to tour details

Introduction
One of the wildlife wonders of the world, the
Galapagos Islands is unlike any other place on earth.
This soft adventure tour has been carefully created
to provide you, your friends, and your families, with
an exceptional experience in the islands!
11-day Custom
Galapagos Tour +
Amazon & Machu Picchu Options
Short Dossier for Stanley Lau Group
Galakiwi Aventuras S.A.
Charles Darwin Avenue
San Cristobal Island
Galapagos Islands
Email: [email protected]
Ecuador Cell: +593 9 770 1833
Ecuador Office: +593 5 252 1864
Web: Galakiwi.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Galakiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/Galakiwi
Instagram: instagram.com/Galakiwi
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture and unique
ecosystem the Galapagos has to offer as we hike,
snorkel, swim, bike and kayak our way across the
archipelago. Every activity is done at a leisurely,
relaxed pace to allow you to take photos and enjoy
the curious wildlife and interesting landscapes of
the Galapagos.
Each island we visit also has historical and
educational sites we can visit along the way to learn
about the human history and conservation efforts in
the Galapagos Islands. We’ll be staying in
comfortable hotels and dining in local restaurants
that provide a more intimate travel experience than
a typical cruise can offer. We’ll make a special visit
to the hospital on San Cristobal Island; and of
course, no Galapagos tour would be complete
without an opportunity to observe the famous giant
tortoises in their natural habitat!
Galakiwi is excited to have you join us in the
Galapagos, we look forward to sharing the islands
with you and encourage you to extend your tour in
the Amazon and/or Machu Picchu in Peru.
Tour Dossier
Itinerary Snapshot
Day
Day 1
July 30
Day 2
Aug 1
Day 3
Aug 2
Day 4
Aug 3
Day 5
Aug 4
Day 6
Aug 5
Day 7
Aug 6
Day 8
Aug 7
Day 9
Aug 8
Day 10
Aug 9
Day 11
Aug 10
Activities
Where
Meals
Arrive in Quito. No scheduled activities.
Arrive in Quito
/
Guided Quito City Tour. Visit to Mitad del Mundo. Welcome Dinner.
Quito, Ecuador
BLD
Fly to the Galapagos Islands. Lunch on Santa Cruz Island, then Boat
Transfer to Isabela Island.
Isabela Island
BLD
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and visit lava fields of Volcan Chico.
Isabela Island
BLD
Isabela Island
BLD
Kayaking in Bay. Visit Pink Flamingoes. Visit Tortoise Breeding Center.
Free afternoon.
Boat to Santa Cruz Island. See Giant Tortoises in the Highlands. Visit
the beautiful beach at Tortuga Bay.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Free time in Town for
buying Souvenirs. Boat to San Cristobal. Visit Interpretation Center.
Day tour to Snorkel at Kicker Rock.
Downhill Cycle ride from the Highlands to La Loberia. Option to Swim
or Snorkel with Sea Lions. Visit Hospital in Afternoon.
Explore Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Fly to Quito. Farewell Dinner.
Santa Cruz
Island
San Cristobal
Island
San Cristobal
Island
San Cristobal
Island
Quito, Ecuador
Depart for home or begin your tour extensions.
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
B
Consider booking an extension to visit the Amazon in Ecuador or
Machu Picchu in Peru.
NOTE: The Itinerary outline above has been created with what we feel are the best experiences to be offered in
the Galapagos Islands. Of course timing and activities can always be changed, based on what the group prefers.
Extensions
Highlights

Snorkel with sea turtles, playful sea lions and amazing underwater life

Hike up an active volcano and one of the biggest calderas in the world

Stay on 3 inhabited islands and learn about the rich history and culture of the Galapagos

See the famous giant tortoises and marine iguanas in their natural habitat

Go kayaking at Isabela Island

Visit the hospital in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Sample some traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and meet the local Galapagueños
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Tour Dossier
What is Included and Not Included?
