Galapagos brochure - Gondwana Ecotours

Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
Trip Highlights
Discover the Galapagos without the masses on your own
private tour with a certified, local, Galapagos National Park guide
Relax at environmentally-conscious, ocean-view lodging on
three distinct Galapagos Islands, guided by local naturalists
Explore overgrown pirate caves and freshwater springs on
Floreana, one of the Galapagos’ best-kept secrets
Witness lumbering giant tortoises, sea-lions, sharks, penguins,
blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, rays and more
Hike along the rim of one of the Galapagos Islands’ most active
volcanos with expansive views of the crater and island.
Enjoy opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and stand-up-paddle,
read a book or enjoy a cocktail on the beach near your room!
Ecuador at a Glance
Are you interested in sustainable architecture and
design? The Galapagos Archipelago is home to the
first
airport
run
completely
on
renewable
resources on earth located on the small island of
Baltra in the volcanic archipelago. Using solar and
wind power, the airport has been built from
recycled materials as well.
Scientists figure land-dwelling iguanas from South
America must have drifted out to sea millions of
years ago on logs or other debris, eventually landing
on the Galápagos. From that species emerged the
marine iguana, the only lizard that can swim, which
spread to nearly all the islands of the archipelago.
Each island hosts marine iguanas of unique size,
shape and color.
On Floreana in the southern Galapagos, there is a
pirates’ cave! Floreana was the first of the islands to
be permanently settled and the cave provided
temporary housing for some of the earliest
inhabitants, as well as a hiding place for pirates.
Your Ecotour
Map of the Galapagos
An Island of History and Wildlife
As part of this exclusive program you will visit four
different Galapagos Islands where you will spend time with
the unique wildlife the islands are rightly famous for: the
sea lions, the world-renowned giant tortoises, the marine
iguanas, the blue-footed boobies, and much, much more.
Galapagos is also one of the planet’s few World Heritage
Marine Reserves. This is truly an unmatched environment.
A highlight of the trip is spending three nights on Floreana,
a peaceful island home to the Galapagos smallest
Quito
population, only 150 people. It is also the least developed
Quito
Shell
Shell Airport
Kapawi
Kapawi
Canoeing
and the most natural of the four inhabited islands. Once a
pirate’s lair, Floreana was the first inhabited island in the
Galapagos and descendents of the original population still
live here together with the mysterious tales and legends that
surround their ancestors.
How do I know which meals are
included?
Great question! Refer to the legend
below when viewing each day of the
itinerary:
B=Breakfast
L=Lunch
D=Dinner
Full Itinerary
DAY 1
Day One
Based on your flight itinerary, we will have a representative waiting
for you with a sign with your name on it at the airport in Quito. You
will be transported to La Jimenita, a cozy hotel not too far from the
airport with plenty of space to relax and unwind before your
adventure truly begins. If you’re up for it, the owner will give you a
personal guided tour of the archaeological tunnel on-site.
DAY 2
Day Two
B, L & D
After breakfast we’ll transport you to the airport for a quick flight to
Baltra, the first solar-powered airport in the world, on the Galapagos
Islands. Your certified Galapagos National Park Guide will meet you
at the airport and then help you transfer to the quaint town of Puerto
Ayora, on the Island of Santa Cruz. You’ll take a relaxing walk to
Tortuga Bay before a guided trip to the Charles Darwin Foundation
and visit to the tortoise breeding center. You will stay the night on the
island at the superbly situated Hotel Villa Laguna.
“I recommend this company to anyone who wants to meet new
people and explore the unknown, all while being extra kind to the
environment!”
–Kayla Sweeney
DAY 3
Day Three
In the morning, we’ll pack up after coffee and breakfast to begin the
next leg of our adventure. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds typically
found in public transfer by taking a private speedboat to Isabela
Island. After a delicious lunch, visit the calm turquoise waters of islet
Las Tintoreras, where you can find sea lions, sea turtles, marine
iguanas, rays, and other life. Cap off the afternoon with another visit
to a Tortoise Breeding Center, and stay the night at the boutique
hotel, La Casa Marita, surrounded by picturesque beaches.
