Voyage Galapagos

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.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 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. 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). 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.

Day 2 Baltra (L, D)

Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist leader who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer I. Visit the Charles Darwin Station in the afternoon. See giant tortoises and learn about Charles Darwin’s studies of the wildlife of the Galapagos. Time to do some shopping and exploring on your own in Puerto Ayora.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.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. Santa Cruz is the most populated island within the archipelago, and Puerto Ayora is its main town. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town. Here, an exhibition centre displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos Tortoises, and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs.Turtle Bay is a 45 minute walk from Puerto Ayora along a well established trail. This pristine, white sand beach is a tranquil place, with white surf accentuating the Caribbean blues of the deeper waters. Follow the beach to a small peninsula; on the other side you find a large lagoon.

Day 3 Floreana (B, L, D)

Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Post Office Bay The history of Floreana Island (also called Charles) has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters, shrouded in mystery, were chronicled in John Treherne’s book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a booked entitled "Floreana" and this can be purchased at the airport in Baltra or at a local bookstore.Post Office Bay has an older and less mysterious history. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island’s history prior to its designation as a protected area. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave. With the aid of a flashlight, you can descend about 80 m (262 ft) to the point where the sea enters the cave.Later in the afternoon we make our way towards Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of green sand, colored by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. The trail leads to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds and continues to a beach of fine white sand particles known as “Flour Beach”, an important nesting site for turtles. Around the point, Devil's Crown derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, however, as despite the protection from the open sea provided by the "crown," the water here can be rough and the currents strong.

Day 4 Española (B, L, D)

We sail to Punta Suarez, on Española Island. This is the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. Optional hike to the top of a cliff for spectacular views and photos.Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island (also called Hood) is spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island; there is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The Waved Albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Española is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of Masked and Blue-footed Boobies are also found here, Red-billed Tropic Birds dash madly through the air, and both Marine Iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 15 to 20 m (49 – 66 ft) into the air, adds to the island’s impression of untamed beauty. Follow the trail through a rookery and learn the geological history of the island from our naturalist, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna. Sail in the afternoon to Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkelling site.

Day 5 Santa Fé (B, L, D)

Set sail and reach Santa Fé Island early in the morning. Learn about the prehistoric-looking land iguanas from our naturalist guide, as well as how mangrove trees survive in this harsh environment. In the afternoon visit Plaza Sur —home of a colony of sea lion bachelors.Santa Fé Island (also called Barrington) is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. There is only one place to land launches, but two different trails offer varied experiences. The shorter of the two hikes leads from the beach into a sparse forest of Prickly Pear Cactus. The second, longer trail goes up a cliff side into an area inhabited by Land Iguanas. The interior terrain of the island is interesting, with a good panoramic view from the cliff top. Back on the beach, it is easy to sit for hours just watching the antics of the sociable sea lions.

Day 6 Seymour (B)

Sail to North Seymour for one last look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. Seymour Island is probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds, and close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’s largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma. Further along the trail we can observe a colony of sea lions. Sail to Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. Transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night in historic Quito.

Day 7 Depart Quito

Depart Quito anytime.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels (2 nts), twin-share cabins on board our motorized yacht (4 nts).
Brochure Notes	1. Passport details, nationality, full name and date of birth 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.
Departure	Departs every Tuesday, year round
DepEnd	Tues-Mon
Group Size	Max 16, Avg 14
Included Highlights	- Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station- Incredible wildlife encounters- Daily opportunities for swimming and snorkelling
Local Payment	USD300 Galapagos Park Fee USD100 and Transit Control Card Fee USD10 - payable on arrival in the Islands.
Meals Included	All meals while in the Galapagos.
Recommendation	Want more wildlife? For a longer Galapagos experience, consider our 10-day version of this trip EV10P.
StartFinish	ex Quito
Testimonial	"The Galapagos trip was a life-altering experience; especially swimming one-to-one with a sea lion." - Avrum Geller travelled on 7-day Voyage Galapagos
Transport	Local flight, motorized yacht, van.
Brochure Intro	Amazing wildlife is the draw of the remote Galapagos Islands, and our motor yachts are the ideal way to explore them. The 72-foot G.A.P Adventurer I accommodates 16 passengers in 8 double occupancy ocean view cabins, each with AC and private bath. The 2-level wrap-around deck is ideal for ocean views and relaxing. Staff includes a certified naturalist guide.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-23	2008-09-29	1
2008-09-30	2008-10-06	1
2008-10-07	2008-10-13	2
2008-10-21	2008-10-27	5
2008-10-28	2008-11-03	1
2008-11-04	2008-11-10	1
2008-11-11	2008-11-17	5
2008-11-18	2008-11-24	2
2008-11-25	2008-12-01	7+
2008-12-02	2008-12-08	2
2008-12-09	2008-12-15	7+
2008-12-16	2008-12-22	6
2009-01-06	2009-01-12	7+
2009-01-13	2009-01-19	7+
2009-01-20	2009-01-26	7+
2009-01-27	2009-02-02	7+
2009-02-03	2009-02-09	7+
2009-02-10	2009-02-16	7+
2009-02-17	2009-02-23	7+
2009-02-24	2009-03-02	7+
2009-03-03	2009-03-09	7+
2009-03-10	2009-03-16	7+
2009-03-17	2009-03-23	7+
2009-03-24	2009-03-30	7+
2009-03-31	2009-04-06	7+
2009-04-07	2009-04-13	7+
2009-04-14	2009-04-20	7+
2009-04-21	2009-04-27	7+
2009-04-28	2009-05-04	7+
2009-05-05	2009-05-11	7+
2009-05-12	2009-05-18	7+
2009-05-19	2009-05-25	7+
2009-05-26	2009-06-01	7+
2009-06-02	2009-06-08	7+
2009-06-09	2009-06-15	5
2009-06-16	2009-06-22	7+
2009-06-23	2009-06-29	7+
2009-06-30	2009-07-06	7+
2009-07-07	2009-07-13	7+
2009-07-14	2009-07-20	7+
2009-07-21	2009-07-27	7+
2009-07-28	2009-08-03	7+
2009-08-04	2009-08-10	7+
2009-08-11	2009-08-17	7+
2009-08-18	2009-08-24	7+
2009-08-25	2009-08-31	7+
2009-09-01	2009-09-07	7+
2009-09-08	2009-09-14	7+
2009-09-15	2009-09-21	7+
2009-09-22	2009-09-28	7+
2009-09-29	2009-10-05	7+
2009-10-06	2009-10-12	7+
2009-10-13	2009-10-19	7+
2009-10-20	2009-10-26	7+
2009-10-27	2009-11-02	7+
2009-11-03	2009-11-09	7+
2009-11-10	2009-11-16	7+
2009-11-17	2009-11-23	7+
2009-11-24	2009-11-30	7+
2009-12-01	2009-12-07	7+
2009-12-08	2009-12-14	7+
2009-12-15	2009-12-21	7+
2009-12-22	2009-12-28	7+
2009-12-29	2010-01-04	7+

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