Highlights

• Abundant vegetation, Endemic Giant Opuntia Cactus
• Waved Albatross, Red-footed bobbies, land Iguanas, sea lions
• Snorkeling with penguins, sharks, turtles.
• Birdlife: Swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds and swarm of petrels

Islands Descriptions

Santa Cruz

It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is home to the largest human population in the Galapagos. Its main town Puerto Ayora is a very active comercial port where you can find  Banks, shops, restaurants and bars. Santa Cruz is characterized by its volcanic landscpaes and 7 vegetation zones including a large mangrove area.

Wildlife: Giant Tortoises, Vermilion Flycatchers, Pelicans

Visitor sites: The Charles Darwin Scientific Station, Dragon Hill and its Falmingo Lagoon, Bachas Beach, Highlands of Santa Cruz (Tortoises ranch and volcanic depressions), Black Turtle Cove.

Floreana

Floreana was one of the first Islands in being inhabited and has a very interesting history. This island witnessed the visit of many sailors, whale hunters and many other adventurers that reached it in search of water, tortoises and even isolation. The dramatic story of the Baroness had place on its beaches and lagoon, and many travelers still today hear from strange events that took place here.

Wildlife: Sea Lions, Giant Tortoises, Marien Iguanas, Sea Turtles , Flamingos, red billed tropicbids, herons, hawks, sharks, stingrays

Visitor sites: Cormorant Point, Post Office, Champion Islet, Devil’s Crown

Española ****

It is the oldest Island of the archipelago, of approximately 4 million years. It is an unpopulated islan and boasts an amazing wildlife specially birds, this is home of the Espanola Mockingbird (endemic), Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, marine iguanas, sea Lion colonies and tortoises. It is also the only nesting site for the Galapagos Waved Albatross.

Visitor Sites: Suarez Point, Gardner Bay

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal is the closest Island to the continent, and has the second largest population (six thousand people approx). Its main town, Puerto Baqeurizo Moreno is the capital of the Archipelago. It is one of the Gateways to Galapagos, flights operate daily from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal Airport.

Wildlife: Red footed Boobies, Nasca Boobies, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate birds, Sea lions, Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas.

Visitor Sites: Interpretention Center & Tijeretas, Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt, Cerro Colorado

Santa Fe

It is an unpopulated island and one of the oldest of the archipelago. It has the highest endemism in the Galapagos, where you can find the Santa Fe mockignbird, Santa Fe Rice rat, and the Santa Fe lizard, Galapagos Hawk, a variety of finches and the unique Santa Fe Land Iguana as well as an endemic cactus forest.

Prices

Economic Cruise from  USD  1625  (4 Days / 3 Nights )

Mid Range Cruise from USD 2750 (5 Days / 4 Nights)

First Category Cruise from USD 2766 (4 Days / 3 Nights)

De Luxe Category Cruise from USD 3245 (4 Days / 3 Nights)

WESTERN / NORTHERN ISLANDS

Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Genovesa, Santiago, Bartolome, Rabida, Seymour Norte

Highlights

• Mangroves
• Flightless Cormorants, finches, whales, dolphins, sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises in the wild.

Islands Descriptions

Santa Cruz

It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is home to the largest human population in the Galapagos. Its main town Puerto Ayora is a very active comercial port where you can find  Banks, shops, restaurants and bars. Santa Cruz is characterized by its volcanic landscpaes and 7 vegetation zones including a large mangrove area.

Wildlife: Giant Tortoises, Vermilion Flycatchers, Pelicans

Visitor sites: The Charles Darwin Scientific Station, Dragon Hill and its Falmingo Lagoon, Bachas Beach, Highlands of Santa Cruz (Tortoises ranch and volcanic depressions), Black Turtle Cove

 Isabela ***

This is the largest island of the archipelago and is easily recognized due to its seahorse shape. It is one of the populated Islands in the archipelago with a small population of two thousand people approx. Isabela has the second biggest active crater of the world in Sierra Negra Volcano, it has one of the richest marine ecosystems being one of the youngest islands of the archipelago. It is the home of the Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant (Vicente Roca point) , Marine and Lang iguanas, marine birds and the white tipped reef sharks. Isabela has also an interesting human history, being in the past a penal colony.

Visitor Sites: Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Vicente Roca Point.

Fernandina

Fernandina is the westernmost island in the Galapagos Islands, the third largest and youngest of the islands, less than one million years old. It is the most volcanically active and sits at the center of the hot spot that created the Galapagos Islands, it is also the most pristine. Fernandina is home to a large population of land iguanas, flighless cormorants and penguins. Punta Espinosa, its visitor site,  is also one of the best places to see the Lava Cactus.

Genovesa

It is located in the northeastern region of the Galapagos Archipelago. Genovesa is also known as the birds island due to the big variety of birds species that nest here; frigate birds, Nazca and Red footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed gulls, Storm Petrels, Red-billed Tropicbirds, finches, mockingbirds among other species.

Visitor Sites: Prince Phillip’s Steps, Darwin Bay

Santiago

This was the second of the Galapagos island to be visited by Charles Darwin, it was also a good source for food and water for buccaners and whalers. Santiago provides one of the best opportunities for visitors to see the Galapagos fur seal. Santiago boasts breath taking lava landscapes.

Visitor Sites: Egas Port, Sullivan Bay, Chinese Hat,

Bartolome

Bartolome 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.  Sullivan Bay is 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.

Rabida  ****

Rábida Island is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the archipelago. It is a relatively small, arid island with steep slopes, it is also known as the red island. As a result of the oxidation on the moment of its formation this island offers red landscapes with small craters, cliffs and a red beach.

Wildlife: Sea Lions, Pelicans, Flamingos.

Seymour Norte.

Seymour Norte is a wonderful island to hike, swim and snorkel; you can see Palo Santo (incense stick) forest, blue footed boobies in breeding colonies making its courtship dance (depend of the season you travel), swallowed tail gull sitting in the cliffs and admire large number of frigate birds in their nests. One of the best attractions in the Galapagos Islands is watch the frigate birds with their enormous red pouches hanging up from their necks. In other part of the island you may see sea lions playing and surfing in the waves.

Prices

Economic Cruise from  USD  2450  (6 Days / 5 Nights )

Mid Range Cruise from USD 2750 (5 Days / 4 Nights)

First Category Cruise from USD 2918 (5 Days / 4 Nights)

De Luxe Category Cruise from USD 5945 (8 Days / 7 Nights)

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)