Galapagos

Monday 10 August

Depart Auckland for an evening flight to Santiago. Cross the International date line and arrive in Santiago mid-afternoon for an overnight stay.

Tuesday 11 August

An early morning flight to Quito (2,850m, 9,350ft). On arrival rest at the hotel to acclimatise. A welcome dinner in the hotel tonight.

Quito – perched high in the Andes amongst snow-capped mountains and misty volcanoes, Quito is a breath-taking destination. Spanning two hemispheres, its dramatic setting has always lured visitors, but its best kept secrets are hidden in the candlelit monasteries, leafy plazas and narrow cobblestone streets.

Wednesday 12 August

This morning’s tour of Quito highlights the well-preserved colonial centre blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. Including the San Francisco Church, Independence Square and the Virgin of Quito statue. We continue on this afternoon to the ‘Middle of the World’ (Equator experience).  

Thursday 13 August

A day of high altitude and a spectacular scenic journey to Otavalo (2,532m). First visit the colourful Otavalo market for handicrafts that will dazzle you and enjoy free time for lunch. We continue to Peguche waterfall and return to Quito late afternoon.

Friday 14 August

This morning fly from Quito to Coca, a small town in the Amazon. A two-hour boat journey in a motorised canoe up the Napo River transports you to Sacha Lodge for an all-inclusive three-night stay.

Saturday 15 August

Your time here will be unique and may include a forest canopy tree-top walk, climbing the giant Kapok tree tower, night time Caiman spotting, guided forest walks during the day or after dark, the Butterfly House, paddling in dugout canoes guided silently through forested creeks or swim in the safe Lake Pool.   

 All activities and meals are included during your stay.

Monday 17 August

Transfer back to Coca for the flight to Quito. Transfer to your overnight hotel. 

Tuesday 18 August

This morning we fly to San Cristobal Island and transfer to our exclusive private cruiser ‘Natural Paradise’.  After lunch onboard we will cruise to Kicker Rock and Witch Hill. Blue footed boobies, turtles, spectacular rock formations and our first opportunity to step ashore awaits.

Galapagos Islands - This isolated group of volcanic islands and its fragile ecosystem has taken on an almost mythological status as a showcase of biodiversity.  Yet you don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum. 

Wednesday 19 August

We step ashore this morning on South Plaza Island where we find one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as yellow and red land iguanas. This afternoon we take a dingy ride to visit Black Turtle Cove where amongst an array of marine life we can spot sea turtles and a variety of rays.

Thursday 20 August

Rabida Island is one of the most colourful islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkelling site. The island is also a bird watchers delight including Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. This afternoon we visit Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy a trail of stairs to the summit for spectacular views. A swim or snorkel to finish the day with Galapagos Penguins. 

Friday 21 August

Today we walk a trail that passes through three different environments.  Land iguanas are plentiful, and the lagoons here contain shrimp which, when plentiful attract flamingos. Later this afternoon we can enjoy a snorkel and possibly see Black-Tip reef sharks and a variety of rays.

Saturday 22 August

Today we travel into the highlands of Santa Cruz. We walk underground through lava tunnels and stand beside giant tortise. This afternoon we visit the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Centre where we can see hatchlings from 3 inches to 4-feet long adults. 

Sunday 23 August

This morning’s walk takes us along a rocky path to view up close red-footed boobies, short eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels and Galapagos doves. In the afternoon we visit Darwin Bay and see Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.  

Monday 24 August

Today we arrive at Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons. Snorkelling today is highly recommended as we have the chance to see Octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of tropical fish. Afterwards we visit Buccaneer Cove once a refuge site for British buccaneers where hundreds of sea birds perch in front of a dark red sand beach.

Tuesday 25 August

On arrival at Bachas Beach, a great spot for a swim. We may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and turtles who also nest on the beach. Later transfer to the airport for the flight to Guayaquil.  

Wednesday 26 August

A leisurely start today before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Santiago. Arrive and change planes for our journey home.

Thursday 27 August

Cross the international date line.

Friday 28 August

An early morning arrival into Auckland