Day Four
DAY 4
B, L, & D
B, L, & D
Volcanic eruptions created all the Islands in the Galapagos, and you
will get to see this geologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela,
one of the youngest and most volcanically-active islands of the
archipelago. You have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands
with your guide, starting with a hike up the crater of Sierra Negra
Volcano, and then to the rim of the Volcan chico. With unique soil
unlike any other island, Isabela Island is home to more tortoises than
any other. The late afternoon is yours to explore or relax.
“If you want to broaden your horizons and go to exotic places all
while feeling taken care of and in good hands I recommend
Gondwana Ecotours.”
‒Jena Frederick
DAY 5
Day Five
B, L & D
After breakfast, you will have a chance for some kayaking in the bay.
Keep your eyes peeled for playful sea lions as you explore the calm
waters with your naturalist guide. After lunch, we will head to the
Galapagos’ least-inhabited and most pristine island, Floreana. After
we check in, you will walk with your guide for 30 minutes towards a
sea lion breeding ground, where later, you will have the chance to
snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, rays and shimmering fish. Once
you have some downtime, have a lovely dinner in the small village.
“Gondwana brings more joy, fun, smiles, laughs and awareness
to our travel experience! One of my favorite ways to see the
world!”
–Edmond Tsang
DAY 6
Day Six
B, L & D
After breakfast, you’ll leave to explore the highlands on an open-air
bus to discover the history of the island. After a short drive leading
to Asilo de la Paz (Peace haven), we’ll begin a hike to explore pirate
caves and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the
entire island. On the way to your BBQ lunch, we’ll stop to see some
frigate birds. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to do more
snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddling during the afternoon.
After dinner, take a look at the stars before settling in for the night.
DAY 8
DAY 7
Day Seven
B, L & D
The marine activities continue with more chances to look for wildlife,
and enjoy the beach. In the afternoon, visit Post-Office Bay, where a
group of whalers placed a wooden barrel here in 1793. Seamen would
leave addressed letters in the barrel and hope that the next seamen to
come along might be headed in the direction of their letters’
destinations. Today, visitors leave their postcards and sift through the
current pile of cards—if they find one that they can hand-deliver, they
take it with them. After dinner, enjoy one last evening under the stars.
Day Eight
B
Today it is time to say goodbye our new friends (both human and
animal) at the Galapagos Islands. After breakfast, take an early speed
boat ride to Santa Cruz and then transfer back to Baltra for a flight to
Quito. Stay the night at La Jimenita to unwind and relax at the end of
a fantastic journey.
DAY 9
B
Day Nine
After breakfast, a taxi will take you to the airport for your departing
flight. If you want to stay longer, that can also be arranged.
Accommodations
DAY 1 & 8
DAY 2
Hotel Casa de Hacienda la Jimenita
Featuring comfortable and luxurious suites, an on-site restaurant
with cozy fireplaces and an extensive garden, free Wi-Fi, natural
trails and an archaeological tunnel on-site, the Casa de Hacienda la
Jimenita is the perfect ending to great travels.
Villa Laguna
Located in one of the most convenient areas of the city, Hotel Villa
Laguna is a cozy and safe retreat that offers a pleasant and peaceful
atmosphere to ensure a pleasant stay before venturing further into
the Galapagos Islands.
“The hotels, restaurants, tours, outings, services, and attention to
detail were top-notch. I wouldn’t hesitate to travel with Jared
and Gondwana Ecotours again!”
–Melissa Gibbs
DAY 3-4
Casa Marita
Surrounded by white, sandy beaches and turquoise seas; lush
vegetation and active wildlife, La Casa de Marita (Marita's
House) is much more than a wonderful boutique hotel in one of
the planet's most unique destinations - it's a window to to view
the beauty of the Galapagos.
“We just had to focus on the amazing adventure we were having.
We feel like we have experienced something very special and
unique—going places most tourists do not go.”
DAY 5-7
‒Becky Maeres Roth
Floreana Lava Lodge
Each ocean front cabin has its own bathroom, front porch, a
reading and shady area to provide privacy and enjoyment of
the outdoors. The lodge also has a common area where guests
can relax together and savor a drink while enjoying the
striking Galapagos sunsets. The island consists of tidal pools,
pristine beaches and superior spots to stargaze--there are few
residents here!
Your Guides
It is the Republic of Ecuador’s policy for
travelers to have a specialized guide
during their stay on the Galapagos
Islands. You will be accompanied on your
trip by a bilingual certified Galapagos
National Park Guide. To learn more
about your personal certified Galapagos
National Park Guide, visit their website:
http://www.galapagospark.org/nophprg.php?page=programas_turismo_guias
What’s the difference between a Guide
and Gondwana Trip Leader?
