Classic Galapagos Safari Camp
8 days / 7 nights

A combination of private land activities with shared boat excursions to neighboring islands.

Explore the amazing Enchanted Island of Galapagos, staying at eco-luxury tents that surrounded the Galapagos National Park in the highlands of the Santa Cruz Island, close to the tortoise reserve.  The tents follow the African safari tradition in which guests enjoy total comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form.

Day 1:  Arrival at Quito International Airport – Hotel

• Transfer from airport to the hotel.

Day 2:  Quito – Middle of the World “Mitad del Mundo”

• Departing from the hotel early in the morning, we begin the tour driving to the north of the city to visit the Equatorial monument “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), situated at 0^o0’0” latitude where the French Geodesic Expedition according to planet calculations, designated the center of the world.  Visit the Intiñán Museum.
• After this visit, we will drive back to downtown Quito, making a stop at the Botanical Garden, a project for protection, conservancy and education for Andean flora of Ecuador.
• For lunch we will have a typical delicious menu, and then we will go to visit the colonial site of Quito and its churches and cathedrals:  the gothic Basilica, the Compañía de Jesús, the Convent of San Francisco, among others.  We will visit the Plaza Grande where is located the Presidential Palace, the Major’s Office, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop Palace.  Back to the hotel.

Meals included:  breakfast, lunch

Day 3:  In Search of the Giant Tortoise

• Once you arrive at the Baltra Airport, you will cross the narrow Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, heading up to a farm in the highlands for a delicious lunch.  You will then have the opportunity to explore the area’s vegetation and microclimates, as well as pit craters and lava tunnels, and to learn more about the Scalesia and Guayabillo forests.  At the Tortoise Reserve, share some time in the giant tortoises’ natural habitat, surrounded by the abundant bird life of the area.  Your afternoon will end at the Galapagos Safari Camp with a sunset cocktail followed by dinner.

Day 4 & 5:  Explore Neighboring Islands

• After an early wake-up call, a motor vessel will take you to one of the uninhabited neighboring islands:  North Seymour, Bartholomew, Plazas, Santa Fe, Floreana or Isabela.  Each island has its own unique natural habitat and is an endemic treasure to explore and enjoy.  The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest marine reserve in the world, and snorkeling off the boat is a highlight recommended.

Day 6:  Exploring the East

• In the morning, you will be driven to the eastern part of the island.  At 490m above sea level, Cerro Mesa Reserve offers spectacular views of the largest crater on Santa Cruz Island, exotic plants and seven subspecies of finch and the elusive vermilion flycatcher.  After lunch, you will visit Garrapatero Beach, with stunning contrasts of mangroves, black lava, white sand and turquoise water – including a flamingo lagoon.  Kayaking and mountain biking are optional activities.

Day 7:  Sunrise Walk and Departure

• Enjoy the serenity that Galapagos Safari Camp has to offer.  Relax, walk or enjoy the sunrise from our observatory before your airport transfer.  Flight back to Quito and accommodation at a hotel in Quito.

Day 8:  Hotel – International Airport of Quito

• Transfer to the airport for international flight.  End of the tour.