-introduced into their natural environment.
You will stop to see the Twin Craters en route to Baltra Airport. Board a flight to Guayaquil. A boxed lunch is included. You'll transfer back to the ship, waiting for you at the pier in Manta.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Notes:
While rare, National Park and force majeure conditions can cause unexpected changes in the itinerary. Your tour may or may not include a ship escort but is guided on the Galápagos Islands. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Minimum age is 12 years. Each day in the Galápagos Islands includes a boxed lunch except as noted. Navigation by boat between the island can be rough, often with durations of 2-3 hours. Guests prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. The boat may not be exclusive to Holland America Line guests. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 90 days before the ship's call at Manta. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 90 days prior to the call at Manta. For compliance with airline ticketing requirements, please visit
Login | Holland America Line to complete the immigration section for online check-in no fewer than 90 days prior to the call at Manta. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.Important information regarding visa requirements: It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Holland America cannot assist guests with obtaining visas. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at
https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.