At a Glance
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Embark on a Galápagos Island escapade like no other, a naturalist’s paradise blooming with a plethora of aquatic, plant, terrestrial, and wildlife. Indulge in an 8-day ocean cruise as you take adventures on foot, bike, zodiac and kayak unearthing is enchanted isles.
Your adventure begins in Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Journey on an eco-boutique expedition ship each day to unique coves and remote islands with opportunities to hike, snorkel and kayak at world-class sites. Experience unforgettable wildlife moments as you get acquainted with iconic blue-footed boobies, plus red-footed and Nazca. The incredible views of multicolored volcanic landforms and impressive marine diversity of the island will leave you spell bounded. The colony of Sea Lions invites you to take a glimpse of their blooming life on South Plaza Island. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers as specified in itinerary
- 7 nights’ accommodation onboard Galapagos Legend on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Biking, hiking, kayaking, cruising, sightseeing and zodiac as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike including helmet and accessories
- Equipment for kayaking
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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Meet your Backroads Trip leaders at 5 a.m. in the departure area of the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) near the Avianca airline counters. Arrive dressed comfortably and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's travel. You will have access to your luggage before our first activity. Today, you’ll board a plane to the Galapagos Island. Your journey begins through one of the world's most captivating regions - Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are made up of 13 major islands and a slew of smaller islands and islets, all of which are volcanic in origin. Unique flora and fauna inhabit the Galápagos Islands and is home to the giant Galápagos tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and more. Our ship, the Galápagos Legend, awaits us at the port to whisk us away on a voyage packed with uniquely designed adventures and activities. After we have boarded the ship, we will set sail in the direction of Bartolome Island, which is one of the youngest land masses in the archipelago. An extinct volcano cone serves as the island's centrepiece and lava formations in a variety of colours dot the landscape. |
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Enjoy lunch onboard and refuel for island-based activities in the afternoon. As we approach Bartolomé, Pinnacle Rock will come into view; you may recognize it as one of the islands' most iconic sights and most photographed locations. Explore the rough terrain on land, which features orange, green, black, and red volcanic landforms and lava plains occupied by cacti. From the beach, a 375-step walk leads to an overlook with a stunning view of the surrounding area. Finally, you can get a whole new viewpoint by going underwater with an optional snorkeling adventure at the bay. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or snorkel to discover the species of Bartolomé's protected bay; tropical fish, marine turtles, and even tame white tipped reef sharks are often observed in these waters. Pinnacle Rock is home to a small colony of Galápagos penguins, so keep a look out for the little black and white seabirds darting past you in the ocean or waddling about on land. End your day at a gorgeous beach where you may rest or spend some more time in the sea. Returning to the ship, we celebrate our first day on the islands with a delicious meal showcasing the day's fresh catch. |
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After completing our early morning sail, we disembark on South Plaza Island, where we might be greeted by the resident sea lion colony. The hike starts in a spectacular cactus forest surrounded by sea lions, land and marine iguanas, and an abundance of nesting birds, including red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls. The trail leads us to a steep cliff through arid-type vegetation and along the coast. Most of the island is covered with leather leaf (Maytenus), thorny bushes (Scutia pauciflora) and carpeted by the indigenous Sesuvium, a colourful blooming succulent. We may see both marine and terrestrial iguanas, and sometimes a hybrid species. A lunchtime sail brings us to North Seymour Island, a low, flat island that was raised some millennia ago by a seismic catastrophe. There is a trail which you can take leisurely that brings you to the craggy coastlines and cliffs, home to large numbers of sea lions. Along the coastlines, birds such as blue-footed boobies' nest amid the pebble rocks. The island's centre is covered with fragrant salt plants, where frigate birds and land iguanas prefer to breed. Your hike will continue to the Las Bachas beach, which has white sand and clear, turquoise water. Snorkel into the water and look down to see tropical fish swimming in the shallows and you might also spot some pink flamingos wading in the shallows. |
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Next, we join our naturalist for a stroll on land, nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies may be seen on each side of the route and the courting dances of mating couples take place. Further along the rocky shore, large flocks of sea birds congregate for feeding frenzies in a tableau that transports us back to a bygone era. On North Seymour Island, a path leads to the spectacular frigate bird's greatest breeding location in the Galapagos. Males with inflated scarlet gular pouches sit precariously in low bushes to keep an eye on their equally large chicks, which have wingspan of five feet. Visit the ship's deck or bar lounge after your hike to catch a sunset. Our next port of call is San Cristóbal, Mexico. We'll have a BBQ supper and an overnight stay in North Seymour before the ship travels on. |
