GALAPAGOS ISLANDS PHOTO TOUR
March 24-April 3, 2022
**See itinerary below.
Trip Highlights:
- 10-day land and cruise program to the Galápagos Islands, including Quito & Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- SIGN UP EARLY (very limited singles available on cruise): Maximum 14 passengers to optimize your
photographic experience. - Price includes Quito/Galápagos Islands/Guayaquil Airfare and Galápagos National Park Fees.
- 7-night/8-day cruise aboard First Class 16-passenger yacht. The small boat experience provides the most in-
depth and personal way to experience the islands. Twins (no bunkbeds) available for sharing. - Features of the yacht include safety, comfort, eight air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, hot water,
library, dining inside and out, bar, sundeck, use of kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel equipment. - Enjoy a city tour of Colonial Quito and time on your own in Guayaquil to explore the Santa Ana Hill or walk
along the Malecon for the last of your photography sessions.
March 24 Home – Quito
Today fly to Quito*, Ecuador. At 9,000 feet in elevation, Quito is one of the world’s highest capitals. The majority of flights land late evening, all participants will be transferred to your boutique hotel in a lovely neighborhood of Colonial Quito. Overnight Quito. *PLEASE NOTE: Your international flight will need to be multi-city: Home-Quito (UIO)/Guayaquil (GYE)-Home
March 25 Quito
Due to flights arriving very late last night you will have time to relax and rest on your own late this afternoon and evening. In the morning (time to be announced) your local guide will meet the group at the hotel after breakfast and take you on the winding streets of Colonial Quito. This city reflects the Indian and Spanish culture, which dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important World Heritage Site of plazas, churches, and cathedrals. Some of our stops include Independence Square with its Presidential Palace, the dazzling gold-leafed La Compania Church, and the San Francisco Square. Begun in 1535, it is located on the site of the Inca palaces of Auqui Francisco Tupatauchi, son of Atahualpa, who ruled the northern half of the Inca Empire. Overnight Quito. (B, L)
Today fly to Quito*, Ecuador. At 9,000 feet in elevation, Quito is one of the world’s highest capitals. The majority of flights land late evening, all participants will be transferred to your boutique hotel in a lovely neighborhood of Colonial Quito. Overnight Quito. *PLEASE NOTE: Your international flight will need to be multi-city: Home-Quito (UIO)/Guayaquil (GYE)-Home
March 25 Quito
Due to flights arriving very late last night you will have time to relax and rest on your own late this afternoon and evening. In the morning (time to be announced) your local guide will meet the group at the hotel after breakfast and take you on the winding streets of Colonial Quito. This city reflects the Indian and Spanish culture, which dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important World Heritage Site of plazas, churches, and cathedrals. Some of our stops include Independence Square with its Presidential Palace, the dazzling gold-leafed La Compania Church, and the San Francisco Square. Begun in 1535, it is located on the site of the Inca palaces of Auqui Francisco Tupatauchi, son of Atahualpa, who ruled the northern half of the Inca Empire. Overnight Quito. (B, L)
Rise early this morning as you will transfer to the airport for your group flight to the Galápagos and begin your exciting week of discovery on board your private yacht. The flight lands at Baltra airport, where the group will be met and escorted to the boat. Take some time to get situated on board, while the crew takes care of formalities ashore. Next, begin your adventure at your first photo location on Mosquera Island. It hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies. Enjoy the white sand beach as your first introduction to the islands.
Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island, was historically a favorite stop for pirates and whalers. Exciting wildlife-viewing opportunities here include a fur seal grotto, a lagoon that is home to pink flamingos, and the chance to see Galápagos Hawks and Vermillion Flycatchers. Puerto Egas, with its black sand beaches, was the site of a small salt mining industry in the 1960’s; a hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to spot land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks.
Bartolome lies off the east coast of Santiago Island, and is most likely the first island in the Galápagos to have risen from the sea. It is highly volcanic and is dotted with recent craters, appearing most barren, colorful, and primitive. Photograph Pinnacle Rock, one of the landscape highlights of the islands. The swimming beach is white sand, backed by a bit of shade. Those who choose to snorkel should find the waters here most interesting; Galápagos penguins have become regulars here, and if present, may take the opportunity to swim with you as you snorkel. From time to time, green sea turtles’ nest at night on these beaches as well.
Espanola Island is the oldest island in the archipelago and is home to one of the largest birds of the islands, the albatross. This species is considered endemic to the Galapagos, and you may see these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful scenery.. You will also see colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas crabs, masked boobies and blue-footed boobies as well as lots of sea lions.
Santa Fe Island is one of the most picturesque anchorages among all the islands. Its beauty is best appreciated from the trail, which climbs the fault cliff that overlooks the southern half of the bay. This plateau is also the best place to find the large land iguanas that are endemic to this island. Often they can be seen beneath the imposing Opuntia cacti that are also unique to only a few of these islands.
South Plaza Island is covered by Sesuvium and Opuntia cacti. The Sesuvium is often brilliantly colored making for colorful photos of the local land iguanas. Another thing that sets this island apart is the presence of tripicbirds and other sea birds soaring past viewers and nesting on the cliffs.
The Charles Darwin Station is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island. The center is the main breeding site on the islands for giant tortoises. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This was the home of Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.
After your visit you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, where you will then be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free to either rest and re-pack for your flight home tomorrow, or you will find the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance or a quick taxi ride to the Malecon, Rio Guayas. It is vibrant day or night with several restaurants, shops and photography along the river. There is also the picturesque barrio of Las Penas, where you can walk up the Santa Ana hill, with its cobblestone, wandering streets to photograph the tiny church atop the hill. Overnight Guayaquil (B)
April 3 Guayaquil - Home
You will be returned to the Guayaquil airport this morning for flights home. (B)
$7,695
Deposit: $750
Run in conjunction with Strabo Tours.
Sign up here: Strabo Tours Galapagos