Complete Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are unique. Consisting of 13 enchanting islands, they are home to a most amazing collection of plants and wildlife, some species here are found nowhere else on earth. Having been isolated for millions of years from the mainland, the wildlife on these remote islands have little intrinsic fear of man. On board our cruise boat we are presented with an incredible opportunity to get up-close with nature in a way we could never imagine possible. This is our most comprehensive Galapagos Islands tour and offers a broad and yet in-depth look at the wildlife and geography that make up this truly stunning marine reserve.

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Your trip starts in Quito today. No activities are planned; however there is a meeting in the evening with our representative, where you are briefed on the arrangements for your adventure in the Galapagos. Quito is located at 2850 metres above sea level and at this altitude you may possibly experience some effects from the high altitude, so we suggest that you avoid any strenuous activity on this day. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this charming colonial centre offers a wealth of things to see and you could lose yourself for hours meandering through the narrow, winding cobblestone streets and exploring the lively Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco. The city is filled with Baroque art and architecture, as exemplified by magnificent churches, monasteries and public buildings. If your feel like exploring further afield, you might like to head for one of the many viewpoints over the city. El Panecillo (The Little Bread Loaf) offers sensational views of the city’s white houses and surrounding volcanoes. The 30 metre high statue of La Virgen de Quito sits atop this small hill and can be seen from all over the city. Incredible vistas can also be enjoyed from La Cima de la Libertad, the site of Ecuadorian independence from Spain.

Day 2: Galapagos Cruise - Las Bachas

We are transferred to Quito Airport for our early morning flight to the tiny island of Baltra in the Galapagos. We must pay a US$100 national park tax on arrival at Galapagos Airport. This is best done using cash, as using credit cards can be a time consuming process. We are met in the arrival hall and then bussed to the M.V. Darwin, anchored a short distance away in Baltra's small port. Once on board we are assigned our cabin before we set sail. Our stop this afternoon is the beautiful beach of Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island. This beach is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. Marine iguanas can be found ashore whilst pink flamingos are commonly seen in the lagoon. Remnants of a floating pier can still be sighted and is a testimony to U.S. presence in the Galapagos during World War II. Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 3: Las Plazas - Santa Fe

South Plaza is the southern part of a pair of islets, which are a few hundred metres apart. It is home to marine and land iguanas, as well as swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds, shearwaters, brown pelicans, blue-footed and masked boobies. Next stop is Santa Fe Island. If we are lucky, we may see the Santa Fe land iguana, found nowhere else on the other islands. Here we walk through the amazing forest of prickly pear and there are plenty of iguanas to be seen. Santa Fe is also a great place for snorkelling. The waters of the cove are a radiant green, and here we can see sea turtles gracefully swimming by and the sea lion pups we meet are most inquisitive. Sea lions are all over the Galapagos, but they are something we will never tire of seeing! Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 4: Espanola

Today we cruise to Espanola, the southernmost and one of the oldest islands of the Galapagos group. Due to its remote location, Espanola has a high variety of endemic fauna. It is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. Marine iguanas, hood mockingbird, Galapagos hawks, boobies and a variety of finches are in abundance. At Gardener Bay we find one of the longest stretches of white sand beach in the archipelago. Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 5: Floreana

The morning we visit the island of Floreana, one of the most interesting in terms of human history and was one of the earliest to be inhabited. In 1793 a post office barrel was erected for mariners to post their mail and assist in delivery of mail to the United States and Europe. This custom still continues at Post Office Bay today with Galapagos visitors leaving letters and postcards to be collected by the next passing boat. The island also offers magnificent volcanic geography dating back 1.5 million years, making it one of the oldest islands. Wildlife includes Galapagos penguins, boobies, flamingos, tree finches, sea lions, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, stingrays and hammerhead sharks. Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 6: Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station

Today we visit Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago and the island is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is time to explore the station and also observe the Galapagos giant tortoise research and breeding program. We also head up into the highlands for a total change of scenery. The highlands are a lush humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. We can visit a pair of large pit craters called Los Gemelos, where we find the vermilion flycatcher and see the largest lava tunnels found in the Galapagos. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands in the group. The highlands are also the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise and there's a good chance we may see some here in their natural habitat. Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 7: Rabida - Santiago

Rabida is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the chain. The volcanic rocks are covered with palo santo trees, opuntia cacti and low, scrubby bushes. Sea lions abound on the red sand beach and nearby is a flamingo lagoon. There are also several species of Darwin finches to be seen. At Puerto Egas on Santiago we see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow, home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. The beach is also the breeding ground for large numbers of marine iguanas. On a walk we also see a variety of shore birds including American oystercatcher and ruddy turnstone. Sugarloaf Mountain offers a magical backdrop to the area and a natural bridge leads to the inlets, where endemic fur seals are found. Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 8: Bartolome - Sombrero Chino

