Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador! Today we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we'll appease our rumbling stomachs with some munch. Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz.
After lunch, we'll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we'll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin's ‘Origin of Species', Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won't find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it's home for the next little while. (D) Stay: Hotel La Gran Tortuga (or similar)
Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles. (B) Stay: Isamar Hotel (or similar)
We'll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that's what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we'll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops. (B) Stay: Hotel Silberstein (or similar)
Back on our boat we'll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won't have to look too hard – they're literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we'll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach. (B) Stay: Galapagos Planet (or similar)
It's our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we've got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we'll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system.
Back on board, we'll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we'll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY. (B/D)
There's time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip? (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #explore
- Isabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos.
- Santa Cruz Island: You can't visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.
- Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava.
- Isabela Island: Your chance to get up close with turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and more at one of the world's best snorkeling spots.
- Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions.
- Isabela Island: A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with endangered Galápagos Giant Tortoises – and see the work that's being done to save them.
- Santa Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).
- Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.
- San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.
- San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it's a rainbow utopia of marine life.
- San Cristobal Island: Stretch out on the pristine sands with your Contiki crew and take in the peace and tranquility.
- Quito: We'll jump on a plane and soar back to where all the magic began - Quito.
- 2 Dinners (D)
- 5 Breakfasts (B)
- 5 nights in Hotels
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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