Remote, spectacular and utterly unique, the Galápagos Islands are a 'once in a lifetime' destination for anyone interested in experiencing nature at its fullest. The wonderfully diverse wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes exceed expectations, exciting even the most hardened of travellers. The total lack of fear displayed by the birds and reptiles enables visitors to the Galapagos to see and study nature at an arms length.
Accommodations & Amenities
Our program is based at the Red Mangrove Galápagos Lodges in the Galápagos Islands.
This unique chain of lodges offers the opportunity to discover the islands from both the land and sea.
The Volcano
The Sierra Negra Volcano is something you have to see to believe! Hike the hillside with us, see lava eruptions, hot springs, the immense crater and more...
Fauna above and below the water
The Islands have a wide array of endemic fauna, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and a few mammals native to the islands like the Lava Gull, Galapagos Penguin, Dark-Rumped Petrel, Galapagos Flightless Cormorant, Lava Heron, Galapagos Martin and the Galapagos Dove.
Life in the ocean is as varied and unique as that above it. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is home to sharks, rays, fur seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, starfish, marine iguanas, penguins and more. Green Turtles and Hawkbill Turtles can be seen in the waters. The Sally-Lightfoot Crab (bright red in color) can be seen along the shore.
Spa a la Carte
Body Exfoliation.
Swedish Massage.
Hot Stones Massage.
Facial Cleaning.
Turkish Bath, Foot massage and care and more.
One session included and can arrange for this Day 1 or Day 5.
Day 1: Arrival - Guayaquil or Quito
AM
Pick up at the airport from your international flight.
Overnight at Hotel Sheraton in Quito or Oro Verde in Guayaquil (or similars).
Depending on the time of arrival, welcome lunch or dinner
Enjoy the facilities of the hotel, fitness club, sauna bath, polar pool and more.
AM
6:00-7:00: Ecuadorian Welcome Yoga session at the hotel
After breakfast transfer to airport to flight to Galápagos
Transfer in at Baltra Airport
Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride). Arrival at Santa Cruz around 11:30 AM (Depending on your flight schedule).
Immediately departure to the Tortoise Quest or Mountain Tour
This tour begins with a trip to "Los Gemelos" (The Twins) - two enormous collapsed lava chambers, an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. The short, easy hike to each of the twins is teeming with endemic plants and animals including the remaining Scalesia Forest draped in Liverwort, large and small tree finches, the adorable Vermillion flycatcher and more.
Afterwards, we will visit a 600 acre private reserve where the giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep.
After visiting the tortoises, we'll take a 5 minute ride to the entrance of a 450 meter (1350 feet) illuminated lava tunnel. Stalagmites, stalactites, sulphur and mineral colored walls and the rippled form of a floor of lava can all be experienced in this uniquely Galapagos stroll.
PM
Lunch at one of the Farm
Start a bike ride through Bella Vista down to the Lodge, this will be a 20 kilometers approx. downhill.
6:00 -7:00 Sunrise Yoga Session at Estacion Beach
Breakfast at the lodge
Departure, our navigation will take us to Santa Fe, home to one of the most beautiful coves in all the Galapagos formed from an uplift (rather than a volcano) giving the island a relatively flat surface rather than the typical conical shape of the other islands.
Santa Fe hosts a forest of Opuntia cactus, which are the largest of the archipelago, and Palo Santo. Good opportunity for bird-watching at weathered cliffs that provides a haven for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, sehar-waters petrels.
Santa Fe species of Land iguanas are often seen, as well as lava lizards. There is a turquoise lagoon and calm waters where snorkeling can be done along with sea lions and florescent fishes. Or visit a submerged rock where several manta rays and marine turtles can be found.
PM
Lunch on board.
We will continue sailing to reach Floreana and on our way another great opportunity to snorkel cove called Luz del Dia (Light of Day). There is an abundance of life in this cove. You will most likely see penguins and sea lions on the steep, rocky shore and rays and tropical fish beneath the clear waters.
Arrival in Floreana Island
BBQ Dinner at a local restaurant to enjoy Galapaguena food and warm hospitality of one of the first families to arrive at the island and leasing from them about the mysteries of Floreana.
