iExplore Ecuador and Galápagos Experience

Tour Description

Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, is a crown jewel of the natural world. The Galápagos Islands live up to our dreams of a sheltered place far removed from the usual worries of the world. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body. The ocean is an ever-inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sandy beaches of crystal white, pink, black and looking-glass green. There are crystal coves and sheltered mangrove lagoons.

However, what will make your visit here truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close up encounters with wildlife. The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans. This results in a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoise and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas. Bird life is abundant, varied and fearless. You may have to give way as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a Galápagos hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.

Itinerary

DAY 01 - QUITO, ECUADOR

Today, after clearing customs & immigration formalities at Quito airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benacazar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule until 1809, when Quito established the first self-governing junta in the colonies. Liberator Simon Bolivar led the country as part of the Republic of Greater Colombia until 1830, when the Republic of Ecuador announced its independence with the adoption of the Constitution signed in Riobamba. Due to the city's preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito one of the "world's cultural heritage sites" in 1978.

Hotel Quito

DAY 02 - QUITO

Enjoy a half-day city tour of Quito. This morning's sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital has earned its honor as a world cultural site. Marvel at the city's ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in Quito's "Old Town" and in the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings and an altar of gold leaf, the church is an historical icon dedicated to Quito's patron saint. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito's 'Winged Virgin' visible from almost anywhere in the city.

Breakfast

Hotel Quito

DAYS 03- 06 - QUITO- GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK

Depart from Quito to Baltra (2 and half hour flight), where you are picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to board the M/V Galápagos Legend or M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II.

 

Only a special few have the chance to travel to this paradise, sailing on charming ships with nautical wood and brass interior décor, featuring ample outdoor decks and sea-view cabins, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, bars and more.

See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows.

Swim and snorkel any time of year in the warm clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.

Multilingual naturalist guides lead shore excursions twice a day to a place unlike any other, full of wildlife that has no fear of man. Lectures explaining the geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands are provided in several languages.

A fine selection of meals will delight you, from buffet breakfasts to gourmet dinners, ice cream festivals and even evening barbecues.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

M/V Legend, M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II

DAY 6 - GALAPAGOS- QUITO

Check out and transfer to Baltra's airport. Return flight to Quito via Guayaquil.

Breakfast

Hotel Quito

DAY 7 - DEPART QUITO

Today you will be transferred to the airport in Quito for your flight home.

Breakfast

Departures

This program is based around a 3-night Galápagos cruise.

Pricing Information

2011

January 5 to March 28; May 15 to June 20; September 1-30; November 25 to December 15:

$2,179 per person double occupancy, Moon Cabin.

$2,469 per person double occupancy, Junior Suite.

$2,709 per person double occupancy, Legend Suite.

$2,989 per person double occupancy, Balcony Suite.

All other dates:

$2,249 per person double occupancy, Moon Cabin.

$2,539 per person double occupancy, Junior Suite.

$2,779 per person double occupancy, Legend Suite.

$3,059 per person double occupancy, Balcony Suite.

Above prices are based on stated number of people traveling in low season. Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of March, 2011. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foriegn exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

- 3-night deluxe Galápagos Cruise.

- Domestic air ticket to and from Galápagos Islands.

- All meals on the Galápagos Cruise and daily breakfast on the mainland.

- Seat in car Quito city tour.

- 4 shuttle transfers.

- Three nights hotel accommodations in Quito at the Hotel Quito or similar.

- Entrance fees (except Galápagos National Park).

Exclusions:

- International and domestic airfare

- Airport departure taxes - domestic and international flights

- Air Fare (Quito-Galápagos-Quito) from $320-$415

- Baggage on flight to Galápagos is limited to 1 carry-on bag and 1 checked bag with a max of 44 pounds

- International Departure Tax (Ecuador) from $ 34

- Galápagos National Park Fees $ 100

- Transit Control Card $ 10

- Cost of obtaining a passport of visa

- Gratuities to local guides and drivers

- Communications costs, such as phone calls and faxes

- Inoculations, excess baggage charges, personal insurance

- Alcoholic beverages or liqueurs (unless stated otherwise); soft drinks & bottled water with meals

- Any Items of a personal nature

- Visas (if required)

- Holiday surcharges

- Travel Insurance

Special notes:

All visitors traveling to the Galápagos will be required to buy a $10 transit control card (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito) TCT. The value of the card is in addition to the $100 fee for entrance to the Galápagos National Park. For new bookings, we ask the $10 be prepaid in order to expedite check-in processes. Please contact your sales agent for further assistance for prepaying the card.

Fuel surcharge:

The Ecuadorian government has subsidized oil for decades; however from June 2008 the Government will be reducing this benefit, affecting directly, the Galápagos cruise lines. Given this situation, we must obey the new policy and implement a fuel surcharge in the amount of $180 USD/person that will affect all passengers on all departures from July 2008.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes

What to pack:

It is not necessary to carry much to the Galápagos, pack light and pack smart. Lightweight fast drying cotton is recommended.

- Shorts

- T-shirts

- Long sleeved shirt

- Cotton pants

- A windbreaker or light sweater for evening or early morning

- Hat: preferably that cover the ears

- Lots of sunscreen lotion

- Good walking shoes: sneakers will do

- Tevas or sandals (if you wish)

- Sunglasses (with strap)

- An extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)

- Hair Dryers are available on our small vessels at the front desk or upon request

- Small backpack to carry on land visits for your camera and water)

- Plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry

- Plenty of film

- Snorkeling gear (not essential)

- Medications (anything you might be using while your cruise)

- Trasderm scoop or tablets (if you are prone to sea sickness) Inquire

with your physician

- Books to read while on the yacht (we encourage paperback exchange)

- Wet suit or skin for snorkeling

- Binoculars

- If you wear glasses, it is a good idea to bring contact lenses for diving and snorkeling

- Insect repellent