The ecotourism company, Aventouras, offers its first eight-day, seven-night land-based Galapagos trip from May 26 to June 2. Trips begin in Quito, Ecuador, and are restricted to 12 people, so participants can enjoy small authentic accommodations.
On the land-based Galapagos multi-sport adventure, participants travel by private boat to visit three islands for snorkeling, hiking into the highlands and exploring the towns of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, and Puerto Villamil. Overnight stays are in comfortable beachfront hotels.
Galapagos hiking and snorkeling
During the day, participants hike with giant tortoises at El Chato Tortoise Reserve, explore Post Office Bay, snorkel by Champion Island, visit the Devil's Crown, hike to Sierra Negra Crater and tour the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Cost for the land-based Galapagos package is $2,998 per person. The inaugural trip is reduced to $2,498. The single supplement is $500.
Cruises to Galapagos Islands
Aventouras Galapagos cruises range from four- to eight-days, in a variety of basic to luxury yachts. Small motor yachts house 16 passengers in eight double cabins, with private bathrooms. Passengers can watch wildlife from the yachts' dining rooms, sitting areas and sun decks.
On five-day Galapagos cruises, passengers visit the sea lions at Isla Lobos, the marine iguanas and lava lizards on Hood Island and Post Office Bay and Devils Crown on Floreana. Eight-day Galapagos cruises visit Las Bachas, Santiago Island, Gardner Bay and Bartholome Island.
The 210-foot 48-passenger Eclipse is one of the most luxurious yachts in the Galapagos. Passengers can eat in an elegant indoor dining room or in the dining area around the dip pool. The observation/sun deck on the Eclipse is perfect for star-gazing, whale-watching and relaxing on lounge chairs. Costs depend on cruise length, yacht and cabin selected.
The land-based Galapagos multi-sport package is available as a private or custom trip. It can also be combined with a Galapagos cruise and/or trip on mainland Ecuador to explore five distinct ecological zones with unique climates, vegetation and wildlife.