Included in Tour Price
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10 Nights Accommodation: Private Bathroom
*Flights to / from Galapagos and Quito
All Land and Sea Transport in Galapagos
Naturalist Guide Authorized by the GNP
Mountain Bikes, Sea Kayaks, Wetsuits and Snorkeling Equipment
Meals daily as specified in Itinerary
Water stations to refill your reusable water bottles
Tips for hotel staff, boat crew and drivers
Airport Transfers
Not Included in Tour Price
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National Park Entrance Fee $100, cash only
Ingala Fee $20, cash only
Drinks other than water (Soda, beer, etc.)
Tips for Tour Leader/Naturalist Guide
Extensions to the Amazon and Machu Picchu
Tour Summary & Pricing
Start:
Quito, Ecuador
Tour Length:
11 days + Amazon and Machu Picchu options
Departure:
July 30, 2015
Tour Style:
Soft Active
Galapagos Tour Price:
$3999US per person
Amazon Extension Price:
$1199US per person
Machu Picchu Extension Price:
$1499US per person
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Tour Dossier
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Thursday July 30
Arrive in Quito
No Scheduled Activities
Quito
Arrive in Quito any time and check into your hotel at anytime. A Galakiwi team member will meet you at the
airport. If you arrive before “Day 1”, we’d be happy to help arrange some pre-tour activities for you. We can also
assist in booking any extra accommodation you may need.
DAY 2
Friday July 31
Quito City Tour
Visit Mitad del Mundo
BLD
Quito
We visit the new and old town of Quito, Ecuador, including the Independence Square and the Churches of
Basilica, La Compañia and La Catedral. After this we go to the Panecillo (a lookout point in the old town), which
affords the best view of Quito, then return to the hotel.
After, we go to The Equator line, Mitad del Mundo, located 45 minutes away from Quito to visit the world
monument and shops. Here we also visit the Inti Ñan, a local museum where you can see different experiments
to prove that you are at the Center of the Earth.
This evening you will be met by a Galakiwi representative for a briefing about your upcoming adventure and
enjoy your first dinner together.
NOTE: The Itinerary below has been created with what we feel are the best experiences to be offered in the
Galapagos Islands. Of course timing and activities can always be changed, based on what the group prefers.
DAY 3
Saturday Aug 1
Fly to the Galapagos Islands. Lunch in Puerto Ayora.
Boat Transfer to Isabela Island
BLD
Isabela
This morning, you’ll fly to Santa Cruz, or Baltra to be exact. This little island off the coast of Santa Cruz is home to
the airport. Your guide will be waiting for you and the Galapagos tour will begin right away! As you make your
way to Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz, you’ll pass through many different ecosystems, from arid
coastlines to lush highlands. The journey to Puerto Ayora is done by bus and water ferry.
Once in Puerto Ayora, you can relax with a delicious lunch before we head to Isabela Island. The boat journey to
Isabela Island takes around 2 hours. Sometimes we may spot rays, dolphins or whales on the journey! Once you
are at Isabela Island, you will check-in to our hotel and have some time to enjoy the small beachside town of
Puerto Villamil before dinner.
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Tour Dossier
DAY 4
Sunday Aug 2
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano
Visit Volcan Chico Lava Fields
BLD
Isabela
Lace up your hiking boots; we’re heading up a volcano. Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes
in the Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005. The hike is not too difficult but can have some wet,
muddy sections at the beginning, along with some rough lava rock sections later on. As we hike to the perimeter
of the caldera, we’ll be on the look out for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion
Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, we’ll enjoy a nine-kilometer view that
stretches across one of the most active calderas in the world. We’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of
Volcan Chico en route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela. After a
hearty sense of accomplishment, we’ll make our way back to town late afternoon for some free time to curl up
with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
DAY 5
Monday Aug 3
Kayak in the Bay, Visit Pink Flamingos
Visit Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
BLD
Isabela
After breakfast we’ll gear up to explore a protected bay and search for the Galapagos Penguin – the only
penguin found north of the Equator. The bay at Isabela Island provides great shelter, so waters are very calm
and clear here. We often spot fish and rays during this easy kayak adventure.
