TEA-GGSI4n Galapagos Island Hopping 4nights: Santa Cruz & Isabela

Arrival inthe Galapagos

Today wearrive in Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was amilitarybase during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principalairport. The airport was builtusing the most advanced environmental techniquesto reduce emissions and energy use, someof which you’ll notice as you walkthrough the facility. This was the first ecological airport in theworld.We diveinto our adventure as soon as we arrive! We enter the airport through a specialVIPlounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on somesunscreen and get a cooldrink before we transfer to the Itabaca Channel toexplore its spectacular turquoise waters. Wewill have a chance to kayak,snorkel and stand up paddleboard (SUP), as well as encounteringsome of themost famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions,brownpelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks.

There’s nobetter introduction to the Galapagos than to get on the water as soon aspossible!We will glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lavarock cliffs on water so clearwe can see the marine life in the shallows. Ourocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles orsingles, and life jackets areprovided. A support boat will escort us throughout our wateractivities toensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities.TechnicalDetails:Difficulty:Easy to moderateKayak:1.5-2 hours depending on fauna activity and skills of kayakersMeans ofTransportation: boat, kayak, stand up paddleboard and private transportationtoGalapagos Magic.

From theItabaca Channel we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reservethatborders the Galapagos National Park, where we can see the famous GiantTortoises roamingin the wild.

After lunchwe drive to our exclusive giant tortoise reserve where our tented camp islocated.Perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, Galapagos MagicTented Camp will be ourhome for the next two nights. The sounds of nature willserenade us in the evenings, and theMilky Way will be our night-light. We’llbe able to feast our eyes on the mountains and forestssurrounding the Camp,and enjoy the peace of having the entire hillside for us, with theexception ofseasonal residents giant tortoises.

Watchingthe colorful sunset from Magic’s western perch is the perfect segue intoevening.Dinners are sumptuous three course affairs, prepared by expert chefsin an open-air kitchen inthe main lodge.

Night at Galapagos Magic (Standard Tent)

Includes:English speaking guide, private transportation, guided excursion, Airport VIPservices, kayaks,lunch, dinner and accommodation at Galapagos Magic.

NavigableTour to neighbor islands (shared basis activity) Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a dailyexcursion with a welcoming crew members andknowledgeable naturalist guide, andexperience the remote islands in comfort and style. Our daily excursions will take you toexperience the Galapagos Islands in a safe andcomfortable manner. We can visit North Seymour and Bachas,South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome andSullivan Bay. ** These excursions are subject toavailability and change without prior notification

Itinerary

Day 1: Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island

Day 2: Navigable Tour to neighbor island

Night at Galapagos Magic (Standard Tent)

Includes:breakfast, English speaking guide, private transportation, box lunch, guided excursion, dinnerandaccommodation at Galapagos Magic.

IsabelaIsland

Today wetake an early morning speedboat to Isabela Island where we will check into ourhotel.Our adventure begins with a tour of the Tintoreras, a group of smallislands close to the town ofPuerto Villamil. The islands are named after thewhite tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swimin these calm waters. On theTintoreras we will see almost all the archipelago’s iconicwildlife:white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of coursepelicans andblue footed boobies. This is a Galapagos in miniature! Afterwalking on the island, we will havea chance to snorkel in the bay. Don’t besurprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump into play alongside you inthe water!In theafternoon we will bike the Wetlands Trail, where we can see marine iguanacolonies anda number of different types of mangrove trees (all four speciescan be seen here) as well asenjoying the network of trails, beaches andhistoric sites. At the end of the trail is the ‘Wall ofTears’, built in thelate 1940’s by Second World War prisoners held at the former US base ontheisland. Our guide will explain the importance of the Wall, giving us a glimpseinto the lives ofthe island’s previous inhabitants. On this network of trailsyou will enjoy some beautiful views ofthe village below and have the chance tosee birds, and maybe even some wild giant tortoises.

Night at Isamar Hotel (Standard Room)

Includes:breakfast, guided excursion, English speaking guide, private transportation, equipmentrental,lunch, dinner and accommodation

Hiking day!

Volcaniceruptions created all the Galapagos Islands, and you will have a chance to seethisgeologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela, one of thearchipelago’s youngest and mostvolcanically active islands.

