Description Pricing Itinerary Sub Trips Hotels

Prices listed are per person. Prices include International air from London to Quito; Domestic air from Quito to the Galapagos; 4 nights at the Royal Palm Hotel in the Galapagos (5-star option includes a Veranda room in the Royal Palm Hotel and the Deluxe option includes a Villa), all meals in the Galapagos, guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, 3 full-day guided tours of the islands, led by naturalist guide, hotel taxes and use of the VIP room in the Baltra airport; hotel accommodation in Quito including breakfast; day excursion in Quito and all transfers.
Not included is a $100 fee to be paid to the park as a contribution to its conservation, nor is a $10 Transit Control Card fee which must be paid in cash upon arrival in Galapagos. Airport taxes, gratuities and alcoholic beverages are also not included.
Local airport departure taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Airfare taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are included in the cost.

Daily island excursions are subject to change due to climatic or oceanic conditions or regulations of the Galápagos National Park.

*All excursions must be pre-arranged; please request tour descriptions at the time of booking.

By traveling to the Galapagos with Yampu Latin America Tours, you will be making the choice to travel responsibly. As members of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), Yampu donates $7 for every traveler that travels to the Galapagos with us. We are dedicated to helping preserve the islands while supporting sustainable ecotourism. As an IGTOA member, we are informed, involved, and concerned.

There will also be an optional Galapagos Conservation contribution of $50 per passenger added to your final proposal.
The contribution will go towards:

• Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
  
• Strengthening responsible tourism management.
  
• Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
  

• Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
  
  

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS FROM ROYAL PALM HOTEL

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
Visit the breeding center and Giant Tortoise pens located at Puerto Ayora, where you will witness the various stages of development of these world renowned, indigenous tortoises that can easily outlive us. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive animals you will hear all about their fascinating life history and the story of “Lonesome George” one of the more famous island residents. Don’t forget to ask your guide to visit the interpretation center showing the natural history of the Islands. – Tour duration from 2-3hours. – An English speaking guide and round trip transportation included.

EL CHATO: FREE- ROAMING TORTOISES (seasonal)
One of the best ways to find giant tortoises, rarely encountered in the wild, is by visiting a nearby privately owned cattle farm where these ancient reptiles come to search for water and juicy plants. Guided hiking, horseback and motor driven tours are all available, allowing you to get close to and quietly observe these peaceful animals, moving at their leisurely pace. The lush vegetation that attracts them is also home to several bird species, some of them unique to this area. A refreshment bar and clean toilets are available on site, as are a wide selection of rubber boots in case of muddy conditions. (socks and walking shoes are essential). -Visit by horseback riding, tour duration 2-3 hours (Only at El Chato)(transportation vehicle will be waiting until your return) or Visit by motor vehicle, tour duration 1-2 hours (You could visit El Chato and Gemelos). An English speaking guide is included.

LOS GEMELOS / VICUNA HILL
A specially guided visit to these nearby large twin pit craters, referred to as Los Gemelos, in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Weather permitting, our guests can choose to hike through the endemic Scalesia forest, a unique type of highland vegetation, where they will see a great variety of birds. Motor driven transport is also available. Birdwatchers who would like to spend more time here an arrange a special tour to this interesting habitat. Visit by hiking and motor vehicle –Tour duration 1 ˝ hours. An English speaking guide is included.

TORTUGA BAY BEACH (SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING)
This spectacular white sand beach is situated about 35 minutes walking distance from Puerto Ayora. After walking through an arid aromatic Palo Santo forest surrounded by cactus and birdlife you reach a pristine, long, deserted, white sandy beach ideal for body surfing, not for swimming because of the strong dangerous currents, or stroll over to a small tranquil lagoon where you can swim and snorkel. Watch out for pelicans, white egrets, oystercatchers, blue herons and frigate birds or take a short walk over a National Park trail, to view marine iguanas and occasionally, blue-footed boobies. Walking shoes, hats and sunglasses are essential. Snorkel equipment is not included.

