TRIP DURATION:
10 Days/9 Nights - Start and end in Quito

DEPARTURES:
2 departures per month, year round
- 2010 dates to be posted, please contact us

TRIP COST:
US$2349 per person plus local payment US$350

From the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world, to the depths of the enriched and unexplored waters of Galapagos, our carefully planned Multi Activity tour is a must for all lovers of outdoor adventure.

Whether you are diving with harmless sharks, playful sea lions, giant manta rays, or just enjoying the company of the Giant Galapagos Tortoise. Our 10-day Adventure tour is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 1
ARRIVAL DAY QUITO.
Welcome to one of the highest capital cities in the world, Quito. You are free arrive anytime you wish and take in some of the many sites. There will be a welcome letter waiting for you at the hotel plus an information pack with a list of things to do and see, in and around Quito. That evening there will be a full briefing on the week ahead and the logistics of your tour in Galapagos. Evening welcome dinner (D)

Day 2
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND.
The trip begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Here you will be meet by our friendly staff and transferred to your hotel. After lunch will we make our way to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we will have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. After we jump on the bikes for an exhilarating down hill through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. We will pay a visit to the Interpretation Center and learn the mysterious history of Galapagos, "The Enchanted Islands". Later we hit Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful Sea lions and Frigates birds, gliding on the thermals. That evening we will have a welcome dinner of some of the islands fresh fish and produce. (B, L, D)

Day 3
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND.
The day begins with a short boat ride in the Christine to Kicker Rock, observing the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos to swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. A real highlight of the trip! We then continue onto Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea. A truly impressive sight! Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. After we head to Puerto Grande, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands and return to port late in the afternoon.
(B, L OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE)

Day 4
FLOREANA AND ISABELA ISLANDS.
This morning we depart San Cristobal Island to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way. Here will be experience some of the best snorkelling in the islands at Champions bay or Devils Crown. We depart Floreana to Isabela Island after a full days boating and snorkelling. (B, L, D )

Day 5
ISABELA.
A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and the second largest crater in the world. A full days hiking, you will be able to experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we visit the Breeding Centre of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos. This evening we kick back at the bar on the beach to enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L)

Day 6
ISABELA.
By pick up truck and on foot we make our way the wall of tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we'll pop in and visit Pink flamingos, also stopping at the lookout and one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way. After lunch we'll snorkel at the Concha Perla and observe resting marine turtles. Later, a zodiac tour of the bay where you can observe up close, the only penguins found close to the equator. (B, L, D)

Day 7
SANTA CRUZ.
Today is an early morning departure to the Island of Santa Cruz. We will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding or surfing. (B, L, D )

Day 8
SANTA CRUZ, SANTA FE, SAN CRISTOBAL.
Today we pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoises and Land Iguanas in captivity, brought back form the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a relaxing dive/snorkel in a beautiful bay where we can observe marine iguanas feeding off rocks and schools of surgeon fish just below the surface. Return to San Cristobal. Evening group dinner to celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic trip. (B, L, D)

Day 9
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND.
We bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands with some last minute souvenir shopping and free time! Depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito with transfer to the hotel. Our representative will be able to advise you and help with some of the many day tours available in and around Quito (B, L, D)

Day 10
QUITO, DEPARTURE DAY (B).

Not Included

PAYING LOCALLY

Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash.

All prices are approximates and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

See our webpage for full details: www.southernexposuretours.co.nz