Island Hop Galapagos and Ecuador Adventure Tour

Ecuador is a country rich with culture, historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes and such bio-diversity. Straddling the equator and having four distinct regions. The Andean Mountain Range, The Coastal Plain on the Pacific Ocean, The Amazon in the East and of course the remarkable Galapagos Islands off the coast.

The Inca’s once inhabited the country and their remnants and civilization can easily be seen through the culture even to this day. The capital Quito is the second highest capital in the world and is a world heritage site in most areas of the city. The “Old Town” with its blend of Republican and Colonial architecture, red tile roofs, cobblestone streets, restaurants, cafes and craft shops. It is the oldest and best retained historical quarter in South America.

Positioned in the Pacific Ocean lying isolated and deserted some 1,000 km from the continent lies the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago consists of 19 islands 13 which are larger and 6 that are small and uninhabited. Nowadays, the islands are famous for their rare and courageous animals such as iguanas, sea lions, penguins, giant tortoises, and many unique bird species. The reason for this melting pot of marine wildlife is because of the convergence of three ocean currents. As well as one of the most active volcanic regions in the world has spawned this perfect ecosystem. The landscape of the islands are volcanic and mostly desolate. However they’re still extremely picturesque and beautiful. This is where Charles Darwin was inspired for his Theory of Natural Selection.

Come discover a place where cultures, history, terrain, nature and wildlife all collide and infuse to create this unique country and unforgettable world.

Itinerary

Day 1- Quito
Visit Colonial Quito (World Heritage Site) then later take a cable car/teleferico up to 4100 m. and walk around Pichincha Volcano for approx. 2 hours. Later descend by cable car and drive to your hotel

Day 2- Fly to Galapagos
Early wake up and private transfer to the national airport (aprox 1 hour)
Flight to Galapagos/San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival at Galapagos, our English speaking guide will meet you at the airport. Your luggage will be transported by car, we walk to your hotel
In the afternoon visit the Interpretation Center + Los Tijeretas

Day 3- Snorkeling and Biking
We will set off to Kicker Rock. This is a very good place for snorkeling. Hereafter we continue to Playa Grande to enjoy the white sand beach and a little relaxation. A picnic will be provided and in the afternoon you bike to La Loberìa, a nice beach where you will see sea lions, birds and marine iguanas. Return bike ride to Puerto Baquerizo.

Day 4- Santa Cruz and Charles Darwin Research Station
Early wake up and short transfer to the port. At 7am will take the public fast boat to the Island of Santa Cruz. Boat ride will take approx 2.5 hours. Upon arrival our driver will wait for you at the port and will bring you to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel we will visit the Charles Darwin research station. After lunch hike to Tortuga Bay and enjoy the long white sand beach then later walk back into town.

Day 5- Island Hop
Today is a shared visit to one of the un-inhibited islands- the Island of Bartolommeo, North Seymour or Islands Plazas. Many animals can be seen and they’ll be great opportunities for snorkeling. In the afternoon return to your hotel for a little leisure and relaxation.

Day 6- Sea Kayaking
After breakfast you kayak in the harbor and surrounding waters for approx. 2 hours. After returning to the port for lunch we will then take a public fast boat to the next Island named Isabela. After arriving we will transfer to the hotel where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 7- Sierra Negra Crater and Hiking Volcano
Today you will visit the second biggest crater in the world, the Sierra Negra . We travel by car for approx. 40 min and from here you hike to Volcano Chico for approximately 6 hours. In the afternoon return to town and some time to swim and enjoy the sunset.

Day 8- Wall of Tears and Los Tintoreras
Today you will visit the Wall of Tears. The wall was constructed by a penal colony who’s prisoners who were forced to build the wall, stone by stone, in isolation from 1949 – 1959. From here there’s a lovely walk back to town and later in the afternoon you will participate in a tour to Los Tintoreras. Los Tintoreras has a small bay with calm turquoise waters, where you can see turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, rays, etc. This bay is connected to a crystal clear crack that is shallow and when the tide is low, the input is closed. In this crack you can see how sharks swim along with other small fish and sea lions. It is a good place to snorkel. Hereafter return to your hotel

Day 9- Free time and Island of Santa Cruz
Relax in the morning, time for some sunbathing, swimming, or maybe rent a
bike. In the afternoon we will take the public fast boat to the Island of Santa Cruz. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. This evening will enjoy a group dinner.

Day 10- Fly to Quito
A private transfer from your hotel to the Airport Baltra. Flight to Quito. At Quito airport transfer to your hotel (aprox 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on traffic)

Day 11- Volunteering

Volunteering day.-
1. Visit the animal rescue center outside Quito. Today you can help in this center by: walking with the animals (mostly dogs), bathing and cleaning. In the afternoon return to Quito.

2. Visit the Parque Condor Center a rehabilitation Center for birds of prey and Condors. Cleaning the gardens will be a day task. In the afternoon return to Quito (2 hour drive) . Overnight in your hotel in Quito

Day 12- Rafting and Hot Springs
Early departure and today there is a full day rafting (or introduction course for Kayaking)
In the afternoon drive to Papallacta at 3400m and overnight at Lodge. Relax at the hot springs

Day 13- End of Tour
Relax morning or early morning transfer to the international airport
International flight