6:00 - 7:00: Sunrise Yoga session at Playa Negra
Breakfas at the lodge
Hike to Floreana High Lands
4 Kilometers hike to the highlands of Floreana while your Naturalist Guide begins filling you in on the history of this, the first settled island in the Galapagos. You will hike up to see the Asilo de la Paz (Peace Asylum) where the spring is located, an artisan spring that attracted pirates, whalers and later settlers to Floreana as it was one of the very few year round sources of fresh water in the Galapagos.
The Cueva de los Piratas (Pirate's Cave) is quite literally where pirates carved temporary shelter out of soft stone and is also where one of the original settlers, Margret Wittmer, gave birth to a son, Rolf, who is still living. Some have almost jokingly referred to it as the 'Stonehenge' of Floreana due to its interesting shapes. Cerro Pajas (Bird Hill) truly lives up to its name with a multitude of Floreana Finches.
It also offers spectacular views of the island and the sea below. We will visit a tortoise reserve where you can watch many of the giant tortoises up close and personal. All the while, your Naturalist Guide will be pointing out the wildlife and filling you in on the colorful history of Floreana's first inhabitants like the Baroness and re-telling the legend of the "Floreana Mystery" which entailed the mysterious deaths of several inhabitants. It has never been solved.
We will get back to the port by an open-air bus.ike to Floreana Highlands
Departure at 11:00 AM for Isabela. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
MID-DAY: We will approach Isla Tortuga which is chockfull of frigates, blue-footed boobies and other birds that rely on the sea for their food. If you brought binoculars, this is a good time to pull them out.
We will arrive at Isabela between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. Arriving in the port is a visual feast with stunning green and turquoise water so clear, you can see sea turtles, sea lions and penguins as though looking through glass. We will check into the Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge and have a hot, wholesome lunch.
PM
Departure to Las Tintoreras and Bay Tour. After lunch, we will board a smaller craft to head out across the port, slowing down to view blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins sharing the same rocky sunning space before turning a bend and docking.
From there we take an intriguing walk through a jagged "aa" lava field, passing abundant colonies of marine iguanas, to see a small canal full of resting white-tipped reef sharks. If the tide is low, they are sometimes a mere two feet below the surface.
The views from here are something you may carry with you for the rest of your life! The black, treacherous lava field, the emerald green sea, the forest green mangrove and the cloud capped volcanoes of Isla Isabela create the sort of afternoon backdrop you are not likely to ever forget.
Once you return to the dock, you can snorkel this warm, shallow bay surrounded by mangrove, for an opportunity to see white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, penguins and, of course, the mystery of the mangrove below the surface. Don't worry, white-tipped reef sharks are not aggressive, merely fascinating.
5:30 - 6:30 Strength & Core training at the lodge
Dinner At Isabela Lodge
6:00 - 7:00: Sunrise Yoga session at the Terrace of the Lodge
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart for Sierra Negra Tour
4x4 vehicles will drive us up through the humid highlands to the slopes of Volcan Sierra Negra.
Then we hike to arrive at the caldera of Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world at four miles across. The views are breathtaking! We will relax a bit and have a snack on the edge of the caldera. For the more hardy of the group, the option exists to walk an especially difficult hour further to Volcan Chico, where fumarole activity is abundant, and again, the views are spectacular. This is not an easy hike, however, as it is mostly across lava fields on slopes.
PM
After returning from Sierra Negra, we will have lunch at Campo Duro.
Campo Duro offers a 'tortoise patronage' program that doesn't involve money changing hands. Guests have the opportunity to become a patron to their chosen tortoise at the reserve merely by choosing a tortoise (they're all numbered), naming their tortoise and then entering a story in the Patron's book such as information on why they chose the name they chose and their contact information.
Then, the Patron invites any and all of their friends to go visit their tortoise and provide them with updates.
Back to the lodge.
5:30 - 6:30 Strength & Core training at the lodge
Briefing and dinner at the Lodge
6:30-7:30: Sunrise Yoga session at the Cerro Orchilla
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart to Humedales Tour.
We begin with a drive out of town along the most beautiful, white sand, palm lined beach in all of Galapagos, Long Beach.
This beach, straight from the cover of a travel magazine, stretches on for 3 kilometers before the National Park where we walk up the trail for astounding views from the top of Cerro Orchilla.
