Erik's Adventures L.L.C.
Standing out with authentic travel experiences
Galapagos Island Hopping
March 5th-13th, 2007
March 5th-13th, 2007
Ecuador
- geographically Ecuador is a small country yet is uniquely endowed with a dramatic
topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, one can move in a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature. En route, through Ecuador’s wonderful world of nature, you will be able to follow the courses of rivers broad and narrow; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves
and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the pacific - the Galapagos Islands. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Galápagos
- the Enchanted Islands - doubtlessly are the highlight of every Ecuador trip and
you also should not miss a visit, for it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes and you would get to know a variety of exotic species endemic to this Archipelago! Galapagos is the perfect setting to experience the evolutionary changes, which have led to a new understanding of live on earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their existence on our planet. Among the animals found, are the different
species of giant “Galapagos” tortoises that gave the islands their name, a variety of birds and marine mammals such as iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, whales as well as a great number of fish. Among the flora, the most distinctive are mangroves and endemic cacti, to mention a few.
Mar 05th (Mon) USA / Quito
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel to rest and unwind from your flight.
Quito -nestled in the valley of the Incas, surrounded by the grandeur of the
Andes and the luxuriance of the rainforest,
Quito is a compelling blend of history,
architecture, cuisine, art, people and legend. In
1979, UNESCO declared Quito's historic centre
a World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 06th (Tue) Quitos (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day tour of Otavalo
This morning depart by bus to visit the Otavalo where you will have the chance
to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano. The Ecuadorian Line
goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which shows the
highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line.
On the way through this wonderful landscape one
can see the Lago San Pablo with its great
background - the rock massive Taita Imbabura.
After arriving in the famous town Otavalo, which
consists of rather functional buildings and is
notable for its textiles, discover the worldwide
known Indian handcrafts market. The indigenous
residents of the area have achieved economic
prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving
a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries,
ponchos and other clothing items.
Return to Quito.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 07th (Wed) Quitos (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight
Quitos / Baltra (domestic flight)
Met on arrival at Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Station
Arrive at Baltra, the small island that used to be an American militar base until
the end of the Second World War. From the airport travel by bus to the Itabaca
Canal and board a ferry for your ride to other side of the Santa Cruz Island.
With a surface of 380 sq miles, Santa
Cruz is the second largest island of the
Archipelago. Colonized since the 1920’s,
Puerto Ayora, the populated part of the
island, is the most important harbor of the
Archipelago. With altitudes reaching 2835
feet this island comprises all plant zones,
ranging from coast to pampas. The
headquarters of the Galapagos National Park
and the Charles Darwin Station are also
located in Santa Cruz.
From Puerto Ayora travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz while
observing the enormous change of vegetation that ranges from dry areas full of
cacti to rainforest and fern zones. The green landscape of this area is a welcome
contrast with the more arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands.
During a short stop you have the opportunity to take pictures of the Twin
Craters, located one in front of the other on both sides of the road connecting
Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the Twin Craters is a magnificent site. They were
formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many
craters of this type in this area, which signals at the possibility that these craters
are all elements of the same fissure. The vegetation of this area is dominated by
Scalesia Trees, which make the site a beautiful green landscape.
Visit the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit. Take a
short walk and observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Enjoy lunch in a typical Hacienda.
After check-in to your Hotel, continue directly to the Charles Darwin Station.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will have the opportunity to
see how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge
efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to
make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction
of brought in animals is very important for the natural balance of the
archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with
their work at Galapagos.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 08th (Thu) North Seymour & Plazas Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast
Excursion to North Seymour, a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by
underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best
places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Blue Footed
Boobies are found on the flat area near the
coast of this island (they nest from May to
November). Continuing the trail to the interior,
one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of
Magnificent Frigatebirds in the island. While
on North Seymour, you may see a great show of
acrobatic flight, namely a Frigatebird robbing a
booby, a gull or even another Frigatebird the
food.
Lunch on board.
This afternoon visit the Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges
daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and
wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn't on you! Plaza
also boasts excellent examples of typical
Galapaganean flora such as the towering
cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for
both the land iguanas and the cactus finch.
