Galapagos Family Adventure

Itinerary

• Ecuador

  Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 965 kilometers (600 miles) west of the mainland. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name. The country was part of the ancient Inca empire, colonized by the Spanish, and gained independence through a series of battles from 1820 to 1830. Its capital city is Quito, located in the mountain highlands, and its largest city is the port of Guayaquil on the Pacific Ocean. Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world according to Conservation International. The Galápagos Islands are well known as a region of distinct fauna, famous as the place of birth of Darwin's Theory of Evolution, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Quito

  Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

• Galapagos

  Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km west of continental Ecuador. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of around 40,000, which is a 40-fold expansion in 50 years. The islands are geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. Visitors typically fly in from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, and take a 3, 4, or 7 day cruise through the islands. There are almost no hotels, and guests live aboard their cruise ship. Day excursions on the islands are carefully controlled in designated pathways, and accompanied by certified naturalists. There are a variety of budget options from value, premium, luxury, and super-luxury chartered yachts.

• Santa Cruz Island

  Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galapagos. Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, and has the best hotels, restaurants and stores. Other services include grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware store, boat supplies, a small hospital and a hyperbaric chamber. It is located on the southern side of Santa Cruz island, and is connected by road and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island. Charles Darwin Research station is located near the city. The Highlands in the center of the island are a common hiking area. On the north side of the island there are several landing spots including; Dragon Hill, Venice, Bachas Beach and Black Turtle Cove.

• • Quito
  • Swissotel Quito

  Day 1: Quito

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Accommodation: Swissotel

  The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

• • Iglesia dela Campana

  Day 2: Quito

  Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured.

  Accommodation: Swissotel
• • Santa Cruz Island
  • Galapagos wildlife
  • Finch Bay Premium Room Twin

  Day 3: Quito - Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
  Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

  The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

  Upon arrival at the airport at Baltra Island, you will be taken across the Itabaca Channel, to Santa Cruz Island. Where a bus will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve in their natural habitat, a once in a lifetime experience!

  A stop is then made at 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.

  Box lunch is provided and then on to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy its multiple attractions: pool, the white coral beach in front of the hotel and rest on your hammock.

  Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

  Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, it is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. The hotel has been fully renovated and transformed, with important changes to upgrade its facilities and landscaping. The hotel's new look features environmentally friendly materials and use of natural light with large windows, beachfront access, large pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. The charming Finch Bay Hotel - named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings - is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay.

• • Kayaking off Santa Cruz Island
  • Snorkeling at Finch Bay

  Day 4: Santa Fe Island - Santa Cruz Island

  SANTA FE ISLAND (Barrington)

  A short trek leads through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas (endemic to Santa Fe), lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. There is opportunity to swim and snorkel.

  Many options for multisport activities are available for those guests not wishing to take a yacht excursion to visit nearby islands.

  •Excursions on Mountain Bike

  •Introduction to diving (Discover Scuba Diving)

  •Snorkeling

  •Bird watching

  •Hike to Las Grietas

  •Bay Tour

  •Stargazing and much more

  Scuba Diving

  The waters of Galapagos are a Natural Heritage Site, and world known for top notch diving. In Galapagos, the water realm brings the diver right up front with the healthiest marine life of the planet, as well as unique encounters with big animals like rays, sea turtles, sharks, and an array of tropical and subtropical species of fish. The diving is generally not for beginners, but the different sites offer varied options. Some diving is done within Academy Bay, while other options include minimal traveling in order to reach other islands and their dive sites. Please inquire at the hotel lounge for more details. Diving will provide you with an incredible new perspective of Galapagos. It will leave you totally enchanted.

  Birdwatching

  With the aid of binoculars, or in most cases without them, you will notice that the many natural features of the hotel host many species of Galapagos birds. The trails within the hotel grounds are easy to follow and pretty much self-guided. Don't be surprised if after one outing your list of recorded species is above twenty, with little time invested. Perhaps, the not-so-attractive birds will reveal the greatest natural history: the Darwin's Finches. Being the most interesting bird species in the Galapagos, the finches deserve great attention. The key element for successful observation relies in their beaks. Watch carefully, and you will notice there's a great deal of beak size and depth variation. This feature is similar to the use of different tools for different purposes. In finch world, different beaks can break different seeds. Differentiation has become the factory for new species to develop.

  Hiking, Strolling, Trekking & Walking

  Many hiking options can give guests a wonderful way to experience Galapagos. An easy option can be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, to see the giant tortoise conservation program, and afterwards a great stroll along the streets of Puerto Ayora. For those that want a longer walk within the National Park, a great option is Tortuga Bay and its breathtaking long white sandy beach. A guided adventure up in the highlands can be a more challenging visit since the distance covered will be greater, and hiking conditions a bit more strenuous. More active, longer, and detailed trekking programs can be customized. The hotel staff can give you all the advice needed for enjoying this great activity even more.

  Ocean Kayaking

  The great location of the hotel allows our secluded beach to be the most appropriate area for ocean (sea) kayaking. The Ocean Kayak brand is used, with model Malibu Two. Each kayak holds two participants, and the bay is the perfect location for learning or practicing. Those with more experience can explore the nearby shores and discover the wonders of being right at the water line, next to boobies, herons, mangroves, and more. Besides great physical effort, there's a lot of teamwork added to the kayaking experience. More kayaking details can be found at the lounge.

  Bay Discovery Tour

  Academy Bay is not the common bay. It is part of a collapsed wall of a giant submarine volcano, where flora and fauna abound within its shores. Watch brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, egrets, herons, boobies, sea lions, rays, turtles, and sharks, coastal & arid zone vegetation. It is a great and relaxed program where the wildlife of Galapagos blooms in every corner of the bay.

  Equatorial Stargazing

  After an incredible day, nothing can be more rewarding than watching a starry night at the Equator. Not only the Galapagos' skies lack what is known as "light pollution", due to the small population that lives here, but the equatorial skies allow views of southern and northern constellations at the same time. To make this even more successful, the hotel has prepared a great multimedia show and explanation of how sky watching works, and their Stargazing Laser Pointer adds a new dimension to understanding amazing stories. An evening of fun encounters with the stars.

  Some activities may be subject to additional costs - please ask for details.

  Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island

  Your excursion today is to:

  PLAZA ISLAND

  This small island is teeming with wildlife, sea side and along the cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors with the seasons.

  Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
• • Biking on Santa Cruz Island

  Day 6: Santa Cruz Island

  Yacht Excursions to nearby islands or Optional Multi-sport Activities (decided upon arrival to Finch Bay)

  Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
• • Yacht for Daily Excursions from Finch Bay

  Day 7: Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos - Quito

  Leave early in the morning for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Then, overland transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to the continent.

  Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Accommodation: Swissotel

• Day 8: Quito

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary

  A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Swissotel Quito

  Swissotel

  The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

  • More information
• • Finch Bay Premium Twin Room
  • Finch Bay Premium Room King

  Finch Bay Eco Hotel

  Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, it is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. The hotel has been fully renovated and transformed, with important changes to upgrade its facilities and landscaping. The hotel's new look features environmentally friendly materials and use of natural light with large windows, beachfront access, large pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. The charming Finch Bay Hotel - named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings - is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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