Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Transfer to hotel
Day 1 - 4
Overnight stay at the Go Quito Hotel.
Day 2
Quito city tour: historic old town & equatorial monument
Today, you will discover Quito. In 1978, UNESCO declared the historic center of Ecuador’s capital the first city in the world to be designated a World Heritage Site. Quito is home to the largest continuous historic center in South America. With its numerous sights, elegant colonial buildings, countless churches, and monasteries, the influence of the Catholic Church remains unmistakable to this day. Your tour begins in the heart of Quito’s historic center at the Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande. Here, you can observe the lively daily life of the locals, visit the Presidential Palace, and stroll through the many charming narrow streets. You then continue to Plaza San Francisco and the magnificent La Compañía Church, whose construction was begun by the Jesuit order in 1605. Afterwards, you ascend the Panecillo, Quito’s famous “little bread roll” hill, for breathtaking panoramic views over the city. On a clear day, you can see four volcanoes from here: Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe, and Pichincha. Later, you travel to the “Mitad del Mundo” – the “Middle of the World” – located on the Equator at latitude 0°. Here, you can experience the unique sensation of standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
Day 3
Cotopaxi volcano - Hacienda Ciénega - and rose plantation
Early in the morning, we drive approximately 80 kilometers south to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi, which became active again in August 2015, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. A beautiful hike takes us to a viewpoint overlooking the volcano, where, under favorable conditions, we may be able to witness it releasing ash. With good visibility, this is a truly spectacular experience. Around lunchtime, we continue to Hacienda La Ciénega, a historic estate that already captivated Alexander von Humboldt. To this day, the hacienda preserves the secrets of many historical events and welcomes travelers with a delicious lunch and a fascinating collection of stories. The hacienda’s gardens are an attraction in their own right and are always worth exploring. Afterwards, we visit a beautiful rose plantation, showcasing one of Ecuador’s most successful export products. In the early evening, we enjoy the sunset over the magnificent landscape before returning to Quito.
Day 4
Transfer to the Airport
Flight to Coca in the Amazon rainforest
Your journey begins with a 35-minute flight from Quito to Coca. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by staff from Sani Lodge. Your bilingual nature guide will give you safety instructions before you board a boat for a 2½-hour trip along Ecuador’s largest tributary of the Amazon. During the trip, you will get a taste of the Amazon’s flora and fauna. You will already be expected at Sani Lodge, where you will be welcomed with drinks.
Day 4 - 7
Overnight stay at Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge.
Day 1: Arrival at the Lodge Upon arrival at Coca Airport, you will be met and transferred to the port of Francisco de Orellana. There, you will board a comfortable motorboat for an approximately two-hour journey downstream along the Napo River. A light snack will be served during the journey. At the port facilities of the Napo Wildlife Center, you will make a short stop, giving you the opportunity to freshen up and take a brief break. You will then continue your journey for another approximately 1.5 hours until you reach a small, idyllic bay where the Napo Wildlife Lodge is located. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink.
Day 2 Morning: Premium Amazon Jungle Tour Your adventure begins early in the morning. After approximately one hour of hiking, you will reach the parrot clay lick around 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. the best time to observe the fascinating birdlife. Every day, around eleven different bird species, including parrots, macaws, and parakeets, gather here to feed on the mineral-rich clay. This impressive natural spectacle offers unique insights into the behavior of these colorful birds.
Afternoon: Añangu Kichwa Community You will hike along a forest trail and visit the Añangu Kichwa community. Here, you will have the opportunity to spend time with a local family and learn more about the community’s customs, traditions, and way of life. The trail then leads through the terra firme forest “terra firme” meaning “firm land” to an idyllic bay. After approximately 30 minutes, you will reach another parrot clay lick, where, with a little luck, you may observe various species of parrots and parakeets. A light snack will be served on site. In the late afternoon, you return to the lodge with many new impressions and unforgettable experiences.
Day 3 Morning: Observation Tower After breakfast, you will hike to an observation tower located about 30 minutes away. From here, you will enjoy an impressive view over the seemingly endless expanse and fascinating beauty of the Amazon rainforest. The 36-meter-high observation tower offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. With a little luck, you may spot Blue-and-yellow Macaws, large toucans, parakeets, kingfishers, and many other bird species.
Afternoon: Wildlife of the Terra Firme Forest After lunch, you will once again set out to explore the fascinating and mysterious wildlife of the terra firme forest. With a little luck, you may encounter various monkey species, including the endemic Golden-mantled Tamarin. The extraordinary insect life of the Amazon also holds countless surprises. With a little luck, you may even spot snakes and other rare wildlife.
Day 4: Return to Quito – Paddling on the Napo River Early in the morning, you will leave the lodge for your final excursion. By canoe, you will paddle along the Napo River, exploring the fascinating natural surroundings of the Amazon. In a quiet bay, you will have the opportunity to observe Giant River Otters, Saki Monkeys, and other rare wildlife. Afterwards, you will reach the port facilities, where you will have another opportunity to freshen up. You will then travel by motorized canoe for approximately two hours back to the port of Francisco de Orellana (Coca), where your Amazon adventure comes to an end.
Please note that the order of activities may be subject to change locally.
Day 7
Flight to Quito
Day 7 - 8
Overnight stay at the Go Quito Hotel.
Day 8
We are taken to Quito airport early in the morning.
