Galapagos Legend Cruise itinerary
(Note: Coral I and II vary slightly - click here for details)

Day 1
Galapagos (Baltra Airport).  Departure from Guayaquil to Baltra
(aprox. two and half hour flight). Passengers will be picked up at the airport
by our guides and taken to the pier to board the boat.
Bartolome.  Dry landing. Passengers will see volcanic formations like lava
bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After hiking to the summit you can enjoy a
great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff
cone. During the hike to the summit, travelers will often see colonies of
marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla, and various cacti. Visitors will be
able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white-tipped
reef sharks from a safe distance.

Day 2
Urbina Bay (Isabela).  Wet landing. Passengers will visit the fossil beach
and coral area. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant
tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will
have time for snorkeling.
Fernandina (Espinosa Point).  Dry landing. Visitors will see the biggest
marine iguanas mingling with sally light-foot crabs, as well as flightless
cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and
sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will spot
brachycereus cactus, and "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA" lava formations.
Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea.

Day 3
Santiago (Egas Port).  Wet landing on a dark sand beach. Most of the
landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. You can observe hunting
herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons and
oyster catchers. Passengers will see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds
alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur seals
swimming in deep cool-water pools. Here you can swim and snorkel and find
octopuses, sea horses, star fish.

Rábida (Jervis).  Wet landing. The volcano-formed beach is dark red and is
often occupied by sea lions. It's considered the geographic center of
Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands.
You'll hike to a salt water lagoon, where flamingos can sometimes be found.
July through September is a good time to observe brown pelicans nesting in
the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches can also be
observed. You can take a ride along the reefs in a dinghy, as well as
snorkel.

Day 4
Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station).  Travelers will visit the
Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed with international scientists
conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here guests can
admire the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program. Visitors
can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Later
on, you'll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Santa Cruz (Highlands).  Travelers can trek through the highlands of Santa
Cruz and visit Cerro Chato, where they will be able to observe the famous
giant tortoises. Additionally, travelers can walk inside the dormant lava
tubes.

Day 5
Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach).  Wet landing. This beach is located on the north
side of Santa Cruz Island. Visitors will encounter many sea birds, marine
iguanas, sea turtles, and have the opportunity to swim on the white-sand
beach. Return to the Galapagos Legend, check out and transfer to Baltra's
airport. Return flight to Guayaquil.
 

 

TRIP DETAILS
Machu Picchu + Galapagos
6 days: $2995 per person
 

Joining the Tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel.  No bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis!

What's included in the trip: 

·     All airport transfers

·     Southern Crossings bilingual guides

·     All other internal transport (excluding transport to optional restaurants, bars, sights and excursions)

·     Flights to and from the Galapagos from Guayaquil

·     One night of hotel accommodation, four nights aboard ship in the Galapagos

·     Breakfast included with all hotel stays

·     Five day/four night Galapagos cruise, including all food, excursions, fuel surcharge of $90.00 and Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US$ 10.00)

·     Southern Crossings T-shirt or cap

 

What's not included
International flights, airport taxes (approx. US$45), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a policy. Check www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.

In the Galapagos, the following is not included:

-  Galapagos National Park Tax: US$ 100.00 (this is paid in the Guayaquil airport)

-  Snorkeling equipment (US$ 20.00)

-  Wet suit (US$ 25.00)

-  Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, not including water which is provided.

-  Medical Services, travel insurance and other not specified.

-  Tips & personal expenses.

 

Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip:
In Guayaquil: $130 double/ $95 single

 

Single Person Supplement: $150
Please add this to your total payment if you will be traveling alone. Please note that whilst accommodation will be private in Guayaquil, you will be sharing with another person of the same sex on the Galapagos cruise. Please talk to your Southern Crossings representative if you would like a quote on private accommodation.

 

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

 

Required documents

All travelers to Ecuador are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest embassy or consulate.  An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

 

Required immunizations

No vaccinations or immunizations are required for this tour.

 

Things to bring

One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:

 

·         Passport and, if necessary, visa

·         Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

·         Airline ticket

·         Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

·         Wearable pouch for documents and money

·         Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

·         Smaller, comfortable day pack

·         Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

·         Sandals or flip-flops 

·         Rain poncho or jacket

·         Waterproof pants

·         Sun hat

·         Hat for cold weather

·         Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

·         Scarf and gloves

·         T-shirts

·         Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

·         Towel and swimsuit

·         Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

·         Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

·         Sunscreen

·         Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)

·         Lip balm

·         Earplugs

·         Alarm clock or watch

·         Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

·         Camera and film/digital memory cards

·         Camera batteries

·         Playing cards, games, reading material

·         Prescription medications

·         Snorkeling gear/wet suit (both available for rental on the Galapagos boat)
 

Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Ecuador.  It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.

 

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:

Guayaquil and Galapagos: hot and humid, rain always possible.  Galapagos can have a cooler, more moderate climate depending on current conditions.

 

Baggage
For your international flights, please check with your  airline.  Within Ecuador, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item.  The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

 

 

Money guide

Currency Converter
 

The unit of currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.

Automatic cash points are available in Guayaquil. Credit cards and cash are accepted on the Galapagos cruise and in Puerto Ayora.  Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks (American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options.  Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange.
 

Expect to spend about US$4-11 on a meal, US$2.50 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru.  Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect.  Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30.

 

The Galapagos are about 20% more expensive than the rest of Ecuador, although most things you would need to spend money on are included within your cruise package.