|
The Galapagos
Islands
including 3
days in Ecuador
March,
2009
The
Galapagos Islands are the only place on earth that you can
approach animals who do not fear humans, and have an "up-close
and personal" experience with dozens of species. Many islands
make up the Galapagos and each has its own unique ecosystem, its
own unique scenery, and its own unique species. Our home and
transportation for our time in the Galapagos Islands is an 83
foot yacht. What a way to travel! In addition to the Galapagos Islands, we have included three
days in Ecuador's capital - Quito - and a trip inland to the Otavalo market where farmers and Indians from the area gather to
exchange goods.
(See tentative itinerary below)
We are currently in the process of
planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details
confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.
If you are interested in
learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It
is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.
Make a
Pre-Reservation
A pre-reservation does
not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a
tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be
contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to
do anything.
Tentative
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Quito
Arrive Quito in the evening where you will be
met by the WTT tour leader and transfer to hotel. Quito is only 14 miles
from the equator, but is surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. The quaint
capital of Ecuador boasts a spring-like climate all year round. You can feel
the crisp air while enjoying the city’s rich colonial architecture,
churches, monasteries and museums. Located in a huge valley of the Andes
Mountains with an altitude of 9,455 feet, Quito radiates the charm of old
Europe and the excitement of the modern world. This evening we will stay at
the Cafe Cultura (www.cafecultura.com)
Days 2
- 3: Overnight trip to Otavalo
Overnight trip to Otavalo, tour of area, and
a visit to the Market of the Andes. Located two hours north of Quito is the
finest and most famous fair of the continent. Shops for weaving, sweaters,
belts, blankets and rugs can all be found in Otavalo’s famed Market of the
Northern Andes. We will also get an opportunity to visit the small towns of
Calderon, Cotacachi and San Antonio de Ibarra, all known for their crafters.
We will also visit Paguche, where the Otavalans do their weavings. We will
be treated to a folkloric performance. This evening we will stay at the “La
Mirage” (www4.hosteria_la_mirage.com.ec)
Return to Quito in the late afternoon on
Saturday. We will spend the night at Cafe
Cultura.
Day 4: Depart Quito and travel by jet to the Galapagos
We depart Quito via plane at 8:30 am, destined
for the embarkation point where we will board the yacht and settle in. Our home
for the next several days is the 83-foot, 20 passenger motor yacht. The
yacht was custom-designed for cruising the Galapagos archipelago, and has
highly sophisticated navigational and mechanical equipment that meets the
highest safety standards found in the Galapagos.
This
afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo, a beautiful white powder sand beach
offering a subtle introduction to these extraordinary islands. As the sun
sets, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff
cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On
the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent
frigate birds. Dinner will be
on board ship this evening.
Day 5 -
10: The Galapagos Islands
Day 5: We spend the entire day on
TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands
in Galapagos. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where
swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. After
swimming or sea kayaking, take a panga ride along the jagged shoreline to
spot the beautiful red-billed tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps,
we find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.
Day 6: This
morning, we visit a small islet just off the east coast of Santa Cruz.
South Plaza is a geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular
views. After a dry landing, the trails lead us through Opuntia or “Prickly
pear cactus” and sesuvium. Here, we find the Galapagos land iguana which
feed on the cactus. Toward the end of the cliff, we encounter one of the
few bachelor sea lion colonies
found in Galapagos.
This
afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, also a small geological
uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to sea lions,
swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies. Visit the largest colony of
magnificent frigatebirds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach,
watch for sea lions body surfing the northern swells.
Day 7:
This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of
ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in
Galapagos. On our walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook
with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations.
Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore
the Cove in pangas or sea kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other
seabirds.
After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal and disembark at
Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA. Located in the western part of the
archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine Island found in
Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos,
bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Recent lava
flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.
Day 8:
This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO
(James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide
pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on
exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons,
oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the
grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on
the verge of extinction.
On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking
on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals.
After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep slope to the summit of a
once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to catch our breath and marvel
at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden
stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island
and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water
is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish. Galapagos
Penguins often swim in this area. On the other side of the Island,
encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Day 9:
This morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct
biological research from anatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the
giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the
captive-breeding program. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora
(population: 12,000) the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail
postcards and absorb local charm in the social heart of the Islands.
After
lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ
Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through
all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January you can
find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. We visit Los
Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where we find
the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the
largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.
Day 10:
This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk
along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you can swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful
diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet.
This afternoon, we disembark at
Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic
species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet us as we land on their beach.
Curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in “sky-pointing” to show off for
potential mates. Masked boobies busily care for their young. Stunning
swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the
cliffs. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos
Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of
red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the
shoreline near to the famous "blow hole".
Day 11: Disembark
and Return to Quito
Today we disembark in the afternoon and catch a 3:30 flight back to Quito.
We’ll get checked into our hotel, and then have dinner together. We’ll share stories and favorite experiences during our
time in Ecuador; it will be a wonderful way to say goodbye to everyone and our
adventures. Flights depart late this evening back to the US.
|
