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From toddlers to grandparents, this special itinerary for families is carefully crafted by your GIA hosts Jose Luis & Erika, a family themselves with kids ages 2, 4 & 13! This adventure will keep the kids and adults happy with the incredible wildlife.
Itineraries
Day 1
Welcome to Ecuador!
You will fly from your home airport to Guayaquil Airport (GYE) on the coast of mainland Ecuador. Depending on where you are flying from, this could take most of the day and have you arriving at night. Your Guide will meet you at the airport and take all of you to the beautiful Wyndham Hotel (rated #1 on TripAdvisor) on the Guayas River. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness center with Jacuzzis, steam bath, sauna and gym. An incredible buffet breakfast is included. The hotel is right on the Malecon 2000, a riverfront walk full of cafés & shops. It will be good to rest and prepare for the full day ahead.
Day 2
Fun & Interesting Day For All Ages In Guayaquil
Today your guide will pick you up after your delicious breakfast, and take you for a private full-day tour of the highlights of Guayaquil. The tour will be at your own pace and can be customized based on the interests of the group.
The highlights include a stroll through the historic Las Peñas neighborhood with its panoramic views of the city and river, and the remarkable buildings reminiscent of 16th century colonial Guayaquil. On Santa Ana Hill, from which armed forces protected Guayaquil from invading pirates, you may observe the lighthouse, cannons, Naval Museum and a panoramic viewpoint of the city.
Your day will also include a visit to the older side of Guayaquil including cocoa and banana plantations, and a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate making process. You will also visit nearby Parque Historico, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, many species of birds, and playful monkeys!
Your guide will find options for lunch at the appropriate time, although the cost of lunch is not included in the tour. At the end of the day your guide will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax, perhaps have dinner at one of the many choices on the Malecon (not included), and prepare for your morning flight to Galapagos the next day.
Day 3
Arrival Galapagos!
You will have your Private GIA Naturalist Guide for your entire time in Galapagos.
When you arrive at Baltra airport, your Guide will be waiting for you to begin your Galapagos experience! From the airport you will board a bus that will take you to the Itabaca canal (approximately 15 minutes). Your guide will then help you get your luggage on the ferry, and you will enjoy the quick trip across the canal (about 10 minutes). Your luggage will be transferred to your private shuttle for the drive to Puerto Ayora and your hotel (approximately 1 hour). You will have time to check in & get settled, as well as find lunch amongst the many options in P.A. (List of suggestions will be provided). In the afternoon, we will visit Charles Darwin Station, where you will observe giant tortoises in captivity and learn about the breeding program of this majestic animal. Return to the Hotel. Welcome Dinner.
Day 4 & 5 (Days 2 & 3 Galapagos)
Tour by Yacht w/Private GIA Naturalist Guide
On these water tour days, you will first enjoy breakfast and then be picked up by your guide. You will get to visit one of these special places based on availability: NORTH SEYMOUR, SOUTH PLAZAS, BARTOLOME, SANTA FE, CHINESE HAT. Optional activities may include walking, swimming and snorkeling. Lunch will be served on board. After your exciting day you will return to the Hotel, Dinner (not included).
Day 6 (Day 4 Galapagos)
Tortuga Bay Beach & Los Gemelos
In the morning we will take you to the renowned Tortuga Bay Beach to enjoy this white sandy beach and crystal clear water for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking (and paddle boarding for an extra fee). Return to the hotel for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, we will take you to the Galapagos rainforest habitat to visit Los Gemelos (“Twin Craters”) natural volcanic formation at 400 meters above sea level, surrounded by a forest of “escalecía”, an endemic plant of the Galapagos. We will observe the different species of Darwin´s finches as well as Vermilion Flycatchers and, if we’re lucky, the elusive short-eared owls. Los Gemelos is a haven for bird watchers! Next, we will visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz, a Galapagos rain forest, to learn about and enjoy the majesty of the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will also walk through a lava tunnel with 100% volcanic formation. Return to the hotel. Dinner (not included).
Day 7 (Day 5 Galapagos)
Tour by Yacht with your Private GIA Naturalist Guide
On these water tour days, you will first enjoy breakfast and then be picked up by your Naturalist Guide. You will get to visit one of these special places based on availability: NORTH SEYMOUR, SOUTH PLAZAS, BARTOLOME, SANTA FE, CHINESE HAT. Optional activities may include walking, swimming and snorkeling. Lunch will be served on board. After your exciting day you will return to the Hotel, Dinner (not included).
Day 8 (Day 6 Galapagos)
The Trapiche Farm/ Cerro Mesa/El Garrapatero Beach – possibility to see Flamingos at Garrapatero. (exact order depends on weather conditions)
After breakfast, your private Naturalist Guide will pick you up to take you to El Trapiche farm to observe the daily agricultural activities of the island, including coffee production and products made of sugar cane. Then we will take you to Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve where we can find tortoises, land birds, and native plants. We will have lunch among the beautiful landscapes. We continue our tour to El Garrapatero Beach where we will enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel and the opportunity to enjoy flora and fauna from that area, too. Return to the hotel. Tonight we will have a very special Farewell Dinner together as you enjoy telling and hearing stories of the highlights of your trip!
Day 9 (Day 7 Galapagos)
Private transfer out by your Naturalist Guide
Depending on the time of your flight, you will be picked up to go to the Itabaca ferry to make the crossing again, then take the waiting bus to the Baltra airport.
- Accommodation (GIA “First Class” Hotels in Guayaquil and Galapagos) with breakfast.
- Full Day Tour in Guayaquil with private guide, including pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
- Lunch specified in programs
- Welcome and Farewell dinner
- Excursion led by Naturalist Guide (English - Spanish).
- All sea and land transfers.
- Snorkel Equipment (fins/mask/snorkel) specified in the programs
- Wetsuits.
- Taxes.
- Airfare
- Galapagos National Park ticket USD $100 (foreigner).
- Immigration Card CGG USD $20 for all passengers (Pay at Guayaquil airport)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Lunch and Dinner not specified in programs
- Unspecified expenses like Laundry Service, Phone Calls, etc.
- Tips.
Luxury Class
Our Luxury tours include the same exceptional service and itinerary as “Moderate” and “First Class,” the difference being your accommodation: Galapagos Islands’ most extravagant version of a Resort Hotel. All Luxury class hotels include a pool, hot tub, and oceanfront dining. Ocean views from individual rooms likely but not guaranteed. Luxury hotels may also include elevated decor, amenities, scenery and service. Being located in Galapagos, your hosts at GIA are very familiar with each hotel and their staff, and will always ensure that our guests receive the best rooms available as well as the most attentive service at all times.
First Class
Our First Class tours include the same exceptional service and itinerary as “Luxury” (including private guide and private transportation), with the difference being the hotel accommodation. Our first class hotels are beautiful, with most including pools, waterfront restaurants and water views based upon availability. Being located in Galapagos, your hosts at GIA are very familiar with each hotel and their staff, and will always ensure that our guests receive the best rooms available as well as the most attentive service at all times.
Moderate Class
Guests choosing our Moderate tours enjoy the same exceptional service and itinerary as “First Class” and “Luxury” (including private guide and private transportation), but with cost savings in the hotel accommodation. Our Moderate hotels are still very nice and conveniently located, just a few less bells & whistles (such as water views, pools and waterfront restaurants).
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