Wonders of the Galapagos Islands
Feb 5 to 13, 2010

printer friendly

Explore a region unmatched in its beauty and its importance in natural history when you join this journey of a lifetime to the legendary Galpagos Islands aboard the state-of-the-art exploration vessel M.V. SANTA CRUZ. Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Galpagos Islands are overflowing with life, including species not found anywhere else in the world, like the flightless cormorant and the marine iguana. With virtually no natural predators on the islands, the abundant wildlife is fearless and accepts human company up-close like nowhere else on earth. Walk among 400-pound tortoises, nearly touch spiny-backed iguanas and snorkel in crystal clear waters alongside sea lions and tropical penguins. Throughout this journey, discover the priceless natural treasures of the Galpagos in the company of our team of expert naturalists, whose knowledge and enthusiasm will enhance your appreciation of this fascinating and mysterious natural realm. This unique itinerary also includes time in Ecuador, featuring visits to the colorful Andean market of Otavalo, colonial Quito and a traditional Inca village. We are also pleased to offer a six-night Post-Program Option to Perus legendary lost city, Machu Picchu, and the historic cities of Lima and Cuzco.

Waitlist Only

Trip length: 9 days

Activity Level: Active

Pricing: Begins at $3,895 per person for land/cruise only and depends on cabin chosen. *Book before Aug. 28, 2009 and save $500 per person. Call for airfare prices from your hometown.

Provider: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Learn more by downloading our brochure.

To receive a brochure in the mail, click here.

To make a reservation on the phone with a credit card, call Wolf Treks Travel Coordinator Kathy Hart at 800.627.2586 or 919.515.3375.

Itinerary

Day
1 – Depart from the U.S.
2 – Quito
3 – Otavalo (Quito)
4 – Quito/Fly to Galpagos Islands/Embark M.V. Santa Cruz
5 – Bartolom Island/Santiago Island
6 – Rbida Island/North Seymour Island
7 – Santa Cruz Island/Charles Darwin Research Station
8 – San Cristbal Island/Disembark M.V. Santa Cruz to fly to Guayaquil
9 – Depart Guayaquil/Return to the U.S.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the magnificent natural treasures of the Galpagos Islands on this customized itinerary aboard the M.V. SANTA CRUZ, a state-of-the-art, eco-savvy exploration vessel designed specifically to navigate the Galpagos Islands. Discover how the harsh landscape of the Galpagos has become a safe, thriving home for the quirky finches and primeval iguanas that inspired Charles Darwins theory of natural selection and evolution.Learn about the Galpagos unique ecosystem, natural history and the challenges facing its environment during daily briefings and presentations by our ships team of expert naturalists. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the worlds most exotic wildlife from unparalleled proximity as you stroll among seal colonies, come face to face with giant tortoises and swim with dolphins and sea lions.

• Explore a magical underwater worldincluding breathtaking coral, tropical penguins and a myriad of fish and mammalswhile snorkeling and riding aboard the ships special glass-bottom boat.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe and learn about efforts to protect the Galpagos rare giant tortoises and other indigenous species.
• Discover some of the finest colonial architecture in South America during your stay in Quito, a cosmopolitan city known for its dynamic culture and vibrant street life.

• Venture into the Andean highlands for visits to a traditional village and the ancient Andean town of Otavalo, site of one of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.

M.V. Santa Cruz

The charm, intimacy and personal service of the small-ship cruise experience are the hallmarks of travel aboard the first-class expedition vessel, M.V. Santa Cruz. Her ability to navigate the Galpagos archipelagos narrow channels, shallow bays and environmentally sensitive waters, ensures that participants enjoy the most comprehensive access possible to the region. Each of its 44 cabins features private bathroom facilities, air conditioning and an ocean view. All meals, featuring international and Ecuadorian specialties, are served in single, unassigned seatings in the ships inviting dining room. The M.V. Santa Cruz offers a wide array of modern amenities and facilities, including a full fleet of Zodiacs for landings on the islands and a glass-bottom boat for viewing the aquatic environment.

Program Features

In Quito

• Three nights in the superior first-class Hilton Coln Hotel.
• Welcome reception.
• Full American breakfast daily.
• Tour of Quitos historic colonial district.
• Excursion to the ancient Andean town of Otavalo, site of one of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.

• Air transportation from Quito to the Galpagos Islands included.

On board the M.V. Santa Cruz

• Four-night cruise from Baltra to San Cristbal Island with calls at Santa Cruz, Bartolom, Santiago, Rbida and North Seymour islands.
• Accommodations in tastefully appointed outside staterooms with private bathroom facilities.
• Three meals served each day featuring international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
• Six multilingual naturalists sharing their in-depth insight and specialized expertise about the Galpagos distinctive ecosystem and wildlife during daily excursions and multimedia presentations.
• Two island excursions each day by Zodiac landing craft, focusing on the natural history, unique wildlife and conservation efforts in the Galpagos (conditions and weather permitting).
• Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the worlds most exotic wildlife from unparalleled proximity.
• Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe and learn about efforts to protect the islands rare giant tortoises and other indigenous species.
• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• Glass-bottom boat for further exploration of the Galpagos diverse marine life.

• Air transportation from the Galpagos Islands to Guayaquil included.

In Guayaquil

• One night in the deluxe Hilton Coln Hotel.
• Full American breakfast.
• City tour of Guayaquil.

• Farewell reception.

Enhanced Travel Services

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions.
• Services of an experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Director to accompany you throughout the program.
• Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard the ship.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information for each participant.

• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

Machu Picchu Post-Program Option

Complement your Galpagos journey with this extension to the mysterious and enchanting Inca complex of Machu Picchu, located in the Peruvian Andes and obscured from humankind for 400 years by lush jungle growth and the isolation of the mountains. Additionally, explore historic Lima, the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, the beautiful Urubamba Valley and the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamn.