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South Africa Big 5 Wildlife and Community
Galapagos Experience
£2,329 Land Only (trip code: EGGE) 3 weeks
£2,329, 3 weeks, across Ecuador, & Galapagos
Trip Highlights
- Adventure to the Galapagos islands and help preserve its unique wildlife
- Visit the Galapagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat
- Get to know the ¨Real¨ Galapagos by spending quality time at 3 unique islands
- Learn from local scientists about the current social and environmental issues affecting the islands!
- Return flights from Quito to Galapagos Islands included!
Trip Summary
See full itineraryWhat's included?
- Pick up transfer on arrival
- Two nights in Quito on arrival
- Orientation in Quito
- Hostel in Quito to airport transfer
- Return flights from Quito to Galapagos Islands
- All accommmodation
- Boat transfers between islands
- Return airport transfer in Quito
- Some meals
What's not included?
- International flights
- Return transfers from the Isabela Islands back to the hostel in Quito
- National Park entrance fee and tourist card to enter the Galapagos (US$110)
- Travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Quito
- Some meals on the islands
- Return boat transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz
- Return bus transfer to Baltra airport on Santa Cruz
Follow in Darwin’s footsteps on this Galapagos adventure and uncover the beauty and unique natural landscape of these South American islands.
The Galapagos adventure travel package is a great way for anyone interested in visiting places that are off the beaten track (and then some!) and who want to get involved in environmental volunteer work.
There are a variety of different projects to help preserve the endemic species, plus the unique flora and fauna the islands are so famed for. Some of the highlights include the chance to see the Galapagos giant tortoise in the wild, preserving and restoring the native habitat and exploring the islands from land and sea.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (21)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 19 Feb 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 4 Mar 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 18 Mar 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 1 Apr 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 15 Apr 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 6 May 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 20 May 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 3 Jun 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 17 Jun 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 1 Jul 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 15 Jul 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 5 Aug 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 19 Aug 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 2 Sep 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 16 Sep 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 7 Oct 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 21 Oct 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 4 Nov 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 18 Nov 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 2 Dec 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
| Sun, 16 Dec 2012 | 3 weeks | £2,329 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
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A typical itinerary (3 weeks)
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Week 1: Conservation (3 weeks)
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Week 2: Environmental, community and social projects (3 weeks)
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Week 3: Tours (3 weeks)
A typical itinerary: 3 weeks
Next LegDestination info
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands nearly a thousand kilometres west of mainland Ecuador. They are famed for their unique wildlife along with playing an incredibly important role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. On this unusual adventure travel experience you will be ideally placed to experience the wildlife and habitats of these islands first hand while contributing to their preservation.
- Location: Galapagos
Your first couple of nights on this adventure will be in spent in the city of Quito in mainland Ecuador. From there you will transfer to Santa Cruz, which hosts the largest human population of any of the islands. Some of the highlights of your stay in Santa Cruz include:
- Visits to Los Gemelos and Primicias Ranch to observe Galapagos giant tortoises
- Tours around the Charles Darwin Station and Breeding Centre
- A trip to Tortuga Bay beach, one of the most pristine beaches in the Galapagos.
- The diverse marine life of Academy Bay
- Getting involved in conservation projects
During the second week of your Galapagos travel adventure you will transfer via speedboat to the island of San Cristobel. The type of volunteer work you do will vary depending on what time of year you are there but you will always be given plenty of time to explore your incredible surroundings.
The final part of your Galapagos adventure unfolds on the picturesque island of Isabela. Your activities here may include:
- Guided tours of the Isabela Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Wall of Tears
- A trip to the small island of Las Tinoreras, where you will get the chance to see penguins, sharks, pelicans and iguanas.
- Exploring the otherworldly landscape and lava formations of Volcan Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico.
Remember, if you would like more information, our expert travel advisors are always on hand to answers any questions you may have regarding the Galapagos Adventure Travel experience.
Destination info
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands nearly a thousand kilometres west of mainland Ecuador. They are famed for their unique wildlife along with playing an incredibly important role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. On this unusual adventure travel experience you will be ideally placed to experience the wildlife and habitats of these islands first hand while contributing to their preservation.
