Latin America
10 Day Galapagos Islands Family Adventure - From: $5,550
Ecuador
Trip Summary
Explore the enchanted islands of the Galapagos, a region teeming with unusual and remarkable wildlife. Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions, walk among seemingly ancient giant tortoises and watch as blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances. Special permits allow you to head out in kayaks to explore further and a team of seasoned Naturalists utilize underwater video, a splash-cam and video microscopes to provide the richest possible understanding of the abundant wildlife in this most amazing and unique of destinations.
The Bushtracks Ranger program adds a special dimension as leaders play, swim, teach and enjoy time with your children to create a balance of time with other like-minded kids as well as time with the family to make life-long memories together.
For an epic South American adventure, this trip can be combined with the Bushtracks Peru Family Adventure
Highlights
- Bushtracks Ranger Program
- Special kids meals and zodiac excursions
- Bracelet making and crafts of all kinds
- Snorkel and swim with penguins, sea lions and tortoises
- Party like a pirate on the equator
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| Per Person, double occupancy | From: $5,550 |
Rates are listed as adult Per Person, Double Occupancy; Kids 11 & under are $500 off the category rate. This expedition is limited to 44 guests.
Departure Date:
- June 30, 2012
Itinerary
Day 1
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart the U.S. and arrive in Guayaquil this evening. Upon arrival, it’s a short drive to your hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Hilton Colon (Meals Enroute)
Day 2
Guayaquil, Ecuador - Galapagos Islands
This morning fly to the Galapagos and immediately board your ship. During lunch, sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent introduction to wildlife. Spend the afternoon exploring mangrove flanked channels and the shoreline of Cerro Dragon, looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of birds and schools of golden rays.
Lodging: The Islander (B,L,D)
Days 3 - 8
Galapagos Islands
While the exact routing depends on the National Park Service, you may visit the following islands:
Bartolome: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins.
Santiago: Santiago provides a chance to see the Galapagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best "tidepooling."
Santa Cruz: This is home for the Charles Darwin Research Center where you'll learn about vital preservation work. Head up into the highlands to roam the mossdraped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises forage.
Isabela: The largest island is made up of six volcanoes. Search for land iguanas, enjoy a black sand beach, scramble over broken lava flows or take a Zodiac cruise.
Fernandina: Investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island - the youngest island in the Galapagos. It's marine iguana heaven, with Isabela's volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop.
Floreana: Champion Islet is a dazzling snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! We may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
Espanola: Meet blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross, all living treasures found only on this island. Snorkel and stroll the island's lovely beaches.
Lodging: The Islander (B, L, D)
Day 9
Guayaquil, Ecuador
This morning, disembark and fly back to Guayaquil. Overnight again at the Hotel Colon.
Lodging: Hotel Hilton Colon (B)
Day 10
Guayaquil, Ecuador – Home or International flights to Peru
This morning either fly home on International flights or connect via a commercial flight directly to Lima, Peru - a World Heritage Site in Peru's north, to link to the Bushtracks Peru Family Adventure. (B)