Country Walkers
United States 800.464.9255
Australia
New Zealand
BrazilUnited States 800.464.9255
RETURN TO TOUR SEARCHDeparture
May 25, 2012
Trip Length
10 Days / 9 Nights
Price (per person)
$5,098
Single Supplement
$1,200
Internal Airfare
$541
Pricing Notes
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Ecuador: Galapagos Islands
Board the Evolution and set sail for sun-dazzled days and relaxing nights of encounters with the infinite natural splendor of these storied islands. This 32-passenger small ship allows you a more intimate way to roam the Galápagos—and see more of them, too. From beaches swarming with sunning iguanas and rare birds to seaside grottoes and cliff-rimmed coves, you’ll explore nine different isles in the company of expert naturalist guides.
Depart from San Cristóbal Island for the sea lions and blue-footed boobies roaming perfect powder-white sands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station tortoise-breeding program. Days spent wandering dormant volcanoes, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming end with evening drinks at your ship’s roof-deck bar, chef-prepared al fresco meals, and nightly presentations that add thought-provoking new dimensions to each day’s experiences.
Please Note: A Galapagos Park Fee of $110 is not included in the 2012 tour price.
We are an active member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).
Together, we have created an important way for the travel industry and travelers to support Galapagos conservation.
Activity Level
GUEST COMMENT
I loved the fact that I was living in a science 'lab' for a week of my adult life. The hands-on learning, contact with the animals, the lectures—it was all so stimulating and fascinating to me!
”Activity Level
Your Ecuador Galapagos Small Ship Cruising Adventure is rated as easy with some moderate terrain and limited walking.
Tour Includes
- Galapagos National Park tax and transit fees
- Visits to nine islands (including outlying Genovesa)
- Daily excursions
- Seven nights on the Evolution
- Hotel accommodations pre- and post-cruise in Guayaquil
- All meals included except on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Days 9 and 10
- Two Level 3 naturalists
- Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
- Kayaks
- All bottled water
- Onboard doctor
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Tips to porters and to waiters for included meals
Meeting Point
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Departure Point
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Travel Insurance
Activity Level
Your Guides
DAY 1U.S. / Guayaquil Fly independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde. (No meals included on this day.) DAY 2Guayaquil / San Cristobal: Playa Ochoa & Kicker Rock Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board the Evolution. Stroll along the white-sand beach at Playa Ochoa, home to a large colony of curious sea lions. Nearby is a tidal lagoon frequented by migratory and endemic bird species, such as flamingos, finches and Chatham mockingbirds. At sunset, cruise around Kicker Rock. Your naturalists point out blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigatebirds along the cliffs.
DAYS 3-8Galapagos voyage Galapagos voyage: Spend the next week in the company of two seasoned, native naturalists on daily excursions that include interpretive walks, hiking, Zodiac rides and enriching lectures on the history, geography and wildlife of the islands. Each day, you also enjoy opportunities to swim and snorkel — usually in the company of playful sea lions, sea turtles and an array of tropical fish. While all Galapagos itineraries are subject to change based on national park regulations, here are just some of the islands you plan to visit aboard the Evolution. Genovesa (Tower) Island: Exploring outlying Genovesa feels like exploring a private wildlife sanctuary! Genovesa Island harbors one of the largest and most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps to an area with colonies of great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies and Galapagos doves. Explore Darwin Bay, home to the nocturnal swallow-tailed gull and the rare lava gull. While anchored at Genovesa, enjoy an opportunity to swim, kayak and snorkel in the calm caldera of this partially eroded volcano. Santa Cruz Island: Head to the Charles Darwin Research Station, famous for its research and tortoise breeding programs. See baby tortoises and meet Lonesome George. In the highlands, observe giant tortoises in the wild. Walk through the forest surr-ounding a pair of pit craters, named “Los Gemelos,” an excellent place to spot vermillion flycatchers. DAY 9Galapagos Is lands / Guayaquil Enjoy a Zodiac ride through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of man-groves. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax at the Hotel Oro Verde. (Dinner not included.) DAY 10Guayaquil / U.S. Sunday you fly to the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Lunch and Dinner not included.) |
Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. |
 | Nights 1 & 9Hotel Oro Verde |
 | Nights 2-8M/V Evolution |
Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours. |
Activity Level
Your Guides
 | Bolivar SanchezA true native Galapagos Naturalist, Bolivar is an expert in Earth science. He developed a strong interest in wildlife and the outdoors as a small boy, and has been learning as much as possible ever since. For the past 18 years he has worked as a certified naturalist guide in Galapagos National Park, sharing his knowledge of the flora and fauna with guests of his beautiful homeland. His great personality and wonderful sense of humor make him a joy to travel with. Boli's other interests include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and hiking. |
 | Alex CoxLevel 3-certified guide Alex Cox developed a strong interest in wildlife and the outdoors as a small boy on the island of San Cristóbal before studying at the Central University of Ecuador, where he honed his passion for Earth science. Alex has spent the past 20 years as a guide in the islands. When not guiding, look for Alex swimming, hiking or spending time with his two children. |
Please note that these guides lead the majority of tours in this region, however, the guides for your tour may vary. When you reserve a tour, a guest list and guide biographies will be sent to you approximately one month prior to tour departure; the names and biographies of your tour guides will be included with this mailing. |
SINGLE SHARE (guided walking and small ship cruising)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender.
