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Exchange a curious glance with a blue-footed
boobie, admire stunning tri-colored marine iguanas
and watch the ever-playful sea lions frolic in the
surf. The non-preditorial environment of Darwin’s
Galapagos has created a non-threatening, relaxed
and magical connection with wildlife unlike any
other on earth.
Our 11-day Galapagos adventure starts and
finishes in the colonial capital of Quito, nestled
in the Andes. Enjoy a scenic city tour, taking in
the sites and sounds and admiring the colonial
architecture. The short flight to Baltra delivers
us to our comfortable expedition ship. Watch for
dolphins riding the bow, like oceanic messengers
taking us to our next equatorial volcanic island,
each with its unique endemic species perfectly
adapted to its environment. Pink flamingos,
Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises and a myriad
of birdlife, including the fish-stealing frigate and
the enormous albatross, are just some of the
wildlife we encounter during our naturalist guided
adventure.
GalapaGos & ECUaDoRIn Darwin’s Footsteps - onboard the legend
Facts & Highlights• 11 days • Small ship cruising • Start, finish in Quito, Ecuador • All meals on ship included • Land portion includes breakfast and lunch • Includes 2 internal flights • Visit Charles Darwin Research Station • Search for unique wildlife including: blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins and giant tortoises, tri-colored ma-rine iguanas • Swimming and snorkeling • Enjoy island excursions led by naturalists • Explore colonial Quito
Departure Dates & pRICEs Departs every Saturday & Tuesday year round on Legend.
Prices start from: $5180 USDSee page 2 for complete pricing.
Activity Level: 3Comfort Level: 5 days over 9,000 ft. Sea can be rough when crossing to the western islands. Zodiac landings required.
acommodations 7 nights based on either shared or single on ship in Galapagos (all cabins have private bathrooms.) On land, single accomodations with private bathrooms.
Emperor penguinsMarine iguana.
Phot
o: ©
Kle
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Feb 23/15
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Cool off with a refreshing ocean dip, or snorkel with
stingrays and view the fantastic underwater world
of sea turtles, dolphins, florescent tropical fish and
colorful coral gardens, before departing for your next
evolutionary marvel.
Few Galapagos journeys include the seldom-visited
western islands. ElderTreks’ Galapagos adventure
does include this hard-to-get-to region, making our
trip unique and remote, and providing a Darwinian
experience second-to-none.
Combines with… some Peru, Patagonia, Hidden
Treasures of South America departures, Amazon
Rainforest, Lodge to Lodge trekking and Machu
Picchu extensions.
Please note: Departure dates are not exclusive to
ElderTreks. You may be joined by other international
passengers. Boat itinerary subject to change.
2015 Departure Dates & pRICEs Departs every Saturday & Tuesday year round on Legend.
low season: Jan 06 - Mar 08 & Dec 01 - 19
Double Rate or Single-Shared, from:Standard Plus Cabin: $5180 USDJunior Cabin: $5955 USD Single Rate - Non-Shared, from:Standard Plus Cabin: $7410 USDJunior Cabin: $8184 USD
High season: Mar 29 - Nov 30
Double Rate or Single-Shared, from:Standard Plus Cabin: $5375 USDJunior Cabin: $6185 USD Single Rate - Non-Shared, from:Standard Plus Cabin: $7700 USDJunior Cabin: $8515 USD
Holiday season - Jan 01 - 05 & Dec 20 - 31During the short holiday season, rates for single, non-shared passengers are higher than the high season rates. Please contact our office for specific Holiday Season rates.
Prices include Galapagos airfare, (approx. $400 USD), National Park Fee: $100 USD, Transit Control Fee $10 USD. Fuel surcharge may be applicable. Ecuador departure tax: approx $57 pp is not included. Prices subject to change.
This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such,
participants on this tour are not exclusive Elder-
Treks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks’
maximum size restrictions of our tours.
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ElDERtREks 11 Day ECUaDoR aND GalapaGos toUR - CoMbINatIoN optIoNs
Our Ecuador and Galapagos tour is made up of two distinct parts. The first is the land portion in Ecuador, while
the second part is the Galapagos Islands. Within the Galapagos portion of the tour, there are four unique routes.
