| Starts | Quito, Ecuador |
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| Ends | Quito, Ecuador |
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| Region | South America |
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| Duration | 9 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | SEQI 22576 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Quito & Finishing: Quito
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2 - Starting: Quito & Finishing: Puerto Ayora
Fly from Quito to Baltra to meet a G Adventures representative who will assist in getting you from the Baltra airport by bus, ferry, and taxi to the hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Meet the local CEO for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station followed by a welcome meeting for any travellers joining the group here.
Instructions
The flight from Quito to Baltra is unaccompanied. You will have G Adventures representatives assisting on both sides to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Day 3 - Starting: Puerto Ayora & Finishing: Floreana Island
In the morning, head to Floreana Island by speed boat. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way.
Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach snorkelling or swimming. After, continue to the isolated town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. For dinner, enjoy the abundance of fresh seafood available.
Day 4 - Starting: Floreana Island & Finishing: Isla Isabela
Travel to Isabela Island. Explore new surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps.
Day 5 - Starting: Isla Isabela & Finishing: Isla Isabela
Enjoy a full day at the Sierra Negra Volcano. One of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos, Sierra Negra boasts the second-largest crater in the world.
Hike to the summit to experience a bird's-eye view of this magical landscape. Continue to the lava fields of Volcano Chico and enjoy lunch, admiring views of the surrounding volcanoes and islands.
In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Day 6 - Starting: Isla Isabela & Finishing: Isla Isabela
Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and the 'Wall of Tears' historical site. Later, opt to take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding whitetip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins.
Day 7 - Starting: Isla Isabela & Finishing: Puerto Ayora
Head for Santa Cruz Island and dock at the town of Puerto Ayora.
In the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.
Day 8 - Starting: Puerto Ayora & Finishing: Quito
Retrace your footsteps to return to Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel for one last night in town. The G Adventures representative in Quito will be able to arrange many of the available day tours in and around Quito if you have time to spare. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation in this lively city.
Day 9 - Starting: Quito & Finishing: Quito
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Charles Darwin Research Centre visit (Santa Cruz). Guided wildlife walks (Floreana). Flamingo Lagoon visit (Isabela). Sierra Negra volcano hike with lava fields visit. Tortoise breeding centre and ‘Wall of Tears’ visit. Snorkelling (equipment provided), swimming and incredible wildlife encounters. Isabela Municipal Tax. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Hike up Sierra Negra Volcano – the second largest volcanic crater in the world – and walk on the lava fields, observe flamingos at an isolated lagoon, be amazed at the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Important Notes
ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to further changes dependent upon new regulations made by the Galápagos National Park or seasonal points of interest.
PERSONAL DETAILS
G Adventures requires your passport number, full name and date of birth at the time of booking. Please make sure you give this information to your travel agent.
CONFIRM DETAILS WITH US
Once you have confirmed your booking please give us your international flight details and advise us if you have any important issues such as allergies, special diets, etc.
GALÁPAGOS ISLAND PARK ENTRY FEE
The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galápagos Islands Park entry fee of $100 USD per person. This is payable at the airport upon arrival in the park. It is not included in the cost of the tour, and must be paid in CASH. This fee funds Park maintenance and supervision in Galápagos, 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.
TRANSIT CONTROL CARDS
The Galapagos National Park authorities have implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $20 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH at a counter in the Quito airport before boarding the flight to the Galapagos. Please retain this card along with your passport as you will be required to present this upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that this applies to all tourists entering the Galapagos Islands and is a supplement to the existing entry fee to the National Park and is not controlled by tour operators or travel agencies. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago.
INTERNATIONAL TICKET NUMBERS
All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Ecuador. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds. For the Galápagos, our CEOs are naturalists certified by the Galapagos National Park.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Plane, private van, speed boat.
About our Transportation
Speed boat
Please note that speed boats are used to transfer between Islands. This is a fun way to travel but those who do experience motion sickness may want to ensure they bring any medications or use preventative measures against an upset stomach.
