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Location
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Details
11 DAYS FROM 9000 PP

Best time to go
YEAR ROUND

GAL St Galapagos Land Iguana Shutterstock Michael Sarauer

Land-Based Safari

Galapagos Islands

An epic, lodge-based Galapagos wildlife safari staying in some wonderful accommodation. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to stay aboard an expedition ship. This lodge-based Galapagos itinerary visits the incredible Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and includes boat trips to surrounding islands. This is an incredible way to see the wildlife of the Galapagos for those land-lovers with an aversion to spending too much time on the sea. Swim with playful sea lions; watch the blue footed boobies as they perform in a charming courtship dance; see the emblematic tortoises in their natural habitat and a whole host of other fearless animals.

St Galapagos Sea Turtle Shutterstock Laverne Nash
Galapagos Islands Land Iguana Will Bolsover

WHY BOOK THIS TRIP


  • Getting up close with the Galapagos wildlife; from iguanas and frigate birds, to tortoises and boobies
  • The geology of the Galapagos is like no other; explore lava tunnels, coral beaches, lagoons and more
  • Follow expert naturalist Galapagos guides in search of some of the endemic wildlife Multiple snorkelling opportunities in the Galapagos, with sea lions, turtles and more
  • Enjoy three nights in the highlands of Isabela Island staying in unique tented accommodation
  • Spend time at Finch Bay Eco Hotel, one of National Geographic’s “Unique Hotels of the World”
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Day 1: Arrive Quito

You'll be welcomed into Quito, the incredible colonial capital city of Ecuador, by your local guide who will take you to your hotel. As Ecuador is located at 2,800 metres above sea level, you may feel light-headed due to the altitude and you should drink plenty of water and avoid heavy foods.

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Day 2: Quito Colonial City Tour

After breakfast, head to reception to meet your guide to enjoy an exploratory tour of Quito, which was the first city declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1978. Much of the city is built on top of an old Inca settlement, and the influence of the indigenous cultures is also evident.

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Day 3: Quito - Baltra - Isabela

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Quito for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival to Baltra airport, you will connect with a short inter-island flight to Isabela Island, where you will be met and transferred to your lodge up in the highlands.

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Day 4: Sierra Negra Volcano

After driving to the highlands you begin a walk up this incredible Sierra Negra Volcano. It last erupted in 2005 and is considered the second largest active caldera on the planet and has a diameter of approximately 10 Kilometres.

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Day 5: Las Tintoreras Islets / Tortoise Breeding Centre

This morning you take a short dinghy ride to Las Tintoreras Islets. Formed by lava flows, its name is derived from ‘tintoreras’, the Spanish name for white tipped reef sharks which often frequent the turquoise waters around the islets. The Galapagos penguin is often seen here as well as marine iguanas. A stunning place to snorkel, the waters are filled with tropical fish and playful sea lion pups join you for a swim. After lunch, you visit Los Humedales, an area identified by the four types of mangroves found in the Galapagos. Here you find solitary beaches, lava tunnels as well as natural pools and estuaries where flamingos and other birds reside. Later you visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre where the National Park is breeding tortoise in danger of extinction. Many tortoises have been released back into the wild and can be found on nearby trails.

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Day 6: Isabela - Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, you will have a shared transfer back to Puerto Villamil Airport where you will have a short flight back to Baltra. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide and taken south to your hotel near Puerto Ayora. Take a short water taxi over to Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.

St Galapagos Tortoiose Shutterstock Fotogrin
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Days 7 - 9: Neighbouring Island & Land Based Exploration

The next three days are yours to enjoy the excursions available at Finch Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy 2 full-day sea-based exploration packages to neighbouring islands. The exact islands visited depend on the daily schedule, but options include North Seymour and South Plaza.

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Day 10 - 11: Depart Finch Bay - Quito

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport at Baltra, for your flight back to Quito where you will take the complimentary shuttle to your nearby airport hotel. The following day, take your international airport for your flight home.