Flight to the Galapagos-Islands
Day 8 - 15
Cruise on board the Tip Top II
The first class motor catamaran Tip Top II was built in 2008 and refitted in 2015/2016. It belongs to the fleet of Rolf Wittmer's shipping company and has a capacity of 16 passengers with 4 deluxe double cabins on the main deck, 4 deluxe double cabins on the upper deck and two deluxe single cabins on the main deck. The upper deck cabins have a private balcony. All cabins are equipped with a safe, hairdryer and air conditioning. Guests can also expect a lounge, a spacious dining area, an outdoor bar and an inviting sun deck. With these many amenities and a beautifully designed expedition program, the Tip Top II offers an unforgettable Galapagos cruise.
Key features:
- Each cabin with private bathroom and air conditioning
- Bar
- Dining room
- Sun deck
Day 8
Arrival at Baltra Island
Upon arrival at Seymour Galapagos Airport (GPS), we will be met by our naturalist guide and taken to the port of Baltra Island, where we will embark.
Mosquera Island
Afternoon: After lunch, we make a wet landing on the small island of Mosquera, which consists mainly of reef rocks and coral (the result of a tectonic sea uplift). It also has a large white sandy beach and several tidal pools where the local sea lion colony likes to bathe. Here we can observe brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and cliff crabs in peace. The contrast between the bright red crabs and the pitch-black lava is a real eye-catcher. Optional: time for those who want to go swimming and snorkeling. In the evening we have an introduction to the Galapagos Islands in general, their formation and development. Afterwards we enjoy a welcome cocktail with the whole crew and later dinner.
Day 9
Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island
In the morning: After breakfast, we land at the bay "Bahía Sullivan". This is a perfect place to trace the volcanic origins of the islands. Optional: time for those who want to swim and/or snorkel. Afterwards we return on board for lunch.
Rábita Island
Afternoon: After lunch, you will make a wet landing on the dark red island of Rabida. Here you can observe marine iguanas and sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and brown pelicans. You take a short walk and reach a small saltwater lagoon where you can see pink flamingos foraging. Optional: time for those who want to swim, snorkel or kayak. Return to the boat for dinner.
Day 10
Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island
In the morning: You land at "Punta Espinoza" (dry) and get to see a very large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, cormorants and lava cacti. You will return on board for lunch.
Elizabeth bay on Isabela Island
Afternoon: In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the small bay of "Bahía Elizabeth" to see marine iguanas, penguins, turtles, seabirds and shorebirds, herons and blue-footed boobies. You return to the catamaran, have dinner and discuss the next day.
Day 11
Urbina Bay on Isabela Island
Morning: After breakfast, land at the bay "Bahía Urbina" to take a walk there and see an area known for corals, land iguanas, cormorants and giant tortoises. Optional: time for those who want to swim, snorkel and/or kayak.
Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
Afternoon: A little later, you will take a boat trip to the small bay "Tagus". This is a bay that lies between two volcanic craters and is therefore protected from the open sea. Here you can observe penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions and a large number of different bird species, such as the cormorant and blue-footed booby. Optional: time for those who wish to swim, snorkel and/or kayak. Return on board in the early evening.
Day 12
Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
In the morning: After breakfast, you will land at the bay "Bahía James" (Puerto Egas). There you will go on a hike and discover mussels, stone crabs, a large variety of coastal birds, barnacles, the endemic Galapagos blenny, marine iguanas, sea lions and much more. Optional: time for those who wish to swim, snorkel and/or kayak. Lunch on board.
Bartolomé Island
Afternoon: In the afternoon you land on Bartolomé Island to climb up to the summit. On the way you will see marine iguanas and small lava lizards. Once at the top, you will have a fabulous view over the surrounding islands and also of the eroded lava cone "Pinnacle Rock". It's back on board for a delicious dinner.
Day 13
Chinese Hat Island
In the morning: After breakfast, you will land on the island of Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small island off the coast of Santiago Island. The rocky coastline here is very interesting: Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas have their home here. This is an excellent snorkeling spot and you can use the time to swim, snorkel or kayak. You return to the boat for lunch.
Dragon Hill bay on Santa Cruz Island
Afternoon: In the afternoon, you make a dry landing at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. The special feature here are the land iguanas. During a walk, you will pass a salt lagoon where there is plenty to discover: Flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks and many other bird species. Here, too, you will have time to go swimming or snorkeling. Dinner awaits you on board.
Day 14
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island & Fausto Llerena breeding center
Morning: After breakfast, disembark and take the bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit the indigenous forests. You will pass the imposing twin craters for a photo stop and then visit one of the farms where the giant tortoises can be observed in the wild. Enjoy your lunch at the farm today.
Afternoon: After lunch at the farm, head back to the coastal town of Puerto Ayora and visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center, where you can learn all about the life of turtles on the islands. Then it's back on board the catamaran for dinner.
Day 15
North Seymour Island
Morning: After breakfast, depart for an early dry landing on North Seymour Island. You walk along the coast and into the interior of the island, a very flat island that has been lifted out of the sea by underground seismic activity. Here you can see blue-footed boobies (nesting season from May to November), marine iguanas, pelicans, frigate birds, shorebirds, sea lions and the endemic Palo Santo tree. You return to the boat.
Departure from Batra Island
You reach the port of Baltra. From there, you drive to the airport and board your return flight to Guayaquil.
Flight to Guayaquil