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Parks of the World: Galapagos Islands
At-A-Glance
Trip Dates:
June 1, 2013 through June 10, 2013
NPCA Member Price From
Category 1, Orange ($5720 per person double occupancy, $8580 single occupancy)
Category 2, Green ($6510 per person double occupancy, $9760 single occupancy)
Category 3, Yellow ($7040 per person double occupancy)
Category 4, Grey ($7560 per person double occupancy)
Category 5, Blue ($9400 per person double occupancy)
Peru Extension
$4,590 per person double occupancy, $5690 single occupancy
Deposit: $300 per person
Contact ParkScapes at 800.628.7275 or travel@npca.org
June 1-10, 2013
This trip is now full but a waitlist is available.
Lindblad Expedition’s reputation for excellence is unsurpassed in the industry. Lindblad has been operating environmentally-responsible voyages within the Galápagos Islands archipelago longer than any other company and their naturalists receive amazing reviews from passengers year after year. Therefore, this cruise is one we are proud to offer NPCA supporters.
With a new island to explore daily over the course of our expedition, you awake to the promise of genuine discovery each morning. Routing among the islands is always subject to Galápagos National Park approval — but our in-depth examination of this geography guarantees days steeped in joy, wonder, and engaging activities.
For details about this trip, download the brochure (pdf)
Trip Details:
Tour Highlights
Comparative Study
Take part in this comparative study tour with top-quality interpretation to get an in depth look at how Ecuador has protected the Galapagos Islands and how this compares to the work that the National Park Service does.
Wildlife Watching
Experience a place where animals live without fear of humans. Enjoy close encounters with giant tortoises, sea lions, marine and land iguanas, and Darwin’s finches.
National Geographic Islander
The National Geographic Islander is a versatile 164-foot twin-hulled vessel with spacious accommodations for 48 guests. She is a sturdy expedition ship, and yet can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to her small size.
TopTour Details
Arrive/Depart
Guayaquil, Ecuador (main voyage);
Guayaquil, Ecuador/Lima, Peru (if adding extension)
Length of Tour
10 days/9 nights (main voyage);
16 days/15 nights (if adding extension)
Pace
Moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests. Be prepared for a variety of hikes and walks on uneven trails.
Price Includes
All accommodations; meals indicated; excursions; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff, expert guides an a ship’s doctor; use of kayaks, snorkeling gear and wet suits; port charges and service taxes.
Price Does Not Include
International roundtrip airfare and internal round-trip airfare between Guayaquil and Galapagos are not included; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; discretionary tips to ship’s crew.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 120 days prior are subject to a $150 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations 119–90 days prior to departure, full deposit is forfeited; cancellations 89–60 days days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 59–30 days days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 29 or fewer days prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost. Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.
TopDaily Itinerary
June 1: Arrival to Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive in Guayaquil by late evening. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colón.
June 2: Guayaquil to Galápagos
This morning, fly* to Galápagos and embark. Overnight aboard the National Geographic Islander. (B,L,D)
June 3-8: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Although exact routing depends on the National Park Service, we may visit the following islands:
BARTOLOME: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves, and golden sand converge. Great walks and views abound, with a chance to snorkel with Galápagos penguins in the surrounding waters.
NORTH SEYMOUR: Have up-close encounters with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies (seasonal) and magnificent frigate birds, plus sea lion harems. Spot swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, and fur seals along the cliffs. Enjoy walks and Zodiac rides of your choosing.
SANTIAGO: Santiago offers close encounters with Galápagos fur seals along with an opportunity to study the inhabitants of the island’s countless tide pools.
SANTA CRUZ: Look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions, and more wildlife. Enjoy walks in the highlands and encounter giant tortoises in the wild.
FERNANDINA: This is the youngest island in the Galápagos. Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza and take in the dramatic backdrop of Isabela’s volcanoes off in the distance.
