Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure

Discover the southern islands of the Galapagos Archipelago in ways you never thought possible. In this active excursion, you’ll traverse the marine reserve by kayak, speed down the highlands on a mountain bike, or hike through intriguing volcanic formations. Every day, a new adventure awaits you. In the evening, explore small port towns, or just relax in high-quality, choice hotels. We highly recommended combining this tour with diving in the world-class marine reserve.

2009 Departures: daily on request

2009 Costs:

• $2425 per person/double occupancy-4 persons traveling
• $3800 per person/double occupancy-2 persons traveling
• Add $375-$425 for flights Quito-Galapagos-Quito (depending on season)

Note: This is a fully escorted tour operated on request as a private departure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Quito. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for one night.

Day 2: TRANSFER AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL. We pick you up in the morning to board your flight to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive and after our welcome briefing and lunch at a local restaurant, the adventure begins. We will hike out of town and visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, for general knowledge about island formation, volcanoes, evolution and natural history. Today we will explore dry forest and will be able to observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, galapagos cotton and more as we hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This will be a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since the hill is often visited by such Galapagos wildlife such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons and lots of land birds including Darwin finches, warblers and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the evening we can explore town and dine at a restaurant of our election. (B, L)

Day 3: SEA KAYAK PLAYA OCHOA AND SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO. We slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling along the coast, going north exploring bays and coves with lots of wildlife. Darwin Bay is a very interesting site where the Beagle landed for the first time. This route is filled with sea lions, marine turtles, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. At Playa Ochoa, we take the kayaks out for a while to relax, enjoy the beach, or swim with the sea lions. After lunch, we hike to the fascinating islet Isla Lobos, where we learn about marine iguanas and lava lizards. The hike offers great opportunities to see Frigates and Boobies as they nest nearby, as well as one of the biggest colonies of sea lions. Our final challenge of the day is to reach Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. Leon Dormido offers excellent snorkelling, and for certified divers, one of the best dives in the Islands. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon we return to our hotel for our last evening in San Cristobal. (B, L)

Day 4: HIKE IN THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS. In the morning we embark in a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Islands. Once we arrive, we transfer to El Chato reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island which is the natural habitat of the incredible Galapagos tortoise. We hike in this reserve to learn about these lumbering giants. We also come across highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We also walk into and explore some amazing volcanic tunnels that were created by hot flowing lava. As we walk in these underground geological formations we revive tales of buccaneers hiding Inca gold. We continue to Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters near the top of the Island. We walk around these deep craters through a beautiful Scalesia forest covered with epiphytes and ferns. In this habitat we may see the short-eared owl, one of the two owls that live in the Islands. We return to town and the afternoon. This evening is free to dine at any of the good selection of Island restaurants. (B L)

DAY 5: SEA KAYAK IN SANTA CRUZ & HIKE TO TORTUGA BAY . After breakfast, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. We also get to meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. Later this morning we put-in our kayaks and paddle around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, through calm turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays tour beneath the clear water, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon, we hike to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach area, nesting site to thousands of marine turtles. This trail is 3½ miles (6 kilometers) long and crosses through a dry forest lava habitat home to hundreds of iguanas. We return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening at leisure in the Galapagos’ most populous town. (B L)

Day 6: MOUNTAIN BIKE COASTLINE EXPLORATION & KAYAK IN TINTORERAS . From Santa Cruz we embark on a fast boat to Isabela Island. During our Island crossing we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October) Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When we arrive we set up our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline for its scenery and wildlife treasures. We begin with a visit to El Muro de las Lágrimas which means Wall of Tears, a historic site that dates back between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela Island was used as a penal colony. The wall was built with lava blocks and had no other purpose that of keeping prisoners busy from the madness of isolation. We continue riding along the coast as we explore expansive white sand beaches, mangroves and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with birdlife such as American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. In the afternoon we take our ocean kayaks and paddle out to Tintoreras, a set of small Islets within Isabela bay. The Islets are filled with wildlife and are home to the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives in equatorial region. We will also see sharks, marine turtles, sea lions and much more wildlife as we explore its many small coves and beaches. (B L D)

Day 7: VOLCANO DISCOVERY HIKE IN THE ISABELA HIGHLANDS . From Puerto Villamil, we drive to the highlands up to where the road ends. Here we prepare our day backs and walk into a world of recent geological history. We walk on dirt trails until we arrive to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. We explore along the rim of the huge 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled crater. We may also get views to the other Isabela volcanoes and the Perry Isthmus and beyond. Optionally, we continue our hike all the way to Volcan Chico, an incredible area that offers puffing fumaroles and extraordinary lava formations, great examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galápagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last afternoon in its exotic white beaches. (B L D)

Day 8: ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT  In the morning we return to Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island for our flight back to the continent. An optional, one- or more-day diving tour extension is highly recommended. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a one night stay. (B)

Day 9: You’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport to check-in for your return or continuing flights. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

OPTIONAL: 1 DAY EXTENSION IN SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

DAY 1: TRANSFER AND BEACH HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL
We board a morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive we have a welcome lunch and briefing before the adventure begins. In the afternoon we walk out of town towards Loberia Beach. We walk through beach trails and black lava rocks where we find the largest marine iguanas in the archipelago. We continue exploring the trail until the terrain becomes a bit more challenging to Las Negritas. Las Negritas means "Black Cliffs", and is filled with Sea Birds that nest and on this cliff side. We get close-up views to frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, tropic birds, and endemic gulls. We stop for a break to catch the beautiful San Cristobal ocean landscape. On our way back we stop at Loberia Beach for snorkeling and leisure in this white sand beach. During snorkeling sea lions encounters are common, as well as many species of tropical fish, rays and even sea turtles. We return to town in the late afternoon. (L)

DAY 2: MOUNTAIN BIKE IN THE SAN CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS
We depart in the morning by vehicle to the highlands all the way up to El Junco. El Junco is an extinct volcano crater lagoon located in the highest part of San Cristobal Island. It is frequented by Frigate Birds that use the fresh water to wash salt water from their wings. We walk and explore the lagoon area which is covered by endemic Miconia forest, and other species. We fit our bikes and helmets, and after a safety briefing we begin a scenic downhill ride mostly on dirt roads. During this journey we stop to get fantastic views to the coastline or search or birdlife. We continue cycling until we return to town. We meet the rest of our group for lunch, before an afternoon visit the Frigate Hill and Darwin Bay. (B)

INCLUDED: Accommodations in tourist, or first class and tourist superior hotels, meals as described, adventure and protective equipment, professional English speaking guide, land and sea transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos (Low season $340, High season $400, subject to change) Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person), hotel & restaurant diners, beverages, tips or gratuities, or personal expenses.

IMPORTANT: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy.

Trip notes:

• This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador, which can be reached via daily flights on a wide variety of airlines. Latin American Escapes offers excellent discounted airfares, please contact us for a quote from your home city.
• Additional days may be added in Quito at either the beginning or end of this itinerary if you wish to explore the city in more depth, or visit other interesting areas of Ecuador---the Amazon rainforest, colonial cities, Indian markets, volcanoes, hot springs, etc.

Additional Information:

• BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2-3 hours per day
• PADDLE OR ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-4 hours each day
• SEASON: All year
• ALTITUDE: Sea level to 600 m.
• WEATHER TEMPERATURES: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
• WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
• SUGGESTED: Water sandals, rain shell, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, sun block, hat and mosquito repellent.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.