Guided Walking: Based on availability, if you reserve a tour at least 91 days prior to the tour start date and wish to share a room, you will not be required to pay the single supplement fee (except where designated), even if we cannot find you a roommate.
Small Ship Cruising: A single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (guided walking, small ship cruising, and safaris)
You may choose a private room, as a limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee.
Solo Traveler Supplement (safaris only)
On our CW Safaris, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Child Pricing
Child pricing is available on request. Minimum ages apply to select departures including Uganda: Gorillas & Chimps (minimum age 16).
Scheduled Tours
Choose a Scheduled Tour date, and rest assured that your active adventure will coincide with the very best travel conditions.
On Scheduled Walking tours, know that you'll walk with like-minded travelers in a small-group (average 6 to 7 guests per guide—never more than 18 per group) environment. Best of all, your departure is guaranteed to go—no date changes, no cancellations. With over 65 worldwide adventures, we're sure there's one just right for you!
Our Small Ship voyages use vessels from the best fleets in the world, carefully matching each ship with specific regions and destinations. Expedition ships provide unrivaled access to destinations not easily reached by larger vessels. Each ship is equipped with Zodiacs for shore transfers; these jaunts are explored with expert, local guides.
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates.
Reserve Your Safari
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates. Independent journeys mean you choose the time and place and we bring it all together for you — the destinations, the travel arrangements, the lodgings, the activities. Please allow 24-48 hours to confirm your requested dates.
Private & Custom
Looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience? Celebrating a special occasion? Planning a family adventure? A Private Departure offers you privacy priced right! You simply select your destination, a tour date, and the number of travelers—the tour price calculates automatically. Our expert tour planners will work closely with you to assure an unforgettable vacation!
Self-guided Tours
Self-Guided Walking and Biking Adventures give you maximum flexibility as you travel at your own pace—setting off whenever you're ready, choosing when and where to stop for lunch, and planning the day around your own personal schedule. We provide comprehensive and up-to-date materials as well as maps, detailed route notes, and great accommodations. All tours are rated for activity level; Self-Guided Biking Adventures are ideal for either beginner or experienced cyclists. We supply quality bikes and panniers on all biking tours. On every Self-Guided Adventure your luggage is transported for you. Take your spirit of adventure even further on a Self-Guided trip.
Single Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a single supplement applies to all solo travelers for single occupancy of a room.
Solo Traveler Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Single Supplement
On our Private Adventures, a single supplement applies when two (or more) friends traveling together with to reserve private rooms.
Small Ship Cruising
If you're looking for a ship-based adventure with exceptional access to untouched nature and exotic culture, then our Small-Ship Cruising Adventures are right for you. Expert naturalist guides assure an in-depth field experience, with days spent fully immersed in a locale. First-rate vessels are specifically chosen and matched with a region or destination.
View all Small Ship Cruising Adventures.
Your Departure is Guaranteed
When you reserve a trip, the last thing you need is to have it cancelled due to low enrollment. With our Guaranteed Departures, you can relax! Every Guided, Self-Guided, and Safari trip is guaranteed to go. No date changes, no cancellations, no disappointments. We do receive inquiries from guests whose tours have been cancelled by other tour operators. This is an important guarantee, alleviating a common worry for many travelers.
Please Choose a Departure Date in the future
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©2012 Country Walkers. All Rights Reserved. 02
I loved the warmth that was in the atmosphere. We learned so much between the amazing wildlife and the history of the islands. I think my friends would love to come here snorkeling!
- Elizabeth, age 12The entire voyage was amazing, breathtaking, perfect! Boli and Alex were professional, knowledgeable and fun. Their passion and love for the islands was evident… and they showed great patience for our 5,000 questions!
- S. DeMeester, MichiganI loved the fact that I was living in a science 'lab' for a week of my adult life. The hands-on learning, contact with the animals, the lectures—it was all so stimulating and fascinating to me!
- D. Muller, Connecticut