Galapagos at a Glance

6 days - from $1970

This short journey is the perfect introduction to the amazing and varied wildlife that call the Galapagos Islands home. Starting our journey at the Charles Darwin Station, we get to meet the granddaddy of the Galapagos – the giant tortoise. From sea lions, fur seals and marine iguanas on Puerto Egas to flamingos on Santiago and boobies and frigatebirds in North Seymour, it is astounding how close our encounters will be with the animals. We also witness the awesome work of nature on a visit to the spectacular volcanic terrain of Bartolome and Sullivan Bay.

Highlights

• The tortoises of Charles Darwin Research Station
• Puerto Ayora
• Frigatebird spotting
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial Quito

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito2: Baltra - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands3: Puerto Egas - Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove4: Bartolome - Sullivan Bay5: North Seymour – Baltra – Quito6: Quito

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko's expert English-speaking naturalist guide on board the Gecko's boat.

• Return flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands.

• All meals and accommodation onboard the Gecko's boat. Accommodation in one of just eight well-appointed, air-conditioned, twin share, bunk-bed cabins with private facilities.

• Excursions during the voyage: Santa Cruz Highlands, Puerto Egas, Santa Cruz Highlands, Buccaneer Cove, Bartolome, Sullivan Bay, Sullivan Bay and North Seymour.

• Visit to the tortoise research and breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

• Transfer to and from Quito Airport on Day 2 and Day 5.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, entrance fees, US$10 Galapagos transit card, US$100 Galapagos National Park fee, other meals, drinks, optional tours or activities during free time, snorkel hire US$15, wetsuit hire US$15, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

On arrival in the islands you must pay US$100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park.