- Location: Santa Cruz
Upon arrival into Santa Cruz you will receive a warm reception at the canal prior to a visit to los gemelos and primicias ranch where you may get to watch Galapagos Giant Tortoise in the wild (please note this trip is not available during Christmas and New Year). The afternoon will include a visit to the Charles Darwin Station and Breeding Centre. Breakfast and hostel accommodation included.
Next day you will visit Tortuga Bay Beach, one of the most pristine white sand beaches in the Galapagos. In the afternoon or morning tour Academy Bay. During the trip you can observe the diversity of the underwater world and with a little bit of luck see some of the bigger inhabitants of the ocean, like marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks or manta rays. Breakfast and hostel accommodation included.
The following day starts with orientation in Pto Ayora and will get involved with conservation activities at the project at highland of the Island. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer house accommodation included.
Spend the day enjoying project work where you may have the opportunity to see large groups of wild tortoises. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer house accommodation included. The following day you Leave the project after lunch, and spend the night at the town. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer hostel accommodation included. And you have a further free day to explore the island or book extra tours.
Destination info
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands nearly a thousand kilometres west of mainland Ecuador. They are famed for their unique wildlife along with playing an incredibly important role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. On this unusual adventure travel experience you will be ideally placed to experience the wildlife and habitats of these islands first hand while contributing to their preservation.
- Location: San Cristobal
Around 2pm, take the speed boat from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal. Upon arrival into San Cristobal around 4.30pm, you will take a taxi to your accommodation at the hostel in the town, no meals included.
For the next two days, you will be based in the Biological station helping out with Project work. This will vary according to the time you are there and will be discussed on arrival to the Island. Volunteer house accommodation included with three meals a day.
You will leave the Biological station in the morning after the group activity and then have the day free to explore the island. You will spent the night at a hostel and will need to prepare your own meals.
The next two days are yours, to explore or book more tours.
You depart from San Cristobal early morning 6:30am, going via Santa Cruz, to spend your next week on Isabella -one of the most pristine Islands of the Galapagos. Hostel accommodation included – no meals included.
Week 3: Tours: 3 weeks
Destination info
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands nearly a thousand kilometres west of mainland Ecuador. They are famed for their unique wildlife along with playing an incredibly important role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. On this unusual adventure travel experience you will be ideally placed to experience the wildlife and habitats of these islands first hand while contributing to their preservation.
- Location: Isabela
Start off with a guided visit to the Isabela Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Wall of Tears - this wall was erected by convicts in the first half of this century when the area served as a penal colony. Many prisioners died during the work due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions and the construction earned its infamous name Wall of Tears or Muro de las Lagrimas. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.
The next day, you're off to Tintoreras Islet Tour. From the Wharf you will board a speedboat that will take you for a ride around the bay or the small island of Las Tintoreras (white-fin sharks). Witness penguins, sharks, blue-legged piqueros, pelicans, iguanas and sea lions. There will be some time to snorkel (snorkel gear included) where you will be able to get a great view of the many different varieties of fish. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.
Enjoy a tour of Volcan Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico on the third day. Admire the beautiful landscapes and different lava formations produced by the most recent eruptions. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.
You then have a free day to explore the beautiful Island. Snorkel with sea lions at Concha Perla, lay on the beach, watch flamingos, or book extra tours. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.
Your last day has an early departure to Santa Cruz to catch your flight back to Quito. Transfer not included but can be easily arranged by onsite staff. Night back included at the hostel in Quito
Trip Notes Download
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum 17 years with written parental consent, maximum depends on potential participants’ health.
Accommodation
Your first two nights on Sunday and Monday you will be staying at a hostel in Quito. In Santa Cruz Island you will spend Tuesday and Wednesday staying at a hostel in a shared room. For the latter part of your time in Santa Cruz you will stay at a volunteer house in the reserve in shared dorm rooms. The house has a dining room, single sex bathrooms, cold showers, a fully equipped kitchen, computer area, reading area, laundry room and medium sized sports field.