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Early this morning, while you were slumbering soundly or perhaps catching the sunrise with a steaming café, our expert captain will guide you Pitt Point, nestled far eastern edge of San Cristobal. Before venturing ashore to explore the green-hued olivine beaches and several nesting locations, fuel yourself with a hearty breakfast on board. Following a wet landing directly onto the beach, the cheerful barking of the local Galápagos Sea Lion population will greet you. A peaceful road leads us up the cliffs, where the Blue-Footed, Red-Footed, and Nazca Boobies breed in harmony with one another. This is the only place in the Galápagos where all three kinds of nest side by side. Our trip begins with a strenuous section over lava-strewn ground before ascending through stunning desert-like scenery. After that, cool up with a swim in the Pacific, which sounds even better before lunch. Additionally, you'll be able to go snorkeling or kayaking in a sheltered bay (which at times may have rough waters). Cerro Brujo (Witch's Hill), a former volcanic tuff cone now home to a lovely white-sand beach, is our destination for the day. A 650-foot-high cliff may be kayaked along, passing through spectacular natural arches, and snorkeling can be done in the deep sea. Our last port of call for the day is located on San Cristóbal's southwest coast, and we sail there in the evening. Galápagos Province's capital city, Puerto Baquerizo, is the island's oldest community, with a population of roughly 6,500 people. In addition to being a lovely spot to unwind, Puerto Baquerizo serves as a perfect jumping off point for a variety of cruises and trips across the Galapagos Islands because of its strategic location as the province's seat. |
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Prepare for a long day of exploring on San Cristóbal Island this morning. We take a shuttle from the harbour to La Galapaguera Reserve, which is home to huge Galapagos tortoises. Unlike other similar facilities, this one preserve semi–natural circumstances in which baby tortoises may hatch without the need of incubators. Four-month-old turtle hatchlings are returned into their native environment after they have completed their development. Giant tortoises may be seen in the wild along a short hiking track. |
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A 2-mile hike from the San Cristobal Interpretation Center will take you to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigate Bird Hill). Numerous indoor displays within the centre provide information on the archipelago's geology and natural history. You'll see cactus and acacia trees, as well as lava lizards, as you make your way down the route. Views of Isla Lobos, Cerro Brujo, Puerto Baquerizo, Shipwreck Bay, and others may be seen from the summit of the hill. A WWII cannon and a monument of Charles Darwin may be seen at the site's two observation points. Find a route that descends to an inlet at the foot of Frigate Bird Hill. You’ll have opportunity to swim and snorkel here. Take a break from kayaking to have lunch on board the ship before sailing off for Darwin Sea, an idyllic coral beach with a stunning view of the bay. After landing on a little sand and coral beach, keep an eye out for seagulls above, as well as playful sea lions, inquisitive sea turtles, and even marine iguanas. The island's salt bushes are controlled by great frigate birds and red-footed boobies, who nest here in abundance. If you pay attention, you could identify a pair of red-footed boobies with white feathers instead of brown ones. Or, you have the option of taking the day off from our planned activities and going scuba diving at Kicker Rock for the whole day (at additional cost). This evening, indulge in a delicious supper in the ship's dining room. |
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As we take a morning cruise to Española Island, discover the most endemic species of any place in the Galapagos. Even though you come over the edge of a hill, you'll be thrilled to see hundreds of boobies gathered around the big rocks. The blue-footed boobies danced from side to side as part of their fascinating mating ritual. The beautiful Nazca boobies cuddled up with their babies, which look like tiny white fur balls. But maybe the most amazing part of the island is just a little bit further up, where you can stand on the edge of a steep cliff and watch bright blue waves crash into the rock face and make huge geysers. Look at the beautiful rainbow, which is a spectacular sight along the rough coast. If you're lucky, you'll be surrounded by vibrant foliage, another sign of how different the islands are. Later, you'll see a majestic Galapagos Hawk walking through some tall grass. These birds don't mind when people come to see them. After a quick lunch on the boat, go back to Espanola to check out Gardner Bay, which is in a different part of the island. You probably won't be alone, since sea lions like to sunbathe here on the soft white sand. There are several places to snorkel nearby, as well as calm waters where you can kayak. |
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Suarez Point hike, one of the nicest on the islands, is open this afternoon. As you exit, keep an eye out for beautifully coloured marine iguanas, as well as a few sleeping sea lions. On a coastal route, we'll see swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds breeding on beaches and cliffs. We make our way to the southern end of the island and a spectacular blowhole, where waves smash through a lava fissure and create a tremendous spray. Waved albatross mating dances may be seen just off the path if your visit coincides with theirs. These magnificent birds have 7- to 8-foot wingspans. The whole adult population of waved albatrosses (up to 30,000 birds!) congregates here between April and December for complex courting rituals. After returning to the ship, enjoy supper and a trip to Floreana Island in the evening. |