More wildlife encounters can be expected after lunch, as we’ll visit a nearby wetland that is home to pink
flamingos and pintail ducks. Then continue with a leisurely walk at Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
where we’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center has almost a thousand giant tortoises,
from tiny babies to fully grown giants! Depending when our activities finish, you may have some free time to go
for a swim, wander around town or head to the Wall of Tears.
Optional Activity: Wall of Tears
Rent a bike in town then step back in time to visit the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts and still standing over 50
years later, this landmark is a remnant of Isabela’s penal colony past.
DAY 6
Tuesday Aug 4
Boat to Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Highlands
and Giant Tortoises. Visit Tortuga Bay.
BLD
Santa Cruz
We’ll wave goodbye to Isabela this morning as we depart for Santa Cruz Island. After checking in, we’ll hop on a
bus bound for the Highlands to explore an underground lava tunnel and visit a ranch. For the first time we’ll be
able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. On the way back to town let us know if you want coffee and
we’ll make a pit stop at a local distributor for a bag of fresh ground Galapagos coffee, the only product exported
from the islands. This afternoon we’ll take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga Bay
is a gorgeous beach, accessible only by foot and laden with choices. Do you want to swim, sunbathe or watch
the marine iguanas walk around? After our fun in the sun, we’ll make our way back to town for dinner.
DAY 7
Wednesday Aug 5
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Visit Charles Darwin Research Station. Free time in Town.
Boat to San Cristobal. Visit Interpretation Center.
BLD
San Cristobal
Tour Dossier
We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station this morning to learn about the station’s successes in
repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of Giant Tortoise. From the
collection of the eggs to the age of release, we’ll observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life
on their own. As Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, it has the most souvenir and jewelry shops.
You will have some time to do some shopping before we have lunch and take an afternoon boat ride to San
Cristobal Island.
After arriving at San Cristobal (about a 2 hour boat ride again), we check in to the hotel and go for a short walk
along the waterfront to the Interpretation Center. We’ll learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago
from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present-day efforts to protect
this amazing World Heritage site. Behind the center is a series of trails, we will take the Tijeretas hike, which
takes us to Frigatebird Hill and has some views of the coast.
DAY 8
Thursday Aug 6
Snorkel Tour to Kicker Rock.
BLD
Santa Cruz
Today we take to the water to get a glimpse of the underwater world of Galapagos. First we’ll cruise along the
coast in our boat identifying shore birds like the Great Frigate and famous Blue-Footed Booby. Then we’ll find a
calm spot near the coast to get our fins wet in search of damselfish, puffer fish, and, hopefully, curious sea lion
pups. From there we continue to Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals to explore the final
remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. If Kicker Rock were a building, it would have
almost 50 floors! Along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation, we’ll be on the
hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with any luck, a Galapagos Shark or two.
Don’t worry; they won’t be as interested in you as you are in them.
There are many beautiful beaches along the coastline of San Cristobal that are accessible only by boat. After our
snorkel activities are done, we’ll head to one of these sandy beaches for some fun and exploration. After lunch
on board, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of birds, crabs and
other creatures we may find on the beach. We’ll head back to town late afternoon. You can enjoy a drink along
the waterfront and watch the sunset before dinner.
DAY 9
Friday Aug 7
Downhill Biking. Visit La Loberia.
Visit Hospital.
BLD
San Cristobal
We’ll head up into the highlands for a slow, scenic downhill bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La
Soledad, we’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until we reach a
beach called La Loberia. There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sun bathing and will have time to get in the water
for a swim or snorkel.
After our beach time, we will head back to town for lunch. We will have a special visit planned to the hospital
today. Depending on their schedule, our visit may happen in the afternoon or evening, and will give you a great
insight into the facilities and services that are available to people living on these remote islands.
