Voyage Galapagos - 7 Day First Class

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A G.A.P Adventures representative will greet you at the hotel and brief you on the various aspects of the tour. If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready on Day 2 of your trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier. Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but levelled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6th, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuadoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archaeology the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking. Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.Warning: Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Day 2 Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Early flight to Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we are met by our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer V. On the way we visit the highlands of Santa Cruz for a chance to see giant tortoises in the wild. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist.Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named.Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training centre for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station. We will visit this Station in the afternoon.The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 3 Santa Fé / South Plaza (B, L, D)

This morning, we explore Santa Fé Island, a fairly small and dry island. Also called Barrington, Santa Fé Island is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. Along the island's northern shore you can view the forest of giant Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia). Santa Fé is also home to a number of endemic species which have bounced back from various threats to their survival. You may get a chance to see the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, a variety of finches and the Galapagos mockingbird.Set sail and reach South Plaza Island in the afternoon. One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation.

Day 4 Cerro Dragon / Bartolomé (B, L, D)

Today we visit Cerro Dragon, located on the Northeast Corner of Isla Santa Cruz. Cerro Dragon is a newly opened island in the Galapagos offering great bird and wildlife opportunities in it's natural lagoons.In the afternoon we sail to Bartolomé Island. On this visit we have the opportunity to learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.Bartolomé Island (also called Bartholomew) has 2 main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. From here are visible the double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkelling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters, and marine turtles nest here from January through March.

Day 5 Rabida / Puerto Egas (B, L, D)

We make our way to Rabida Island in the morning where our boat lands on Rabida’s red beach (also called Jervis), from which a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. Another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Back on the beach among low-lying bushes nest the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds, and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.Spend the afternoon visiting Puerto Egas, once a salt mining area, it is located on the northwest side of Isla Santiago. Spend the morning visiting the lava rock beaches Puerto Egas is known for.

Day 6 Black Turtle Cove / Quito (B)

Located on the second-largest island in the archipelago of Isla Santa Cruz, we venture to the picturesque Black Turtle Cove by panga ride to experience the full splendour of the diverse marine life and birds. In this scenic area there are many small inlets surrounded by mangroves. The waters of this area sometimes afford you with the view of mating sea turtles and schools of golden mustard rays.Following our visit, transfer to the airport for our return flight to Quito. The rest of the evening is at leisure in Ecuador's historic capital city.

Day 7 Depart Quito

Depart Quito at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels (2 nts), Twin-share cabins on board our motorized yacht (4 nts).
Brochure Notes	1. Passport details, nationality, full name, date of birth and arrival details must be advised at time of booking. 2. The itinerary may change due to weather or seasonal points of interest. 3. The shorter 6 and 7 day tours do not visit all of the islands; the time in Quito and in transit remains the same 4. Note that suites have a double bed
Departure	Departs every Thursday, year round
DepEnd	Thurs - Wed
Group Size	Max 20, Avg 15
Meals Included	Continental breakfast in Quito, all meals while in the Galapagos.
Recommendation	Want more wildlife? For a longer Galapagos experience, consider our 10-day version of this trip EV10G.
StartFinish	ex Quito
Testimonial	"I was overwhelmed by the Galapagos and the tour that was provided to me ...you took me to where I really wanted to go and I saw those amazing islands and their wildlife. Great job!" - John Zinger travelled on Voyage Galapagos 7-day First Class
Transport	Local flight, Motorized yacht, Van, Taxi.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-11	2008-12-17	7+
2009-01-01	2009-01-07	1
2009-01-29	2009-02-04	7+
2009-02-05	2009-02-11	1
2009-02-12	2009-02-18	3
2009-02-19	2009-02-25	7+
2009-02-26	2009-03-04	7+
2009-03-05	2009-03-11	7+
2009-03-12	2009-03-18	1
2009-03-19	2009-03-25	2
2009-03-26	2009-04-01	6
2009-04-02	2009-04-08	4
2009-04-09	2009-04-15	1
2009-04-16	2009-04-22	7+
2009-04-23	2009-04-29	2
2009-04-30	2009-05-06	6
2009-05-07	2009-05-13	7+
2009-05-14	2009-05-20	4
2009-05-21	2009-05-27	7+
2009-05-28	2009-06-03	4
2009-06-04	2009-06-10	7+
2009-06-18	2009-06-24	7+
2009-06-25	2009-07-01	7+
2009-07-09	2009-07-15	7+
2009-07-23	2009-07-29	7+
2009-07-30	2009-08-05	7+
2009-08-06	2009-08-12	7+
2009-08-13	2009-08-19	7+
2009-08-20	2009-08-26	7+
2009-08-27	2009-09-02	7+
2009-09-03	2009-09-09	7+
2009-09-10	2009-09-16	2
2009-09-17	2009-09-23	7+
2009-09-24	2009-09-30	7+
2009-10-01	2009-10-07	7+
2009-10-15	2009-10-21	2
2009-10-22	2009-10-28	7+
2009-10-29	2009-11-04	7+
2009-11-05	2009-11-11	7+
2009-11-12	2009-11-18	7+
2009-11-19	2009-11-25	7+
2009-11-26	2009-12-02	7+
2009-12-03	2009-12-09	7+
2009-12-10	2009-12-16	7+
2009-12-17	2009-12-23	7+
2009-12-24	2009-12-30	1
2009-12-31	2010-01-06	7+
2010-01-07	2010-01-13	7+
2010-01-14	2010-01-20	7+
2010-01-21	2010-01-27	7+
2010-01-28	2010-02-03	7+
2010-02-04	2010-02-10	7+
2010-02-11	2010-02-17	7+
2010-02-18	2010-02-24	7+
2010-02-25	2010-03-03	7+
2010-03-04	2010-03-10	7+
2010-03-11	2010-03-17	7+
2010-03-18	2010-03-24	7+
2010-03-25	2010-03-31	7+
2010-04-01	2010-04-07	7+
2010-04-08	2010-04-14	7+
2010-04-15	2010-04-21	7+
2010-04-22	2010-04-28	7+
2010-04-29	2010-05-05	7+
2010-05-06	2010-05-12	7+
2010-05-13	2010-05-19	7+
2010-05-20	2010-05-26	7+
2010-05-27	2010-06-02	7+
2010-06-03	2010-06-09	7+
2010-06-10	2010-06-16	7+
2010-06-17	2010-06-23	7+
2010-06-24	2010-06-30	7+
2010-07-01	2010-07-07	7+
2010-07-08	2010-07-14	7+
2010-07-15	2010-07-21	7+
2010-07-22	2010-07-28	7+
2010-07-29	2010-08-04	7+
2010-08-05	2010-08-11	7+
2010-08-12	2010-08-18	7+
2010-08-19	2010-08-25	7+
2010-08-26	2010-09-01	7+
2010-09-02	2010-09-08	7+
2010-09-09	2010-09-15	7+
2010-09-16	2010-09-22	7+
2010-09-23	2010-09-29	7+
2010-09-30	2010-10-06	7+
2010-10-07	2010-10-13	7+
2010-10-14	2010-10-20	7+
2010-10-21	2010-10-27	7+
2010-10-28	2010-11-03	7+
2010-11-04	2010-11-10	7+
2010-11-11	2010-11-17	7+
2010-11-18	2010-11-24	7+
2010-11-25	2010-12-01	7+
2010-12-02	2010-12-08	7+
2010-12-09	2010-12-15	7+
2010-12-16	2010-12-22	7+
2010-12-23	2010-12-29	7+
2010-12-30	2011-01-05	7+

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