Galapagos Land Based Tour
4 Days / 3 Nights Tour: Santa Cruz and Neighbouring Islands
We will pick you up from your hotel on time to take you to the airport.
You have to be at the airport on time for your flight leaving in the morning. All Galapagos flights leave between 6:00 & 9:00AM (flights can be reserved through us). Before your flight check-in you need to purchase your Ingala Card (this is a Transit Control Card regulated by the Galapagos National Park to control the visits to the islands, amount to be paid USD 20 per person). Arrival in Galapagos after a 3-hour flight with a short stop in Guayaquil to refuel and board other guests, arrive in Baltra, pass through the registration desk of the Galapagos National Park, pay the USD 100 per person in cash and proceed to claim your luggage. Meet and greet by your guide in the airport.
This day we will visit the highlands of the island, here you can see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, see lava tunnels and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local haciendas. Afterwards our guide will take you to the Fausto Llerena breeding center, located within the Charles Darwin Station and the area of the Galapagos National Park; as its name suggests, it is a rescue and breeding center of giant tortoises (land) originating from different islands of the Galapagos as Española, Santiago, Santa Cruz, among others.
(Lunch included)
Three nights at hotel Isla Sol in Santa Cruz including Breakfast and local taxes.
Our Guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and will take you to the proper pier to take your daily cruise on board the M/Y SANTA FE with capacity for 20 passengers.
The visitor site on Santa Fe lies behind a pretty, sheltered bay on the northeastern corner of the island: a perfect anchorage and a good snorkeling spot. This small island is formed of uplifted, submarine basaltic lavas, formed around 4 million years ago. Much of it is a faulted plateau covered with a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.
The unnamed bay with a white sandy floor and turquoise waters is an impressive place to arrive. Along the natural harbor, you can snorkel with young sea-lions. Schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damsel – and parrotfish can be seen, plus the odd grouper, sting rays and white-tip reef shark (these are harmless).
The beach has saltbush and Maytenus behind. There are two trails. The first is a tough walk along a dried watercourse, to a high escarpment to the southeast which is great for views (1.5 km each way); the second is a short, fruitful loop that climbs through the arid vegetation to some giant Opuntia forest where land iguanas may be seen (800m). This second trail is the most commonly followed.
As you walk through the dense bushes on the short trail, watch out for the Croton bushes, an endemic plant with an indelible stain. The most spectacular plants are the giant prickly pear cacti, unique to Santa Fe (Opuntia echios barringtonensis). Listen carefully for rustling sounds; they could be made by the endemic rice rat; these are extremely rare; the only other island with endemic rodents is Fernandina. The Galapagos dove is common on the trail, as are painted locusts, often pursued by a snake or two. The park monument is often a vantage point to spy a Galapagos hawk. The highlight is the land iguana, a lighter-coloured iguana that is endemic to Santa Fe.
In the late afternoon you will return to your hotel.
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Our Guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and will take you to the proper pier to take your daily cruise on board the M/Y SANTA FE with capacity for 20 passengers.
North Seymour Island is a natural haven for some of the most sought after residents in the Galapagos Islands, the Blue-Footed Boobie. A nature trail meanders leisurely through large colonies of nesting Frigate birds and Blue-Footed Boobies. Depending on the time of year, this is an excellent place to witness the thrilling mating rituals these birds are famous for. You can also intimately observe the fascinating dynamics between a mother and its chick. Just off shore you can often witness the original Galapagos surf club members, Sea Lions riding the crashing waves all the way into shore.
This tour also stops at isolated Bachas beach for a refreshing snorkel in the tepid waters. A side trip to a small lagoon provides an opportunity to see feeding Flamingos. Due to its teaming wildlife and close proximity, North Seymour is one of the most popular day tours from Santa Cruz and is not to be missed!
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
In the morning after breakfast your guide will transfer you to Baltra Airport for flight to Quito.
(Breakfast included)
Rates
Program | Double Occupancy |
---|---|
4 Days / 3 Nights | $1464 |
IMPORTANT NOTES:
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
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