Galapagos Islands Adventure: Overland - (Single)
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Port
Manta, Ecuador
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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
$6499
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L/D)
Transfer from Manta to Guayaquil Airport by road -- a four-hour drive. Your luggage is inspected by the Galápagos National Authorities to avoid introducing any harmful seeds, plants or organisms to the islands. Board a one and half-hour flight to the Galápagos Islands.
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, a Galapagos Naturalist Guide will welcome us. The Galapagos guide 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 hotel. Driving through the rural areas of the island, travelers can experience the agriculture of the archipelago as well as the diversity of its flora.
Arrive at the hotel, check in, refresh and have lunch.
After lunch in the afternoon, 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 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 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.
Dinner is served at the hotel after an exciting and memorable day.
Hotel: Ikala Galapagos Hotel - 2 nights (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L/D)
Today you will take a full-day boat tour to ONE of the following islands:
Bartolome
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. On the two-hour boat trip, There may be an opportunity to observe dolphins and other marine residents very close to the boat in the early hours. Landing in Bartolome, 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.
Hotel: Ikala Galapagos Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, nestled within a stunning giant prickly-pear cactus forest. This station is the hub for scientific research, conservation efforts, and the administration of the Galápagos National Park. You'll learn about the incredible work being done by scientists, guides, rangers, and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station also houses the "Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena," a breeding center for tortoises. Here, tortoises are carefully raised by researchers before being reintroduced into their natural habitat.
Following our visit, we will transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Guayaquil.
Upon arrival at Guayaquil Airport, an Akorn representative will greet you and escort you to a nearby local restaurant for lunch.
Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will meet us and help us check into our rooms at the hotel. After lunch, we will return to the airport for check-in procedures for our international flight to Lima. You will have access to the VIP lounge after completing customs. Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will meet us and assist with checking into our hotel rooms.
Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol Grand Lima (or similar)
Day 4 (B)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
Embark on a scenic drive to Plaza Mayor, Lima's newly refurbished main square, where you can admire the majestic colonial architecture. Visit the stunning Cathedral and explore the Archbishop's Palace, known for its impressive balconies.
Next, we will visit Casa Aliaga, Lima's oldest colonial mansion. Built in 1535 by the renowned Spanish conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga, this magnificent relic of colonial splendor has been home to 17 generations of his descendants. Our tour continues to Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima, founded by Friar Tomas de San Martin, who later became the Preceptor Prior of the Dominican Order.
After our morning tour, we will transfer to the Cafe del Museo Restaurant for a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we will visit the Larco Museum, founded in 1926 and housed in an elegant vice-royal colonial mansion from the 18th century. Here, you will delve into over 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history. Marvel at the finest collection of gold, silver, and semiprecious stone artistry in Peru, and explore exquisite examples of textile work and huaco ceramics crafted by ancient Incan artisans.
After our museum visit, we will board the coach for a drive to Callao Port, where your ship awaits to welcome you back aboard.
Important Participation Note
This program involves strenuous activity and requires a high level of mobility. Guests must be able to embark and disembark motor coaches, water taxis, and zodiacs with little to no assistance. Guests using mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs must ensure these devices are collapsible and can be stored under buses or carried onto water taxis without staff assistance. If you are unable to manage your mobility device independently, you must travel with a companion who can assist you. Motorized scooters of any kind are not permitted on this tour. Participation in this program requires physical capability to navigate uneven terrain, ramps, and steps, so please carefully consider your mobility needs.
Cancellation Policy:
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