Our Galapagos Islands adventure tour, "Galapagos Unbound," is a unique land-based program that includes a wide variety of activities. It is the only Galapagos Islands vacation that includes two nights camping on the islands. It provides a holistic view of the Galapagos ecosystems including the human element that is very much a part of the landscape. The trip includes sea kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and amazing wildlife viewing. Because we stay in small, local hotels, eat most meals at local restaurants, use local transport and services and buy all our supplies in the Islands, this trip represents the best in responsible, sustainable tourism to the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are one of a few places on earth that allow for such intimate contact with a dazzling array of wildlife. Most Galapagos Islands tours are cruise-based and carry between 20-100 people. ROW’s journey, the only one of its kind, allows a small 12-14 person group to visit sites that are not on the main tourist routes. And our multisport trip travels in an environmentally-friendly manner–by your own power. You'll leave the crowds of visitors and well-worn paths behind to enjoy the peace of walking, snorkeling and paddling your way through this island paradise.

This Galapagos Island trip was featured in the New York Times Travel Section January 8, 2006. You will find the article entitled "Galapagos Unbound" by Tim Neville here at CRE. While the original itinerary has been modified somewhat since that time, the essence of the adventure has not changed. Our expert local guides work alongside Park Service certified guides to bring you a superlative Galapagos multisport adventure.

Available Dates

Pricing is per passenger based on 4-9 guests $4,006.70 per person; 10-12 guests $3,800.70 per person
	Fri. Nov 19, 2010	Book this date
	Fri. Nov 26, 2010	Book this date
	Fri. Dec 3, 2010	Book this date
	Fri. Dec 10, 2010	Book this date
	Fri. Dec 17, 2010	Book this date
	Fri. Dec 24, 2010	Book this date

Rate Details
Price is starting at:
USD: $3,800.70
CAD: $3,835 *fluxuates daily
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.991

Single Supplement $512 US

• Roundtrip international flight to Guayaquil
• Internal flights (Round trip Galapagos) $380– subject to change
• Internal Island flights: Isabela – San Cristobal $90 – subject to change
• Boat transfer to Isabela $75 – subject to change
• Galapagos National Park Entrance fee. $100 – subject to change
• Galapagos Transit Card $10
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• International Airport Tax ($44.30 as of 11/08)
• Beverages. (Beverages during the camping part are included.)
• ¨Insurance of any type
• Personal expenses
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

This Itinerary is valid through January of 2011, from February 5, 2011 all trips start and end in Guayaquil and are 10 days in total.

DAY 1 – Depart home, arrive Quito, UNESCO World Heritage city, capital of Ecuador. Most flights arrive in the evening and a representative willmeet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 2 – With an expert guide, enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito’s colonial city center followed by a taste of local cuisine at a traditional restaurant. After a free afternoon to explore further or to do some last minute shopping join your trip leader for a group orientation meeting.

DAY 3 – Along with your ROW Adventures guide, take a morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal, the first of the Galapagos Islands on our trip. This is also our first chance to get in the kayaks and meet some local wildlife. Next we take a catamaran to our beach camp to settle in and enjoy watching sea lions, blue footed boobies and more as the sun sets.

DAY 4 – After breakfast we take our kayaks and paddle from our camp to Manglecito, it will take 2 to 3 hours depending on the weather conditions. Manglecito is a great place for bird watching. After kayaking we will enjoy some beach time. Afterwards we will continue by boat to Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock and finally Isla Lobos, this is an amazing day of snorkeling when we see Galapagos and white tipped reef shark, eagle rays and swim with the ever playful sea lions. After lunch we take a kayak trip before returning to relax on the beach and enjoy our last night of camping.

DAY 5 – This morning we take an early morning walk before heading to the airport to fly to the island of Isabela and check into our beachfront hotel. After lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the Tortoise Breeding Center and the marshlands where the mangroves are home to many migratory birds and beautiful pink flamingoes. Enjoy a stroll along the spectacular white sandy beach before dinner.

DAY 6 – Today we see a very different view of the Galapagos when we drive to the highlands and begin our hike of Isabela’s Sierra Negra. This active volcano last erupted in 2005 and has the second largest caldera in the world with a diameter of approximately six and a half miles. The hike can vary from 8-14 miles and includes viewing the spectacular caldera and incredible lava formations. After the hike enjoy some time on the beach or in town relaxing.

DAY 7 – In the morning, weather permitting, we’ll take a boat for roughly an hour to Los Tuneles: the most curious and remarkable lava formation which consists of arches and caves. We’ll walk along the shore and also snorkel in crystal clear water for an insight into the remarkable underwater world. We’ll have lunch and then head back into town to visit the small island of Tintoreras. This island is a unique volcanic formation. On its west face a primitive species of lichen flourishes in the moisture brought by the prevailing wind. Here we’ll find young marine iguanas, Galapagos and white-tipped reef sharks. In the quiet lagoon there are also boobies and we sometimes get another glimpse of the Galapagos Penguin.

DAY 8 – After an early breakfast we take a two and a half hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island and check into our waterfront hotel. When we arrive in Puerto Ayora we will immediately set out on a spectacular wildlife tour. A short boat ride, 8 nautical miles northwest of here we land on a sandy beach and take a short hike to view the lounging sea lions and the unique Galapagos marine iguanas basking in the sun on the lava rocks or the succulent Sesubium plant (commonly known as carpet weed). Finally today we take a trip to Tortuga Bay and kayak along the west side of the beach hopefully seeing the sea turtles that give the bay its name!

DAY 9 – A short 1 hour boat trip takes us to the island of Santa Fe, home of one of the most beautiful coves in all of the Galapagos. Feral goats were eradicated from Santa Fe in 1971 and a number of endemic species have thrived since then including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, rice rats, numerous finches and the Galapagos Mocking bird. We take the opportunity to snorkel here and are often joined by the playful sea lion pups. The fluorescent fish make for great snorkeling as do the submerged rocks where the sea turtles and manta rays hang out.

DAY 10 – Our last day on the islands takes us to the Galapagos highlands to visit again with perhaps the islands’ most famous resident; the giant Galapagos Tortoise. Weighing up to 500 pounds these gentle giants are scattered all over the islands. In the afternoon we take our flight back to Quito for overnight and a final dinner with the group.

DAY 11 – Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your travels. Consider our Ecuador Hacienda Extension or Amazon Jungle Lodge trips to lengthen your stay in this fine country.