DAY 10
Saturday Aug 8
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Explore Town. Fly to Quito.
Enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
BLD
Quito
Tour Dossier
Today is the last day of the Galapagos tour and you will have time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You will fly back to Quito and be transferred to your hotel. Tonight we will all enjoy a
final farewell dinner in Quito. If you have booked an extension to the Amazon or Machu Picchu, then your
adventure will continue tomorrow!
DAY 11
Sunday Aug 9
Depart for home, or being Tour Extensions
B
Quito
Depending on your next activities, Galakiwi and your hotel will help arrange transportation to the airport, or
assist you with getting ready for extending your adventure in the Amazon or Peru.
Tour Extensions – Amazon & Machu Picchu
Visiting the Amazon and heading to Peru to see magical Machu Picchu are our two most popular extensions,
details on both of these options can be found below. These two options can be combined for a full Galapagos +
Amazon + Peru tour.
AMAZON LODGE OPTION – 4 days / 3 nights - $1199US
One of the finest lodges in all of Ecuador, Sacha Lodge has built a reputation for providing top quality service,
great guides and comfortable, natural accommodations in the middle of the Ecuadorian jungle. Consider this the
ultimate nature extension to any Galapagos tour or trip in Ecuador!
Your base in the Amazon is the impressive Sacha Lodge, which opened in 1992 and is set amidst 5000 private
acres of land in the Amazon. The word Sacha means “forest” in the Quechua language and the journey to the
lodge from Coca will take you past lush forest via motorized canoes, a leisurely forest walk to a lake, and simple
dugout canoes. Indeed, you get to begin your wildlife spotting hours before you even set sight on the lodge!
There is something for every kind of nature lover at Sacha Lodge. Wildlife, including many birds, can be spotted
right from the lodge grounds and Pilchicocha Lake, while nature trails and the Kapok tower allow you to spot
monkeys and other Amazon creatures. There is a great canopy walk here, which lets you walk amongst the tops
of the trees! A butterfly house and popular clay lick, which attracts Macaws, are other big highlights at Sacha
Lodge. At nighttime the adventures continue with night hikes or boat rides in search of caimans, frogs and toads.
With more than 10,000 plants, 2,000 species of birds and 400 mammals, the Amazon has such biodiversity that
you’ll be discovering new plants and animals around every corner. Parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon are home to
more than 1,000 trees per square kilometer!
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Tour Dossier
Itinerary Snapshot for Amazon Extension
Day
Activities
Where
Meals
Quito/Amazon
LD
Day 1
Fly from Quito to Coca. Transfer by boat to Sacha Lodge.
Day 2
Explore the Amazon. Choose your own activities.
Amazon
BLD
Day 3
Explore the Amazon. Choose your own activities.
Amazon
BLD
Day 4
Boat back to Coca and flight to Quito.
Amazon/Quito
B
Note: The pricing for this tour includes roundtrip flight from Quito –
Coca - Quito
MACHU PICCHU, PERU OPTION – 6 days / 5 nights - $1499US
The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ known as Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most enchanting sites to behold.
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with flights from Ecuador, where you will touch down in the Andean
Mountains in the city of Cusco, before heading on towards Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo itself is a beautiful, hidden town surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and impressive Incan
ruins. From here, you will take guided tours around parts of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac. Your visit to
Machu Picchu includes a guided tour to bring the ruins to life and free time to explore the ruins on your own.
Time in Cusco concludes the adventure, where the many museums and attractions will keep you busy exploring!
Itinerary Snapshot for Machu Picchu, Peru Extension
Day
Activities
Where
Meals
Ollantaytambo, Peru
B
Day 1
Transfer to airport, fly to Cusco, Peru. Transfer to Sacred Valley.
Day 2
Sacred Valley tour to Pisac, Inca sites and Market.
