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Seat-in-Coach Tour
Galapagos Island Hopping
- Guaranteed departures
- Minimum: 04 Participants
- Maximum: 16 Participants
- With local English speaking guides
Duration: 06 Days
Monday – Saturday
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES January until November 2015:
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Booking Code: GPS001-15E# (tour no.) |
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| #01: | 23.03.2015-28.03.2015 | #07: | 24.08.2015-29.08.2015 |
| #02: | 13.04.2015-18.04.2015 | #08: | 21.09.2015-26.09.2015 |
| #03: | 11.05.2015-16.05.2015 | #09: | 28.09.2015-03.10.2015 |
| #04: | 01.06.2015-06.06.2015 | #10: | 26.10.2015-31.10.2015 |
| #05: | 20.07.2015-25.07.2015 | #11: | 30.11.2015-05.12.2015 |
| #06: | 10.08.2015-15.08.2015 | ||
Day 01 – Monday Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz Island
- Meals: Lunch
- Transfer Baltra Airport – hotel in
Puerto Ayora including Twin Craters and lava tunnel - Visit of the Charles Darwin Station
Galapagos – the Enchanted Islands – doubtlessly are the highlight of every Ecuador trip and you also should not miss a visit, for it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes and you would get to know a variety of exotic species endemic to this Archipelago! Galapagos is the perfect setting to experience the evolutionary changes, which have led to a new understanding of live on earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their existence on our planet. Among the animals found, are the different species of giant “Galapagos” tortoises that gave the islands their name, a variety of birds and marine mammals such as iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, whales as well as a great number of fish. Among the flora, the most distinctive are mangroves and endemic cacti -to mention only some of them!
You arrive at Baltra Island. From the airport you take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you head by ferry for the other side of the Island Santa Cruz.
With a surface of 986 km2, Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago. Colonized since the 1920’s, Puerto Ayora, the populated part of the island, is the most important harbour of the Archipelago. With altitudes reaching 864 m this island comprises all plant zones, ranging from coast to pampas. The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Station are also located in Santa Cruz.
During the transfer right through the highlands of Santa Cruz you can observe the enormous change of vegetation that ranges from dry areas full of cacti to rainforest and fern zones. The green landscape of this area is a welcome contrast to the more arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands.
During a short stop you have the opportunity to take pictures of the Twin Craters. Located one in front of the other on both sides of the road connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the Twin Craters are a magnificent site. They were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, which signals the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure. The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia Trees, which make the site a beautiful green landscape. You will visit a lava tunnel, a fun and geologically informative visit. Taking a short walk you can also observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Enjoy lunch in a typical Hacienda.
After your check-in in the Hotel you’ll continue directly to the Charles Darwin Station.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will have the opportunity to see how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction of brought in animals is very important for the natural balance of the archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with their work at Galapagos.
Overnight at a Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 02 – Tuesday Seymour North or South Plazas or Bartholomew Island or Santa Fe Island or Dragon Hill
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Full day boat excursion to Seymour North or South Plazas or Bartholomew or Santa Fe or Dragon Hill (Seat-in) including lunch
During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands Seymour North, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe or the Dragon Hill. Each of the islands has its own significant beauties to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay.
Lunch on board.
North Seymour is a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds. Blue Footed Boobies are found on the flat area near the coast of this island (they nest from May to November). Continuing the trail to the interior, one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Magnificent Frigate birds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a great show of acrobatic flight, namely a Frigate bird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigate bird the food.
OR: South Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn’t on you! South Plazas also boasts excellent examples of typical Galapaganean flora such as the towering cacti “trees” that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
OR: Bartholomew, a tiny island of just 1.2 km2, offers the visitor one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartholomew. The climb to the 114 m high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit, there is a spectacular view of the surroundings. Bartholomew is also a must for the visitor interested in geology. Penguins are common in the bay area.
OR: This island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the archipelago. Its age and isolation have allowed several endemic animals to evolve, including species of land iguana, rice rat and gecko.
On the northern coast, you will visit Bahía Barrington, a small tranquil bay, where you can observe green sea turtles and spotted eagle rays cruise over the sandy bottom, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies rest on the rocks. Also, you can see Nazca boobies and magnificent frigate birds. Sea lions are the most obvious sight on Santa Fe Island, with 2 large colonies on the beaches and pups playing readily with snorkelers in the bay. Other underwater encounters can include marine iguanas, sea urchins and different species of fish.
