| Galapagos Ecuador Tour
June 29 - July 7 2008
Tour Description
ItineraryDay 1
June 29 | | We fly from Miami to Quito, Ecuador with Judy and Tom. Our local guide will meet us and accompany us to Otavalo, in the Ecuadorian mountains. A stop will be made at San Pablo Lagoon (viewpoint). Lunch at Hacienda Pinsaquí. This afternoon we have an opportunity to explore the Hacienda and grounds. Optional horseback riding is available. While we enjoy dinner the staff will light the fireplaces in our rooms. Accommodation and dinner at Hacienda Pinsaquí
| Day 2
June 30 | D | After breakfast we will visit Cotacachi Leather Market, Cuicocha Lagoon, San Antonio de Ibarra & its handcrafts on to Ibarra and the Yaguarcocha Lagoon for sightseeing. Lunch at Hostería Rancho Totoral. Then we drive back to Otavalo. Accommodation and dinner at Hacienda Pinsaqui.
| Day 3
July 1 | D | After breakfast we visit Otavalo Indigenous Market, Peguche & ist Andean instruments work. Lunch at Sumac Micuy Restaurant. We drive back to Otavalo. Accommodation and dinner at Hacienda Pinsaquí.
| Day 4
July 2 | L | After Breakfast we drive to Cayambe to experience Ecuadorian Gastronomy, - Bizcochos & Cheese, Calderon & its figurines made of dough then it is on to Middle of the World and Equatorial Monument & Museum. Lunch is served at "El Crater" Restaurant. Tonight we tour the Colonial town of Quito at night. Dinner at Mea Culpa. Accommodation at Mercure Alameda Hotel.
| Day 6
July 3 | | Fernandina Island (Suarez Point)
After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, we will see the Galapagos ‘ largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea Lions abound.. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations.
We will view recent lava flows from a safe distance. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.
Afternoon Isabela Island (Tagus Cove)
Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos. At Tagus Cove after a dry landing we will learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass.
During the walk we will see the largest population of Giant Tortoises (about 4000, but difficult to spot). The marked trail leads to Darwin's salt-water lagoon with an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations.
Time is allowed for viewing marine life from our pangas. Frequently visitors see Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back to the 1800's can help passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. Most of the graffiti is believed to be the work of pirates and buccaneers.
| Day 5
July 4 | | After an early breakfast we transfer to airport in Quito for flight to Guayaquil then Baltra and the Galapagos Islands. The airport on Baltra Island is 600 miles out in the Pacific Ocean. We will be met by our naturalist guide and taken to our cruise ship the MS Galapagos Legend.
Afternoon Bartolomé Island
Leaving our cruise ship by panga (inflatable boats) we arrive on Bartolome Island. We will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit we have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.Large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards are sometimes seen during the decent. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. This Island looks like the landscape of the moon. We also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.
| Day 7
July 5 | | Santiago Island (Egas Port)
We visit the dark sand beach at Egas Port during a wet landing. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. The surrounding area is prime observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron.
We enjoy the sight of Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”.
This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of octopuses, sea horses, starfish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools.
From a safe distance we can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles. All located in the backdrop of cold water and warm water corals, fans, and sponge.
Afternoon Rábida Island / Jervis
We make a dry landing at the dark red colored volcanic sand beach frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands. Here a short trail leads to a salt-water lagoon, where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves are found at the far side of the lagoon. Jarvis is the home of boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. We finish the day with a Panga ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.
| Day 8
July 6 | | Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Station)
On Santa Cruz we have the opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The Darwin Center is staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects.
Here we meet the Giant Tortoises, a part of the breeding program. Travelers can admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. After this visit passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Afternoon
The trail then leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced Land Tortoises, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. We also explore a huge lava tube.
| Day 9
July 7 | | Santa Cruz Island
Disembarkation at Bachas Beach (wet landing) located north of Santa Cruz Island. At this site you will have the opportunity to swim off this white sandy beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles.
Afternoon Baltra Island
It is time to say good-by to our ship board friends and transfer to Baltra Airport in order to take the flight back to Quito/Miami.
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*B Breakfast, L Lunch.Itinerary subject to change.
Tour InformationSpace is limited on our cruise ship. Deposits are non-refundable. We encourage you to purchase trip insurance. We will send information on travel insurance with your initial deposit receipt.
Upon receipt of initial deposits, Teacher Treks will forward terms and conditions for the selected trip. Terms and Conditions are effective seven calendar days after receipt of initial deposits. Tour participants must notify Teacher Treks by certified mail within 7 days of initial deposit date for a full deposit refund. We are sorry, but deposits received after the published deposit due dates listed above cannot be refunded.
Teacher Treks Travel Limitations: Teacher Treks works to assure worry free escorted travel for our clients. Our prices reflect excellent value and service. The major airlines have reduced the number of scheduled flights to our popular destinations. The reductions are moves to contain their costs and fly with full seats. Therefore, we are limited on the number of low price tickets we are able to purchase on any one tour. Our policy is first come, first served with a deposit. Seats at our advertised prices may not be available to late bookers. In addition, late booking fees may apply on certain tours.
Teacher Treks reserves the option of canceling trips with less than 16 tour participants. In the event of a cancellation due to participation, all tour participant deposits will be refunded. (See your trip's Terms and Conditions for more information).
Pricing is per person double occupancy and includes roundtrip airfare from Miami, lodging including service charges and taxes, airport transfers at the destination city/cities, base tours, and specified meals. Base prices do not include airline fuel surcharges, airport departure taxes, airline security charges, visa fees, Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, gratuities, and other items of a personal nature.
Your reservations will be confirmed with a checking of your deposit check. We have a limited number of junior suites. The suites will be assigned as deposits are received. Final payment for the balance of the tour cost is due prior to the departure date. Please see below for dates.Passport InformationA US passport and a visa for each country you will visit are required for all Teacher Trek destinations. Please see below for visa and passport requirements.
Galapagos and Ecuador- 90 day Tourist Visas are acquired upon entrance to Ecuador. To enter the Galapagos Islands, the National Park Entrance Fee is $100,
All reservations, pricing, and other inquiries
can be made by calling Judy or Tom at Teacher Treks. Martin: 772-286-2454 |
Palm Beach: 561-202-8059 | Tampa & Sarasota: 813-567-1206. Monday -
Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm EDT. Early booking is recommended as tour space
is limited and fills quickly.
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