CHRISTMAS IN THE GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS
(Limited Availability - Land Based Tour)
8
Nights, 9 Days
3 star Hotels
Day 1
(Dec. 23). QUITO
Arrival to Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day
2 (Dec. 24). QUITO – BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ B
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra,
Galapagos. Reception and transfer to the 3* Sol y Mar Hotel in Puerto
Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Settle in to your hotel and relax in your
sea view room. Take in the views, ambience and environment of the
Galapagos with the sun, the sea, and salty-fresh island breeze. Visit
the Charles Darwin station for an overview and history of the islands.
Free day to explore the small town and enjoy the weather.
Day
3 (Dec. 25). SANTA CRUZ – TOUR OF THE ISLANDS B, L
After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour to either Bartolome, North
Seymour and Las Bachas, South Plazas or Punta Carrion. Each day the
decision is made on which island to visit according to the permission
granted by the government. This choice is made by evaluating where the other 100
yachts currently are stationed, so that you will be able to visit the island
with the least amount of tourist activity around you. Snorkeling
opportunities are available on each island visit. Full day tour of the
island, including lunch. In the late afternoon, return to the the Sol Y
Mar Hotel for a free evening.
Bartolome
Island.
Arriving at Bartholome we will ascend a lookout point from where you can
admire the spectacular panorama of the Sullivan Bay and the famous
needle shaped rock, the so-called Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot
of the Pinnacle Rock boast some fine snorkeling spots from which you can
discover the marvelous underwater world with a good chance to encounter
penguins or the softly gliding turtles. Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle
Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge
and is the best known landmark in the islands. Galápagos penguins—the
only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously
along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky
platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers.
Just below the surface, shoals of tropical fish dodge in and out of the
rocks past urchins, sea stars and anemones. A perfectly crescent,
pink-and-white sandy beach lies just to the east of the pinnacle. Sea
turtles use the beach as a nesting site and can sometimes be found
wading in the shallow water near the shore, or resting in the sand to
recover from the arduous task of digging nests, laying eggs and covering
them over.
Penguins dot the nearby rocks of the next landing site, less than a
kilometer along the eastern shore. Here the submerged walls of a tiny
volcanic crater give the impression of a fountain pool. This dry
landing—'no wet feet'—is the entrance to a 600-meter (2000-foot) pathway
complete with stairs and boardwalks leading to Bartolome’s summit. The
route is not difficult and presents a museum of volcanology; a site left
untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages
of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit. At the
top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Santiago Island and
James Bay to the west, and far below, Pinnacle Rock and our beach, where
the crystal blue waters of the bay cradle your yacht.
North
Seymour and Las Bachas. A visit to the island of North Seymour
which is renowned for its frigate birds and their intensive courting
rituals. The island is also inhabited by other frigate birds and
blue-footed boobies, as well as endemic black lizards and sea lions
that inhabit its shores. The deserted, picturesque beach Las Bachas at the
northern shore of Santa Cruz invites you for a swim in the crystal-clear
water or to relax in the sun. Afterwards you will be visiting the bay
Caleta Tortuga Negra which is close by. This bay is surrounded by
mangroves where you can spot pelicans and herons. While snorkelling you
can have a swim with the turtles, white-tip sharks and rays.
North Seymour Island was lifted from the ocean floor by
a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low,
flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where
swallow-tailed gulls sit perched in ledges. A tiny forest of silver-grey
Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing, usually without leaves,
waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom.
This island is teaming with life! You might have to give way to a
passing sea lion or marine iguana; blue-footed booby nests sit beside
the trail where mating pairs perform their courtship dance. Further
along, the rocky shore displays white sand, and large flocks of pelicans
mass for a dive-bomb feeding frenzy, rendering a tableau for us from
ages long past. The trail turns inland to reveal the largest nesting
site in the Galápagos of the “magnificent frigate bird.” These huge,
dark acrobats have two-meter wingspans, and males, with puffed up
scarlet throat sacks, sit precariously perched in low bushes to watch
over their equally large chicks
Las Bachas, a sandy white-coral beach that is a
major egg-laying site for sea turtles. Bachas are notches, and the
beach’s name refers to the indentations left in the sand by both laying
turtles and their departing hatchlings. On the shore, there are marine
iguanas and in the lagoon, flamingos are commonly seen. A newer
visitor’s site, Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon) is a
brackish water lagoon that attracts flamingos, common stilts, pintail
ducks and other species of birds. There is a short walk up a small hill,
which rewards hikers with a nesting site for iguanas and a great view!
South Plazas and Punta Carrion.
Located In the east of Santa Cruz, the main characteristics of the small
island of South Plaza are the Opuntia cacti and the carpets of red
sesuvium, a succulent plant that turns green in the rainy season. The
cactus is the main food of land iguanas, which are usually, found
resting in the cacti's shade. The island contains one of the largest sea
lion colonies of the Galapagos, along with swallow-tailed gulls and
red-billed tropic birds. Boobies are also found roosting on the southern
cliffs of the island. Punta Carrion offers a great opportunity to see
Sea Lions
South Plazas: This is the southern partner of two small
crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters off the east
coast of Santa Cruz. The northern island is used for scientific purposes
only. South Plaza is one of the smallest yet richest islands in the
archipelago. Only 130 meters wide (426 feet), it was formed from
uplifted seabed, giving it a titled tabletop quality. Our landing is in
the channel between North and South Plaza, where the island tilts toward
the water.
The approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters
of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava
of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in
places, speckled with bright orange “Sally light foot” crabs. Further up
the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover
for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-gray land
iguanas sit beneath, waiting patiently for pears to drop
The trail gradually follows the tilt of the island to the cliffs that
overlook the ocean to the south, where swallow-tailed gulls nest.
