Compare 4 nights Eastern Galápagos by Metropolitan Touring vs Galapagos Islands Retreat by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,196 | $ 4,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 639 | $ 500 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
Our itinerary together begins on San Cristóbal Island, the capital of the Galápagos Province. From here, we venture east along the northern shores of the island, visiting the fascinating site of Punta Pitt, taking us back to Charles Darwin’s visit of 1835. We then sail west to the central islands of Santa Fe, with its beautiful tranquil bay (great for swimming and snorkelling), before continuing to the wild cliffs of South Plaza with their cactus, land iguanas and stunning marine birds. The following day we visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago, with a range of activities on offer in the afternoon. Española Island awaits on our last day, a favourite of many visitors, with its remarkable visitor site of Punta Suárez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sealions, marine birds, and even albatross (at certain times of year). In the afternoon, Gardner Bay provides a wonderful setting for a combination of beach-time, swimming snorkelling or exploring aboard the glass-bottom boat. Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard the Santa Cruz will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable. |
Be inspired by the serenity of yoga on this wellness tour of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife frolics unfettered and free on this wildlife and wellness vacation. The journey begins in Quito, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then visits four Galapagos Islands where you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin. Imagine the thrill of spotting penguins, flamingos, and giant tortoises, watching the dance of marine iguanas and seeing a parade of blue-footed boobies as frigate birds soar overhead. |
Day 1
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment, introductory talk, boat drill and lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
In the afternoon, we disembark on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast.
Day 2
Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkelling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat for non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.
Day 3
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon (hiking, mountain biking or kayaking in Tortuga Bay), which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon's activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz.
Day 4
Punta Suárez/Gardner Bay (Española Island)
An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April- January), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galápagos famous "blow-hole". Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkelling in this area.
Day 5: Baltra Island
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
Day 1 - Home - Quito, Ecuador
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, we transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Quito, Ecuador
Following breakfast, we head out to explore Quito. Our city tour of Quito includes: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo which is a statue of the virgin of Quito that overlooks and protects the city.
Then, we travel to the middle-of-the-world, Mitad-del-Mundo. At 0 degrees latitude, you can stand with both feet in each hemisphere and learn the gravitational forces at work along this imaginary line. We have some free time this afternoon before our included dinner this evening at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Quito - Galapagos Islands
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the Quito airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands. We arrive on the island of Baltra and transfer to our hotel in Santa Cruz. After check-in, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the Island’s unique wildlife and history. The Charles Darwin Research Station works to preserve the unique and balanced ecosystem. Here, we have a thorough introduction to the flora and fauna that make these islands so special.
Later, we travel to Rancho Chato, in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and get up-close and personal with the giant Galápagos tortoise. The area also has volcanic lava tubes we can explore underground. We top off our time in these spectacular natural surroundings with a local, traditional lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we hop-over by speed boat and visit South Plazas, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, it has the island chain’s largest population of land iguanas. Birdlife is also abundant. Look out for red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions frolicking the water as we tour the area. Our time on South Plaza includes lunch before we return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Galapagos Islands
We begin our day with a yoga lesson in Tortuga Bay. Tortuga bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise waters in the Galapagos Islands.
This morning, we depart for San Cristobal to witness amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations. Each island in the Galapagos is truly a different experience and San Cristobal is one of the most unique. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we head into the highlands of San Cristobal and have a yoga lesson in the typical highlands of the San Cristobal.
San Cristobal is the fifth largest and easternmost island in the Galapagos. It consists of a few fused volcanoes and is the island where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. (B,D)
Day 6 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we take a small boat to Isla Lobos. We have a guided tour and will learn about frigate birds, blue footed boobies and sea lions that inhabit the island from our Naturalist Guide. Afterwards, we have time to snorkel and swim with playful sea lions and observe rays and turtles. We continue to a local restaurant for lunch before ending our Lobos excursion on Playa Ochoa ~ a white coral beach. Here, we have a yoga lesson surrounded by views of the Pacific Ocean.
After, we transfer back to our hotel and have dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Galapagos Islands - Quito
Today, after our last yoga session, we have some free time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing around San Cristobal. Some great sites to explore include:
Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center
A giant tortoise breeding center where you can view various species of these incredible creatures that can to be over 100 years old!
Early this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, we will check-in for our overnight flight home to Bradley International Airport. (B)
Day 8 - Arrive USA
Arrive back in the USA this morning and transfer home rested and relaxed with incredible memories.
*Yoga lessons and snorkeling are included activities. They are not mandatory to participate in.
