Here’s a unique land-based perspective of the Galapagos Islands! The Galapagos inspired Charles Darwin as no other place he visited on his long journey in the 1830s, and led to his extraordinary vision of the theory of evolution. Today these islands are still a living laboratory and a renowned paradise for nature lovers. Their all-but-tame wildlife and extraordinary landscapes never fail to impress—it’s a “must-see” destination for young and old alike.

Most people visit the “Enchanted Isles” aboard an expedition yacht that stops at designated visitor sites among the islands. We’ve been offering such excursions since 1970—adventurous cruises aboard small expedition yachts that carry a maximum of just 12-16 passengers. They are extraordinary journeys that are “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences.

But now we’re offering a way to see another side of the Galapagos: based at comfortable hotels and lodges on Santa Cruz Island, home to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station—and Isabela Island, the largest island of the archipelago, you’ll set off each day to explore various facets of the islands not usually visited by tourist boat. Excursions include a hike up Sierra Negra volcano—a chance to see fumaroles and a huge caldera, plus panoramic views of the ocean; snorkeling with Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas at a little-visited site off Isabela Island; and many other activities that can be arranged from the hotel. This is a great add-on to our regular (and unforgettable) Galápagos yacht expeditions or an insightful journey on its own!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy up close and personal encounters with wildlife in the world’s top nature destination, including kayaking and snorkeling with sea lions and marine iguanas and searching for giant tortoises in the wild
• Hike on an active volcano (whose last eruption was just two years ago!)

DAY 1 ~ Arrive in Quito

Arrive in Quito. A Mountain Travel Sobek representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the elegant Swissôtel, a five-star hotel with many amenities, including a beautiful spa and indoor/outdoor swimming pools.

Swissôtel

DAY 2 ~ Quito

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour of colonial Quito, the oldest part of the city (residents call it “old town” or simply “downtown”). Your tour may include Independence Plaza, surrounded by important buildings such as the government palace, the archbishop’s palace, and the cathedral built in the 16th century. Among the churches you may visit are El Sagrario, San Francisco, and La Compañia, one of the finest examples of Baroque churches in all the Americas as well as a showcase of the Quito School period. Your guide will explain the history and traditions of Quito and offer special insight into everyday life during the colonial period. After lunch in an area restaurant, the afternoon is free to relax, shop, or explore on your own.

B, L...Swissôtel

DAY 3 ~ To the Galápagos Islands – Isabela Island

After breakfast at the hotel you have an early transfer to the airport. With your guide, you’ll fly from Quito to Baltra, Santa Cruz Island, in the Galápagos Islands. From here you’ll connect with a local flight to Isabela Island. Transfer to a beachfront lodge in Puerto Villamil, and have the remainder of the day to swim at the beach and explore the village.

Casa Marita sports the charm and atmosphere of a large country home. Its 16 rooms—with ocean or garden views—are individually decorated with fanciful flair.

B,L…Casa de Marita (or similar)

DAY 4 ~ Sierra Negra

Today you’ll have a full-day guided nature hike up Sierra Negra (4,890’) to see its 30-square-mile caldera, petrified lava formations, and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands. (You can also go by horseback at additional cost.) You’ll be transferred to the trailhead at Santo Tomas and from there it’s a 6- to 8-hour roundtrip hike to the rim and back. Picnic lunch en route. Among the bird life you may see are the endemic Galápagos martins (large swallows noted for their flight patterns), vermilion flycatchers, and Galapagos hawks. (Note—the weather here is often rainy; we advise bringing your rain gear.) Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

B,L…Casa de Marita (or similar)

DAY 5 ~ Isabela Island

A full day to explore the flamingo mangrove lagoons, swim at Estuary Beach among the mangroves, snorkel with Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas at Las Tintoreras, a small island off Puerto Villamil, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll see tortoises of all ages and sizes, kayak, or relax and swim from the beach.

B,L…Casa de Marita (or similar)

DAY 6 ~ Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island

Early morning to swim or take a nature walk before a transfer to Puerto Villamil airport for the local flight to Baltra on Santa Cruz Island. Transfer to the main town of Puerto Ayora, stopping to visit the highlands and search for giant tortoises in their natural environment as well as a variety of finches and other specialties of the lush fern- and bromeliad-laden forests, lava sinkholes and tunnels, and marshy lakes and mud holes where the giant tortoises wallow. You’ll explore one of the lava tunnels, then have lunch at a restaurant in the highlands. Continue the drive to Finch Bay Hotel with time to relax and enjoy the beach and the swimming pool. Finch Bay Hotel is a beachfront “eco-hotel“ surrounded by mangroves. The hotel accommodates 42 guests in 21 rooms, each with private facilities and air-conditioning, and boasts a swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, restaurant featuring international cuisine, bar, and lounge.

