Program Overview / Galapagos Escape
Galapagos Escape
(Operates from Sunday to Wednesday)
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Galapagos is one of the must-see and visit places in the world, a unique paradise on earth where humans can get deeply connected with nature. This short program in the Galapagos allows you to visit some of the most iconic Islands and visitor places in the Galapagos in only few days. It is perfect if you are planning a quick escape to The Galapagos!
Tour Highlights
- Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island
- Enjoy 2 navigation day tours to iconic Islands of Galapagos.
- Free time to visit the Charles Darwin Station or to explore Puerto Ayora
RATES PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS BASED IN DOUBLE OR TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
NO. PASSENGERS (PAX) | HOTEL SUPERIOR CATEGORY | HOTEL FIRST CATEGORY |
2 – 3 PAX | $ 1211 | $1498 |
4 – 10 PAX | $ 1152 | $1439 |
11- 16 PAX | $ 1100 | $1390 |
Single Supplement | $219 | $250 |
Included
- Greeting at Baltra Airport. Transfer to Puerto Ayora and back.
- Accommodation in double or triple room at category selected. Breakfast included.
- Mentioned meals according to itinerary detail.
- 2 Boat excursions as mentioned in the itinerary accompanied by Galapagos naturalist guide.
- Visit to Santa Cruz Highlands accompanied by Galapagos naturalist guide
- Visit to Twin Craters accompanied by Galapagos naturalist guide
- Snacks and water provision along the trip.
Not Included
- International airfare.
- Galapagos Airfare. (USD 500 P/PERSON)*
- Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (USD 100 P/PERSON)*
- Galapagos Control Transit card (USD 20 P/PERSON)*
- Transportation Baltra Airport to Ithabaca Channel and back. (USD 10 p/person)
- Beverages during meals & Alcoholic drinks.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
Additional Notes:
- Program operates from Sunday to Wednesday. Please contact us if you need to check other departure days.
- The order of visits can change without previous notice.
- Program operates with minimum 2 participants.
*Air fares and taxes are subject to change without previous notice.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Galapagos – Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Station.
Arrive at Baltra´s airport and meet your local guide who will assist you with transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz, characterized by its beautiful Scalesia forest and luxuriant vegetation. Visit the Gemelos (Twins) volcanic depressions and a Giant tortoise’s reserve where you will have the opportunity to observe these animals in the wild. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Transfer to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Afternoon free to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station (on your own) or to explore Puerto Ayora on your own. Charles Darwin Station is located within walking distance from hotels area.
Meals: B, L
Day 2
South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion OR North Seymour & Bachas.
Trail Conditions: Easy to Moderate
Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of these two iconic places in the Galapagos.
South Plaza Island was formed by lava up streaming from the bottom of the ocean. Despite its small size it is home to a large number of species, and it is famous for its extraordinary flora. It is full of both, land life and birds: cactus, large colony of iguanas, frigates, bifurcated tailed gulls and even the beautiful red-billed tropicbird. You will also enjoy snorkeling at Punta Carrion, an excellent place to spot White tip reef sharks, a great variety of fishes, sea turtles, rays, and many other marine wildlife. Lunch on board.
Navigation time to South Plaza: 1h45m approx.
Meals: B, L
Island Wildlife
Sea Lions, Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, Masked boobies, Bifurcated tailed gulls, White tip sharks, Variety of fishes.
Don´t Forget to bring
Bathing Suit, Towell, Sun Screen, Comfortable walking shoes, Camera
OR
North Seymour (Dry landing) was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, reason why its low, flat profile. Swallow-tailed gulls sit perched in ledges of the cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline. A forest of Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing site, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom. Amongst the emblematic fauna of the island you will be able to see sea lions, land iguanas and blue footed boobies. The trail turns inland where you will find active and dynamic colonies of both species of “magnificent” and “great” frigate birds. Continue to Las Bachas (Wet Landing), a beautiful coralline beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, is the perfect place for practicing snorkeling, swimming or to simply enjoy the white soft sand. Several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos.
Navigation time to North Seymour: 1 hour approx.
Island Wildlife
Blue footed boobies, Sea Lions, Frigate birds, Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas
Don´t Forget to bring
Bathing Suit, Towell, Sun Screen, Comfortable walking shoes, Camera
Day 3
Bartholomew Island OR Santa Fe Island.
Trail Conditions: Easy to Moderate
Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of these two iconic places in the Galapagos.
Bartholomew has one of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of the archipelago. The trail is made of wood and you must climb to the top of this extinct volcano; from here you will be amazed at its spectacular landscape, you will feel the climbing was worth it! The main attraction of the island it is the pinnacle rock, it is a big lava formation that over time has eroded. Bartolome has also two beautiful beaches half-moon-shaped with gold color sand that invites you to have a sunbath or snorkel around the lava formations. You might expect to find the Galapagos penguin and sea turtles swimming in shallow waters. Continue to Sullivan Bay, located southeast of Santiago Islands where you can swim or snorkel, the bay’s crystal-clear waters allows great visibility and offers great opportunities to spot sea turtles and the Galapagos penguin. Navigation time to Bartholomew: 2h30m approx.
Meals: B, L
Island Wildlife
Galapagos Penguins, Sea Turtles, White Tip Sharks, Rays.
Don´t Forget to bring
Bathing Suit, Towel, Sun Screen, Comfortable walking shoes, Camera
OR
Santa Fe is a small island of 24 square kilometers (9.3 sq mi) which lies in the center of the Galápagos archipelago. It is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, volcanic rocks over 4 million years old have been found. The vegetation of the island is characterized by brush, palo santo trees and stands of a large variety of the prickly pear cactus Opuntia echios. Santa Fe is home to the Barrington Land Iguana, a endemic specie of this island. Barrington Bay is located at the northeastern side of the Island and is a great visitor site for swimming and snorkeling surrounded by Sea Lions. Navigation time to Santa Fe: 2h approx.