Other birds that may flutter by include lava
gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed
tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 09th (Fri) Bartolome (B/L/D)
Breakfast
Bartolome, a tiny island of just 0.46 sq miles, offers the visitor one of the most
spectacular views of the Archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west
coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle
Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartolome. The climb to the
374 feet high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you
will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff
cones, lava flows and lava
tubes. Once on the summit,
there is a spectacular view of
the surroundings. Bartolome is
also a must for the visitor
interested in geology. Penguins
are common in the bay area.
Lunch on board.
Relax on the beach while probably being accompanied by Galapagos penguins.
The island has two visitors’ sites. At the first one, you may swim and snorkel
around the Pinnacle Rock, where the smallest species of penguins are usually
seen, or walk to the other side of the island to see white-tipped Reef Sharks
which patrol close to shore. This beach is closed from about January to March
because of the nesting turtles.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 10th (Sat) Isabela Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast
This morning travel to Isabella Island by a small plane from Baltra airport or
boat transfer from Puerto Ayora.
Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 1,772
sq miles. Composed by six shield volcanoes
that have merged into a single land mass, it
also has the highest point of the islands: The
Wolf Volcano is 5577 feet high and the
equatorial-line runs straight through its
massive crater.
After lunch visit the impressive rock formation called Tintoreras. During your
short walk, observe sharks swimming between the rocks.
The beach of La Loberia is a favorite gathering place for sea lions. They frolic
and leap there. As it is an open area, you may explore the beach and its
surroundings on your own.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Casa De Marita.
Mar 11th (Sun) Isabela Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast.
Today we visit the Galapagos National
Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center,
where you can see many subspecies of
tortoise at different stages of development
and admire these giant and fascinating
animals. Since 1965 the station is
breading and rearing place for the famous
Galapagos or Giant Tortoises that give the name to the archipelago. These
fascinating primeval animals are threatened by extinction. Here they live safely
until the age of five before they are set free on their origin islands. The center
gives also a good opportunity to photograph tortoises of all sizes. The star is the
120 years old Lonesome George, the last male tortoise of a species that used to
live on Pinta Island.
Thereafter visit the Laguna of the Flamingos, Pozo de los Flamingos, where you
have the rare opportunity to observe these animals very closely.
Enjoy the Puerto Villamil beach.
Lunch at Hotel Casa de Marita.
After lunch visit the Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears) which is a visitor site
west of Puerto Villamil. It is said that convicts constructed this wall (26 feet
high, 650 feet long).
You can explore the Isabela Humedales (marshlands), via elevated walkways
that wend through a pristine ecosystem of tidal lagoons, a habitat for flamingos
and migratory birds. Four species of mangroves are found here.
Mar 12th (Mon) Flight to Mainland (B)
Breakfast and transfer (by boat or by air) to Baltra airport for your flights –
Baltra /Quito (domestic flight)
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 13th (Tue) Depart Quito (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at leisure (check out at 12 noon)
Transfer to the airport for your flight - Quito /USA.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only)
$ 2,430 per person sharing twin room
$ 460 per person single supplement room
Land cost includes:
.
Accommodation for 3 nights at Grand Hotel Alameda Real, Quito or similar on twin
sharing basis inclusive.
.
Accommodation for 3 nights at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar, Santa Cruz Island or similar
on twin sharing basis.
.
Accommodation for 2 nights at Hotel Casa De Marita, Isabela Island or similar on twin
sharing basis.
.
Meals as specified in the above itinerary.
.
Daily excursions as stepulated in the itinerary.
.
English speaking local guides.
.
Transfers in Galapagos including transfer between Santa Cruz and Isabela Island by boat
or plane.
Not Included:
.
International air tickets - USA / Quito / USA with applicable taxes.
.
International departure taxes of $32 per person (subject to change)
.
Domestic air tickets – Quito / Baltra / Quito (currently pricing at $375 per person
inclusive of airport taxes – fares are subject to change). Luggage
allowance on all Galapagos domestic flightsare only 20 kilos per person.
.
National Park Entrance fees of $100 per person (subject to change)
.
Tips and gratitude’s.
.