GARRAPATERO BEACH
Take a 35 minute drive from the highlands, through the small villages of the agricultural area and down to the arid coastal zone of the island. After walking along a 20 minute trail past Opuntia cacti and palo santos trees you will reach one of the most exotic and beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, offering a landscape of black lava bristling with pioneer cacti contrasted with shimmering white sand and a turquoise sea, safe for swimming. You can watch the blue-footed boobies and pelicans fishing in the bay, crabs scuttling into their burrows in the white sand and marine iguanas strolling along the beach, all from under the shelter of shoreline trees and bushes. Explore the mangroves or discover a small lagoon behind the beach where Bahama ducks and sometimes pink flamingos can be seen. Walking shoes, hats and sunglasses are essential. Snorkel equipment is not included.

ACADEMY BAY (half day tour)
Once onboard a private chartered boat at the main dock in Puerto Ayora, the captain takes you out of the bay towards the lighthouse at Punta Estrada to view swooping blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, herons and frolicking sea lions. Continuing into Shark Bay you can spot rays and sea turtles and observe white-tipped reef sharks. At the entrance to Academy Bay, off a small islet, you will have the opportunity to join a colony of playful sea lions in the water and perfect your “sea lion rolls.” Snorkel equipment, life vests and chilled drinks are provided onboard. -The itinerary can be changed subject to weather conditions.

BOAT TOURS (full day tour)
Typical itineraries offered are:
-Bartholomew Island
-Santa Fe Island
-North Seymour Island and Bachas
-South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion
There are several motor yachts navigating these extraordinary islands daily which provide an excellent way to discover this wildlife paradise. All boat tours include lunch and certified naturalist guide/s accompanying passengers ashore to explain the natural wonders of the islands. These are very popular tours and it is advisable to book as early as possible. All boat tours are subject to availability of seats and tour itineraries are subject to change at short notice, according to local weather conditions. We will make every effort to make suitable alternative arrangements for you should last minute changes arise.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
The bike routes up in the highlands are quite varied and so are their difficulty levels and landscapes. To begin the adventure, private transportation will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz. The two main routes are: (1) El Garrapatero, most of the ride is downhill on moderate terrain (gravel and small rocks). Right behind the beach, there is an amazing brackish water pond where pin tail ducks, common stilts, and even flamingos can be observed. (2) From the highlands ride about 8 miles on paved and dirt roads of medium difficulty. Arrive at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and then take a 45 minute hike within the reserve. In addition to the giant tortoises, look for flycatchers, gallinules, rails and Darwin’s finches. Mountain bikes and helmets are available. Previous mountain biking experience is highly recommended. English speaking guide is included. Transportation vehicle will be awaiting your return.

SCUBA DIVING
Diving off the islands provides an exceptional experience as the wonders of Galapagos also
extend underwater and you will have some of the most exciting diving you have ever had in your life. We can organize daily scuba trips using specialist diving companies that supply all equipment, an English speaking experienced dive master who will give a comprehensive pre-dive talk whilst the boat is underway, then lead and accompany small groups underwater. Also, assistant boat crew will help you kit up and enter/exit the water safely and hand you your photographic equipment. A toilet, covered area and dry storage areas are available onboard. A packed lunch and drinks are included as well as transport to the dive boat when located at Baltra.
Recommended local diving companies, based in Puerto Ayora offer several itineraries, subject to local weather conditions. Excellent dive sites are Gordon Rocks, the islets of Floreana, Bartolomé, Cousins, North Seymour or Mosquera. Some dive sites allow for guest pick up directly from the hotel to the dock at Baltra, while others require a 20 minute transport to the diveshop and small pier at Puerto Ayora. Beginners can take classes or restrict themselves to the tranquil waters of Academy Bay. Details of tours are available upon request.

PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TRAVEL CONSULTANT OF YOUR PREFERRED TOURS AT THE TIME OF BOOKING AS THE GALAPAGOS HAVE A HIGH DEMAND FOR SOME SPECIFIC TOURS ALL YEAR ROUND.