Of these four routes you may select your favorite two, consecutive ones to create your departure.
Choose your route using the information below. The dates listed are Day 1 of the tour, starting in Ecuador:
- Land Portion + A + B : Jan 10, 24 Feb 07, 21 Mar 07, 21 Apr 04, 18 May 02, 16, 30 Jun 13, 27 Jul 11, 25
Aug 08, 22 Sep 05, 19 Oct 03, 17, 31 Nov 14, 28 Dec 12, 26
- Land Portion + B + C : Dec 30, Jan 13, 27 Feb 10, 24 Mar 10, 24 Apr 07, 21 May 05, 19 Jun 02, 16, 30
Jul 14, 28 Aug 11, 25 Sep 08, 22 Oct 06, 20 Nov 03, 17 Dec 01, 15
- Land Portion + C + D : Jan 03, 17, 31 Feb 14, 28 Mar 14, 28 Apr 11, 25 May 09, 23 Jun 06, 20 Jul 04, 18
Aug 01, 15, 29 Sep 12, 26 Oct 10, 24 Nov 07, 21 Dec 05, 19
- Land Portion + D + A : Jan 06, 20 Feb 03, 17 Mar 03, 17, 31 Apr 14, 28 May 12, 26 Jun 09, 23 Jul 07, 21
Aug 04, 18 Sep 01, 15, 29 Oct 13, 27 Nov 10, 24 Dec 08, 22
laND aND aIR poRtIoN - Days 1-3 (aND REtURN FlIGHt)
b C
a D
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laND poRtIoN - Days 1-3
Day 1 aRRIvE IN QUItoYou will be met on arrival at Quito Airport and
transfered to our Quito hotel. Remainder of the day
is at leisure. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 QUItoExplore the bustling streets and squares of the largest
historical centre in the Americas. On our tour we
visit some of its most important churches such as the
majestic La Compañía (Society of Jesus Church) and
iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-
ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the
traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the tour
at the “Panecillo” hillside with its breathtaking views of
the old and modern city. Overnight in Quito.
Day 3 Fly to GalapaGos IslaNDsThis morning you are transferred to the airport for
your flight to Baltra Island where we are greeted
by our Galapagos guides. Upon arrival we take a
ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y
Legend.
Please Note: Day 3 involves the morning flights
plus the afternoon activities on the first day of your
chosen route option (see options on page 3). On
your second sea portion, Day 1 will include both the
morning and afternoon activities.
GalapaGos RoUtE ‘a’ 4 Days / 3 NIGHts
MoNDay HIGHlaNDs – pIt CRatERs (saNta CRUz)AM: (A + B) Arrival Flights
PM: Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take
us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the
northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find
a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These
enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible
for the island’s name and therefore approaching
them in their humid and forested abode is always
an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between
250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years.
Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising
lava tubes; we also visit Pit Craters created from the
collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures
underground. It’s a great place to spot Vermilion
Flycatcher as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia
forest.
tUEsDay EGas poRt / salt MINEs (saNtIaGo), baRtoloMéAM: Wet landing on a beach of black volcanic
sand, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section
of the trail is comprised of volcanic ash (eroded
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Blue-footed boobies.
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tuff) and the other half of partially uneven terrain
is comprised of volcanic basaltic rock lounging the
shoreline.
The unique, truly striking layered terrain of
Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident
and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow-
crowned Night Heron and an astounding array of
marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine
iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Light-
foot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming
in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks are also
a highlight.
PM: Dry or wet landing. We discover a fascinating
moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic
cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones —as
we hike to the summit for impressive views of the
surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone
Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas,
lava lizards and blue-footed boobies.
Beach time is a great opportunity to snorkel and see
(perhaps swim with) Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles
and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety
of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out
to be the best of snorkeling experiences; the water
here is generally clear, without too much surf and
full of marine life.
Due to its geographical location, the lack of
vegetation is immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants
are observed, so called because they are the first
to establish roots on new ground. They include
Tiquilia nesiotica (which is endemic to the island)
and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in
English), lava cactus and Scalesia bushes. Behind the
beach we have dunes covered by mangroves.
