10 days Magical Wildlife & Galapagos Islands Escape
Come join Tais and see the Galapagos Islands with Yoga every day. You will stretch every morning to prepare for your day ahead: enjoy the sights, engross yourself in the wildlife, and have a relaxing evening practice before sunset. The yoga will be structured to enhance strength and abilities and to unwind the muscles at the end of the day. Spend your days immersing yourself in healing yoga practice, and soaking up the rejuvenating energy of this magical part of the world.
Day 1
Quito: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early, so you’re able to attend.
Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon. On day 1 there is an orientation walk to show the beautiful Colonial style buildings and help you explore the nooks and crannies of cosy Old Town. We’ll be back in Quito at the end of the trip, giving you a chance to further experience the city. Welcome dinner tonight included!
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Walking Tour
Accommodation: Plaza Sucre or similar
Optional Activities
• The Equator Line
• Quito city tour + the Equator line Full day
• Quilotoa lagoon
• Cotopaxi National Park – Hiking Tour
• Papallacta Hot Springs Day tour from Quito
• Old Town & Gastronomic Urban Adventure
• Otavalo Indian Market Full Day from Quito
• Bellavista Cloud forest – Day trip from Quito
Day 2
San Cristobal: Early morning Transfer to Quito airport (approximately 1 hour) for our flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos (approx 3.5 hrs). Departure time will be between 8.20am and 10.30am depending on flight schedule time.
The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a Transit Control Card. This card has a cost of US$20, and it must be purchased by every person travelling to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival to the domestic airport on day 2, before checking in to your Galapagos flight.
Upon arrival, we will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of US$100.
Soon after we head out together to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the ‘Enchanted Islands’ and the conservation projects which seek to preserve the unique Galapagos wildlife. Next, make our way to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), which is located two kilometres from the Interpretation Center, south-west of Isla San Cristobal. It’s quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. From here you can also see Kicker Rock, an eroded volcanic formation protruding from the sea which has become an emblem of the island.
Soon after, travel to La Loberia where you’ll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim with sea lions, and maybe even some sea turtles. Continue back to town. Tonight you may wish to head out with the group and enjoy some of the fresh seafood available.
Included Activities
· Isla San Cristobal- Snorkelling in La Loberia
· Isla San Cristobal – Cerro Tijeretas View Point Walking Tour
Accommodation: Plaza Sucre or similar
Day 3
San Cristobal: Today begins with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido or Isla Lobos, observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way, we might be able to spot nesting frigates, and blue-footed boobies and/or might swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions.
Here we can snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few.
Included lunch today is a packed box lunch on board the boat! Unfortunately, it is against National Park rules to eat on the beach.
We’ll return to town in the afternoon where you will have some free time to enjoy your final night in San Cristobal.
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Isla San Cristobal- Snorkelling in La Loberia
Accommodation: Casa de Nelly or similar
Day 4
Floreana – Isabela: Take an early morning boat ride to Floreana Island. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as dolphins and whales.
On arrival to the island, snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. Afterwards venture to a black sand beach which belongs to the Witmers, decedents of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isabela Island. Please note when you arrive at Isabela, you’ll need to pay a port fee of USD 10.
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Floreana snorkelling
Accommodation: San Vicente or similar
Day 5
Isabela: Meals: A short bus ride to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you’ll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. The centre has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own. After our visit, a short bus ride to a brackish lagoon where we will be able to observe flamingos.
After an informative visit, board a small panga for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. On our way, we will go along the coastline in the hope to spot blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin who is at home in the western part of the archipelago. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
In the late afternoon, return to town in search of your own sandy resting spot and enjoy your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands.
Included Activities
· Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Isla Isabela – Flamingo lagoon visit
· Isla Isabela – Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Accommodation: San Vicente or similar
Day 6
Isabela: Meals: Breakfast Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world..
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Isla Isabela – Sierra Negra Volcano Hike
Accommodation: San Vicente or similar
Day 7
Puerto Ayora: Meals: Breakfast. Begin the day with a kayak excursion in a protected bay. While here, search for the protected Galapagos penguin – the only penguin found so close to the equator. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Next head to Isla Santa Cruz, the tourist capital of Galapagos. Check in to the hotel and then go for a short walking tour of Puerto Ayora to visit the local fishermen’s market.
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Kayak Excursion (1 Hour)
Accommodation: Lobo de Mar or similar
Day 8
Puerto Ayora: This morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. You can even get close to giant tortoises which are being raised for the repopulation program.
Soon after we’ll visit the higher part of the islands to observe the giant tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. In the afternoon, take an optional walk to Tortuga Bay, a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot. Choose to go swimming or perhaps just chill out on the beach. Finally, make your way back to town for one last dinner on these enchanted islands.
Included Activities
· Sunrise or sunset Vinyasa Yoga session
· Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
Accommodation: Lobo de Mar or similar
Optional Activities
• Isla Santa Cruz – Tortuga Bay visit (45 Minute walk, one way) – Free
Day 9
Quito: We say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito.
You’ll arrive back to Quito later afternoon. Perhaps head out for a final group dinner.
Accommodation: Plaza Sucre or similar
Day 10
Quito: This morning your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time. Because there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador.
Ecuador has some of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, including the lavish La Compania de Jesus, which is decorated with seven tonnes of gold. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs and Incan ruins to explore.
Included:
- 1 English speaking guide for Galapagos.
- 1 Customer Service for assistance in Quito
- All transport, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast / Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Excluded:
- International airport departure tax
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100USDpp)
- Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20USDpp)
- Any visas required
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Guide services on free days
- Late check out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for leaders, guide and driver
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Optional activities
- Travel Insurance – Compulsory
Price in USD $4299.00 (Price per person based on shared double room )
Price In USD $ 5299.00 (Price per person based on double occupancy )
Price In USD $ 6598.00 (Price per person based on single occupancy)
Available December 27th – January 5th 2022
Available December 27th – January 5th 2023
Available December 27th – January 5th 2024
Please Contact For Additional Information
+61 (0)411 878 133