This morning a climb along the Summit Trail takes us to the top of Bartolome and to one of the most stunning, panoramic views of the Galapagos. Bartolome is a relatively new island in the chain and evidence of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere. The lunar-like landscape here is amazing. During World War II Pinnacle Rock was used for target practice, thus giving it its pinnacle-like formation. The tiny island of Sombrero Chino is approached via a beautiful crescent-shaped, sandy beach and is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Here along the trails we discover the island’s volcanic origin, which is more evident here than on the other islands. It is a miniature volcano that is shaped like a Chinese hat (hence its Spanish name – Sombrero Chino). Tonight is our last night on board the boat and an appropriate to drink a toast to the amazing journey we have just had! Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner

Day 9: North Seymour - Baltra - Quito

North Seymour is probably one of the Galapagos’ most visited islands. A short loop takes one along the sandy beach with good views of Daphne Major and Minor. The trail takes us inland into a palo santo forest and low, bushy vegetation. Enjoyable for both its wildlife and views from the beach, the island is also the nesting ground for the magnificent frigate bird. Also look out for blue-footed booby, sea lion and marine iguana. We then cruise back to Baltra, where we say goodbye to the amazing Galapagos Islands and take our return flight to Quito. Please don't forget that a tip is considered appropriate for your guide and the boat crew, as they have worked hard to ensure that you have had a memorable trip to the islands. As a guideline US$10 per passenger per day and US$6 per passenger per day for your Galapagos guide. Normally, an envelope will be left in your room on the final day for your crew tips. On arrival in Quito we are transferred to our hotel. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 10: Quito

Your adventure ends today after breakfast. Meals included: 1 breakfast

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About Gecko's

Gecko's is designed for younger travellers, on a budget, who want the freedom and flexibility of independent travel, with the safety and fun of a small group. You travel with a highly-trained local tour leader, who was raised in the region and can show you a side of their homeland that other travellers miss out on. We visit the 'must see' sights, and on many trips we venture off the beaten track for some unforgettably unique and unusual experiences. Gecko's trips are great fun, highly interactive and designed to immerse you in the culture of the place you're visiting.

Nuts and Bolts

An English speaking naturalist guide on board the Galapagos vessel, all transport including return flights between Quito and Baltra (paid separately), accommodation and meals as indicated.

Transport

• Boat
• Bus
• On foot
• Plane

Accommodation

• 7 nights Cruise boat
• 2 nights Budget/tourist class hotels

Meals

• 9 breakfasts
• 7 lunches
• 7 dinners

Not Included

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, entrance fees, Galapagos transit card, US$100 Galapagos National Park fee, other meals, optional tours or activities during free time, snorkel hire, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

Optional Extras

• Quito - City tour US$30
• Quito - Mountain biking US$50-$60
• Quito - Otavalo Market US$45

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Entrance

You must pay US$100 entrance fee to Galapagos Islands National Park upon arrival at Baltra Airport in the Galapagos. In the interest of speed and efficiency, this is best paid in cash.

The Ecuadorian Government requires that all visitors to the Galapagos Islands, obtain a transit card. The cost of this transit card is US$10 and you must pay this in cash upon entrance to the national park.

Visas and Permits

Ecuador

Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians and British do not currently require a visa for Ecuador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.

Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

The Ecuadorian Government require all visitors to the Galapagos Islands to obtain a transit card. The cost of this transit card is US $10 and you must pay this in cash at the Quito domestic airport before boarding your flight to the Islands. This is in addition to the US$100 national park fee.

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Important Information

M.V. Darwin
The 'M.V. Darwin' was built in 1995. She is air-conditioned and has eight twin share cabins, all with bunk berths and private facilities. The boat is comfortable and represents fantastic value in the islands.

Capacity - 16 people
Length - 18.2 metres
Beam - 5.5 metres
Speed - 9 knots
Crew - 5 members plus 1 english speaking naturalist

Accommodation on board is based on twin share bunk berths. Single supplements are available on request should you require a cabin to yourself; however, be warned, they are expensive.

Gecko's Community Trust & The Galapagos Conservancy
If, after having visited this unique and precious region of the world, you would like to make a donation towards the protection of the Galapagos, the recently launched Gecko's Community Trust is the easiest and most convenient way to do so.

The Trust supports the Galapagos Conservancy, an organisation dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Galapagos conservation. It is a membership-based organisation and the largest source of private support for conservation efforts. The 11,000 Friends of Galapagos are individuals and institutions who care deeply about the Galapagos Islands, and understand the scientific importance of preserving this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

Funds raised by the Galapagos Conservancy support the core operations of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), both located on the island of Santa Cruz.

Please see below for details on how to make a contribution to the Gecko's Community Trust or refer to the Pledge Card provided at your pre-cruise briefing which contains details for making a donation.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

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