Active Galapagos

Visiting: Ecuador

Active Galapagos

Get acquainted with Quito's dizzying altitude, Bike around San Cristobal, Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the Galapagos Islands, Scale Isabela's volcano, Snorkel over underwater worlds, Meet near-extinct Galapagos tortoises

Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour Galapagos's outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot, boat and bike on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's 'Theory of Evolution', spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures, and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands.

Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

On Day 3 of this itinerary there's an opportunity to go diving. The Imaginative Traveller representative will ask during the welcome meeting if anyone is considering diving along the trip, in order to assist make the necessary arrangements. If you intend to dive, you will need to bring your PADI/NAUI card.

Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 m under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Long and incredibly thin, the city stretches along a central valley formed by the east and west ranges of the Andes. Although compact, Quito's Old Town is full of historic buildings - there are more than 30 churches to explore, not to mention the fascinating museums.

The tour leader takes us on a walking tour of the historic centre of Quito. We catch a local bus to Parque de la Alamada and (amongst others) visit sites such as La Compania de Jesus, considered by many the most beautiful in the Americas. It's claimed that seven tonnes of gold leaf cover the interior whilst the exterior is decorated with statues, busts, sculpted heads and a jungle of carved leaves. During this tour we also visit the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. La Ronda is a peek into the colonial past of the city. This quaint street offers the city's best in one place.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse

health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

 

Included Activities

Walking Tour

Optional Activities

Antisana Trek - USD70.00

City Tour, Quito - USD30.00

Compania de Jesus, Quito - USD3.00

Cotopaxi National Park - hiking, Quito - USD70.00

Equator Monument, Quito - USD80.00

La Ronda, Quito - Free

Otavalo - market visit - USD60.00

Quito By Night - USD30.00

The Equator Line Tour - USD52.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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The flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos  takes approx 3.5 hrs. Departure time will be between 8.20am and 10.30am depending on flight schedule time.

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a Transit Control Card. This card has a cost of US$10 and it must be purchased by every person travelling to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival to the domestic airport on day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight.

Our flight will stop once in Guayaquil to pick up more passengers (approx 3.5 hours total). Upon arrival we will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of US$100 in cash (small bills please).

We land at about midday, then meet your tour leader and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon we make our way to the top of San Cristobal Island from where we jump on our mountain bikes for a scenic ride through El Progresso to a beach known as La Loberia - here we are able to watch sea lions sunbathe and play. You also have the opportunity to go for a swim yourself!. We continue on our bikes back to town for a 'welcome to Galapagos' dinner, which will includes some of the island's fresh fish and produces.

Our second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido (approx 45 mins), observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos and Cerro Brujo beach to observe nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies and swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions. Here we can dive (optional) and snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the Interpretation Centre and learn the mysterious history of Galapagos, The Enchanted Islands. Later we head to Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful sea lions, and frigates gliding on the thermals.

Included Activities

Isla San Cristobal - bike riding

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center

Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido visit

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Isla San Cristobal - scuba diving, Isla San Cristobal - USD150.00

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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The flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos  takes approx 3.5 hrs. Departure time will be between 8.20am and 10.30am depending on flight schedule time.

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a Transit Control Card. This card has a cost of US$10 and it must be purchased by every person travelling to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival to the domestic airport on day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight.

Our flight will stop once in Guayaquil to pick up more passengers (approx 3.5 hours total). Upon arrival we will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of US$100 in cash (small bills please).

We land at about midday, then meet your tour leader and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon we make our way to the top of San Cristobal Island from where we jump on our mountain bikes for a scenic ride through El Progresso to a beach known as La Loberia - here we are able to watch sea lions sunbathe and play. You also have the opportunity to go for a swim yourself!. We continue on our bikes back to town for a 'welcome to Galapagos' dinner, which will includes some of the island's fresh fish and produces.

Our second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido (approx 45 mins), observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos and Cerro Brujo beach to observe nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies and swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions. Here we can dive (optional) and snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the Interpretation Centre and learn the mysterious history of Galapagos, The Enchanted Islands. Later we head to Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful sea lions, and frigates gliding on the thermals.