Personal expenses such as drinks and Laundry etc.
.
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
.
Personal medical and travel insurance.
- geographically Ecuador is a small country yet is uniquely endowed with a dramatic
topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, one can move in a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature. En route, through Ecuador’s wonderful world of nature, you will be able to follow the courses of rivers broad and narrow; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves
and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the pacific - the Galapagos Islands. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Galápagos
- the Enchanted Islands - doubtlessly are the highlight of every Ecuador trip and
you also should not miss a visit, for it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes and you would get to know a variety of exotic species endemic to this Archipelago! Galapagos is the perfect setting to experience the evolutionary changes, which have led to a new understanding of live on earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their existence on our planet. Among the animals found, are the different
species of giant “Galapagos” tortoises that gave the islands their name, a variety of birds and marine mammals such as iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, whales as well as a great number of fish. Among the flora, the most distinctive are mangroves and endemic cacti, to mention a few.
Mar 05th (Mon) USA / Quito
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel to rest and unwind from your flight.
Quito -nestled in the valley of the Incas, surrounded by the grandeur of the
Andes and the luxuriance of the rainforest,
Quito is a compelling blend of history,
architecture, cuisine, art, people and legend. In
1979, UNESCO declared Quito's historic centre
a World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 06th (Tue) Quitos (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day tour of Otavalo
This morning depart by bus to visit the Otavalo where you will have the chance
to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano. The Ecuadorian Line
goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which shows the
highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line.
On the way through this wonderful landscape one
can see the Lago San Pablo with its great
background - the rock massive Taita Imbabura.
After arriving in the famous town Otavalo, which
consists of rather functional buildings and is
notable for its textiles, discover the worldwide
known Indian handcrafts market. The indigenous
residents of the area have achieved economic
prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving
a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries,
ponchos and other clothing items.
Return to Quito.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 07th (Wed) Quitos (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight
Quitos / Baltra (domestic flight)
Met on arrival at Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Station
Arrive at Baltra, the small island that used to be an American militar base until
the end of the Second World War. From the airport travel by bus to the Itabaca
Canal and board a ferry for your ride to other side of the Santa Cruz Island.
With a surface of 380 sq miles, Santa
Cruz is the second largest island of the
Archipelago. Colonized since the 1920’s,
Puerto Ayora, the populated part of the
island, is the most important harbor of the
Archipelago. With altitudes reaching 2835
feet this island comprises all plant zones,
ranging from coast to pampas. The
headquarters of the Galapagos National Park
and the Charles Darwin Station are also
located in Santa Cruz.
From Puerto Ayora travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz while
observing the enormous change of vegetation that ranges from dry areas full of
cacti to rainforest and fern zones. The green landscape of this area is a welcome
contrast with the more arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands.
During a short stop you have the opportunity to take pictures of the Twin
Craters, located one in front of the other on both sides of the road connecting
Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the Twin Craters is a magnificent site. They were
formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many
craters of this type in this area, which signals at the possibility that these craters
are all elements of the same fissure. The vegetation of this area is dominated by
Scalesia Trees, which make the site a beautiful green landscape.
Visit the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit. Take a
short walk and observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Enjoy lunch in a typical Hacienda.
After check-in to your Hotel, continue directly to the Charles Darwin Station.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will have the opportunity to
see how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge
efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to
make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction
of brought in animals is very important for the natural balance of the
archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with
their work at Galapagos.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 08th (Thu) North Seymour & Plazas Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast
Excursion to North Seymour, a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by
underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best
places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Blue Footed
Boobies are found on the flat area near the
coast of this island (they nest from May to
November). Continuing the trail to the interior,
one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of
Magnificent Frigatebirds in the island. While
on North Seymour, you may see a great show of
acrobatic flight, namely a Frigatebird robbing a
booby, a gull or even another Frigatebird the
food.
Lunch on board.
This afternoon visit the Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges
daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and
wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn't on you! Plaza
also boasts excellent examples of typical
Galapaganean flora such as the towering
cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for
both the land iguanas and the cactus finch.