A Guide is your window into the destination.
Always a local, your guide gives insight to
the culture, region, and ecosystems. We
bring a Gondwana trip leader in addition to a
guide for groups of six or more to retain the
personal attention that we are known for.
Are there direct flights to Quito, Ecuador?
Most flights have a layover. From China, Japan, Canada, & the USA, flights are
routed through Miami, New York and Houston. From Europe, flights depart from
Madrid, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt and have layovers in the Caribean
Islands, Panama City or Bogota.
Getting There and Back
When should I arrive in Quito?
You can arrive at the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport on Day
1 at anytime.
What do I need to do to prepare for my arrival
and journey?
Send us your flight itinerary and we will organize an airport pick-up
for you (included). A taxi will be waiting for you at the airport with a
sign with your name on it or the Gondwana Ecotours logo. Make sure
you travel with a valid passport and your visa will be issued upon
arrival in Ecuador. Make sure it is valid for another 6 months.
What should I do in preparation for my
departure?
You can depart at the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport any
time on Day 9 of your Ecotour. You will need to speak with the staff
at La Jimenita on Day 8 to organize an airport transfer (included) on
Day 9 (or whenever you decide to leave).
What if I want to stay longer in Quito or
Ecuador?
For those of you who will be staying longer, feel free to ask us for
help! An extension option to tour the famous Machu Picchu and
other famous Incan ruins in Peru or the Ecuadorian Andes and
What if I want to come and explore Quito
before my trip?
If you decide to come to Quito before Day 1 you will need to arrange
transportation to our lodging on the first day of the ecotour, but we can
provide assistance upon request.
Amazon Rainofrest is available; if you are interested please ask us for
more details.
Trip Details
� Custom dates are only available for individuals, couples, families, and groups
� 1 Person: $8,999; 2 Persons: 5,999; 3 Persons: $5,499; 4 Persons: $4,995; 5 Persons or
More: Please contact us
� What’s Included
LODGING
MEALS
Eight nights of comfortable and environmentally-sound lodging (six in the Galapagos; two in Quito)
All of the delicious meals in the Galapagos and your breakfasts in Quito.
ACTIVTIES &
All tours and activities (Private whenever possible). An english-speaking, certified Galapagos
GUIDES
National Park guide. A Gondwana trip leader will also be included for groups of more than 6.
TRANSPORTATION
Roundtrip flight to and from the Galapagos from Quito. All transportation within Ecuador and the
Galapagos Islands. Safe and secure airport transfers―your safety and comfort always come first!
Why Travel with Us
Our promise is to design handcrafted travel experiences that enrich your
mind, body and soul. We strive to put our values into practice with every
ecotour that we create.
Wonder Our adventures are filled with
wonder that amaze, enlighten and deeply
connect you to the region.
Flexibility There are many
opportunities throughout the tour for you to
customize your vacation with a variety of day
excursions.
Local Guides
Enjoy the
unsurpassable experience of local guides who
share their country, culture and customs.
Trip Leader A Gondwana Trip Leader
is sent to take care of the details for groups
larger than five guests, to retain that
personal touch that we are known for.
Donations
A portion of the proceeds
goes to the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Carbon Offset
We carbon offset
your airfare―good for your conscience and
good for our planet.
Low-Impact
Our ecotours leave a
small impression on the environment because
of the small group size of 14 and the
activities.
Unique Lodging
Feel the heart
of the destination by staying at a boutique
hotel that is whenever possible locally-owned
and eco-friendly.
Thank You
This is our Galapagos Wildlife Adventure
Informational Booklet complete with
accommodation details, the full itinerary, and other
interesting information about your exciting journey to Ecuador.
Put down your $500 deposit and receive:
� A detailed packing list
� Additional reading materials about your destination
� Safety and security information
� Booking Terms & Policies (the first deposit is refundable for 30 days)
Our team at Gondwana appreciates your interest in our handcrafted travel experiences.
If you have any other questions about our ecotours, please call us toll free:
1 (877) 587-8479
or contact us via email:
[email protected]
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to
seeing you in Ecuador!
www.GondwanaEcotours.com
*Details of the ecotours are
subject to change based on
weather and availability.