Today is your last day with your naturalist guide; before leaving, he will suggest and help you coordinate extra activities for the next day.

B,L...Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

DAY 7 ~ Santa Cruz Island

Full day to choose from a variety of optional activities: a guided hike to Tortuga Bay; bike; swim, snorkel and kayak in Finch Bay; explore the town of Puerto Ayora; or visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, famous for its ongoing conservation research in the islands, especially protecting tortoises and land iguanas. At an additional cost you can choose to go horseback riding on a private ranch in the highlands; take a day dive trip to a nearby island (this should be scheduled ahead of time); or go on a day boat trip to a nearby island with a naturalist guide to view wildlife (North Seymour, South Plaza, or Bartolome on a space available basis).

B...Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

DAY 8 ~ to Quito

Early morning to swim or take a nature walk before your transfer to Baltra airport for your flight to Quito, or connect with your Mountain Travel Sobek nature cruise in Galapagos (see next page for information). Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll be met and transferred to the Swissôtel. Dinner on your own.

B,L... Swissôtel

DAY 9 ~ Fly home

Private transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flight, or embark on an extension to Sacha Lodge, Otavalo & Hacienda Zuleta, or Machu Picchu, Peru.

B…

Stay a Little Longer

Prefer a Group Adventure?
Check out our Galápagos Multisport group adventure. Or if you like to explore on your own, plan to arrive in Quito a day or two early, extend your trip after the tour, take one of our regularly scheduled Galapagos cruises (we offer more than 45 departures during the year!), charter your own private yacht (see below), or add any of these great extensions to make your own dream Galapagos trip! Call us for the details, including prices. You may also wish to combine this trip with our Haciendas of Ecuador Private Adventure.

The Highlands of Ecuador: Otavalo Market

On a custom tour with an expert native guide, visit the Andean villages of the Otavalo Indians, widely esteemed for their weavings and handicrafts, and the world-famous market, where stalls are piled high with colorful ponchos, woolen goods, and Indian jewelry. Scenery along the way includes a landscape of snowcapped volcanoes and serene mountain lakes. You’ll stay at Hacienda Zuleta, an authentic and delightful country inn/working ranch, rated as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine. Here you’ll have options to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, visit a condor rehabilitation project on Zuleta’s 4,000 acres, and be treated to Zuleta’s hospitality and fresh Ecuadorian cuisine. 2 or 3 days.

Sacha Lodge

A visit to the upper Amazon Basin at Sacha Lodge is a perfect complement to your Galápagos adventure. Canoe down jungle rivers and hike forest paths with a naturalist/guide and a native guide, observing the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon rain forest. Our base is a charming and comfortable lodge located on a beautiful jungle lagoon near the Napo River in one of the most ecologically rich areas in the world. New this year is Sacha’s 900-foot-long canopy walkway, with great views of wildlife, the canopy, and the foothills of the Andes. The lodge’s 135-foot birding tower in a huge kapok tree affords great views over the jungle treetops and allows fantastic sightings of canopy activity. Sacha is renowned for its service and great food, and is our favorite jungle lodge in Ecuador! 4 or 5 days.

Cuzco & Machu Picchu, Peru

Step into the past and see the sights of Cuzco, Peru, including the nearby Inca ruins of Puka Pukara, Kenko, Tambo Machay, and the famous fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and enjoy an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu by train (an overnight at Machu Picchu is included). This is a fantastic complement to Galápagos with a visit to two World Heritage Sites—Machu Picchu and Galápagos! An additional night in Lima is required for Galápagos trip members at the beginning or end of the trip due to flight schedules between Quito and Lima. 4 or 5 days.

Private Charters

Imagine a voyage just for your family or group of friends! Call us and ask about arranging a private charter, complete with expert naturalist guide, chef, and crew. We are the Galápagos experts (more than 35 years experience!) and have access to the top yachts in the islands, including yachts that cater to as few as 8-16 passengers. With eight or more months lead time, we can also tailor private charters to your specific interests, such as birding, snorkeling, hiking, or diving (the Galápagos is one of the top five dive spots in the world!). Because of high demand for the best yachts, we recommend planning your trip 6-12 months or more in advance (18 months in advance for December holiday departures). Charter rates are quoted on an individual basis, depending on which yacht you are interested in chartering and how many people are in your group. Be sure to ask for our Galápagos brochure and DVD. Call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).

