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Located just about 600 miles from the mainland of Ecuador, South America, are the Galapagos Islands. A magical place like none other on earth. Experience the best of Isabela Island, the "lost paradise" of the Galapagos Islands, as well as Santa Cruz, the central most island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Snorkel with sharks and sea turtles and hike around the incredible moonlike landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano. See Giant Land Tortoises in their natural environment and learn about breeding and conservation efforts at the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Enjoy the incredible wildlife and awesome landscapes of the Galapagos with naturalist guides. The time to visit the Galapagos is now!

Day 1: Arrive in Guayquil, Ecuador

Plan to arrive in Quayquil, Ecuador today (remember you are flying home from Quito). Once outside of customs and immigration take the shuttle to our hotel. Meet your host in our hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an optional dinner.

Day 2: Guayquil - Galapagos Island

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Baltra, where we meet our guide who will take us to the port of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch. Then we take a three hour public speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago.

After a brief rest at our hotel, we visit the Flamingos Lagoon. This place is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the grand majority of flamingos

Day 3: Sierra Negra Volcano - Concha Perla

Today we learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that formed the island. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will have a full day tour of the Sierra Negra Volcano. This volcano is located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil and is the world’s second largest volcanic crater, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will hike the crater and enjoy the view of the beach below before continuing on to Volcan Chico, a still active volcano which warms the surrounding ground. (Box lunch will be provided).

In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel and later have the opportunity to go snorkeling in Concha Perla. (Snorkelling equipment is included in this visit, tube, mask, fins).

Day 4 - Highlands of Isabella

After breakfast, we will visit the famous “Muro de las Lágrimas”; where from 1946 to 1959, Isabella Island was designated as a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government. Here the prisoners built a wall made of enormous lava rocks. Additionally, we will visit “Mirador Orchidia, el “estero de Isabela”.

After lunch, we will visit the highlands of Isabella, specifically Campo Duro, a place where we will meet 60 giant Galapagos tortoises in their semi-natural environment. Also we will visit “la Cueva de Sucre” after that we will go to “Mirador El Mango”

Day 5 -Tintores Islet - Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

After breakfast, we will visit the Tintores Islet; It is called this due to a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks known as “tintoreras” come daily to rest on the bottom.
 The park has set up an overlook making it easy to gaze down at the sharks as they spend their days napping near the sandy bottom. Near the end of the path is a sandy beach where sea lions come to nap. As a ¨Tintorera¨ we will also have the chance to watch other animals native to the region like penguins, and sea lions, and go snorkeling. Then visit the loberia Chica and Calera.

After lunch we will end the day by visiting the The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Isabela is the only island with several species of tortoises due to the distance between the volcanoes and the different environments. At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center you can see examples of the five different tortoises up close.

Day 6 - Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Research Station

Early in the morning (06:00 am), it is back on to the speedboat to Puerto Ayora, where our guide will be waiting for us to take breakfast and check in at the hotel. Immediately, we will begin our visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Some of the birds that can be spotted are the vermillion flycatcher, short eared owls and woodpeckers. It is also a wonderful place to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

After lunch in the Highlands, we return to Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Interpretive Center. Learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the Galapagos islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction. Tour the Van Straelen Exhibit Hall. Have the great opportunity to see Lonesome George, the last Galápagos tortoise of its specie. 

 Day 7: Baltro - Quito

After breakfast, we will travel to Baltra Airport, stopping on the way at “The Twins” (a.k.a.“The Gemelos”), which are similar to craters. These twins were formed by a collapse of the Earth as the lava flow passed below it.

After 2 shorts fligts we arrive in Quito and transfer to our centrally located hotel.

Day 8: Quito

A free day in Quito to visit one of the many museums, spend the day shopping or take a wonderful optional tour listed below.

Tonight enjoy a special “farewell dinner” at a local-flavor restaurant.

Day 9 - Depart for Home

Sad to say but our Galapagos & Quito Singles Vacation has come to an end. After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to all your new travel buddies as we make our way to the airport and our flights home.

Hotels

Experience the Galapagos! Galapagos Islands & Quito Ecuador Singles Trip August 25 - September 2, 2012 $2385 Trip Includes * 8 Nights Hotel Accommodations * Airfare Quayquil to Galapagos to Quito * Galapagos National Park - $100 Entrance Fee * INGALA Transit Control Fee - $10 * 8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunch, 6 Dinners * All Tours and Admissions Per Itinerary * English Speaking Guides * Singles Travel Representative * Round trip Airport Transfers on Day 1 and Day 9 * All Taxes and Surcharges *Double Occupancy - Free Roommate Matching is available so there is never a need to pay a single supplement. If you decide to room solo it is $650 extra. Not Included International Airfare Tips: $10 a day - Collected First Day

Deposit - $400 Balance Due July 10, 2012