During your stay on San Cristobal Island you will stay in one of two houses in the biological station in shared dorm rooms. The houses are very rustic and basic made from a mixture of materials of native bamboo and cement. Separated from the houses there is a dining room and a kitchen. The reserve has electricity but there is no Internet or telephone access. You will spend your last two nights in a hostel in shared accommodation. During your volunteer work on Isabela Island you will be staying at a family hostel with double and triple rooms. The hostel has hot water for showers, a dining room, electricity and common areas to share with the family and other volunteers.
Meals
While in Quito, breakfasts are included, however you will need to buy your own lunch and dinner. At the hostel on Santa Cruz only breakfast is included while at the volunteer house you will receive three meals a day. Three meals are included during your stay at the station house on San Cristobal. At the hostel you will need to buy and prepare your own food. Whilst on Isabela, you will receive breakfast and dinner each day.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. Can you help me with flights to the Galapagos?
We are happy to help with flights and can add them to your itinerary when placing your deposit.
2. How many people will I be with?
Group sizes vary from month to month, as you travel to each conservation station you will meet volunteers at different points. It is a popular destination and you are sure to make lots of friends.
3. How much money will I need?
For general spending money it is suggested that you budget to have approximately £50-£75 per week that you are on the experience. If there are specific excursions or extra activities that you plan to do in your spare time then consider travelling with more money.
4. Which Islands do I visit?
The Galapagos Experience is a great way to explore the islands, during your time at the placement you will spend time on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela.
5. What is the average age of those taking part?
We get a vast array of different ages taking part, each month can vary. We can give you advice on the ages of those booked on when you speak to one of the team.
What will I see in Galapagos?
17 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewCarrie-anne Nash, 3rd Oct 2010 - 23rd Oct 2010
I loved all the galapagos islands but the last week in Isabela was a fantastic way to finish off the trip. My best day was my free day but the trips were all good as well. Isabela is just a beautiful island.
1. Prepare to get dirty and very dusty! bring clothes and shoes that you are happy to get ruined, some of the dust was ingrained in my clothes even after washing. 2. Do as many extra trips as you can afford, there is just so much to see and the snorkelling is fantastic. 3. You are going to a place most people can only dream about, so ENJOY IT!
Beautiful, Amazing, you don't need luxuries galapagos is a luxury!
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Fiona Paterson, 2nd Oct 2010 - 23rd Oct 2010
Swimming with Sea Lions Seeing my first Giant land Tortoise, and all the Marine Iguanas
FANTASTIC, would do it again in a heart beat
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Pamela Robertson, 2nd Oct 2010 - 23rd Oct 2010
Snorkling with turtles and sea lions on Isabela. Climbing Sierra Negra on Isabela. Seeing maring iguanas everywhere! The fiendliness of the Ecuadorian people.
Take warm clothes as well as sun clothes. Take an little umbrella - great for quick showers or as a parasol / small wind break.
Wonderful experience of the real Galapagos - islands, animals and people.
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Emma Jameson, 5th Jun 2010 - 26th Jun 2010
San Cristobol volunteering Surfing lessons Scuba Diving Swimming with sea lions and sharks
Take lots of suncream and mosquito repelant. Take long sleeved tops for volunteering
AMAZING TIME, made life long friends.
Susan Andrews, 31st Jan 2010 - 21st Feb 2010
The sun, sea, beaches, boats and wildlife were amazing.
More information on conditions, ie wet/ dry seasons and what clothing is really needed.
Having recovered from the horror of Jatun Sacha I loved the trip. The sun, sea, beaches, boats and wildlife were amazing. i think that myh original plan for 4 weeks with the tortoises may have been three weeks too may, the three different Islands was just perfect.
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Eva-louise Antona, 31st Jan 2010 - 21st Feb 2010
Being somewhere as special as the Galapagos Islands, the lovely ladies I met on the same trip as me, the animals...EVERYTHING!!
1 -Learn the local language - not just a bit but enough to communicate if you are ever alone...and so you understand what is being said around you! 2 - Travel as basic as you can, you can always buy what you don't need and it's better to have stuff with you you will not miss if lost or ruined! 3 - Write home to family & friends as much as you can & share the joy with them- they'll love you for it!
Trip of a lifetime even the bad bits made me strong!
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