Museo de Ciencias Naturales Centro Cultural Esmeraldas

Galapagos Escapade

All content by Intrepid

7 days (ex Quito)

Destinations visited: Ecuador, The Galápagos Islands, Quito, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,420

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Description

Travel to the Galapagos – the islands where giant tortoises roam free, and marine iguanas make hauntingly slow progress across the beaches. This is quite possibly the most surreal location on earth, yet at the same time, the purest and least corrupted by mankind. The Galapagos Islands' biggest drawcard is the incredible wildlife, both on land and underwater, and this escapade is the perfect way to experience this outstanding destination.

Highlights

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Isla Isabela.
Hike volcanic trails in Isla Rabida.
Explore the remote beauty of the Daphne Islands.
Experience the energy of Ecuador's vibrant Quito.
See iguanas stroll the streets in Puerto Avora.
Discover Darwin's theories of evolution.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Travel to Quito and discover this vibrant city resting beneath Volcan Pichincha. Spend a free day exploring Ecuador's busy capital, where cobblestone streets wind between impressive colonial buildings, and intricate decorative architecture drips from the archways of churches and cathedrals.

Day 2 Isla Santa Cruz

Sail to the first stop on this Galapagos adventure – Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the town of Puerto Avora, where it's not unusual to spot iguanas parading past gift shops, as the wildlife breaches the familiar boundaries of habitats. Discover the conundrum of the Galapagos mockingbirds, which inspired the formulation of the theory of natural selection, on a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 3 Isla Isabela

Admire the turquoise waters surrounding the largest island in the archipelago. Formed by five gigantic volcanic craters, hike through the magical landscape that surrounds Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the region. Meet some of the famous local inhabitants with a trip to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and peek into the Galapagos's penal past at the convict-built Wall of Tears. Jump aboard a dinghy and paddle to Tintoreras for a spot of snorkelling or swimming.

Day 4 Isla Rabida

Sail to Isla Rabida, where a diverse landscape of various volcanic formations is ripe for exploring. Witness the sight of palo santo trees and opuntia cacti poking optimistically up through the cemented lava fields. Visit Cerro Dragon and walk to a lagoon shared by ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos.

Day 5 Isla Santa Cruz

Rise early and head to the mangrove swamp at Caleta Tortuga Negra. Paddle dinghies through this tranquil paradise and look for turtles, rays and the Galapagos sharks. Take an afternoon trip to Sombrero Chino, and circle the cove through a sea lion colony and masses of iguanas. This is the perfect spot for some snorkelling, so jump in and make like a turtle!

Days 6-7 Isla Daphne/Quito

Enjoy a rare treat and set foot on one of the Daphne Islands. Only accessible by small boats, there are major restrictions on tourist numbers that can visit this area of the Galapagos. This is the final opportunity to spot the spectacular red-billed tropicbird, as well as many other birds and sea lions that call Daphne home. Return to Baltra, before flying back to the distant mainland to enjoy a final night in Quito.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Motorised yacht (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts)

Transport

Boat

Budget

Allow USD $100 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,420

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