GT-116 – QUITO AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ON THE LUXURY M/Y LA PINTA
Eight Days Program
Includes Five day cruise – Galapagos Northern Islands (Monday – Friday)
Hotel Hilton Colon International (Deluxe)
DEPARTURE DATES FROM USA:
For itinerary with Northern Islands cruise
2013: July 27, August 24, September 7, September 21, November 2, December 14
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Saturday – USA / Quito
Depart and arrival in Quito. Upon arrival assistance and private transfer to hotel.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 2: Sunday – Quito City Tour
Breakfast. Have day city tour of modern and colonial Quito.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 3: Monday – Quito / Galapagos Islands
Arrival in Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from hotel to airport for flight to Baltra Airport, transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A small ferry will take us across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where guests will learn about the unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch at a local restaurant.
El Chato (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools that are common in the reserve. You may also spot some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, a great place to spot the barn owl. There is also a small lagoon covered in red algae where gallinules and Galápagos pintails can be found. Bus ride to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. Introductory Briefing including the expedition plan for Tuesday, welcome Cocktail. (L/D)
DAY 4: Tuesday – Galapagos Islands
Bahía Ballena – Whale Bay (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast disembark (wet landing) at a beautiful olivine beach (a volcanic crystal that forms in fast-cooling lava). The area has historical relevance since a small community lived in this area in the late 1900s, collecting lichen (Rosella Tictoria), used in the textile industry. The trail leads guests to an old water hole used by the former settlers. There are also boobies, land birds and beautiful views of the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy. Several activities are possible after the walk, such as snorkeling or a “panga” ride along the shoreline. Back on board for lunch.
Sombrero Chino Islet
Less than a quarter-of-a-square-kilometre in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. Lying just off the southeastern tip of San Salvador Island (James), this islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. Several species of shore birds can be spotted, along with marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins and sally light-foot crabs. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and tropical fish. Briefing. (B/L/D)
DAY 5: Wednesday – Galapagos Islands
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. A great way to start the day! This is a steep climb up a wooden staircase with handrails and several resting and observation stops; the view from the top is worth the effort. Following the walk, a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, is rewarding, followed by time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, with possible Galápagos penguin sightings. Guests can also ride on the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.
Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, board the panga for the short ride to the landing site at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. Wet landing on a white coral sand beach and a walk over lava that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos.
The last major eruption on Santiago was probably in the early 1900’s. One observer aboard a sailing vessel reported that the ship approached the lava flow so closely that the pine tar used to seal the hull of the ship began to soften, and the captain had to hurry the ship away from the bay. Briefing. (B/L/D)
DAY 6: Thursday
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the morning, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Lunch on board.
Prince Philip’s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer “panga” ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Farewell Cocktail, departure briefing. (B/L/D)
DAY 7: Friday – Depart Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
Disembark on Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Private transfer from airport to hotel
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel. (B)
DAY 8: Saturday – Depart Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to your next destination.
RATES PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: From $3,419.00
This program is available with pre and post cruise overnights in Guayaquil and with other first class and deluxe hotels. Please check with us!!
RATE INCLUDES:
Round trip air Quito/Galapagos/Quito including taxes and full surcharges.
Five day cruise on the luxury M/Y La Pinta based on double occupancy. Fully escorted daily excursions to islands as per itinerary. All meals during the cruise as indicated in itinerary. Daily briefings. Three nights at the deluxe Hotel Hilton Colon International based on double occupancy. Daily breakfast, 22% taxes All transfers in Quito on private basis.
NOT INCLUDED:
International air from the USA to be quoted separately. Special round trip air Miami-Quito-Miami available from $490.00 including fuel and taxes. Galapagos National Park entrance fees $110 per person International departure taxes out of Guayaquil $40 per person and subject to change.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
The itineraries and programs are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
The itineraries and programs are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.
© Images courtesy of Metropolitan Touring