Other birds that may flutter by include lava
gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed
tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 09th (Fri) Bartolome (B/L/D)
Breakfast
Bartolome, a tiny island of just 0.46 sq miles, offers the visitor one of the most
spectacular views of the Archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west
coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle
Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartolome. The climb to the
374 feet high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you
will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff
cones, lava flows and lava
tubes. Once on the summit,
there is a spectacular view of
the surroundings. Bartolome is
also a must for the visitor
interested in geology. Penguins
are common in the bay area.
Lunch on board.
Relax on the beach while probably being accompanied by Galapagos penguins.
The island has two visitors’ sites. At the first one, you may swim and snorkel
around the Pinnacle Rock, where the smallest species of penguins are usually
seen, or walk to the other side of the island to see white-tipped Reef Sharks
which patrol close to shore. This beach is closed from about January to March
because of the nesting turtles.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar.
Mar 10th (Sat) Isabela Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast
This morning travel to Isabella Island by a small plane from Baltra airport or
boat transfer from Puerto Ayora.
Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 1,772
sq miles. Composed by six shield volcanoes
that have merged into a single land mass, it
also has the highest point of the islands: The
Wolf Volcano is 5577 feet high and the
equatorial-line runs straight through its
massive crater.
After lunch visit the impressive rock formation called Tintoreras. During your
short walk, observe sharks swimming between the rocks.
The beach of La Loberia is a favorite gathering place for sea lions. They frolic
and leap there. As it is an open area, you may explore the beach and its
surroundings on your own.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Casa De Marita.
Mar 11th (Sun) Isabela Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast.
Today we visit the Galapagos National
Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center,
where you can see many subspecies of
tortoise at different stages of development
and admire these giant and fascinating
animals. Since 1965 the station is
breading and rearing place for the famous
Galapagos or Giant Tortoises that give the name to the archipelago. These
fascinating primeval animals are threatened by extinction. Here they live safely
until the age of five before they are set free on their origin islands. The center
gives also a good opportunity to photograph tortoises of all sizes. The star is the
120 years old Lonesome George, the last male tortoise of a species that used to
live on Pinta Island.
Thereafter visit the Laguna of the Flamingos, Pozo de los Flamingos, where you
have the rare opportunity to observe these animals very closely.
Enjoy the Puerto Villamil beach.
Lunch at Hotel Casa de Marita.
After lunch visit the Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears) which is a visitor site
west of Puerto Villamil. It is said that convicts constructed this wall (26 feet
high, 650 feet long).
You can explore the Isabela Humedales (marshlands), via elevated walkways
that wend through a pristine ecosystem of tidal lagoons, a habitat for flamingos
and migratory birds. Four species of mangroves are found here.
Mar 12th (Mon) Flight to Mainland (B)
Breakfast and transfer (by boat or by air) to Baltra airport for your flights –
Baltra /Quito (domestic flight)
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Alameda Real.
Mar 13th (Tue) Depart Quito (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at leisure (check out at 12 noon)
Transfer to the airport for your flight - Quito /USA.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only)
$ 2,430 per person sharing twin room
$ 460 per person single supplement room
Land cost includes:
.
Accommodation for 3 nights at Grand Hotel Alameda Real, Quito or similar on twin
sharing basis inclusive.
.
Accommodation for 3 nights at Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar, Santa Cruz Island or similar
on twin sharing basis.
.
Accommodation for 2 nights at Hotel Casa De Marita, Isabela Island or similar on twin
sharing basis.
.
Meals as specified in the above itinerary.
.
Daily excursions as stepulated in the itinerary.
.
English speaking local guides.
.
Transfers in Galapagos including transfer between Santa Cruz and Isabela Island by boat
or plane.
Not Included:
.
International air tickets - USA / Quito / USA with applicable taxes.
.
International departure taxes of $32 per person (subject to change)
.
Domestic air tickets – Quito / Baltra / Quito (currently pricing at $375 per person
inclusive of airport taxes – fares are subject to change). Luggage
allowance on all Galapagos domestic flightsare only 20 kilos per person.
.
National Park Entrance fees of $100 per person (subject to change)
.
Tips and gratitude’s.
.
Personal expenses such as drinks and Laundry etc.
.
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
.
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
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