Local Flights
All internal flights (Quito to Baltra return) are included.
Solo Travellers
Accommodation
Standard hotels (8 nts).
About Accommodation
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Galapagos. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Floreana Island
Please note that due to its remote location, we do stay at a simple lodge on Floreana Island and services and amenities may be a bit more simple than in other hotels on this trip. The experience of staying in a more remote and less-visited spot, more than makes up for a few less frills.
Joining Hotel
Rio Amazonas Hotel
E4375 & Av. Amazonas
Quito
Ecuador
22556666
Joining Instructions
The Quito International Airport is approximately one hour outside of the city centre where your joining hotel is located. There are a number of routes the driver may take depending on time of day and traffic, however, the route often seems long and indirect. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by organizing a taxi at the desk within the airport (approximately $30 USD). Private transfers generally cost more as the cars will need to drive from Quito, to the airport, and return. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find a taxi stand. We strongly recommend you pay for the car at set rates from the taxi stand and therefore won’t need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic with many drivers vying for few clients. The taxis outside the airport area do not belong to the Taxi Airport Union and may charge higher fares.
There is also a shuttle available with the bus company Aeroservicios. Aeroservicios charges 8 USD to board a bus which will take you from the new airport to the old airport. The buses are new, comfortable, and often include wifi. From the old airport, a taxi to get to your hotel would generally cost $5 USD depending on the distance and location.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a representative will be waiting at the airport to meet you holding a G Adventures sign with your name, directly in front of the arrivals section, There are often many people holding signs so we recommend to take some time to locate the rep with a G Adventures logo and sign with your name. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, you can go directly to the H.A.T.S. counter (Hotel and Airline Transportation Services) which is situated directly in front of the international arrival area, next to the taxi stand, and they will be able to assist you. In addition you may call our local support line at 0999 506 000. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi and report the issue to a G Adventures representative at the welcome meeting.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time and your transfer times back to the airport the next day. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Excess luggage can be stored free of charge at the joining hotel during your tour if desired.
Arrival Complications
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Quito, Ecuador
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Ecuador: +593 2250 6610
From within Ecuador: 022 506 610
After hours Emergency number
From outside Ecuador: +593 999 506 000
From within Ecuador: 0999 506 000
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
We recommend the use of a duffel bag, soft bag on wheels or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.
Please note that Galápagos is a protected national park so your luggage will be checked before arrival and departure to and from the islands. Don’t bring any food, seeds or other organic material that could affect the delicate ecosystem of the islands.
Checklist
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Credit or debit cards (see personal spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
– Camera
– Reading/writing material
– Binoculars
– Cover for backpacks
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Small towel and swim wear
– 4 shirts/t-shirts
– Sun hat
– 2 pair of shorts
– 2 pairs of long/3/4 trousers
– 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries (biodegradable)
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Flashlight
– First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Detailed Trip Notes
CLIMATE:
Located on the Equator, the Galapagos climate is tempered by the Humboldt Current, so you do not experience extreme heat found elsewhere at this latitude. The warmest weather is December to June, when temperatures range from 22-33°C (72-90 °F), and the water temperature is in the mid 20s (mid 70°F). From July to November, temperatures are cooler and range from 18-24°C (60s -75°F), when average water temperature rarely reach 21°C (70°F).
Spending Money
Money Exchange
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available some may not accept all international credit or debit cards. You may need to try at more than one machine if the first does not accept your card. You should also check with your bank before leaving to ensure that your card works internationally. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Please bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than 100, as they can be hard to exchange in Ecuador. 100 dollar bills of certain series (e.g. CB B2) can be especially hard to cash! CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Departure Tax
USD $40.80
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your adventure travels to high altitude, in Quito. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your adventure, please consult your physician.
Safety and Security
Medical Form
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Feedback
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Max Pax
Group Leader
Local naturalist guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), G Adventures representative in Quito.