Meals: B, L
Island Wildlife
Sea Lions, Barrington Land Iguanas, Santa Fe Finches, Galapagos Hawks, Galapagos Pigeons, Ghost Crabs, Variety of fishes.
Don´t Forget to bring
Bathing Suit, Towell, Sun Screen, Comfortable walking shoes, Camera
Day 4
Departure day.
Pick up from the hotel, transfer to the airport in Baltra.
Meals: B
END OF PROGRAM
Meal Codes: B/breakfast, /L/lunch, /D/dinner.
Travel info
Travel documents
Your first step in preparing for your trip is to make sure you have all your travel documents in order. You will be required to present a valid passport when entering Ecuador. If you don’t have a passport, please apply for one immediately as it can take some time to obtain one. If you already have a valid passport, be sure to check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Ecuador, as you will not be allowed to enter the country if this is not the case. Citizens of most countries including USA and Canada can stay a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. Please check below the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter to Ecuador:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic and Popular Republic of Corea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia and Senegal
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical coverage including coverage for emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss protection. Please contact us if you require more information or assistance purchasing a travel insurance.
ARRIVING & DEPARTING
Flight arrangements: Please be sure to have your flight reservations in order. Do not forget to confirm and check in your flight up to 24 hours before your flight.
Luggage Allowances: Generally speaking, baggage allowance per passenger is the following:
- International flights: two bags, total 31 kg /68 lb plus one carry on (Please check with your airline the luggage allowance as each airline handles their own policies)
- Galapagos Islands: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry on bag.
- The Jungle: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 lb plus one carry-on bag (This information can change depending on the destination, please verify with your sales agent.)
- Other domestic flights: 1 bag, total 20 kg/44 pounds plus one carry on bag
This information may be subject to change due to International Aviation regulations. Please contact the airline company for exact information.
If You Are Delayed: If you are delayed en route or if you miss a flight connection, please contact us immediately.
During business hours 9am to 5pm EST: (593-2) 380 11 25
After hours: (593-9) 95050 537
Arriving In Ecuador
Upon arrival you will have to go through immigrations first and then customs. Your passport will be requested and an arrival form (usually handed out on board your flight prior to landing). Be sure your entrance papers are officially stamped showing the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. A copy of the arrival form will be given to you. Keep it in a safe place with your passport, as you will need it to leave the country. If it is lost you will need to fill out a new one at the airline counter when you check in for your departing flight. Next you will proceed to pick up your luggage. If you require assistance there are porters who can help you. The standard gratuity is US $1 per bag. If you have arranged transfer services with Latin Roots Travel you will meet our transfer agent just outside customs, he or she will be carrying a Latin Roots Travel sign with your name or the name of your group on it. Normally, if you are arriving on a flight late at night and do not feel comfortable in a foreign country by yourself, we suggest a private transfer, which we can arrange for you.
Customs
Any person that enters Ecuador temporarily is exempt from the payment of any customs duty. You will not be required to pay taxes or duties for your luggage, new or used articles that you will use during your trip, and portable items such as photo cameras, video cameras, laptops, radios or any other electronic equipment or devices.
Altitude
Quito is located 9200 feet above sea level, for this reason some passengers traveling from lower elevations may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. This typically results in shortness of breath, nausea and headaches. In most cases the symptoms will gradually lessen and pass as one’s body adjusts to the altitude, during the first days of your stay take it easy and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or tea seems to lessen symptoms. If you have high blood pressure, heart trouble or had issues with altitude sickness in the past please consult your physician before traveling to Quito.
Immunizations
No inoculations are required for entry into Ecuador, except a yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are going deep into the Provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos (The Amazon Basin). Although no cases of yellow fever have been reported in Ecuador in the last 20 years, the Ministry of Health issued a yellow fever vaccination requirement to all travellers going to certain zones in the Orellana and Sucumbíos Provinces.
All tourists visiting mentioned zones must have the “Yellow fever” vaccination 10 days before entering into the Amazon Region and posses the certificate of vaccination.
This vaccination provides protection for 10 years after which it is required a reinforcement dose.
IMPORTANT: passengers who visit Ecuador and then go to Brazil, Panama or Costa Rica must have a yellow fever Vaccination certificate or will not be allowed to board the international flight (International regulations).
Special Health or Dietary requirements.
Please advise us of any medical or special dietary needs you may have. Please provide this information to our agents at least 60 days prior to your trip.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory; it is a personal matter based on your discretion. However guides, drivers, restaurant and hotel staff will expect a tip from you after receiving a good service. Of course the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. The following guidelines could be very helpful if you want to reward an excellent service:
- 10% of bill at restaurants
- $0.50 per bag for porters at the airport and bell boys at the hotels.
- $ 5 to $10 per person for the guide in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour).
- $ 3 to $5 per person for the driver in mainland Ecuador (for a full day tour)
- Galapagos guides and crew members have their own guidelines depending of the boat or hotel you are going to. In this case you will receive the guidelines on site.
Packing list (Aquí incluiríamos un documento PDF para descarga donde se encuentra información general)
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Ecuador Phone: (593) 2-3801125 / 2-3801149 Email: info@latinrootstravel.com Skype: latinrootstravel.ecuador Latin Roots Travel Av del Establo y Calle E, Centro Corporativo Financiero Site Center, Torre 3, Oficina 107, Quito – Ecuador
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