WEDNEsDay DRaGoN HIll (saNta CRUz), NoRtH sEyMoUR
AM: Dry landing. We walk by a brackish lagoon
where feeding flamingoes can be occasionally found.
The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation
up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground
for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of
the anchorage and neighboring islands. The forest
is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, Yellow
Warblers and Galapagos Doves.
PM: Dry landing. This is perhaps one of the busiest
tourist destinations on the archipelago. Off of Baltra
Island (where the airport is located) and not far from
Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible
for day trips out of Santa Cruz’s main port, Puerto
Ayora.
An approximately two hour walk amidst large
nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent
and great frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls for an
in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles, as
well as sea lions. You will also encounter sea lions,
land iguanas and on a lucky day, you might even
come across a Galapagos Snake.
tHURsDay ballENa bay / EDEN IslEt (saNta CRUz)AM: For those doing Combination D + A, you will
be flying back to Quito this morning. See Day 10 on
Page 14.
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GalapaGos RoUtE ‘b’ 5 Days / 4 NIGHts
tHURsDay blaCk tURtlE CovEAM: (B + C) Arrival Flights
PM: On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island,
accessible only by sea where four species of
mangrove crowd from the shore out into the lagoon,
turtle enjoy swimming in the calm waters, peeking
their heads above the surface while fish, rays and
small sharks circle below. White-tipped reef sharks
can be seen beneath the boat, sea birds, including
pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. This
cove has been declared as a “Turtle Sanctuary”.
FRIDay sUllIvaN bay (saNtIaGo), RabIDaAM: Wet landing. This visitor site located at the
southeastern portion of Santiago Island, and of
important geologic interest, features extensive lava
flows believed to have been formed during the last
quarter of the 19th century.
PM: Wet landing. Dark-red sand covers these
unique beaches with incredible landscape; Rábida is
considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands
due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting
Brown Pelicans are found from July through
September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s
finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride
along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds and snorkel
off the coast, where marine life is particularly
active.
satURDay URbINa bay, taGUs CovE (IsabEla)AM: Wet landing on a volcanic “black” beach.
Depending on the season, we may find giant
tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual Flightless
Cormorant. After a short walk inland, snorkeling
time is allotted, giving you yet another chance
to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless
tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of
plant life that changes depending on the season.
We can observe the beautiful colors of plants that
attract different insects, birds and reptiles. We will
explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from
1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of
Alcedo Volcano.
PM: Dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island
where we will learn about the eruption of the five
volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s
salt-water crater lake and excellent views of lava
fields and volcanic formations.
We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride
along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where
we will admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-
footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless
Cormorant and depending on the season, a large
number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35
cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to
extend its range into the northern hemisphere
along the equator. They are monogamous and lay
their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts
of the island near the shoreline not reached by the
ocean waves.
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The population of penguins on the islands is about
2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western
portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south
on the island. We will have an opportunity to snorkel
in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left
by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an
intriguing past.
sUNDay EspINosa poINt (FERNaNDI-Na), vICENtE RoCa poINt (IsabEla)AM: Dry landing. Espinosa Point is the only spot
that we visit on Fernandina and from it we can see
the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel, an
area that boasts some of the highest diversity of
endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. The largest,
most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas are
found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot
Crabs; a wonderful opportunity to encounter
Flightless Cormorants at their nesting sites,
Galapagos Penguins and the “King” of predators on
the Islands, the Galapagos Hawk.
“Pa-hoe-hoe” and “AA” lava formations cover the
majority of the terrain. Vegetation is thus scarce
inland, but we encounter Brachycereus cacti and
extensive mangrove beds lining the shores.
PM: Great deep-water snorkeling at one of the
richest marine havens on Earth (Bolívar Channel).
We take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe
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a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca
and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans,
penguins, flightless cormorants. The upwelling of
coldwater currents in this part of the Galapagos
gives rise to an abundance of marine life.
MoNDay HIGHlaNDs (saNta CRUz)AM: Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take
us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the
northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find a
natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous
and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the
island’s name and therefore approaching them
in their humid and forested abode is always an
inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250
and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years.
PM: For those doing Combination A + B, you will be
flying back to Quito this afternoon. See Day 10 on
Page 14.