OR: Explore the newer visitor’s site on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon). It is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island and got its name through the various colonies of land iguanas which inhabit the island. After a dry landing at a dock, you will go for a short walk that takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds.
There is a short walk to the hill, which rewards with a great view of the bay with Rabida Island in the west and Santa Cruz Island in the east. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been repatriated by the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Overnight at a Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 03 – Wednesday Santa Cruz Island –Floreana Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transfer Santa Cruz Island – Floreana Island
- Visit to Loberia
After breakfast you will be transferred on a speed boat to Floreana Island (approx. 2,5 hours).
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Loberia”, a small peninsula with colonies of sea lions. The rest of the afternoon you are free to relax at the “Bahia Negra”, the beach next to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at a hotel on Floreana Island.
Day 04 – Thursday Floreana Island –Isabela Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Visit of the highlands of Floreana Island
- Transfer Floreana Island – Isabela Island
- Visit of Las Tintoreras
In the morning, you will visit the highlands of Floreana Island. An approximately 1,5-2 hour hike leads you through the stunning vegetation of the Island. You will also see the only freshwater source of the island before going on to the pirate caves. The family Wittmer, upon their arrival, sought refugee here as well.
Afterwards, you will be transferred by speed boat to Isabela Island (approx. 2 hours)
Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 4.588 km2. Composed by six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass, it also has the highest point of the islands: The Wolf Volcano is 1.700 m high and the equatorial-line runs straight through its massive crater.
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Las Tintoreras” which is located only a short distance from Puerto Villamil. After a short boat journey, you will go ashore to see a colony of white tipped reef sharks resting in a lava canal, sometimes accompanied by other sharks and sea lions.
Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as “Las Tintoreras” is one of their main breeding sites. On the sandy beaches sea lions play and relax in the sun. This is one of Isabella’s most beautiful visitor sites.
On the way back to Puerto Villamil, you will maybe get the chance to see penguins and blue-footed boobies on the rocks.
Overnight at a Hotel on Isabela Island.
Day 05 – Friday Isabela Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Visit of the volcano Sierra Negra
- Visit of the Gálapagos National Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and the Laguna of the Flamingos
Sierra Negra is located in the South of Isabela Island in between the volcanoes Alcedo and Cerro Azul. His crater with a diameter of about 10 kilometres is the biggest on Galapagos and the second biggest on the world, right after Ngoro Ngoro in Africa.
The excursion to the crater starts in Puerto Villamil. From here an one hour transfer by bus brings you to the starting point of the hiking trail, which leads you in about 1,5 hours walk to the border of the crater, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the crater and on clear days to the island Fernandina located in the west of Isabela.
Note: In case there might be bad weather conditions in the highlands of Isabela and the hiking is not possible, an alternative excursion will be arranged.
Lunch at a Hacienda in the highlands.
Afterwards you visit the Galapagos National Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you can see many subspecies of tortoise at different stages of development and admire these giant and fascinating animals. Since 1965 the station is breading and rearing place for the famous Galapagos or Giant Tortoises that give the name to the archipelago. These fascinating primeval animals are threatened by extinction. Here they live safely until the age of five before they are set free on their origin islands. The centre gives also a good opportunity to photograph tortoises of all sizes.
Later you head for the Laguna of the Flamingos, Pozo de los Flamingos, where you have the rare opportunity to observe these animals very closely.
In the late afternoon you can relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Puerto Villamil.
Dinner and overnight at a Hotel on Isabela Island
Day 06 – Saturday Isabela Island – Baltra Island – Flight back to the mainland
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer Isabela – Baltra airport
After breakfast, the speed boat takes you to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island from where you will be transferred by bus to Itabaca Channel. From here you will be accompanied by ferry and bus to the Baltra airport to take the flight to Guayaquil or Quito.
An extension beach stay can be booked upon request at Casa de Marita Hotel.
Important Remark:
The itinerary may change, especially on day 2, depending on the number of passengers. The order of the islands visited may change on a short-term notice.
Excursions on Day 2 are on Seat-in Basis.Other islands than the ones mentioned might be visited.
