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Trip 2
Home » Ecuador » Galapagos Island - Long Itinerary » Trip 2Day 1: Quito
Arrive in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Most flights arrive in the evening.
Day 2: Quito
Take the day to explore the old colonial streets of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll have time to change traveler’s checks and go over your gear to make sure you're well prepared for your coming adventure.
Day 3: North Seymour Island
After breakfast depart for your flight to Baltra Island and arrive before lunch to meet your boat’s crew and naturalist guide. Set sail for North Seymour Island where you'll find young and old sea lions frolicking along the shore.
The Magnificent Frigate Birds show off their red pouches while colonies of Blue-Footed Boobies and Swallow-Tails co-exist oblivious to your visit. The "enchanted islands" welcome you with open arms and you are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife.
Day 4: Plazas Sur and Santa Fe
Plazas Sur is a tiny island with a dramatic steep-cliffed shoreline. Start your morning by being greeted by more sea lions, land iguanas and tropical birds. The island is covered in a carpet of Opuntia Cactus and Sesuvium.
Walking along the southern part of the island you come across a perfect habitat for Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Yellow-Tailed Mullets, Audubon Shwarwaters, Red-Billed Tropicbirds and Brown Pelicans all immersed in animated discussion with one another.
In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island (also known as Barrington). The other islands were formed through volcanic eruption but Santa Fe is an exception with an interesting geologic history. As a result of tectonic activity there was an uplift of the sea floor creating Santa Fe. Lava lizards warm themselves in the afternoon rays and we are able observe a unique species of land iguana. Stop for a visit of an amazingly beautiful turquoise lagoon in a cove protected by the peninsula.
Day 5: Española Island
A visit to Hood (Española) Island where you'll have the good fortune of seeing Mocking Birds, Galapagos Doves, Red-Billed Tropic Birds, uncommon Red and Green-Trimmed Marine Iguanas and Blue-Footed and Masked Boobies. This is one of the only nesting sites of the Waved Albatross. From Punta Suarez we have a fabulous view of most species found on this island. Hood is worth a days visit on its own.
Day 6: Santa Cruz
Today visit Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island, home of the Darwin Research Station. The station is staffed with scientists from around the world who are passionate about their work in this unique environment. A tortoise preserve provides for a great chance to learn about what’s being done to protect these ancient creatures. Tour the station and learn about the various conservation and biological research projects these world-renowned scientists are working on.
Day 7: Rabida Island
The lagoons of Rabida Island are filled with classic pink flamingos and many nesting seabirds. The island has an exotic feel due in part to the steep slopes that are covered in Palosanto. Rabida Island has some excellent and well-maintained trails to the interior.
In the afternoon visit one of the handful of the islands restricted to smaller boats. This island is characterized by its white, sandy beaches and delicate lava.
Day 8: Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay
Spend the morning at Bartolome Island. This is an excellent spot to explore lava formations and beds with their hobbit-like shapes and detailed tubes. A charming beach for swimming, an ancient crater for hiking and still more unique and isolated wildlife. The prominent pinnacle rock marks your arrival in Sullivan Bay. There are Galapagos Penguins and nesting Sea Turtles (in season).
Day 9: Tower Island.
Savoring your final days in the islands, enjoy Darwin Bay and explore the scenic Prince Phillips steps. Head ashore to observe the abundant seabird life. The islands offer great inner and outer knowledge to the observer. Simply absorb the 360 degree view of paradise.
Day 10: Return to Baltra
Begin to make your way back to Baltra stopping at Caleta Tortuga on the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Exploring a mangrove swamp by dinghy shows secluded corners with the possibility of seeing Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles and Lava Herons. In the afternoon bid this paradise good-bye and fly back to Quito.
Day 11: Departure
Head back to the airport and start your journey home.
Sources
http://fodors.iexplore.com/itinerary/feature_trip/46222
http://www.untamedpath.com/Galapagos/galapagos_island_travel_tours_cruises_itin.html
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