We have thewhole day to explore the Isabela highlands, and we start by hiking up to thecraterof the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of theVolcan Chico. Thisfascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle,which sometimes persists inthe shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysteriouscharacter. Despite the drizzle, we may seeGalapagos Hawks, finches,flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route.

When wereach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world aftertheNgorongoro in Tanzania, we will see the reward for our efforts. The crateris so large, and theviews so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bringyour binoculars and camera anyway!Later, aswe head towards Volcan Chico, we may get the feeling we are walking on Mars duetothe alien landscape. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, acloser look will revealsmall lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From thecrater’s rim, we will enjoy moreamazing views along with lava tubes andfumaroles.

AfterVolcan Chico and its extreme landscape, we will be able to relax in the shadeof a lovely“jaboncillo” tree, and enjoy our box lunch while taking in thespectacular and expansive viewsover the central and northern parts of theIsland. In the distance, we will be able to seeFernandina, Pinzon and SantaCruz Islands. We then head back down to complete our day ofhiking (16kilometers / 9,94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.

Day 3: Santa Cruz Island - Isabela Island

Day 4: Isabela Island

Night at Isamar Hotel (Standard Room)

Includes:breakfast, guided excursion, English speaking guide, private transportation, lunch, dinnerandaccommodation

Departure day

Today wetake an early morning speedboat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by landtoBaltra for our onward journey or flight back home.

Includes:breakfast, English speaking guide and private transportation.

Hotel Galapagos MagicGalapagos, galapagos, Ecuador

Galapagos Magic is a million miles from the world’s hustle and bustle. Set inthe highlands of Santa Cruz (and away from the waterfront crowds), this totallyunique property surprises and delights. All six safari tents have gorgeousviews, and guests are surrounded by nature as they sleep. Galapagos Magic isa place to relax, walk the beautiful mountainside, turn your gaze to thebeautiful heavens and to admire nature. Giant tortoises call Galapagos Magictheir home much of the year, and guests might see a handful slowly movingthrough the grounds or many dozens dotting the meadow.

Sunsets from Galapagos Magic are, well, magic! Enjoying the last light of daywith a cocktail on the meadow deck is a relaxing pastime, as is sharing storiesof the days’ adventures in front of the open-air main lodge’s crackling fire.Magic serves sumptuous, three course dinners. The chefs use their culinaryskills in the open kitchen to turn local ingredients into creative and elegantdishes. An after dinner stroll to the ‘Lava Lounge’ for a nightcap is the perfectway to end the day.

Capacity – 20 people4 elevated tree houses6 raised, walk-in tentsHot waterWireless InternetLaundry service

Day 5: Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island - Baltra Island

hotels

Galapagos Magic

Hotel IsamarIsabela Island, galapagos, Ecuador

IsaMar Hotel is idyllically located on Isabela’s beautiful white sand beachfront. Its setting gives guests sweeping views of Pacific waves, swaying palm treesand boats bobbing on the water. The beautiful Galapagos retreat is walking distance to the tortoise breedingcenter, the flamingo lagoon, water activities and to the sandy streets of townwhere guests will find bakeries, restaurants and bars.

IsaMar’s rooms are the perfect base for exploring Isabela’s wonders. Hearty meals are available to keep visitors going on hikes and water activities,and outdoor social areas are ideal for taking a siesta, reading a book orstargazing late into the evenings. IsaMar features: Beachfront location Capacity – 10 rooms in five blocks Full service restaurant and bar Outdoor social areas WiFisafe boxhot and cold water air conditioning hair dryer night stand night lightsofaone queen bed and one twin bed bathroom amenities.

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Included: Accommodation, All meals, AirportVIP services on arrival, Transfers&ground transportation, Boat excursionswith snorkeling on a sharing basis, Speed boattransfer on a sharing basis,Kayak, SUP and snorkeling equipment, English-speakingnaturalist guide,Activities and visits detailed in the itinerary Not Included: Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador tothe Galapagos Islands canbe arranged upon request), Galapagos National Parkentrance fee (US $100 peradult/$50 per child under 12), tourist transit card(US $20 per person), Beverages,Laundry service, Insurance (prior to yourjourney please ensure your travel insurance isvalid in your country oforigin), Gratuities

ISAMAR