Highlights
• Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
• Search for unique wildlife including: blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins and giant tortoises, tri-colored marine iguanas
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy island excursions led by naturalists
• Explore Otavalo market and colonial Quito
Fact File
• 12 days • Small ship cruising • Start, finish in Quito, Ecuador • All meals on ship included • 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 12-day Galapagos adventure starts and finishes in the colonial capital of Quito, nestled in the Andes. Enjoy a visit to the Otavalo Market nestled in 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: $5195
Accommodations
7 nights on either shared or single on ship in Galapagos (all cabins have private bathrooms.) On land, single accomodations with private bathrooms. Comfort notes
5 days over 9,000 ft. Sea can be rough when crossing to the western islands. Zodiac landings required.
Day 3: Explore Cotacachi, Cuicocha Crater Lake — Return to Quito Day 4: Fly to Galapagos Islands, Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) Day 5: South Plaza (Plazas Island) and Santa Fe Day 6: Pitt Point & Islet and Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal) Day 7: Cerro Colorado Tortiose Reserve, Interpretation Center and Tijeretas (San Cristobal) Day 8: Gardner Bay, Osborn Islets and Suarez Point, Espanola Day 9: Post Office and Cormorant Point (Floreana) Day 10: Cerro Mesa Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
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