Galápagos islands

One of the world’s most treasured wildlifedestinations

This land based tour, in which you sleep ashore and use inter island boat, allows you to visit the Galápagos Islands with accommodation in local B&B and to share activities with local people.

You discover Galápagos Islands which are the most compelling natural spot in the world. Almost 170 years since Darwin dropped anchor there, the forbidding volcanic islands and their motley assortment of creatures still enchant anyone who sees them.

DAY ACTIVITIES (Galápagos) NIGHT

1 Flight to Baltra, boat and a bus to Puerto Ayora (45 min), tortuga bay beach Hotel in Santa Cruz (0 m)

2 Darwin research station, local boat from Santa Cruz to Isabella (2:30) B & B in Isabela (0 m)

3 Excursions to volcano Chico, Tintoreas by boat: diving, watching animals B & B in Isabela (0 m)

4 Day of Sharing (fishing, meals) organized with local fishermen B & B in Isabela (0 m)

5 We go back by boat to Santa Cruz, the airport, fly back to Quito o Guayaquil

ItineraryD 1: We fly to Guayaquil and Baltra airport. After 10 minutes by bus, we cross the canal with a passenger ferry to reach Santa Cruz Island. We cross the island to Puerto Ayora on the southern coast. In the afternoon, we visit the beach of Tortuga bay, paradise beach, an hour walk through a maze and blocks of lava. We sleep in a hotel in Puerto Ayora.

D 2: In the morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. A raised boardwalk weaves through the trees, scrub and cacti past the tortoise corrals, where we can see fully grown giant tortoises. In the afternoon, we head to our port of embarkation for the island Isabela. 2 h 30 navigation brings us to the biggest island but also the most authentic of the archipelago. Puerto villamil is a small town of sandy roads and simple houses with fences of woven branches and cactus, fronted by a beautiful palm fringed beach.

Galápagos tortoise

D 3: We go by car for ¾ hour to discover during a 5-hour hike Sierra Negra volcano (1490 m) whose diameter is 10 km and whose last eruptions date from 2005, 1979 and 1963 and volcano Chico. Expect climate changes ranging from scorching sun to rain and mud. At 3 PM, we take a boat to the island of Tintoreas which faces Isabela. Walking tour. We observe sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and if we are lucky white shark species. We also observe penguins from the boat. Snorkelling is available in the bay.

Mutual observation

D 4: We share a complete day with local fishermen. We leave in the morning to try to catch various species (sierra, cod). We also try to catch octopus on an island. We eat the product directly of our fishing on the boat also in the evening with the families of the fishermen.

Galápagos Penguins

D 5: We leave early in the morning by boat to the island of Santa Cruz. Departure at 6:00, arrival around 8:30. Later we go by bus to the airport and then take our flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

Pelican

Tour InformationRemarks

We use Ecuador’s comprehensive bus service.

Sleeping bags are not necessary.

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 2 months before you leave to discuss whether you need vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis. Although Ecuador has its fair share of scary-sounding tropical diseases, there’s no reason to be paranoid about contracting them. In fact most are rare. The Galápagos are free of Malaria. Consult your doctor if travelling in others parts.

Bottled mineral water are available everywhere.

Bring 2 backpacks: one small, the other large.

Climate

Ecuador does not experience the four seasons known in temperate parts of the world. Instead there are wet and dry seasons.

The islands are relatively dry all year, but during the warm wet season (jan-june) sunny skies are broken by short and heavy bursts of rain while temperature nudge 30 °C.

In the cool dry season (july-dec) the air temperature drops to around 22°C and the ocean become choppier. But as there have been noticeable recent changes in the world’s climatic patterns, the wet and the dry season are no longer really respected.

Ecuador essentials

Hat for protection against the sun Sun screen Sun glasses Rain clothing for the highlands Raincoat Lip salve Shoes : hiking boots and sandals Pocket torch 2 backpacks (a small one that you can carry all day long and a bigger one) Swimwear and sandals for the beach Insect repellent

Small bottled mineral water can be found everywhere so you don’t need to bring water-bottles.

Price listAs well as being a non profit-making organisation, we offer prices less expensive than the cheapest tour operator. Furthermore, we boast the same conditions, at least the same quality and above all, we promote direct contacts with the local population.

People living and working in the country charge you less, offer you good quality, high skill, and the local people get a fair share: This is the definition of eco-tourism.

Prices do not include: Prices include:

Drinks (a small bottle of water 1,5 $)

Tips

All the mentioned activities Accommodation Guided tour Local transportation

(boats, plane to the islands, buses)

Museums and park entrance fees

« GALAPAGOS ISLANDS » (4 NIGHTS)

Minimum number of tourists Prices in USD per person

2 1885

3 1605

4 1465

5 1380

The prices indicated can be paid in Ecuador or by international bank transfer (who will charge you a commission). Just contact us…