Red-billed tropic birds, masked and blue-footed boobies ride the windy
currents. The overlook is a great place for spotting large marine life,
including manta rays. Surf pounds an inlet at the western corner of the
island, where a colony of sea lion bachelors make their home, accounting
for the surface of the rocks, polished by the oils of their fur. The
shoreline of Las Plazas makes for excellent snorkeling in a sea lion
colony of nearly a thousand. Your guide will find the right spot to swim
with youngsters away from areas claimed by the surly bulls
Day
4 (Dec. 26). SANTA CRUZ – TOUR OF THE ISLANDS B, L
Enjoy a day touring an island not yet seen. Return to the 3* Sol y Mar
Hotel for accommodation.
Day
5 (Dec. 27). SANTA CRUZ – TOUR OF THE ISLANDS B, L
Enjoy a day touring an island not yet seen. Return to the 3* Sol y Mar
Hotel for accommodation.
Day
6 (Dec. 28). SANTA CRUZ – PUERTO VILLAMIL – ISLA ISABELA B
After breakfast, transfer to the port for the motor boat trip to the
island of Isabela, some two hours west of Santa Cruz. (The flight may be
taken if preferred and is subject to availability). Isabela is one
of the youngest islands of the entire Galapagos archipelago and offers a
fascinating insight into the volcanic origins of the islands. Once you
arrive at Pueto Villamil, the capital of Isabela Island, reception and
transfer to the 3* Casa Marita Hotel,
a delightful lodge located on the beach.
We shall take a boat ride out to Las Tintoreras, where we shall see
fascinating lava formations and enjoy a visit to the colony of marine
iguanas and sea lions. There will also be an opportunity for snorkeling
with sea turtles and the "Tintoreras" (white tipped shark). If lucky, we
may also see eagle rays, sting rays and golden rays. We shall return to
the main island, observing colonies of Humboldt penguins, blue footed
boobies, pelicans and frigates along the way. Return to your hotel.
Day
7 (Dec. 29). PUERTO VILLAMIL – SIERRA NEGRA – SMALL VOLCANO B, L
After breakfast, we will leave the town by pickup truck and head towards
the highlands.
Once in the highlands, we will collect our horses, saddle up and start
our horseback riding tour to Sierra Negra and to the Chico Volcano, both
of which are still active. The Sierra Negra is one of the finest examples of
a volcano in the archipelago. It is also the second largest crater in
the world after the Ngorongoro crater in Africa, and has an immense
caldera, around 10 km. in diameter, and is the oldest on the Island. It
last erupted in October 2005. The weather is often clear and good but it
can also turn to rain and fog very rapidly so it is recommended to wear
long trousers for the horseback ride. During the trip to the
volcanoes, the different vegetation of the island will be observed, and
once at the Chico Volcano you will be able to see the various types of
lava according to its age, in addition to “fumaroles” and boiler eyes; and
from the northern part of the boiler, we will enjoy excellent views of
the Perry’s Isthmus, Elizabeth Bay and even the Alcedo Volcano. We shall
enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Puerto Villamil. Upon arriving
Puerto Villamil, we shall visit the famous Tortoise Raising Center,
and walk along the footpaths to the beautiful brackish lakes that are a
refuge to flamingos and other birds. We shall arrive to the
famous "Muro de las Lagrimas” (Wall of the Tears) constructed of lava
rocks and which was once used as a punishment for the penal colony that
inhabited this area in 1959. More than 200 prisoners had constructed the
wall whose only ruins are an enormous basalt wall of 50m in length, 5m
wide and almost 8m high. Behind the wall, there is a footpath that leads
up to a beautiful view of the sea.
Return to your lodge for accommodation.
Day
8 (Dec. 30). PUERTO VILLAMIL – SANTA CRUZ - QUITO B
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to
Baltra and return flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Day
9 (Dec. 31). QUITO B, L & D
After breakfast, a full day’s guided visit of colonial Quito, declared
by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town,
including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts
business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of
the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century
paintings. A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest
astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive
monument of Simon Bolivar. The Plaza de San Francisco was constructed by
the Spanish in 1553, and the church has a high altar made of gold and
beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compańia, the
finest of all Jesuit churches. Damaged through the years by fires and
earthquakes, it has since been restored and has a richly sculptured
facade and interior. If time permits, we will visit the some of the markets,
including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El
Panecillo and the Ipiales market. These are best visited on Wednesdays
and Saturdays, the main market days. Lunch at Café Mosaico; affording
excellent views of Quito from its incredible location above Quito.
Continue the tour to the middle of the world monument before returning
to your hotel. Dinner and Gala at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel.
Day
10 (Jan 1). QUITO B
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
End of services
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Cost: Prices are quoted in USD per person
sharing and are subject to change until paid in full
3 star per person sharing
$
3.850.00
Including:
-
Accommodation at a selection
of 3* hotels in the Galapagos.
-
Upgrades to 4* and 5* hotels
in Quito available upon request.
-
Flights: Quito – Galapagos
–Quito
-
Tours and transfers in
Ecuador in small private groups.
-
New Year’s Gala Dinner in
Quito.
-
Ground transportation on the
islands.
Excluding:
-
Meals not specified on the
itinerary.
-
Airport taxes.
-
Personal expenses such as
telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
-
Mandatory insurance against
theft, loss, illness and/or accident, cancellation and curtailment,
etc.
-
Entrance into the Galapagos
National Park. US$100.00 per person payable in cash and an
additional US$10.00 per person for the tourist monitoring programme
-
Visa’s Vaccinations etc
Special Conditions:
* Price is valid for
the above dates subject to availability
* Tour must be paid for in full at time of booking
* Price only applies for a minimum
of two people per person sharing
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