Included Activities

Isla San Cristobal - bike riding

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center

Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido visit

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Isla San Cristobal - scuba diving, Isla San Cristobal - USD150.00

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Floreana Island takes approx. 2.5hrs by boat. We have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Witmer's, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. This afternoon we'll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves. We return to town and wave goodbye to Floreana as we continue on to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago.

The second day at Isla Isabel we start with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path leads us to 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 training for life on their own! After an informative visit, we'll board small pangas for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. We'll hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that's home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next we'll test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that's home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. We'll return to town late afternoon in search of our own sandy resting spot to toast in our first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands

The last day in Isla Isabella we head up to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. We 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.

Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela so please take your plastic rubbish with you.

Included Activities

Isla Isabela - flamingo lagoon visit

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

Our journey to Floreana Island takes approx. 2.5hrs by boat. We have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Witmer's, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. This afternoon we'll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves. We return to town and wave goodbye to Floreana as we continue on to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago.

The second day at Isla Isabel we start with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path leads us to 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 training for life on their own! After an informative visit, we'll board small pangas for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. We'll hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that's home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next we'll test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that's home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. We'll return to town late afternoon in search of our own sandy resting spot to toast in our first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands

The last day in Isla Isabella we head up to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. We 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.

Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela so please take your plastic rubbish with you.

Included Activities

Isla Isabela - flamingo lagoon visit

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

Our journey to Floreana Island takes approx. 2.5hrs by boat. We have a pre-lunch snorkel before going ashore to a black sand beach at the home of the Witmer's, one of the islands first settlers. With a population of less than 150 people, Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a sleepy little town but not without its secrecies. You can read up on how life came to be on Floreana and how some lives mysteriously ended. This afternoon we'll bus up to the highlands of Floreana to visit the Pirate and Whaler Caves. We return to town and wave goodbye to Floreana as we continue on to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago.

The second day at Isla Isabel we start with a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. This mangrove-lined path leads us to 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 training for life on their own! After an informative visit, we'll board small pangas for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. We'll hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that's home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Next we'll test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that's home to a variety of colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is often frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. We'll return to town late afternoon in search of our own sandy resting spot to toast in our first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands

The last day in Isla Isabella we head up to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. We 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.

Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela so please take your plastic rubbish with you.

Included Activities

Isla Isabela - flamingo lagoon visit

Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

Start the day with a kayak in a protected bay in search of the Galapagos penguin – the only penguin found close the equator. Along the way, keep an eye out for Eagle Rays, Sea Turtles and Blue Footed Boobies.

Enjoy a couple of hours at the beach before lunch. Afterwards, we are on the move again. This time to Santa Cruz Island, the tourist capital of Galapagos.

Our last day in Isla Santa Cruz we visit the Charles Darwin Research Foundation. We learn about the foundations successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise.

In the afternoon we take a short walk to Tortuga Bay, a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices: swimming, sunbathing, bodysurfing or all of them! Finally make our way back to town for our farewell dinner to the Enchanted Islands.

Included Activities

Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay visit

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Isla San Cristobal - kayak rental, Isla Santa Cruz - Free

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

!item

Start the day with a kayak in a protected bay in search of the Galapagos penguin – the only penguin found close the equator. Along the way, keep an eye out for Eagle Rays, Sea Turtles and Blue Footed Boobies.

Enjoy a couple of hours at the beach before lunch. Afterwards, we are on the move again. This time to Santa Cruz Island, the tourist capital of Galapagos.

Our last day in Isla Santa Cruz we visit the Charles Darwin Research Foundation. We learn about the foundations successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise.

In the afternoon we take a short walk to Tortuga Bay, a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices: swimming, sunbathing, bodysurfing or all of them! Finally make our way back to town for our farewell dinner to the Enchanted Islands.

Included Activities

Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay visit

Optional Activities

Boogie Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD8.00

Isla San Cristobal - kayak rental, Isla Santa Cruz - Free

Surf Board Hire (Half Day), Galapagos Islands - USD10.00

Wetsuit Hire, Galapagos Islands - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

!item

A midday flight takes us back to Quito (approx 3.5 hrs). An Imaginative Traveller representative will take you from the airport to your hotel, a quick change and it's out to enjoy the night-life of Quito.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

A midday flight takes us back to Quito (approx 3.5 hrs). An Imaginative Traveller representative will take you from the airport to your hotel, a quick change and it's out to enjoy the night-life of Quito.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner