Read a sampling of what our
clients said about their trips
The trip was outstanding, no hitches. We enjoyed our 3 guys from Boston on the IT ("Inca Trail"). You deserve a gold star, job well done. Will recommend you to friends. My new quest is to find coca tea bags. Thank you for all you did. Judy-Clare French
Redding, CA
Charles Darwin Research Station/Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz)
Day 8
Quito
Save $865 per Child (under 12 years old) on the August 16 and 30 Departures and Other Promotional Dates through the Remainder of the Year. Call for Availability.
Note: The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level.
IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program
South American Vacations is an active member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association). In support of IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program, we contribute $50 for each passenger that we send to the Galapagos Islands. You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos Islands.
Sixty percent of the funding of this program goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. You can visit their web site to learn more http://www.darwinfoundation.org
. The remainder goes toward IGTOA's mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Coral I and II
This tour combines colonial Quito with a five day Galapagos Islands cruise on the Coral I and II. The Coral I and II are mid-sized 36 and 20 passenger yachts, perfect for an intimate experience while cruising the islands. They offer spacious outside cabins with a/c, lower beds, private bathrooms, and safes. Some of the cabins interconnect, which is ideal for families. Social areas include a Jacuzzi, lounge, restaurant, bar, boutique, library, moon deck reading area, and expansive observation decks with sun/shade areas. Snorkeling equipment ($20) and wet suits ($25) can be rented on board.
Activities: Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and snorkeling.
Dry Landing: Guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. Wet Landing: As the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Day 1: Quito
Depart to Quito. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: City Tour of Quito
In the morning, you will have a city tour of Quito. You will explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, and visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compania and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You will drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan and finish the morning at the Panecillo hillside, with its breathtaking views of the old and modern parts of the city. (B)
Day 3: Quito/Baltra Airport/Dragon Hill/Venice (Santa Cruz)
Passengers will be picked up by our guides at the airport and taken to the ship.
Dragon Hill (wet landing). Visitors walk to a saltwater lagoon which is occasionally visited by pink flamingos. Then you'll hike up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for numerous reintroduced land iguanas. There is also a peculiar scalesia tree forest. Dinghy ride around the islet along the coast of Santa Cruz. The land iguanas that live in Venice were protected from the wild dogs that live on the island of Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz it is possible to observe the vegetation and marine animals like: spotted eagle rays and golden rays, mullets, white tipped reef sharks, and pacific green sea turtles which rest in the calm waters of the coves and channels. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Rabida/Egas Port (Santiago)
Rabida (wet landing). The volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea lions. It's considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands. You'll hike to a salt water lagoon, where flamingos can sometimes be found. July through September is a good time to observe brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches can also be observed. You can take a dinghy ride by the reefs, as well as snorkel.
Egas Port (wet landing). Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. You can observe hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons and oyster catchers. Passengers will see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seals swimming in deep cool-water pools. Here you can swim and snorkel and find octopuses, sea horses, and star fish. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Espinosa Point (Fernandina)/Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Espinosa Point (dry landing). Visitors will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations, observers will spot brachycereus cactus, and "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA" lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea.
Tagus Cove (dry landing). Visitors will learn about the eruption of five volcanoes that formed this island, the largest in Galapagos. The trail leads to Darwin's salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields and volcanic formations. You'll take a dinghy to observe marine life. Frequently, Galapagos penguins can be seen here. Opportunity for snorkeling. Graffiti believed to have been made by 19th century pirates helps passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bartolome/Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
Bartolome (dry landing). Passengers will see volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After hiking to the summit you can enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, you'll often see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla, and various cacti. You'll be able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.
Black Turtle Cove is located near Las Bachas beach on the north side of Santa Cruz. Passengers will take a dinghy through the mangrove. The motor is turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles and white tipped reef sharks. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Charles Darwin Research Station/Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz)
Charles Darwin Research Station. Travellers will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you'll be able to admire the giant tortoises involved in the breeding program. Visitors can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Later on, you'll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Disembark at Baltra. Passengers will take a bus to the airport for the flight back to the mainland via Guayaquil to Quito. (B).
Day 8: Quito
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Coral I and II
Save $865 per Child (under 12 years old) on the August 16 and 30 Departures and Other Promotional Dates through the Remainder of the Year. Call for Availability.
Single
Double
Triple
Standard Cabin
$3,789
$2,289
n/a
Moon Cabin
$3,789
$2,289
n/a
Junior Cabin
$4,089
$2,579
n/a
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
The above prices are valid until December 10, 2010.
Singles willing to share a cabin during the cruise can pay the double price plus a single supplement of $450 for the land portion in Quito (subject to availability).
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Coral I and II
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Round-trip airfare from Quito to Galapagos in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Three nights accommodations at the Hotel Quito (or similar) including service fees and taxes.
City tour of Quito.
Accommodations on board the M/Y Coral I or II.
All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
Two daily excursions to the islands conducted by bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Evening briefings and lectures.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Ecuadorian departure tax (Quito $44.30).
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100).
Transit control card ($10).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Coral I and II
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Coral I and II
