Magical Galapagos
Overview
This land-based itinerary is designed for travellers who want to explore the Galapagos while enjoying quality accommodations and interesting day tours. This itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of biodiversity, ocean landscapes, and island adventure, ideal for nature lovers and active travellersPrivate Touring
- Flexible Dates
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Flexible Itinerary
- Upgrade Accommodation
- Local Guide Service
- Modern Airconditioned Vehicle
Itinerary
Transfer to your hotel.
Although it is the smallest of the Andean countries - half the size of France - Ecuador is a megadiverse country that has everything it takes to offer its travellers superb experiences, as varied as they are unforgettable, from the Andes to the Amazon, from the Pacific coast to the mythical Galapagos archipelago.
The country's greatest asset remains its people: welcoming, jovial, proud of their country's natural and cultural treasures, and eager to share their know-how, knowledge, traditions and gastronomy.
You'll be met at the airport by your guide-driver, who will welcome you to their country and take you to your hotel.
Hotel/Other Details: GRAND HOTEL GUAYAQUIL
Meal Plan: No Meal
In the morning, your guide-driver will take you to reach the Guayaquil airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos archipelago offers a wide range of experiences to make the most of this unforgettable region. The varied panoramas range from heavenly beaches to green mountains and impressive volcanic landscapes. The fauna of the islands is incredibly rich, whether on land, in the ocean or in the air : turtles, iguanas, sea lions, stingrays, sharks, penguins, blue-footed boobies and red-footed boobies, all of which you can observe at close quarters!
At the airport, before you can check in for your flight, you must register at the "Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos"
office to obtain your "Tarjeta de control de tránsito", which you must keep with your passport until you return from the islands.
Next, you should have your luggage inspected in the Galapagos Biosafety Agency (ABG.) To prevent the unintentional introduction of invasive species that threaten the islands' biodiversity. This same action will be repeated on the docks before any transport between the different islands of the archipelago. Before landing, the aircraft cabin will be fumigated with a WHO-approved product, to eliminate any organisms that have passed through despite previous inspections. On arrival in the archipelago, you will be required to pay a national park entrance fee.
San Cristobal is the provincial capital and one of the archipelago's five populated islands, second only to Santa Cruz in human population. It is also one of the archipelago's oldest geological formations. It is characterized by eroded volcanic peaks in the sparsely vegetated northern part of the island, and by heavy vegetation towards the south. San Cristobal is home to several endemic species such as frigate birds, sea lions, giant tortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and much more. It also boasts beautiful shellfish and white coral beaches, and in its blue waters you can discover many of the wonderful species that live in the archipelago.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the hotel or the beach. Don’t hesitate to ask us for our catalog options.
Hotel/Other Details: CASA OPUNTIA
Meal Plan: Breakfast
You can admire the Leon Dormido Rock all along San Cristobal Island, directly from your boat. This impressive rock, nearly 150 meters high, owes its name to its shape, similar to a sleeping lion. It is the refuge of many sea birds, as well as sea lions. Snorkeling there is a unique experience!
After snorkeling, you will have some time to relax on one of the beautiful beaches of San Cristobal.
Hotel/Other Details: CASA OPUNTIA
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, a transfer will take you from your hotel to the pier to take a speed boat to Santa Cruz Island. Upon disembarking from the ferry, you will head with your private guide for the day to your first site visit: the highlands of Santa Cruz. You will then head to the "pozas," where you can see the iconic giant tortoises of the Galapagos. Next, you will take a short walk to the lava tunnel. You will enjoy a delicious lunch at a ranch and sample local coffee.
Stop at the Gemelos craters.
In the afternoon, you will head to the magnificent white sand beach of Tortuga Bay, named for the sea turtles that nest in the area. To get there, you will take a paved path that crosses through the vegetation for about 2.5 km until you reach Playa Brava. After observing the many marine iguanas and birds, you can continue a little further to reach Playa Mansa, a beautiful, calm, and shallow lagoon surrounded by mangroves. You will return by speedboat (15 minutes).
Next, you will head to your hotel, and the end of the day will be free for your to enjoy the town.
Day Highlight: Lancha to Santa Cruz Highlands and tortoises Tortuga Bay
Hotel/Other Details: NINFA
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Located southeast of Santa Cruz, you'll reach a magnificent bay with crystal-clear waters surrounded by cactus and mangroves on the island of Santa Fe. From the boat, you'll see a white sand beach populated by sea lions and, in the distance, a small forest of giant cacti unique to Santa Fe. The island is renowned for its diversity of seabirds such as pelicans, gulls and blue-footed boobies, and you can also spot Tintoreras sharks resting on the shore.
After lunch, you'll reach Playa Escondida, a white-sand beach in the middle of a very quiet bay, where you'll disembark to relax and enjoy the sun and sea.
Day Highlight: Full Day Santa Fé
Hotel/Other Details: NINFA
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
You will take a boat ride in the bay of Puerto Ayora to reach various places to observe local wildlife. You will see, among others, the Playa de los Alemanes, the salt marshes and Las Grietas, a place recommended for swimming and snorkeling due to its crystal clear and shallow waters.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the town and its surroundings, walk to the Ninfa lagoon, taste Galapagos coffee or just enjoy the pool at your hotel
Day Highlight: Bay tour
Hotel/Other Details: NINFA
Meal Plan: Breakfast
A transfer will take you from your hotel to Santa Cruz Airport for your flight to the mainland. On arrival, you'll wait for your international return flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Overnight accommodation in the above-mentioned establishments in a standard room
All transfers included.
Meals indicated in the description for each day
English-Spanish speaking guides on shared excursions in Galapagos, day 2 with a private guide
Excursions mentioned in the description
Permanent assistance throughout the trip
Eco participation in one of the responsible projects supported by the agency
Exclusions
International Flight
Luggage carrying and tips
Continent Galapagos flights – can be added to the invoice if required (Rates available on request)
Entry fees to Galapagos: transit control card TCT. (To be paid in cash on site).
Taxi-boat to go to the main boats if the tide is low (Rates available on request)
Drinks and meals not listed as included above
Insurance, extras and anything not specifically mentioned as included in the program.
Items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Notes
Subject to availability, equivalent establishments will be proposed if necessary. Hotel categories according to local standards
Rate mentioned are “starting from” rates and may change based on the actual travel dates and due to the increase in fuel rates, entrance fees as well as cost of meals at restaurants.