Ollantaytambo
B
Day 3
Scenic Train ride to Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu Tour.
Machu Picchu
B
Day 4
Cusco
B
Day 5
Train ride to Cusco. Cusco city tour (1/2 day). Visit to
Sacsayhuaman Inca site.
Free day to explore the museums and attractions around Cusco.
Cusco
B
Day 6
Transfer to airport. Flight home.
Cusco
B
Note: The pricing for this tour does NOT include international flight
from Quito, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru
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Tour Dossier
Activity & Itinerary Disclaimer
All dossiers and itineraries are designed to be as informative as possible and are provided in good faith. Unless
otherwise stated, all prices in this Dossier are in USD$. Due to the temperament of Mother Nature and the
Ecuadorian Government, itineraries may change and activities may be shifted, omitted or replaced without
notice. Our goal is to give you the best possible tour with a safety-first mentality. We also must comply with all
rules set forth by the national and local governments no matter how convenient or inconvenient they may be.
The good news is that we rarely have to change the itinerary drastically and we are very adept at dealing with
the challenges of operating in a third world country. You’re in good hands!
Itinerary Notes
Suggested Flights
It is best to arrive early on the tour start date and, even better, a day or two before to see some of the sights in
Quito (and to avoid issues with possible flight delays or lost bags). We can help with any pre-trips and
accommodations – just ask!
Arriving in Quito
Upon arrival at the international airport in Quito, you can grab a taxi and make your way to the hotel. There will
be taxis waiting and the hotel will be expecting you. It should cost around $25-30USD and you should negotiate
a set price BEFORE you get in the taxi. If you have paid for an airport pick-up, a representative will be waiting for
you – look for your name on a sign!
NOTE: Quito, like most major cities, is not without its pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Leave your valuables and
passports in your room or hotel safe and only carry what you need just to be safe. See our website for more
safety tips.
Welcome Briefing
As there are no scheduled activities in Quito on Day 1, your official briefing will take place the evening before
your flight to the Galapagos Islands on Day 2. Briefings usually begin at 6:30 PM, but check the sign when you
arrive in case the time has changed. If, for some reason, you don’t make it in time for the briefing, instructions
will be left for you at the front desk.
Galapagos Flight
It’s about 30 minutes from Quito to Guayaquil and 1½ hours from Guayaquil to Galapagos. Flying from Quito,
chances are that the aircraft will make a short stopover in Guayaquil to drop off and collect passengers. It’s
usually less than an hour. During your flight to the islands, the aircraft will be sprayed (with passengers on
board) to kill any species possibly residing in your hand luggage. Don’t worry – the spray is biodegradable, not
harmful to humans and recommended by the World Health Organization.
Arriving in the Galapagos
Once you arrive in Galapagos, you’ll queue up to pay your National Park Entrance Fee ($100 cash only). There
are no ATM’s in the airport in Galapagos. Your guide will be waiting to pick you up just outside the airport when
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Tour Dossier
you arrive. After you pay your National Park fee and collect your checked luggage head outside to meet your
guide. Depending on your flight time, it is possible that you will head directly to lunch and your first activity,
before checking into the hotel. Please dress appropriately or have clothes and shoes handy.
Boat Crossings
Residents and tourist alike use this method of transport regularly between the main inhabited islands. However,
for this tour you’ll be on a private boat. Out on the open ocean, this is your best chance to see whales and
dolphins. Each crossing takes about 2 hours. Less time if the sea is calm, more time if the sea is rough. Boats are
usually 30-35 feet long and hold 20-30 passengers. You’ll be leaving bright and early most days when the sea is
usually calm, but if you’re prone to seasickness or not sure, bring some seasickness pills just in case.
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Closed toe walking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellant, and your camera are all you’ll need for this experience.
The trails might be rocky and muddy, but flat.