GalapaGos RoUtE ‘C’ 4 Days / 3 NIGHts
MoNDay MosQUERa IslEt AM: (C + D) Arrival Flights
PM: Wet Landing, Mosquera Islet is located between
North Seymour and Baltra Islands, this flat, sandy
island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an
excellent site for observing shorebirds such as
herons and Lava Gulls. There is no trail on Mosquera
Island, so any visitor can enjoy an open area. Most
of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava
rock. Very little sesuvium portulacastrum grows on
the sand.
tUEsDay soUtH plaza (plazas Is-laND), saNta FEAM: Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet.
The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest
surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach
its highest point, be on the lookout for tropicbirds,
a Nazca and blue-footed boobies & swallow-tailed
gulls.
In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller
sized land iguanas. The population is approximately
300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation,
but during the dry season survive on the fruits and
flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximit with
marine iguanas, this is the only place on Earth where
we will find the Galapagos hybrid iguana.
PM: Wet landing on a white sand beach surrounded
by a sea lion colony; we continue walking through an
endemic cactus forest as we search for the endemic
Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and
distinctively paler. This island is home to a number
of endemic species including the Galapagos Hawk,
Galapagos Snake, a variety of finches and one of the
four species of Galapagos mockingbirds. Deep-water
snorkeling.
WEDNEsDay pItt poINt / pItt IslEt, CERRo bRUJo (saN CRIstóbal)AM: Wet landing followed by a high intensity hike
on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach
of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the
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top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent
viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the
three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen
together, as well as two species of frigatebirds and
a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides
and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can
be observed.
PM: Wet landing. Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff
cone* that at several locations is composed of AA
lava formations and a beautiful white sand beach,
great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We visit a
lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen:
Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels,
other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails.
Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock,
the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent
coast.
tHURsDay CERRo ColoRaDo toR-toIsE REsERvE (saN CRIstóbal)AM: Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Passengers visit the San Cristóbal giant tortoise
Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s
conservation programs. Enjoy a beautiful landscape
on the way to the Reserve. Passengers will also have
the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink
or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.
PM: For those doing Combination B + C, you will be
flying back to Quito this afternoon. See Day 10 on
Page 14.
GalapaGos RoUtE ‘D’ 5 Days / 4 NIGHts
tHURsDay INtERpREtatIoN CENtER & tIJEREtas HIll (saN CRIstóbal) AM: (D + A) Arrival Flights
PM: Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno,
capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit
the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to
learn about Natural History in the Galapagos. The
Museum of Natural History displays information on
the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness
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from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the
arrival of the different species and their colonization,
among other points of interest. The human history
is also showcased, chronologically narrating the
most significant events related to the discovery and
colonization of the islands.
FRIDay GaRDNER bay, GaRDNER & osboRN IslEts, sUáREz poINt (Espa-ñola)AM: Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand
beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are
no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can
spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers,
Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds,
Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas and
three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies
(Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch,
which is similar to the large ground finch, the
Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the
Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic
subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great
variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish,
Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays and
white-tipped reef sharks.
PM: Dry landing. An island of geological interest, we
explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife:
large sea lion colonies and seabirds including
Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the
spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also
encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the
colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among
Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting
grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other
birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos
Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest
colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight
during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the
famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots
water some 23 m. (75 ft.) in the air.
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satURDay post oFFICE, CoRMoRaNt poINt, DEvIl’s CRoWN, CHaMpIoN (FloREaNa)
AM: Wet landing. Located on the north side of
Floreana, the bay is so-named because in 1793
Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel
which served as an informal post office for sailors
passing through, who would take letters with them
to their destinations. Today, our visitors continue
the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside
the barrel that should reach their destinations for
free. It can take weeks, months, even years, not
arrive at all or even arrive before you!
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow
Warbler and lava lizards. Great snorkeling
opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles as well,
this island is best known for its endemic vegetation:
Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, and
Galapagos milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the
main beach among playful sea lions.
PM: Wet landing, on an olivine green sand beach.
We hike from the black mangrove beds to a
brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the
largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos.