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Floreana Island, with its black sand beaches, glistening lagoons, and misty highland peaks, is the focus of our exploration today. On land and underwater, the sixth-largest Galápagos Island has an abundance of ecological treasures to see. Aside from its natural beauty, Floreana has a fascinating and at times somewhat tragic — history of human colonization that has earned the island a certain notoriety. Located on Floreana's northern shore, Punta Cormorant is a natural paradise that's not to be missed. Galápagos penguins and red-billed tropicbirds live on the islands' steep cliffs, where the penguins dive for fish and the tropicbirds breed. Further out, lava gulls perch precariously on the jagged black rocks of the Devil's Crown (a submerged volcanic cone) while angelfish, marbled rays, and reef sharks glide through the surrounding waters. Sea lions sun themselves nearby on a beach with a greenish tinge due to the presence of the mineral olivine. From there, a path leads to a powdery white sand beach where green sea turtle footprints may occasionally be seen. A mangrove-lined lagoon in the interior of the island feeds one of the greatest concentrations of greater flamingos in the Galápagos. In addition to up to 150 exquisite long-legged birds, various other water birds and the occasional Galápagos hawk may be seen there. |
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This morning, we arrive in Itabaca, a harbour located on Santa Cruz Island. We begin with a shuttle to Los Gemelos, the island's famed pit craters (The Twins). From the vantage point, it is possible to observe a four-football-field-wide chasm with four acres of vegetation. When volcanic lava chambers emptied, forcing their ceilings to fall, these pit craters were formed. Here, you will be equipped with your bike and provide a short safety and cycling methods lecture. Begin your biking adventure over the verdant Santa Cruz hills. From the mountains, we descend through the agricultural side of Santa Cruz, passing little communities and tropical fruit farms. Keep your eyes open; what may seem to be a stray rock from a distance may really be a huge tortoise out for a walk! Our last stop is Don Adriano Cabrera's organic coffee and sugarcane plantation-El Trapiche. Don Adriano has lived on the islands for over 40 years and will enchant us with his stories of subsisting on a volcanic island's soil as we enjoy organic Santa Cruz coffee produced from his beans. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings before boarding the shuttle to return to Itabaca. You may relax aboard the ship while we sail near Eden Island. Finally, head to Eden Islet, a tropical haven where you can see an abundance of wildlife on land, in the air and in the water. Birds like the blue-footed and brown pelicans and lava gulls, as well as frigate birds, brown noddy terns, and nazca boobies, nest on the coastal cliffs. Because the waters are so clear and shallow, you'll be able to see a wide variety of wildlife right from the comfort of your boat. Additionally, go snorkeling and get up close and personal with the marine life that inhabits Eden Islet and the waters surrounding it. |
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This morning, feel free to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Join your guides for a final zodiac ride to explore the area around Carrion Point. It is possible to observe rays and white-tipped reef sharks resting in the tranquil turquoise waters of this protected lagoon. The day of our return to Quito begins with a short ferry ride and shuttle to the airport on Baltra Island. From here, board a flight to Quito's international airport, where your adventure in Ecuador concludes. (Please note that while we strive to book direct flights between Baltra and Quito whenever possible, the most dependable flights frequently require a layover in Guayaquil.) NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
The price guide is based on the lowest category cabin available on the departure. Please contact us for the available cabins and prices. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Quito
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Quito. The closest major airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport and is 43 km from the center of Quito.
In and around Quito, you can experience all four seasons in a single day, so be prepared for a varied climate. In general, temperatures in Ecuador are influenced by elevation. Despite being on the equator—the highlands can get cold, and the temperature can often dip into the 40s at night. On windy overcast days (which are always possible in the Andes), it can drop into the 50s, so bring warm layers and closed-toe shoes for the highlands portion of the trip. You'll also definitely need to bring quality (waterproof and breathable) rain gear.
Average daytime temperatures in the Galápagos, on the other hand, are much warmer. Evenings are usually cool and breezy. The Amazon region is characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity and regular rain showers. The sun can be quite intense in all the areas we visit, so bringing a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and hat with a wide brim is highly recommended. Please be prepared for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable.
Galápagos Water Temperatures: The water temperature around the Galápagos Islands ranges from 60 to 82 degrees. Some people are comfortable in the water wearing swimsuits alone, but wetsuits are available if you’d like to use one. We recommend wearing a swim shirt for sun protection while snorkeling. A polypropylene shirt is also excellent to have on hand to keep the chills at bay during long snorkeling excursions.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-2.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.