Highlights
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Search for unique wildlife: blue-footed boobies, tri-colored marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins and giant tortoises just to mention a few
• Swimming & snorkeling
• Enjoy island excursions led by naturalists
• Explore Otavalo market and colonial Quito
• Enjoy a scenic train journey through the Andes
Fact File
• 13 days • Small ship cruising (36 passengers maximum) • Start, finish in Quito, Ecuador • All meals included on ship only • Land portion includes breakfast daily and two lunches • Includes 2 internal flights • Activity Level: 3
Exchange a curious glance with a blue-footed boobie, admire stunning tri-colored marine iguanas and watch the ever-playful sea lions frolic in the surf. The non-preditorial environment of Darwin's Galapagos has created a non-threatening, relaxed and magical connection with wildlife unlike any other on earth.
Our 13-day Galapagos adventure starts and finishes in the colonial capital of Quito, nestled in the Andes. Enjoy a visit to the Otavalo Market and a train journey through spectacular mountain scenery. The short flight to Baltra delivers us to our comfortable yacht. Watch for dolphins riding the bow like oceanic messengers taking us to our next equatorial volcanic island, each with its unique endemic species perfectly adapted to its environment. Pink flamingos, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises and a myriad of birdlife, including the fish-stealing frigate and the enormous albatross, are just some of the wildlife we encounter during our naturalist guided adventure.
Cool off with a refreshing ocean dip, or snorkel with stingrays and view the fantastic underwater world of sea turtles, dolphins, florescent tropical fish and colorful coral gardens, before departing for your next evolutionary marvel.
Few Galapagos journeys include the seldom-visited western islands. ElderTreks' Galapagos adventure does include this hard-to-get-to region, making our trip unique and remote, and providing a Darwinian experience second-to-none.
FROM: $4195
Accommodations
7 nights on a small ship in the Galapagos (all cabins have private bathrooms). On land comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms throughout. Comfort notes
Two days over 9000 ft. in Quito. Sea can be rough when crossing to the western islands. Zodiac landings required.
Day 2: Explore Calderon, Cuicocha Crater Lake, Cotachachi. Overnight at Hacienda Day 3: Train to Ibarra, Salinas, and Otavalo market, back to Quito Day 4: Fly to Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island, highlands of Santa Cruz Day 6: Floreana - Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay Day 7: North Seymour, Santa Cruz Day 9: Fernandina and Isabela Day 10: Bartolome, Santa Cruz Day 11: Charles Darwin Station, Baltra, fly to Quito
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