This island features some endemic plants such as
Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove and holy
stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand
beach, one of the most important nesting sites of
Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid
walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may
be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if
accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can
spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into
the water and small reef sharks floating along the
shoreline in search of food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail
and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on
to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea
lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks.
A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and
can sometimes be observed as well.
sUNDay HIGHlaNDs, FaUsto llERENa bREEDING CENtER - CHaRlEs DaRWIN statIoN (saNta CRUz)AM: Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take
us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the
northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find
a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These
enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible
for the island’s name and therefore approaching
them in their humid and forested abode is always
an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between
250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years.
Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising
lava tubes.
PM: Dry landing. We visit the Station where the
Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes
place as part of our efforts to preserve the fragile
Galapagos environment and where the famous
Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of
its species) lived for decades. Admire a prickly-pear
cactus forest and a variety of Darwin’s finches and
other land birds. The Darwin Station also works
providing environmental education to communities
and schools within the islands and to tourists
visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will also have
some free time to visit the town and shop for
souvenirs.
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MoNDay DapHNE
AM: We circumnavigate the islet of Daphne, an
eroded tuff cone formation* that was created by
successive volcanic activity, for an opportunity to
see Darwin’s finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca
Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls,
Brown Noddies.
PM: For those doing Combination C + D you will be
flying back to Quito this afternoon. See Day 10 on
page 14.
PM: (D + A) Highlands – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz),
see page 5.
Day 10 DEpaRt FoR QUIto
After the events of your final itinerary day in the
Galapagos (as in the above itineraries) we will depart
the Galapagos and take our short flight to Quito
where, depending on your route you will have free
time to enjoy Quito. Overnight in Quito.
Day 11 DEpaRt QUItoTransfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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LegendTechnical Specifications Category: High-end luxury cruise shipLength: 300 ft (91 mts)Decks: 5Number of Passengers: 90Crew: 55Guides: 6 multilingual naturalists Speed: 17-20 knots
Legend
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Junior cabin.
Legend Suite.
Balcony Suite.
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Questions & answers1. How big are the groups?The maximum number of travelers on the Legend is 100. While ElderTreks does have published departure dates, please note that the group size is not limited to 16 travelers and you may be joined by other international passengers of various ages.
2. What is included in the tour price?All accommodations throughout; all meals on board the ship and lunch on Ecuador land section; services of an English-speaking naturalist guide; and airport transfers in Baltra. Please note that the flights from Quito/Galapagos return are included in the tour price.
3. are these “educational” tours?Yes, we plan to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and go on daily naturalist-guided hikes on the islands, learning about and experiencing the unique life forms endemic of the Galapagos as well as experiencing the cultural delights of Quito and the stunning countryside around Otovalo.
4. How do we travel during the tour?Tours and transfers are in air conditioned vehicles. We travel on the comfortable 36- passenger motor yacht Coral I, 20-pas-senger Coral II with spacious sun decks and social areas or the 100-passenger Legend. We also travel by Zodiac water craft and have dry and wet landings depending on the shore. Both yachts have recently been refurbished and upgraded to deluxe standards. Cabins have portholes, upgrade cabins located on on the upper deck have windows. Although not large, all cabins contain superior amenities found only in upscale motor yachts. They are fully air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with showers. Quito tours and transfers are by car or minibus.
5. What are our accommodations like?On board, all the cabins contain two lower berths, air condi-tioning and private bathrooms. Hotels rooms are comfortable with private bathrooms.
6. What about the weather?The temperature can reach a peak of 85°F in March – April, and can reach a low of 60°F in June – July. Overall, the Galapagos climate is warm, however, cold air currents in the dry season, July – December, can create cooler temperatures. Moderate rainfall occurs between January – March. Temperatures in Quito are cooler due to its altitude at 2850 meters/9350 feet.
7. When is payment due?A non-refundable deposit of $500 of your tour cost (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full tour price is due 120 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms and Condi-tions” section of our brochure, however, please note that unlike our other programs, there are no transfers allowed.
8. What should I take on the tour?There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.
9. What meals are included?All meals on the boat are included. We enjoy a wide variety of foods, buffet style. Lunch is included on day 2.
10. Can you arrange my flights?We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.
11. What if I would like more information?If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office. A Trip Kit containing fur-ther details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.
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