South America
The Galapagos and Andean Cloud Forest High Adventure Tour
From the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world, to the depths of the enriched and deep blue waters of the Galapagos, our carefully planned adventure tour is a must for all lovers of outdoor adventure. Whether you are diving with harmless sharks, playful sea lions, or giant manta rays, or just enjoying the company of the Giant Galapagos Tortoise, our 13-day adventure-tour is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
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The Trip |
Days |
Land Cost |
| The Galapagos & Andean Cloud Forest | Nov 28 -Dec 10, 2007 |
$3,499 |
The Galapagos and Andean Cloud Forest Abridged Itinerary
Day 1, ARRIVAL DAY QUITO
Welcome to one of the highest capital cities in the world, Quito .You are free arrive anytime you wish and take in some of the many sites of Quito. Your guide will be waiting for you at the hotel along with an information packet with a list of things to do and see, in and around Quito. That evening there will be a full briefing on the week ahead plus logistics for your Adventure tour in the Galapagos and the Cloud Forest. Evening welcome dinner (D)
Day 2, DEPARTURE FOR SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The trip begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Here you will be transferred to your hotel and after lunch will we make our way to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we will have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. Afterwards we will jump on mountain bikes for an exhilarating down hill ride through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. We will pay a visit to the Interpretation Center and learn the mysterious history of Galapagos, “The Enchanted Islands”. Later we hit Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful Sea lions and Frigate birds, gliding on the thermals. That evening we will have an island welcome dinner of fresh fish and island grown produce. (B, L, D)
Day 3, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The day begins with a short boat ride in the Christine to Kicker Rock, observing along the way the abundant marine life that the Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed Boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. A real highlight of the trip! We then continue onto Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea. A truly impressive sight! Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. Afterwards we’ll head to Cerro Brujo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands and return to port late in the afternoon.
(B, L- OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE)
Day 4, FLOREANA AND ISABELA ISLANDS
This morning we depart San Cristobal Island to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way. Here will experience some of the best diving and snorkeling in the islands at Enderby Islet or Champions Bay and Devils Crown. We depart Floreana to Isabela Island after a full day of snorkeling and diving. (B, L, D)
Day 5, ISABELA
A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world.
Here you can experience a bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we will visit the Breeding Center of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos. That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L)
Day 6, ISABELA
By pick up truck and on foot we make our way the Wall of Tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we’ll pop in and visit Pink flamingos, also stopping at the lookout and one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way. After lunch we jump in the kayaks, where you can observe up close, the only penguins in the world found close to the equator. (B, L, D)
Day 7, SANTA CRUZ
Today is an early morning departure to the Island of Santa Cruz. We will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding or surfing. (B, L, D)
Day 8, SANTA CRUZ, SANTA FE, SAN CRISTOBAL
Today we pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoises and Land Iguanas in captivity, brought back form the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a nice dive/snorkel in a beautiful bay where we can observe the marine iguanas feeding off the rocks and schools of surgeon fish just below the surface. Return to San Cristobal and settle in for an evening group dinner to celebrate a great trip. (B, L, D)
Day 9, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND-QUITO- DEPARTURE DAY FOR MINDO
We bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands with a quick optional visit to La Loberia Beach or last minute souvenir shopping! We depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito for a transfer by van from the airport to Mindo. The beautiful pre-montane cloud forest reserve of Mindo is the success story of local community activism, ecotourism and the work of private groups. Home to more than 400 species of birds, locals say it is the only place in Ecuador that is gaining forest.
Our guides will meet us in Mindo and take us across the Rio Mindo by tarabita (hand powered cable car) to El Monte Sustainable Lodge, which is run by a warm Ecuadorian/US couple. (B, L, D)
Day 10, MINDO
Here we can relax into the beautiful A frame cabins set alongside the river or head out with our onsite guides for adventure on horseback, bird watching, hiking or tubing on the river. The communal lodge has a restaurant, library and bar.
(B, L, D)
Day 11, MINDO
Today we can stay onsite to do what we missed the first day, or head into the town of Mindo for a tour of the Armonia Orchid Garden or the Caligo Butterfly Farm, then return to the lodge for the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 12, QUITO
Say farewell to the cloud forest as we head back to Quito by van for one last night in the capital city. Here we will have an array of churches, plaza’s and museums to choose from to cap the final day of the trip. (B, L, D)
Day 13, QUITO DEPARTURE DAY
Participants will take cabs to UIO International or stay on for extensions.
(B)
Thank you so much and see you soon
SPECIAL NOTE. TRACKERS INTERNATIONAL AND GALAKIWI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND OR, GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATION CHANGE
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- 12 nights full accommodation in single, double or triple accommodations
- Private bathroom, clean and comfortable.
- Meals daily as specified in the tour (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Quito
- Airport transfers to and from accommodations in Galapagos and Quito
- International transfers
- Full pre departure briefings and logistical support in Quito
- All land and sea transport
- Sit on top Sea kayaks
- Mountain bikes
- Snorkeling equipment
- Naturalist guides authorized by the national park of Galapagos.
- Tour leader throughout out the tour
- Airfare from Quito to the Galapagos and back to Quito
Not Included
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee $100USD, only payable in cash, upon arrival to the islands
- Alcoholic / Soft drinks /Gratuities
- 2 evening meals
- Wetsuit hire $20usd
- Anything not specified in the package
- Optional diving (please inquire for diving package)
