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Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos

Name: 10-Day Active Holiday in Galapagos
SKU: 91790
Price: 3990.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Itinerary

10-Day Galapagos

Guide(s)

Dagmar Vacas, Gabriel Salas, Adventure Journeys

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Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos - 10-Day Galapagos - 1

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Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos

Itinerary

10-Day Galapagos

People

1 Person

Date(s)

Duration

10 day

Guide(s)

Dagmar Vacas, Gabriel Salas, Adventure Journeys

Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos - 10-Day Galapagos - 1

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Additional options

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Booking fees

Group discount
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This trip is a total immersion in all-things Galapagos. There’s no better way to explore this marvel of an archipelago than by having expert local guides by our side, who will take us to different places every day. One day we’ll hike up to a volcano, the other we’ll snorkel with the turtles—the biodiversity and the change in landscapes here is astounding. Accommodation, tons of activities, and most meals are included, but you’ll always have enough time to relax on the beach and spend your tropical vacation as you wish!
- Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city of America! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the city is considered to be the Cultural Capital of South America. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and its surrounding area.
  
  Your guides can help you organize a day trip—make sure to ask in advance. In the evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, which is when you’ll go through the details of the adventure ahead. Get some rest, as tomorrow the adventure begins!
  
  Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
- Get ready to explore Galapagos, an incredible archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. Board a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once you arrive, get transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and go through a short briefing about the days ahead.
  
  In the afternoon, head to La Loberia, a beach that is home to large Galapagos sea lions. Today’s hike will last approximately one hour, and goes across ground that is flooded along the shoreline at high tide, over lava rocks and some mangroves. You’ll have the chance to spot the red-billed tropicbird, blue-footed bobbies, and Nazca bobbies, as well as yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin’s finches. In between the rocks, you can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. After that, go snorkeling to spot sea lions and sea turtles—sea lions are very curious and might approach you underwater! There will also be time for a refreshing swim and relaxing on the beach.
  
  Accommodation: Sea Side Hotel or similar
  Meals: Breakfast
- In the morning, take a boat to Kicker Rock, located off the coast of San Cristóbal, also known as the Sleeping Lion due to its resemblance. These are the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 ft above the ocean, forming a small channel.
  
  This natural monument has become a spectacular site due to many tropical birds, frigate birds, and booby birds filling the sky. Beneath the surface, crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colorful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks. After lunch, spend some time at the beach and go back to the hotel.
  
  Accommodation: Sea Side Hotel or similar
  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Hop on over to Isabela island, the largest one in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity is reported! Formed by six shield volcanoes (with 5 of them still active), the island is a beautiful place to explore by bike. You will discover its coastline by bike and go through an incredible ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife, including flamingos, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.
  
  Start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks, which dates back to the 1950s when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad (because of the isolation they experienced). Continue riding along the coast and explore white sand beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. Birdlife is teeming here, and you’ll also find sea lions and marine iguanas.
  
  Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
  Meals: Breakfast
- Today you’ll explore amazing formations of lava created by last eruptions of the volcanic island. This magical place has been filmed by the BBC and National Geographic. It’s a labyrinth of lava arches made of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.
  
  The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through Los Tuneles. Here is where you’ll have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these animals around you, including the Galapagos penguins! You can also enjoy some optional activities today, such as snorkeling at Concha de Perla, cycling, or just relaxing on the beach. Your guides recommend a visit to the giant tortoise breeding center located near the hotel.
  
  Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- After breakfast, depart for Sierra Negra Volcano, drive to the highlands of Isabela, and start hiking! The volcano, with its height of around 4,920 ft and an outer diameter of approximately 6 miles, is the second biggest lava dome in the world. Have lunch at a local restaurant, whose owners prepare food sourced from their organic farm, which is then prepared on a lava rock grill. For some after-lunch relaxation, walk among the fruit groves or take a nap in one of the hammocks.
  
  Make your way back to the pier, and after a short briefing, hop into your kayaks! Along the way, you can observe penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguana marinas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and sometimes sharks tintoreras juveniles. To finish the day, visit Concha y Perla, a small beach in Puerto Villamil where you’ll snorkel. A short walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk will lead you to the spot with turquoise waters and wildlife galore!
  
  Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  Hiking: 4 hours both ways, 6 miles / 10 km (or 10 miles / 16 km to Volcan Chico)
  Elevation gain: 950 ft / 290 m (max elevation 3,687 ft / 1,125 m)
  Kayaking time: 2 hours
  Snorkeling time: 1 hour
- In the morning, head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. You’ll learn about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. Later, continue by car to your first stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
  
  These highlands are home to the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Here you’ll visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out for a walk in search of the giant tortoises. You’ll also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies. Afterwards, continue cycling to the other side of the island to Garrapateros beach. Stop at the Trapiche to learn about the process of making sugar cane liquor. Finally, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
  
  Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
  Meals: Breakfast
- Spend the whole day at your own leisure, whether that be scuba diving (please request in advance) or sipping cocktails on the beach. You can also go on a self-guided exploration walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay (3.5 miles / 5.6 km), a white sand beach, and a nesting site to thousands of marine turtles—a really inviting spot for some swimming or snorkeling! Alternatively, you can join any of the optional activities (at an extra cost), such as a trip to Floreana Island, Bartolome Island, or a scuba-diving day trip.
  