Volcano Hike
You’ll be walking 4-6 hours with frequent rest stops and a lunch break. From the National Park checkpoint,
there’s about a 45-minute walk uphill to the rim of the volcano. The trail around the rim has only slight up and
downs with a few short steep inclines. The lava fields of Volcan Chico are uneven and rocky in areas. The path in
and out is dirt: if it's been raining, it could be muddy. There's one proper bathroom at the beginning of the trail.
The majority of walking is on level terrain and as long as you’re comfortable walking 4-6 hours, it’s definitely
doable. If you have weak ankles, use athletic braces and wear hiking boots. If you have knee trouble, bring a
hiking pole or two. This is a non-technical hike.
Kayaking Isabela
This is a beginner friendly kayak - no experience required. We use sit-on-top double kayaks and life vests. Be
prepared for some splashes and wetness just in case. A dry bag is good piece of gear to bring along if you want
to bring a non-waterproof camera.
Wall of Tears
There are no facilities. Taxis are sometimes not allowed. The path is part sand part gravel with a few slight
inclines. It will take 2+ hours walking or 1+ hour biking one way. For the most part, it’s an easy ride or walk that
parallels the beach.
Tortuga Bay
The trail to the beach is an easy walk on a nice path for about 45 minutes. Once you pass the National Park
checkpoint at the entrance, there will be no bathrooms or shops to buy refreshments, so bring plenty of water
and sunscreen. If you want to rent a surfboard or boogie board, you must rent one in town and carry the board
with you. If you want to walk through the cactus forest, you’ll need shoes suitable for the rocky path.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Most itineraries included a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS); however, you’re actually visiting
the Breeding Center Fausto Llerena, which is where Lonesome George was until his death in 2012. One animal
you can see here that you may have not seen already is the Galapagos Land Iguana. The center is also home to
Super Diego, a giant tortoise originally from Española Island. Diego got his name after being rescued from the
San Diego Zoo in 1977. Since his return, he’s been very busy and has an estimated 1,700 offspring!
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Tour Dossier
Santa Cruz Highlands
If it’s been raining, the farm can be muddy. The lava tunnel is damp, dark and rocky. There are lights in the
tunnel, but if you have a headlamp, bring it. Closed toed shoes recommended and keep a rain jacket handy just
in case.
Highlands Cycle
This is a scenic, non-technical bike ride on mountain bikes. There will be a support car with us the entire way for
anyone that prefers to ride in the truck or hop off early.
Kicker Rock Snorkel
If you’ve never snorkeled before, no worries. There will be a full briefing and a practice run in calm water.
Wetsuits also make you buoyant and we have a couple different flotation devices to choose from. You do need
to be able to climb a short ladder back into the boat after the snorkels, but again, don’t worry, the skipper will
be there to help you. You’ll be on the boat for approximately 6 hours. Since you’ll be staying close to the coast,
seasickness isn’t usually an issue this day.
Snorkel & Activity Gear
We take pride in having the best gear in the Galapagos Islands! Wetsuits or rash guards, fins, mask and snorkels
are provided for you, as well as kayaks and bicycles during scheduled activities. If you prefer to bring your own
snorkel gear, please do so. If you have a new mask it should be cleaned properly and used beforehand to make
sure it isn’t going to fog up when you are on the hunt for that perfect underwater fish photo. If you wear glasses
– YOU CANNOT WEAR YOUR GLASSES WITH A MASK. You can wear contacts or visit a dive shop before coming
to Galapagos to get a corrective lens mask if necessary.
Tijeretas Hike
The Tijeretas track is a loop trail at about 2km/1.5miles in length. The loop takes you up and down four flights of
stairs to various lookouts, one with a statue of Charles Darwin. It’s a paved/sealed track and there is an
extension to a beautiful beach called Punta Carola. Facilities are located at the beginning, in the Interpretation
Center.
Departing Galapagos
When you leave Galapagos, you need to present the stub from your INGALA paper (you filled this out on the way
to Galapagos). If you lose that stub, you will have to pay another $20USD for a new one.
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