LAND BASED TOURS
ECUADOR TOUR EXTENSIONS
TRIPS BY ACTIVITY
CURRENT LOCAL WEATHER
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Galapagos Multisport Adventure, a diverse land-based tour including daily visits to various islands
Duration: 10 days
Cost: $2,995 per person
For those wishing to experience the Galapagos Islands by land instead of by sea, we offer our Galapagos Multisport Adventure. This diverse land-based Galapagos trip includes daily visits to the central and southern islands and overnights in hotels. You will observe the islands' vast array of wildlife from the up-close perspective afforded by kayaking, snorkeling, biking, and hiking. This unique tour combines the best of Galapagos nature, wildlife, history and landscapes with adventure and sports activities.
SCUBA Diving is available on this tour; please for more information.
NEW 2013 ITINERARY!!!
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Day 1 (Fri) ARRIVE QUITO – Welcome Briefing and Dinner
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about your upcoming adventure and meet your fellow travelers. (D)
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sat) FLY QUITO - SAN CRISTÓBAL - Downhill Bike Ride and Visit La Loberia
This morning you’ll take a short flight to the one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. You’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands. After sampling some of the local cuisine you’ll head up into the highlands for a scenic downhill bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, you’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until you reach a beach called La Loberia. There you’ll be able to watch sea lions sun bathing, playing and vying for attention. If you can’t wait to get in the water, this is your first opportunity. As the sunsets, bike back to town and get ready for a welcome dinner of fresh fish and island cuisine at a small local restaurant. (B,L,D)
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Day 3 (Sun) SAN CRISTÓBAL - Snorkel at Isla Lobos & Leon Dormido and Visit Interpretation Center
Today you take to the water to get a glimpse of the underwater world of Galapagos. First you’ll cruise along the coast in our boat identifying shore birds like the Great Frigate and famous Blue-Footed Booby. Then you’ll anchor in a channel near Isla Lobos where you’ll get your fins wet in search of damselfish, puffer fish, and, hopefully, curious sea lion pups. From there, continue to Leon Dormido to explore the final remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. Along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation, you’ll be on the hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with any luck, a Galapagos Shark or two. Don’t worry; they won’t be as interested in you as you are in them.
Puerto Grande, a beautiful beach accessible only by boat, is the final stop for the day. After lunch on board, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of Leon Dormido in the distance. You’ll head back to town late afternoon to visit the Interpretation Center. Here, learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site. To culminate the educational afternoon, pick spot at nearby Playa Mann with the playful sea lions or grab a front row seat at a restaurant to toast in the sunset. Dinner is own your own tonight and we’ll be sure to offer you plenty of suggestions. (B,L)
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Day 4 (Mon) BOAT SAN CRISTOBAL TO FLOREANA – Snorkel and Visit Floreana Highlands
After breakfast, you’ll depart by boat for the least inhabited of the main islands, Floreana. In route, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales and the waved albatross. You’ll have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Wittmer’s, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. After lunch, take a siesta while listening to the waves or walk along the coast in search of sunbathing iguanas. This afternoon you’ll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves from long ago. You’ll return to town and your beachside accommodation in time to enjoy the day’s last light before heading to the Baronesa for dinner. (B,L,D)
NOTE: Because of the small nature of the hotel and lack of availability, sometimes we are unable to stay and must continue on to Isabela.
