Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps

16 days - from $4560

A unique trek amongst incredible wildlife and geology
Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos, is the only place in the entire archipelago where extended trekking is possible, and we are one of the very few operators allowed to hike there. A unique environment, it is one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapagos Tortoise, is home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife, and boasts five major volcanoes. As well as trekking on the recently active Volcan Chico in the Sierra Negra, we also make shorter hikes on several other islands. A unique trip to a truly unusual and fascinating part of the world.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Quito in the evening. 2 Morning city tour. 3 Fly to Galapagos; afternoon visit to the Galapagos Visitors' Centre. 4 Hike in the highlands of San Cristobal and around El Junco Lake; visit Galapaguera where hundreds of tortoises live in their natural habitat; snorkelling at Puerto Chino. 5 Sail to Kicker Rock where we can see several species of nesting birds; to Isla Lobos for hike and snorkelling. 6 Sail to Floreana; afternoon visit highlands, caves and sealion colony. 7 Visit highlands of Floreana; sail to Isabela; afternoon visit Las Tintoreras to see Whitetip reef sharks, penguins and sealions. 8 Start Sierra Negra Volcano trek across lava fields to Volcan Azufre. 9 Continue trek to Volcan Chico. 10 Morning exploration of volcano; afternoon drive to Puerto Villamil. 11 Visit Wall of tears and hike back to town; free afternoon. 12 Sail to Santa Cruz; afternoon visit highlands. 13 Day trip to Plazas Islands or North Seymour; option to visit Charles Darwin Research Center. 14 Fly to Quito 15 Full day visit to Otavalo Market; lunch at Parque Condor. 16 End Quito.

Mode of travel: 3 days point-to-point walking with full porterage plus 2-3 other shorter walks. Altitude: sea-level to 1200m in Galapagos, 2800m in Quito.
Group size: Normally 6 to 15, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 13 nights hotels in en suite rooms and some with pools, 2 nights full-service camping in two-person tents.
Food: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners included.
Local Taxes: (Galapagos Tax US$100 and Galapagos Tourist Card US$10) PAID LOCALLY - CAD
Optional Single Supplement: from $612.50
Trip Reference: TPG
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TPG