  Accommodation: La Isla or similar
  Meals: Breakfast
- After your final breakfast on the Galapagos (and the last few pics of sea lions), transfer to Baltra’s Airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Spend the last night in the bustling Quito.
  
  Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
  Meals: Breakfast
- The trip has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore Ecuador, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
  
  Meals: Breakfast

- What you get on this adventure:
  
  An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides
  
  10 days of Active Galapagos holiday
  
  Transportation during the tour
  
  Airport transfers (for domestic flights)
  
  Inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela (personal baggage allowance of 25 lbs (20 lbs for check-in, 5 lbs for carry-on), extra baggage $2, can be paid directly)
  
  Speed boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island
  
  Accommodation based on double occupancy
  
  5-star hotel in Quito
  
  3-star hotels in Galapagos
  
  Meals (9 breakfasts, 3 lunches)
  
  Gear (snorkeling mask and fins, life vest)
  
  Activities listed in the itinerary
  
  Snorkeling in Kicker Rock, La Loberia and the Lava Tunnels
  
  Biking to the Wall of Tears
  
  Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano
  
  Snorkeling and kayaking in Tintoreras
  
  Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
  
  Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands
  
  What’s not included:
  
  International flights
  
  Airport transfers for international flights
  
  Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520)
  
  Single room supplement
  
  Travel insurance (mandatory)
  
  Meals not included in the itinerary
  
  INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  
  Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  
  $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change)
  
  Wetsuit rental ($10)
  
  Guide gratuities — optional
- What you get on this adventure:
  
  An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides
  
  10 days of Active Galapagos holiday
  
  Transportation during the tour
  
  Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (round-trip)
  
  Airport transfers (national flights)
  
  One-way flight San Cristobal — Isabela
  
  Sea transportation Santa Cruz — Isabela islands
  
  Private & comfortable land and sea transportation
  
  Accommodation based on double occupancy
  
  5-star hotel in Quito
  
  3-star hotel in Baños
  
  Eco-jungle lodge in Tena
  
  5-star Spa Resort Papallacta
  
  3-star hotels in Galapagos
  
  Meals (12 breakfasts, 6 lunches)
  
  Gear (hiking sticks, cross-country bikes (disc brakes and front suspension), helmets, gloves, rafts, paddles, life vest, snorkeling mask and fins, mountain bikes, kayaks)
  
  Activities listed in the itinerary
  
  Biking in Llanganates National Park and Road of Waterfalls in Baños
  
  Hiking to Pailon del Diablo waterfall
  
  Jatunyacu river rafting
  
  Hiking in the cloud forest with toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, etc.
  
  Volcanic hot springs
  
  Snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla de los Lobos
  
  Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano in Isabela Island
  
  Snorkeling in Lava Tunnels
  
  Kayaking in Tintoreras
  
  Biking to the Wall of Tears
  
  Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
  
  Hiking in Santa Cruz Highlands
  
  What’s not included:
  
  International flights
  
  Airport transfers for international flights
  
  Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520)
  
  Single room supplement
  
  Travel insurance — mandatory
  
  Meals not included in the itinerary
  
  INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  
  Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  
  $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change)
  
  Wetsuit rental ($10)
  
  Guide gratuities — optional
- To participate in one of the Galapagos active tours, you should have a good level of fitness and be in good health. These tours are rated to have a moderate activity level. Daily activities will include shorter hikes, kayaking, snorkeling (almost every day), or biking (plus rafting for the 14-day tour). The most that you’ll hike will be 5 hours to Sierra Negra, and other than that, you’ll have two one-hour hikes.
  
  It’s important that you wear comfortable walking shoes and that you can endure standing for prolonged periods of time. Check out the itinerary to see day-by-day activities.
  
  Having said that, these tours are family-friendly—if you have kids over the age of 8, they’re welcome to join!
- Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
  
  Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  
  Hiking poles — optional
  
  Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  
  Spare clothes for layering
  
  Light sweater or sweatshirt
  
  Lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts…
  
  T-shirts
  
  Underwear and socks
  
  Swimming suit
  
  Sport sandals
  
  Sneakers
  
  Comfy shoes
  
  Waterproof rain jacket
  
  Wide brim or long bill hat
  
  Cap
  
  Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  
  Headlamp or flashlight
  
  Sunglasses
  
  Camera — optional (but recommended)
  
  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
- A huge part of going on the Galapagos active holiday is getting to experience and taste the local cuisine. Your guide will give you terrific recommendations and suggest the best places to enjoy the food. Some meals are included in the price of the tour, but you also get enough free time and flexibility to pick out what suits you best. Ecuadorian cuisine blends the culinary traditions of Spain, the Andes, and the Amazon. The stars of the show are the fruit of the sea, though you will also find various meats readily available.
  
  If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please let us know upon booking! Your guides are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, and they will coordinate substitute meals with chefs and restaurants.
- Group sizes and prices:
  
  For these Galapagos active holidays, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 16:1.
  
  It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  
  The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
  
  The price is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of the same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, you can add that at an additional cost upon booking at checkout.
  
  Galapagos active holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
  
  Min. age requirements:
  
  If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  
  Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Galapagos active holidays on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  
  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
- To get to Quito, the starting point of your Galapagos active holidays, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). It will take you anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half to reach Quito city, depending on your mode of transfer. The cheapest way to reach the city is by taking the bus.
  
  The first day is all about reaching Quito and getting settled in. You will meet your guide and your team at a welcome briefing at 6 pm.
- We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
  
  Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
  
  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.
  
  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos

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