Arrival & Departure Information

You will be met at Quito’s international airport on Day 1 and transferred to the Swissôtel. The trip ends in Quito on Day 9 with a private transfer back to the airport.

Air Travel

Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their “frequent flyer” miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.

Activity Level

Mountain Travel Sobek trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Anyone who is in good health and leads an active life will enjoy this trip. Most of the activities are easy in nature; the hike on Sierra Negra is considered moderate.

Snorkeling

There will be opportunities for snorkeling. We recommend you bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins to ensure a good fit and for sanitary reasons. Wetsuits (2-4 mm thickness) are definitely recommended for the cool season (April-October) when water temperatures range from 60-68; some people prefer to wear a “skin” or 1-2 mm wetsuit in the warm season (November-March) when water temperatures range from 68-75, as cool waters flow through the archipelago throughout the year.

Your Guides

In Quito, you will be met by a local guide who will assist with all airport transfers and any pre-arranged extensions. Your Galapagos trained naturalist guide will fly with you from Quito to the Galapagos and accompany you from Days 3-6. He or she will take you on excursions or swimming/snorkeling/kayaking outings and will share knowledge of flora and fauna.

Seasonal Considerations

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination. The best time to visit is up to your individual preference. There are two seasons in the Galapagos: the warm season (November-March) and the cool season (April-October). The cooler waters of the Humboldt Current bring rich oceanic upwellings to the Galapagos in April, thereby stimulating the breeding season for sea lions and seabirds. During the cool season, daytime temperatures are generally in the 70s and water temperatures in the 60s (a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling); this season is the best time of the year for viewing dancing boobies, courting albatrosses, baby sea lions, and whales and dolphins, with comfortable short sleeve weather for hiking. There is usually some fog that drifts in and out (known locally as garua) from July to mid-October and a one- to two-foot chop in the open ocean during this time, but don’t let this deter you! This is our favorite time in the islands—wildlife abounds! In November, the Humboldt Current starts to recede and the warmer Panamic Current ushers in warmer daytime temperatures of 80-90+ and water temperatures in the low to mid-70s. Showers can accompany the warm season, but waters are generally calm and clear and showers are short and welcome. This is a great time to enjoy the warmer waters for snorkeling and to view green sea turtles that come into the islands to breed. All our trips year-round feature hikes in the highlands to look for giant tortoises. No matter when you visit, there’s always a lot to see in the Galapagos.

What's Included

• hotel accommodations
• meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), with drinks (except alcoholic beverages)
• private city tour of Quito
• use of the facilities in the hotels at Puerto Villamil and Puerto Ayora
• day tours and excursions on Isabela
• two hours of kayaks at Puerto Villamil and Puerto Ayora
• naturalist guide from Days 3-6
• private airport transfers in/out Quito, Baltra, Isabela
• basic medical and evacuation insurance

What's Not

International airfare; airfare to Galapagos Islands and return and intra-island airfare (see separate costs above); some extra activities in Puerto Ayora on Day 7; naturalist guide on Days 7-8; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); optional tips to naturalist and local staff; Galapagos National Park fee ($110 per person); meals not noted on itinerary; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax in Quito ($40.80 per person); and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Payment & Cancellation Policy

(This differs from regular Mountain Travel Sobek trips.)

I. Payment
At time of reservation: $800 pr 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
120 days prior to departure: 25% of Land Cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land Cost

II. Cancellation
If written notice of cancellation is received:
Cancellation Fee will be:
From time of reservation until
90 days prior to departure $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
89 to 60 days prior to departure 50% of Land Cost
59 days or fewer prior to departure 100% of Land Cost

Note on Itinerary

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website.

Limitation of Liability

“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy).

Arbitration

Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you have any questions.

Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure

Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

References

Don't take our word for how great our trips are. We'll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).

Questions?

Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We're here to help you.

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions.

Note on Services

We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with service providers who share our commitment to safety and quality, and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to Mountain Travel Sobek.

Ready to go? Signing up is easy!

Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or make a reservation request online. Immediately after we receive your deposit, we will request your preferred dates. Upon confirmation (usually within four business days), we will send you a packet with all the information you need to get ready for your trip, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.

Approximately 30 days before your departure, we'll send you detailed, step-by-step instructions, with emergency contact numbers, a detailed map, and other important information. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by your in-country host who will help orient you and describe what to expect in the week to come.