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The Galapagos are located six hundred miles west of the Ecuadorian coastline. Its wonders span from the most varied and incredible geological formations: lava flows, blowholes, spatter cones, lava tunnels, to beaches of olive, black, or white sand and the most diverse species of animal and plant life. The most surprising sight for visitors however, is perhaps the varied species of animals, which inspired Charles Darwin on his visit in 1835. |
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| ESSENCE OF THE AREA |
| A trip to the Galapagos is a unique and unforgettable nature experience. What this destination requires is a spirit of adventure, a love of nature, time, and money. You cannot simply enjoy the Galapagos on a shoestring. A destination for birdwatchers and true lovers of nature, this is not a beach destination. The cruise ships are exploration vessels and are very comfortable, but do not expect a Caribbean-style cruise ship. The highlights are nature, conservation, bird watching.
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| RECOMMENDED STAY |
| In order to get to the Galapagos, you will need at least an overnight in Quito before and after your cruise, so you need to add 2 nights to your Galapagos itinerary, as you are building your package. From your hotel in Quito, you will be transferred to Quito's domestic airport to board your flight to the islands. At the airport in the Galapagos (not all cruise ships use the same airport), you will be transferred to the pier to board your ship, which will be your home during your visit. The cruise ships travel at night arriving at the different islands at day-break ready for the morning excursions, where you will be taken ashore in small groups in a dingy led by naturalist guides on a planned itinerary that will allow you to explore this wonderful group of islands. You can choose your itinerary based on your time and budget, since the ships have set departures. Make sure you start your itinerary by booking your cruise first, and work the rest of your itinerary around. Most of the Cruise ships have a 3-night itinerary, 4-night itinerary and the 7-night itinerary (which is the combination of the 3 and 4-night itinerary giving you the opportunity to experience all islands). It is also important for you to choose your cruise ship according to your needs and wants; you can have an intimate experience on the smaller 16 passenger ships, as these ships get closer to the islands providing you with better appreciation of nature; you can choose a medium size 36 to 38 passenger cruise ship that gives you more room and provides you more amenities than the smaller ones; you can also go for the comfort of a larger 90 to 100 passenger first-class cruise ship, with swimming pools, libraries etc.
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| MUST SEE |
This a quick overview of the highlights and the animal life of each island:
(You will see all of these islands only if you do the 7-night itinerary)
San Cristobal Island: Sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed Boobies; the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
Bartholome Island:
Pinnacle Rock:
James Island: Fur-sea lion colony, outstanding snorkeling or swimming from the beach.
Tower Island: Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.
North Seymour Island: Bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and marine iguanas.
Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens.
Isabela Island: Giant tortoises and land iguanas.
Fernandina Island: Marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks.
Hood Island: Giant tortoises and land iguanas, sea bird colonies, and the famous blowhole. Great hike for blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site.
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