Visit the "Muro de Las Lagrimas" (Wall of Tears), a unique construction built by the backbreaking of prisoners of a penal colony centuries before. The path to the Wall of Tears is abundant with lava lizards, the males are larger and striped and the females red-throated.
11:00 AM, depart Isabela for Santa Cruz. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
PM
Arrive in Puerto Ayora around 12:30-1:00 PM.
Check in Aventura Lodge and Lunch.
Depart 3:00 PM for guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station. After the Darwin Station, there will be some free time to shop for souvenirs or browse the shops along Charles Darwin Avenue.
Free time to enjoy a biker ide, relax at the comfort of the Lodge, go shopping, etc.
Dinner at the Lodge
6:30-7:30: Sunrise Yoga session at the terrace Station Beach
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart for airport 3 hours before flight.
Transport and guide from the hotel all the way to your airport gate
PM
Pick up at airport of Guayaquil
For you to begin feeling the flavor of this region, we will take you on a 2-hour drive through picturesque fishing villages, along white sand beaches, and through amazing landscapes.
Check in at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge
"At 330 feet above sea level there emerges this oasis amid the ivory nut, tangerine, and orange groves. Built with natural materials, the cabins call to mind the countryside and its sweetness rather than the beach. Tapping the strong energy that steams from the encounter of mountain and sea, the lodges have been set up after a mixture of Feng Shui, Andean and Amazonian cosmogonies. Safeguarded by sounds of the jungle and lightened up by the ocean breeze, Samai is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation and healing".
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility at this oasis of peace.
Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
Around 7:00 pm prepare for dinner at one of the famos local restaurants and offer you the chance to enjoy Montañita’s famous nightlife.
Montañita is widely known as the best place to party!
6:30-7:30: Sunrise Yoga session at the terrace of the lodge.
Breakfast at the lodge.
A beach day, start with a walk 10 to 15 minutes to the San Jose beach to connect with the local community, swim, and relax at the beach.
PM
Lunch at Cuna Luna Hotel whit a wonderful panoramic view and an extensive gourmet menu.
At the middle of the afternoon, return Red Mangrove Samai to enjoy the sunset and coffee, bear, or soft drinks and to prepare ourselves to experience one of the most amazing ancestral activities.
At Red Mangrove Samai lodge, holistic healing and spa, techniques are promoted to rejuvenate you on every level: mind body and spirit. The facilities will blend the tranquility of the mountain, the soft breeze of the beach and the sound of the ocean will embrace you giving the opportunity to deeply relax and take the strength from the mother nature.
The activities at the lodge are extensive and you can chose from:
- Shamanic Healing and Ceremonies
- Aromatherapy and Massage
- Rain-Drop Technique
- Salt & Oils Scrub
- Meditation Instruction private session
- Feng Shui Support and Class
- Tarot Card
Prices for this alternative healing techniques and activities varies, please ask us about them.
Dinner at the Lodge.
Late night optional Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
6:30-7:30: Sunrise Yoga session at the terrace of the lodge.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer to Guayaquil, on the way we will stop at Propueblo NGO - San Antonio 15 minutes north of Montanita and Manglaralto, visit arts and crafts first class creations by locals.
By noontime, arrival to Guayaquil and check in at Oro Verde Hotel.
PM
Depart for Guayaquil City tour.
Visit the city starting with Centennial Park on 9 de Octubre Avenue. Continue along this avenue to see how the city has been renovated, past the first fire station, the Masonic temple and some buildings from the beginning of the 20th century. Opposite the Cathedral you can go into Seminario Park, also known as Iguana Park, which is famous for its iguanas lounging in the sunshine. Our next stop will be at the Southern Market at Malecon 2000, to visit Integration Plaza and the artisan market, the Union Club and the first fort in Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (first mayor of Guayaquil) stands in front of the Guayas River.
The tour continues along Malecon Simon Bolivar to our next stop: Civic Plaza, where you can visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and the Rotonda monument. Continue by car to Las Peñas, the old neighborhood where the city was born, located at the foot of Santa Ana Hill.
Then to we will take you on a yacht tour by the Guayas River, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city at night.
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