End of our services
Price Information
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Seat-in-coach rates from 4 pax on:
Valid from January until December 2015:
per person in USD 2.394,00 2.668,00
Included:
- 5 overnights in simple middle class hotels on Galapagos
- Transfers and guided tours on Galápagos with local English speaking guides
- Meals as mentioned
Not included:
- Transit Control Card USD 10,00
- National Park Entrance Fee USD 100,00
- Flight to/from Galápagos
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Cancellation conditions for the Island Hopping Programm:
- Up to 61 days prior to arrival no cancellation fee
- From 60 to 31 days prior to arrival 50% cancellation fee
- From 30 to 00 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee
- From 10 days prior to arrival on 100% of airfares
Payment conditions:
- No prepayment necessary
- 60 days prior departure 100% full payment
Flight Information
| Current Airfares Galapagos | ||
| Low Season
Jan 01 – Jun 30 Sep 01 – Dec 31 |
High Season
Jul 01 – Aug 31 |
|
| UIO/GPS/UIO | 644,00 | 706,00 |
| GYE/GPS/UIO | 628,00 | 663,00 |
| UIO/GPS/GYE | 640,00 | 675,00 |
| GYE/GPS/GYE | 628,00 | 628,00 |
Notes:
- The airfares are valid for flights to/from GPS (Baltra airport) and SCY (San Cristobal airport).
- Airfares and seasons are subject to change without prior announcement.
- Airport taxes are included.
- 20 kg luggage allowance.
Important:
- PR holds an allotment for the needed internal flights and can provide the booking and the ticketing accordingly. In case the tour operator books the internal flights themselves,PR informs the correspondent flight numbers to be booked. With this PR can ensure that the whole group will travel together on the same flights and that the complete programme can be operated.
- Booking flights with another airline will result in additional costs for extra transfers and the participation on the complete programme of day 1 cannot be guaranteed. In this case a refund is not possible!
Cancellation conditions Galapagos flights:
Up to 45 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fee
From 44 to 21 days prior to arrival: 20% cancellation fee
From 20 to 15 days prior to arrival: 40% cancellation fee
From 14 days prior to arrival on: 100% cancellation fee
A complete passenger list including passport details is required latest 45 days prior to arrival.
Remark: The cancellation conditions can vary depending on the flights and the season.
Price Information – Additional Nights
Additional nights and transfer on Isabela:
Valid from January to December 2015:
| Hotel Casa de Marita
1 overnight/breakfast, standard room per person in double room USD 104,00 per person in single room USD 159,00 |
When additional night(s) at Hotel Casa de Marita are booked, the following costs will apply for the extra transfer on the departure day:
Transfer from hotel on Isabela Island to Baltra airport (one way):
Basis 1 pax: USD 291,00 per person
Basis 2 pax: USD 174,00 per person
- Transfer with Spanish speaking driver from hotel to pier (duration about 5 min.)
- Public speedboat without guide from Isabela to Puerto Ayora together with other travellers (duration about 2-2,5 hours)
- Transfer with English speaking guide from Puerto Ayora to Itabaca Channel, Channel crossing by public ferry boat, continue by public airline bus to Baltra airport (duration about 1,5 hours)
General Conditions
- Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 04 participants. The operation of the tour can only be guaranteed by the end of the cancellation deadline, which is 60 days prior to arrival.
- All transfers and excursions are on PR-seat-in-service and include local English speaking guides except following non-PR-exclusive services:
Day 02: Full day boat excursion on regular seat-in basis - In case of early transfers breakfast at the hotel cannot be guaranteed.
- Our prices include taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels. Meals are included as and when mentioned in our program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Our prices do not include: Galapagos National Park entrance fee, Galapagos Transit Control Card, airport taxes, airfares, personal expenses, extras in the hotels and tips.
- PR is not responsible for any belongings of the passengers carried during any services rendered by PR, such as transfers or tours.
- PR has the right to sell this tour to other clients without any exception.
- The above mentioned rates for post-nights at the group hotel are subject to availability and valid for max. 3 nights. From the 4th night on, a higher rate could apply.
- PR holds an allotment for the needed internal flights and can provide the booking accordingly. In this case PR will issue the tickets and invoice the tour operator accordingly. In case the tour operator books the internal flights themselves, PR informs the correspondent flight numbers to be booked. With this, PR can ensure that the whole group will travel together on the same flights.
- 6 weeks prior to arrival a complete passenger list including names, passport number, nationality, profession and date of birth is required.
- Flights not booked via PR can only be reconfirmed by PR with the correct and complete file key of your booking.
- Please inquire at the competent authorities about the actual entry permit, validity of passports and the vaccination regulations.
- Our general conditions apply.
- PR liability will be limited to the reimbursement of services supplied for failure of services contracted by us. PR cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity occasioned by air-carriers or third-party suppliers and by natural phenomena, sickness, war, quarantine, strike, or any other kind of force major or by attendance to Federal Police, customs and Health Authorities regulations.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
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