ECUADOR and THE GALÁPAGOS (WBG2012)
A 10-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $3,894
(4 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) | Write a review
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| Starting Price: | $3,894 |  |
| Tour Length: | 10 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Ecuador, Galapagos Islands | |
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Cities Visited: NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in the prices below along with applicable air taxes. Please contact a travel agent for more information. Title Vacation Overview |
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Hotels
QUITO
Swissotel Quito (SF),
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Finch Bay Hotel (F),
GALÁPAGOS CRUISE
Santa Cruz,
GUAYAQUIL
Oro Verde (SF)
Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 6 lunches (L), and 7 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Quito and a farewell dinner on board the Santa Cruz.
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Welcome to Quito!
Day 2:
Quito. An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE, Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY, the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars, and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP & MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, the “Center of the World.” This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,D)
Day 3:
Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands–Finch Bay Hotel. Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where your Naturalist introduces the island’s lush and vibrant landscapes. Visit the Giant Tortoises RESERVE for a chance to see the famous Galápagos tortoises in their wild habitat. Next, see the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Later this afternoon, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, see famous “Lonesome George” and learn about the tortoise rearing program. (B,L,D) SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin’s finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and beachfront access. Guests can enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galápagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.
Day 4:
Galápagos. Finch Bay Hotel. Outings today include a list of activities that allow you to have a “Galápagos à la carte” adventure. Perhaps take a hike over the lava rock formations past gigantic cacti to Las Grietas, a unique swimming hole created by lava flows. Or choose a walk to Tortuga Bay, a 6-mile-long coralline beach; mountain bike up in the highlands; or swim, snorkel or kayak right off the beach at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Galápagos Islands (Embarkation) Cruising: Santa Cruz Island. Today, board the sleek Santa Cruz for five days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert Naturalist, who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Visit LAS BACHAS on Santa Cruz Island, where abandoned WWII military barges can be found. Today, it is an important nesting area for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle. You will also see brackish lagoons just steps away from the sea and white sand beach, which is a feeding ground for various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Return to the ship for a briefing on the next day’s adventure, followed by a Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: James Island. After breakfast, join your Naturalist for a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of BUCCANEER’S COVE on James Island. Learn about the history of the Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms which makes this is a great site for snorkeling too! This afternoon, land at PUERTO EGAS on James Island, known for its black sand beach and a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds as well as a colony of fur sea lions, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. You have the chance to snorkel or swim from the beach, or ride on the glass-bottom boat. (B,L,D)
Day 7:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: Rábida & Bartolomé Islands. Disembark at RÁBIDA ISLAND on a red-colored beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Stroll along the beach of this small island as your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where, at times, greater flamingos migrate. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species like the Galápagos dolphin and submarine landscapes. After lunch, en route to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. At BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. You will also have the chance to snorkel and possibly see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters and even some sharks and rays! (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: Tower Island. Upon arrival at TOWER ISLAND, your visit to Prince Philip’s Steps begins with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs to see the large number of nesting colonies of Nazca Boobies, red-footed boobies, and shore and seabirds in the cliffs’ ledges. Disembark at the base of Prince Philip’s Steps and climb up the stairs to a trail where birdlife abounds. A walk with your Naturalist reveals large colonies of masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and even short-eared owls. In the afternoon, disembark at DARWIN BAY to observe thousands of birds—mainly frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds. Return to the beach for swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel below the cliffs. (B,L,D)
Day 9:
Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation) San Cristobal–Guayaquil. After breakfast, depart for SAN CRISTOBAL, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos back in 1835. Visit the GALAPAGUERA at Cerro Colorado to see the breeding program of giant tortoises and learn about this endangered species and its promising recovery. While here, watch for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard—both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. Head to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, where you will have free time this evening to prepare for your return flight home tomorrow. (B)
Day 10:
Guayaquil. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
6/14/2012 - 6/23/2012 |
$3,950 |
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6/28/2012 - 7/7/2012 |
$3,950 |
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7/26/2012 - 8/4/2012 |
$3,950 |
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8/23/2012 - 9/1/2012 |
$3,950 |
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9/6/2012 - 9/15/2012 |
$3,950 |
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10/18/2012 - 10/27/2012 |
$3,950 |
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11/29/2012 - 12/8/2012 |
$3,950 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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City Highlights
CRUISE
: 4-night cruise in the Galápagos in an outside stateroom
QUITO
: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop & Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, and Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS FINCH BAY HOTEL:
Two nights to relax and explore the Galápagos
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE:
Four nights cruising the Galápagos National Park aboard the Santa Cruz; Charles Darwin Research Station; guided sightseeing each day with a local Naturalist
Price Details US
Intra-Vacation Price:$436Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $1450Triple rooms are not availableExtra Nights per person in Quito:in single room $183; in twin room $98Extra Nights per person in Guayaquil:in single room $155; in twin room $88Cruise pricing is based on Main Deck cabins. Upgrades are available. Please call for prices.
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A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.
Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil
This
exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and
the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your
photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in
Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll
embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands.
Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel,
where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal
species found only in the Galápagos.
Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo
Sail
through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river
cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and
masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the
Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see
the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest
cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to
Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the
Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.
Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai
Discover
China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful
China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the
highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that
include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of
the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu
Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or
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lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.
Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour's average rating:
(4 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.
The most recent reviews for this tour:
M&MSndrs rated this tour a 4 on 9/19/2009 12:38:51 PM and says:
"Also known as the enchanted isles, the Galapagos are a naturalists dream. Cut off from human influences for millions of years, the resident population of animals have not developed a fear of man like their mainland cousins. The result is a truly spectacular wildlife-viewing experience. With iguanas, albatrosses, seals, blue footed boobies and giant tortoises all approaching viewers quizzically rather than running way, you are guaranteed an excellent trip. Add to this some beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and a couple of good hikes, and this is like no other cruise you will ever go on. There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island, so the Galapagos will never feel crowded. December through May - During this time of year, the water and the air are warmer, but this is also the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year. The end of December and the beginning of January is still the high season, so expect more visitors than during the rest of the year. Because the water is warm, the idea of swimming and snorkelling is enticing. On the flip side, there aren't as many fish to see as later in the year. This is also the breeding season for land birds, so it's a good opportunity to watch some unusual mating rituals. If you're into turtles, this is best time of year to come; you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and from March through May, you can often see the land tortoises wandering around the lowland areas of the islands as they make their way down from the highlands in search of a mate. Sea lions also mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as the males fight it out for the females. Around March and April, you'll see the adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands. June through November - From June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galapagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. Conditions are windier during this period. Experienced divers claim that this is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Because there are more fish in the sea at this time of year, there are also more seabirds searching for these fish. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December. Penguins also like the cold water and abundance of fish, so you're more likely to see them here during this season. On Genovesa, the elusive owls mate in June and July, and you have the best chance of spotting one during this time. Blue-footed boobies also mate during this time of year, so it won't be difficult to witness their beautiful mating ritual known as the "sky point." I could go on and on....we loved this trip!"
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.