Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Transfer to hotel
Overnight in Quito
Day 2
Quito city tour: historic old town & equatorial monument
Today you will discover Quito. Back in 1978, UNESCO declared the old town of the Ecuadorian capital the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site. Quito has the largest contiguous colonial old town in South America. With its many sights, colonial townhouses, countless churches and monasteries, the influence of the Catholic Church is still unmistakable today. You start the tour in the heart of the colonial old town on the Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande. Here you can observe the hustle and bustle of the locals, visit the presidential palace and stroll through the many small alleyways. Continue to the Plaza San Francisco and the magnificent La Compañia church, whose construction was begun in 1605 by the Jesuit order. Afterwards, drive up to the so-called "Panecillo" for a panoramic view of the city. On a clear day, you can see four volcanoes from up here: Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe and Pichincha. Later you will drive to the equator monument "Mitad del Mundo" - the "middle of the world" at latitude 0. Here you can stand with one foot on the northern hemisphere and the other on the southern hemisphere.
Overnight in Quito
Day 3
Cotopaxi volcano - Hacienda Ciénega - market visit and rose plantation
Early in the morning, we drive about 80 kilometers south to the Cotopaxi National Park. Depending on the weather and the day of the week, we first visit one of the great indigenous markets in the region (Pujilí, Saliciquí, Ambato or Latacunga) and then drive to Cotopaxi National Park - or vice versa. Cotopaxi, which awoke in August 2015, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. A beautiful hike leads to a viewpoint with a view of the volcano spewing ash. With good visibility, this is a magnificent experience. At lunchtime, we drive to the Hacienda La Ciénega, which already inspired Alexander von Humboldt. The hacienda still holds the secrets of historical events and offers interested travelers lunch and a collection of wonderful stories. The gardens of the hacienda are an attraction in themselves and always worth exploring. Alternatively, we can visit the Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, which was built on Inca walls. This is followed by a visit to a beautiful rose plantation - one of Ecuador's export hits. In the early evening, we experience the sunset over the magnificent landscape and return to Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Day 4
Transfer to the Airport
Flight to Coca in the Amazon rainforest
Day 4 - 7
Overnight at Sacha Lodge
**Arrival In Coca, we are picked up by our guide and taken to the dock by bus. From here, a motorized, covered canoe will take us downstream on a trip lasting around two and a half hours. Although the Rio Napo is up to a kilometer wide in some places, it is often surprisingly shallow. Since pushing a large canoe full of people off a sandbank is not exactly one of the crew's favorite activities, the canoe zigzags downstream and makes its way through the deepest channels. The Quichua communities live on the banks of the river. Traditionally, their thatched houses are built on stilts and surrounded by small gardens or "chacras" where they grow coffee, bananas and yuca, among other things. In recent years, huge oil deposits have been discovered in this region and drilling along the river is now a common sight. Our tour guide will describe the area to us in detail and will be available to answer any questions we may have.
Once ashore, we go on a short hike. First we will follow a path next to the river and then walk over footbridges through a flooded forest full of palm trees. Giant bright blue butterflies, blue and yellow-tailed macaws and monkeys are regularly seen here. Once we reach the end of the footbridges, a canoe will take us further along the canal, past Lake Pilchicocha, to the lodge.
Rainforest night walk: In the evening we should not miss a night walk through the rainforest, a unique experience with new scents, sounds and shadows.
Day 2: Observation tower on the treetops Morning: The day starts early here, with tours usually starting at around 6am. Not only is it pleasantly cool at this time, but the animals and birds are at their most active now. We will return to the lodge for lunch and still have enough time to go for a swim and relax before we set off again. The tours are not limited to the ground. The treetops have also been made accessible with the help of an observation tower. From there, the jungle stretches out in all directions. On a clear day, you can see the sometimes snow-covered summit of Sumaco, an extinct volcano. From this observation tower you can study the flora and fauna that cannot be seen from the ground. Bromeliads filled with water stand side by side with orchids, between which numerous tropical birds with equally exotic names such as paradise tanagers, ornamental birds and the aracari commute. The treetops were among the last to be studied and provide a habitat for thousands of previously unknown plant and animal species. To be surrounded by such beauty and diversity is a rare and unique experience.
Afternoon: After lunch, we can choose between a hike along the Río Napo or the Leoncillo hiking trail. Both tours include a canoe trip back across the Río Napo.
Day 3: Lagartococha hiking trail In the morning: After breakfast, we start on the Lagartococha hiking trail, where we can learn about the indigenous people of the region and their relationship with the forest. At the end of the trail, we take a canoe trip on Lake Lagartococha. Lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon: Canoe tour through the flooded rainforest, where you can observe different species of monkeys particularly well.
Day 4: Return journey to Quito Transfer back to Coca airport Start around 7:30 am with a walk along the wooden walkways of the lodge to see the monkeys one last time and return to Coca.
Day 7
Flight to Quito
Overnight in Quito
Day 8
We are taken to Quito airport early in the morning.
Flight to the Galapagos-Islands
Day 8 - 14
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