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Day 5 (Tue) BOAT FLOREANA TO ISABELA – Visit Pink Flamingos and Panga Ride, Snorkel & Walk Tintoreras
This morning, embark for Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Once you arrive in Puerto Villamil, enjoy a short walk to a nearby wetland that is home to pink flamingos and pintail ducks. After lunch, board small pangas to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin – the only penguin found north of the equator. You’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras, an isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next, test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to town in the late afternoon to toast to your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands. (B, L,D)
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Day 6 (Wed) ISABELA - Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and Visit Volcan Chico Lava Fields
Lace up your hiking boots, you’re heading up a volcano! Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005. As you hike to the perimeter of the caldera, be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once you reach the rim, you’ll be met with a nine kilometer view that stretches across one the largest calderas in the world. You’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico in route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela. After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. (B,L,D)
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Day 7 (Thu) ISABELA – Visit Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Walk the Wetlands and See the Wall of Tears + Optional Kayaking
The morning starts with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path will lead you to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own! Next, take a step back in time to visit the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts and still standing over 50 years later, this landmark in remnant of Isabela’s penal colony past. From there you can catch a ride back to town or choose a relaxing stroll down a white sand beach. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, sit with the birds and iguanas or head toward your favorite beach bar. If kayaking suits your fancy, we’ll arrange for you to kayak along the beautiful coast of Isabela. (B, L)
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Day 8 (Fri) BOAT ISABELA TO SANTA CRUZ – Visit Charles Darwin Research Station, See Wild Tortoises & Lava Tunnels in the Highlands and Tortuga Bay
Wave goodbye to Isabela this morning as you depart for Santa Cruz Island. After checking in to your hotel, hop on a bus bound for the Highlands to explore an underground lava tunnel and visit Primicias Ranch. For the first time, you’ll be able to see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away. On the way back to town shout if you want coffee and we’ll make a pit stop at a local distributor for a bag of fresh ground Galapagos Coffee, the only thing exported from the islands. After lunch, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the foundation’s successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of Giant Tortoise. From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, you’ll observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life on their own. This afternoon, take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga bay is gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices. After some fun in the sun, you’ll make your way back to town for a farewell dinner to the Enchanted Islands. (B,L,D)
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Day 9 (Sat) FLY BALTRA - QUITO – Farwell Dinner
This morning, get up early for a final hike or enjoy a leisurely morning before our transfer to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B)
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Day 10 (Sun) QUITO - HOME
Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. If you are interested in more Galapagos tours, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito, we would be happy to arrange them. (B)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT GALAPAGOS
TOURS AND TRAVEL
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2013 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
May
05/31-06/09 4 spaces left
Jun
05/31-06/09 4 spaces left
06/28-07/07 7 spaces left
Jul
06/28-07/07 7 spaces left
07/26-08/04
Aug
07/26-08/04
08/23-09/01 9 spaces left
Sep
08/23-09/01 9 spaces left
Oct
18-27 8 spaces left
Nov
Dec
20-29
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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Bilingual English speaking naturalist guide
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All land and sea transportation during the itinerary
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All hotel accommodations in tourist superior hotels (on a twin share basis) *including continental breakfasts
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All meals as noted
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Snorkeling gear
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Sea kayaking gear
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Mountain bicycling gear
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International and domestic transfers
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Local Quito representative
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Southern Explorations pre-departure information
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Excluded in tour cost
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International round-trip airfare travel to and from Ecuador
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Domestic Airfare:
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Quito / Galapagos / Quito: $460/$505
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Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil: $415/$460
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Low Season: Jan 16 - June 15 / Sept 15 - Nov 30
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High Season: June 16 - Sept 14 / Dec 1 - Jan 15
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Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (100 USD)
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Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear
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Wetsuit rental $5 per day, recommended May - November
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Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise specified)
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Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
PHYSICAL RATING
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Moderate to Difficult
GALAPAGOS ACCOMMODATION
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Galapagos Multisport Adventure:
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9 nights hotels
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $570
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Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. You will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3.5% cash discount
Duration: 10 days
After breakfast, you’ll depart by boat for the least inhabited of the main islands, Floreana. In route, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales and the waved albatross. You’ll have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Wittmer’s, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. After lunch, take a siesta while listening to the waves or walk along the coast in search of sunbathing iguanas. This afternoon you’ll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves from long ago. You’ll return to town and your beachside accommodation in time to enjoy the day’s last light before heading to the Baronesa for dinner. (B,L,D)
This morning, embark for Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Once you arrive in Puerto Villamil, enjoy a short walk to a nearby wetland that is home to pink flamingos and pintail ducks. After lunch, board small pangas to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin – the only penguin found north of the equator. You’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras, an isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next, test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to town in the late afternoon to toast to your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands. (B, L,D)
Lace up your hiking boots, you’re heading up a volcano! Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005. As you hike to the perimeter of the caldera, be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once you reach the rim, you’ll be met with a nine kilometer view that stretches across one the largest calderas in the world. You’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico in route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela. After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. (B,L,D)
The morning starts with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path will lead you to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own! Next, take a step back in time to visit the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts and still standing over 50 years later, this landmark in remnant of Isabela’s penal colony past. From there you can catch a ride back to town or choose a relaxing stroll down a white sand beach. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, sit with the birds and iguanas or head toward your favorite beach bar. If kayaking suits your fancy, we’ll arrange for you to kayak along the beautiful coast of Isabela. (B, L)
This morning, get up early for a final hike or enjoy a leisurely morning before our transfer to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B)
