Itinerary
NOTE: More information regarding our accommodations can be found at the bottom of this page.
Day 1: Tuesday, August 7, 2012– Arrive Quito
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador's capital! Located by volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua, the city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character. Most of Quito's colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival we will be met by our local representative and escorted by private transfer to the Swissotel our home for the next 3 nights. Bienvenido!
Hotel: Swissotel
Day 2: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - Quito
Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the America's. Visit some of the most important churches such as the Majestic la Compania and iconic San Francisco. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at Panecillo hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. North of Quito is the middle of the world city complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0 (0"0').
Tonight we celebrate our arrival to Ecuador as we dine at Pims Panecillo restaurant with privileged panoramic views of the city! Buen Provecho!
Hotel: Swissotel
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3: Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Quito - Otavalo Market - Quito
After breakfast we will head out on a full day excursion. Today we will enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery, fascinating Indian cultures and specialized artisan villages as we travel across the northern Andean highlands to the famous market town of Otavalo. Browse, bargain, and enjoy the visual feast of an indigenous market.
We will stop at a local hacienda for a traditional lunch, before continuing to Santa Barbara indigenous community, specializing in embroidered textiles. Late afternoon we will return to Quito for Dinner (not included).
Hotel: Swissotel
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Friday, August 10 - Quito - Baltra - Santa Cruz
After an early breakfast, we will have a private airport transfer to board our flight to Galapagos. The flight from Quito to the Galapagos is approximately 3 hours and 20 min on a Boeing 727, and makes a brief stop in Guayaquil. Upon arrival at Baltra travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. We will meet with our Galapagos Naturalist Guide collect our luggage, and take a short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called 'Pangas' will transport us to the M/C Journey I.
Following lunch, we will enjoy our first island excursion.
PM: Twin Craters & Santa Cruz Highlands
The Gemelos are a pair of craters approximately 30 meters deep located on either side of the road to Baltra (island where the airport lies). The holes could be created because of a volcanic explosion or because of magma chambers inside earth.
Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present in the archipelago. As we travel through these zones birders are enchanted. Whether it's the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher or one of Darwin's Finch almost every bird present in the islands can be found here. Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos Tortoises. Tracking tortoises is not the only exciting activity to be found in the highlands. There are also plenty of lava tubes, sinkholes and craters to explore. These eerie formations offer a fascinating hike into the belly of the island to view its volcanic make-up.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Galapagos - Isabela Island
AM: White Tipped Reef Shark Canal
A delightful place reached by a nice panga ride. "Tintoreras" are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.
AM: Wall of Tears
The Wall of Tears is a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners built a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as the wall of tears. A set of stairs provides a bird's eye view of the wall and the surrounding landscape.
PM: Sierra Negra Volcano.
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest populated island in Galapagos with approximately 3,000 inhabitants. We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope, and later we will do some hiking on uneven terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 mile wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes, and Perry Isthmus, a 12 Km wide lava field. From here we can hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6: Sunday, August 12, 2012 - Galapagos - Isabela Island
AM: Punta Moreno
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around the lakes and mangroves.
PM: Elizabeth Bay
This is a marine visitor site, the excursion is carried out in a panga and there is no landing point. The panga ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves where you can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. Frequently visitors have been able to see Galapagos hawks soaring overhead while schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 7: Monday, August 13, 2012 - Galapagos - Isabela Island
AM: Urbina Bay
South from Tagus Cove and still on the West coast is Urbina Bay. It is an easy wet landing on a gentle sloping beach. This area is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. The waters of the bay are a good place to see turtles and rays and ashore is a short trail leading to a coral reef, which is evidence of uplift from the sea which occurred in 1954.
From here it is easy to reach the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. You can see large colored land iguanas here and the possibility of seeing giant Galapagos turtles, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas is excellent.
PM: Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs by panga will give visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra saline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and bucaneers in past centuries.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - Galapagos - Fernandina - Isabela Islands
AM: Espinoza Point
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza where some of the unique species of Galapagos can be seen. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore, and some time block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant, a bird that do to the lack of predators had to adjust their way of survival and perfect their skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails, and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.
PM: Vicente Roca Point
Located at the 'mouth' of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the Galapagos Islands, is Punta Vicente Roca. Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff that are the remains of the volcano or explore a partially sunken cave at the water's edge. Masked and blue-footed boobies sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. The upwelling of cold water currents in this part of the Galapagos, give rise to an abundance of marine life which, in combination with the protection of the coves, makes Punta Vicente Roca one of the archipelagos sought after dive spots. The entire area of Punta Vicente Roca lies on the flank of 2,600 foot Volcano Ecuador. This is the Galapagos Island's sixth largest volcano.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 9: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - Galapagos - Santiago Island
AM: Puerto Egas
The excursion to Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches leads to one of the more rewarding visits of the Galapagos. The island was the site of a small salt mining industry in the 1960s, one of several unsuccessful attempts to commercialize the Galapagos. A hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to see land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk along the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will allow us to observe many marine species as Iguanas bask on the rocks and sea lions laze in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are regularly found resting on the shady ledges. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seals, once thought to be on the verge of extinction.
PM: Rábida
Rábida Island is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent.
A short walk along a trail leads you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach which permits you to observe the land birds such as finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 10: Thursday, August 16, 2012 - Galapagos - Santiago Island - Bartolome
AM: Chinese Hat
This is a small islet (1sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. On the west you can see lava formations, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
PM: Bartolome Island
A small barren island that is located across from Sullivan Bay off James Island, Bartolome has two main visitors' sites. The first site offers the possibility to climb to the summit of the island, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. The moon like landscape provides one of the most scenic panoramas in the archipelago. At the second site, visitors have the chance to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers great snorkelling opportunities. Multi –coloured fish and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartolome's landscape. A short walk across to Bartolome´s second beach, which swimming is strictly prohibited visitors can see white-tipped reef sharks, at a safe distance swimming along the shoreline.
Cruise: M/C Journey I
Meals: B,L,D
Day 11: Friday, August 17, 2012 - Galapagos - Seymour - Santa Cruz
AM: North Seymour
An uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges.
Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.
After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for our return flight to the mainland.
Upon arrival in Quito we will meet with our local representative and transfer to the Swissotel. This evening we will join together and dine at la Choza Restaurant for a sumptuous farewell dinner, where we will reminisce about the magical memories of our Galapagos adventures.
Meals: B, D
Hotel: Swissotel
Day 12: Saturday, August 18, 2012 - Depart
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
Meals: B
***Itinerary is subject to change***
About Our Accommodations
Quito
The Swissotel Quito is a grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, panoramic views of the city and much more. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer many options for those who are keen on working out.
Galapagos
The M/C Journey I offers comfortable accommodations in 6 twin bed cabins (14 m2 / 151 square feet, each) located in the main deck and 2 suite cabins (18 m2 / 193 square feet each) located in the upper deck. All cabins feature private facilities, locker, closet and air conditioning. Additionally the yacht has ample resting areas, sundeck, library, TV-DVD room, comfortable dinning room, bar and lounge and Jacuzzi. On board the M/C Galapagos Journey I, you will have the comfort of a stable, spacious, luxurious and fast catamaran built ideal for Galapagos travel.
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