Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps

The group flight usually arrives into Quito this evening. Land Only clients
should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are
available for all clients.
*Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)**
*

Day 2

This morning you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers as we
have a welcome briefing and take a guided tour of the main sights in Quito.
Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2850m on the
western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive
of the colonial capitals of South America. Due to the altitude you are
advised to take it easy at first.
*Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)**
*

Day 3

Transfer to Quito airport and fly to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands.
On arrival we settle into our hotel and have the opportunity to get a light
lunch in the small town before spending some time at the Galapagos
Interpretation Centre. This afternoon we walk to the cliffs at Las Tijeteras
to see colonies of frigatebirds and there will be time for swimming and
snorkelling close to a Sea lion colony.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 5km

*Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)**
*

Day 4

Travel by small motorboat to Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), an impressive lava
tuft formation and stunning views of the cliffs. Several species of nesting
sea birds can be found here, including Masked boobies. We will have the
opportunity to snorkel and with any luck we will spot Eagle rays, Galapagos
turtles, Hammerhead sharks as well as great variety of colourful fish. 

Continue by boat to one of three white sand beaches where we can walk: Playa
Ochoa Beach, Playa Manglecito Beach or Cerro Brujo.  Playa Ochoa is an
expanse of white sand dominated by a large Sea lion colony as well as being
home to many birds and Marine iguanas, while Playa Mangelecito offer both the
opportunity to visit a white sand beach and a mangrove area. Cerro Brujo is
located in a volcanic zone,and has abundant vegetation as well as being home
to Sea lions, Marine iguanas and many birds.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 5km 

*Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)**
*

Day 5

After breakfast we drive to the highlands of San Cristobal. A short one hour
walk brings us to the fringe of El Junco Lake, one of the few permanent
freshwater lakes in the Galapagos where frigatebirds can often be seen
bathing near the lake. The San Cristobal highlands offer panoramic views
across the smaller islands lapped by the Pacific. Afterwards we visit a
reserve where the famous Galapagos giant tortoises roam free before
snorkelling in a nearby bay. After lunch, we can visit La Loberia, a Sea lion
nursery, the perfect place to unwind surrounded by colonies of Sea lions and
Marine iguanas.

*Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)**
*

Day 6

A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Isla Floreana, one of the
first islands to be inhabited in the Galapagos. En route we may see whales,
dolphins and sea birds. After lunch we visit the highlands of Floreana, where
one of the few sources of fresh water in the entire archipelago exists. Visit
lava caves once used by pirates who based themselves on the islands and see a
large enclosure of Galapagos giant tortoises.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 3km

*Accommodation: Hotel Wittmer (or similar)**
*

Day 7

After an early breakfast we go on a walk to discover the black volcanic
beaches, which are home to Red iguanas and Sea lion colonies. There is also
time for snorkelling this morning (please note that on some departures the
visit to this beach might be done in the late afternoon on Day 6).  Just
before midday we navigate to Isabela and see Tortuga Island, a huge eroded
marine crater where thousands of sea birds such as Blue-footed and Nazca
boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds nest.

This afternoon we visit the Wall of Tears, a sad reminder of Isabela's very
different past when the island was used as a penal colony. Between 1946 and
1959 convicts were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava simply
as a form of punishment, which, combined with the harsh conditions, led to
many deaths. After this sobering visit we hike back to the town through the
mangroves, wetlands and along sandy beaches of the coast. This is one of the
best places on the islands to view migratory birds, including Wilson’s
phalarope, the Blue-winged teal and if we're very lucky, even osprey. This
region has also seen the reintroduction of Galapagos giant tortoises from the
breeding centre into the wild and we are likely to encounter several on our
walk.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 14km 

*Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)**
*

Day 8

Our first day of trekking on the Sierra Negra Volcano. The walk today takes
us across stark lava-strewn highlands punctuated with miconia shrubs
and other vegetation. The otherworldly landscapes are incredible and we pass
many volcanic features along the way where we can observe steam fumaroles
and a variety of lava formations.

The total distance walked today will be approx. 16km.

*Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)*

Day 9

Today will be a long day as in order to reach the Sulphur Volcano we will
need to trek approx. 26km. If at a half-way point anybody wishes to turn
back, we will have 2 local guides, and we will be able to split the group
into two. Please note that we may not be able to descend into the crater to
visit the fumaroles, depending on the level of volcanic activity.

The total distance walked today will be approx. 26km.

*Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)*

Day 10

Snorkelling excursion in the area of Cabo Rosa. On this snorkelling trip you
will have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles, Manta rays, Marine
iguanas and many different species of fish.

*Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)*

Day 11

We spend the morning sailing to the islets and lava channels of Las
Tintoreras, one of the best places in the islands to see White-tipped reef
sharks, as well as penguins and Sea lions. There will be time for snorkelling
today. On this morning's excursion we may be lucky enough to spot the
endangered Chatham mockingbird.

The afternoon is free for swimming, snorkelling, walking or just relaxing on
one of the beaches around Puerto Villamil.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 3km

*Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)**
*

Day 12

Navigate by motorboat to Santa Cruz very early this morning and have
breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast we have the option of visiting the
Charles Darwin Reseach Centre, which is home to the headquarters of the
Charles Darwin Foundation. This is the main research centre on the islands
and many visiting scientists come from all over the world to study the flora
and fauna.  After our visit we'll have lunch at one of the local
restaurants. 

Our destination this afternoon is Tortuga Bay, a 1km stretch of white sand
regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail leading to
the beach is paved and takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, with possibilities
to observe Galapagos finches and lizards along the way. The beach is
scattered with Marine iguana's, who lay amongst the clusters of black rocks
or stroll along the sand. In the water turtles can sometimes be seen.
Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents. After a relaxing
afternoon, we'll hike the same route back towards the main town of Puerto
Ayora where our hotel is located.

Today’s walking distance is approx. 7km

*Accommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)**
*

Day 13

Visit either Bartolome Island, South Plaza Island or North Seymour (depending
on the National Park restrictions). South Plaza Island has a remarkable
vegetation of succulents and cacti that provide a unique habitat for land
iguanas. The iguanas form small colonies at the base of the tall opuntia
cacti, waiting for their flowers and dead pads to fall to the ground so they
can feed on them. The island's rocks are home to swallowtail gulls,
shearwaters and Sea lions.
North Seymour is a flat, boulder-strewn island and is a major nesting site
for frigatebirds. It's also a good place to see Blue-footed boobies
performing their courtship rituals, as well as Sea lions playing in the
powerful surf. Bartolome is a spectacular scene of dramatic lava cones,
perfect clear turqouise sea and affords perhaps the most famous view of the
Galapagos Islands, looking across the red cinder cones to the recent black
lava fields on James Island. If possible we will snorkel today (usually
around Bartolome) where the water is calm.

*Accommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)**
*

Day 14

After breakfast this morning we drive to the airport at Baltra and fly to
Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights this
evening from 6pm onwards. Alternatively, you can extend your stay for a few
extra nights or join the Napo Wildlife Centre Extension (which starts in
Quito). Land only clients may prefer to organise post-tour accommodation for
the night in Guayaquil and organise their international flights for the
following day.

Day 15

Arrive home.