FLOREANA: Snorkel among sea lions in the clear waters off Champion Islet. We may also find flamingos, pintail ducks, and various shorebirds. Hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
ESPAÑOLA: The exclusive home to waved albatross (April - December) and particularly colorful marine iguanas, Española is also a paradise for Darwin’s finches, sea lions galore, and the famous blue-footed boobies. Snorkel and stroll along the island’s lovely beaches.
Overnight on June 3rd through the 8th will be aboard the National Geographic Islander. (B,L,D)
June 9: Galápagos to Guayaquil
Today we disembark after breakfast and fly* to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the bustling port city. Santiago de Guayaquil, known simply as Guayaquil, is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador. Our guides will provide suggestions for activities and attractions in Guayaquil, including restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colón. (B,L,D)
June 10: Departures Home from Guayaquil
Morning drive to the airport for flights home or onto other adventures. (B)
TopPricing Details
NPCA Member Price From
Category 1, Orange ($5720 per person double occupancy, $8580 single occupancy)
Category 2, Green ($6510 per person double occupancy, $9760 single occupancy)
Category 3, Yellow ($7040 per person double occupancy)
Category 4, Grey ($7560 per person double occupancy)
Category 5, Blue ($9400 per person double occupancy)
Peru Extension
$4,590 per person double occupancy, $5690 single occupancy
Deposit: $300 per person
TopMap
Category 1, Orange: Main Deck #201-206
Cabins feature two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed and a window.
Category 2, Green: Main Deck #207-210; Bridge Deck #301-302
Centrally located cabins feature a window and two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed.
Category 3, Yellow: Bridge Deck #303-306
Conveniently located, cabins feature two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed and a window. Note: Cabins 305 and 306 can accommodate a third person.
Category 4, Grey: Upper Deck #403-408
Spacious cabins feature two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed or a double bed. All cabins feature a window and outside glassed in terraces with seating. There are large windows in the top half of the terrace doors. Note: The single beds in cabins 403 and 404 convert to double beds.
Category 5, Green: Upper Deck #401-402
These are the largest cabins onboard. These cabins feature two lower single beds which can convert to a queen bed and wrap around windows. Both have a desk, chairs, and table. They also feature outside glassed in terraces with seating.
TopOptional Peru Extension, June 9-16: Machu Pichu and Cusco, Peru
June 9: Galápagos/Guayaquil/Lima, Peru
Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight at the Ramada Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel. (B,D)
June 10: Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American camelidae are bred. Enjoy the scenery as we make our way to Pisac - Gateway to the Sacred Valley. Pisac has an old town and a new town from the Colonial era. We'll visit the local food market before visiting its ruins. Later we check into our hotel, Sol y Luna. (B,L,D)
June 11: Sacred Valley of the Incas
This morning visit the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, and is thought to be the only remaining example of pre-Columbian urban planning. After lunch at our hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure to explore on your own. Tonight is a very special night. Dinner is an outdoor event at our hotel complete with a campfire, BBQ and vibrant dances based on Peruvian folklore performed on stilts. There'll also be a cooking demonstration that will take visitors through the steps of preparing specialties like Ceviche. (B,L,D)
June 12: Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
After breakfast we take a short ride to the train station for the 1-hour ride to Machu Picchu (Old Mountain). At the citadel, The Lost City of the Inca, we'll first have a guided walk but the real magic is that between 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. most visitors are gone. By staying over, you share Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors. Overnight at Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge with only 31 rooms. (B,L,D)
June 13: Machu Picchu
Breakfast at leisure. Enjoy a sunrise walk and hike to the Sun-Gate, the ancient final check point to Machu Picchu, an almost mystical experience for many. The morning is free to explore Machu Picchu and ponder the many mysteries of the Incas. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at the Orient Express Monasterio Hotel. (B,L,D)
June 14: Cusco
This morning explore Cusco, the Inca Empire's capital. We'll also visit the vast Sacsayhuaman Fortress. After lunch at the MAP café in the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, the rest of the day is open to stroll around the Plaza de Armas. Relax shopping or visit the magnificent 17th-century cathedral built on Inca foundations, the Santo Domingo Convent Koricancha. This evening choose amongst several options for an independent dinner. (B,L)
June 15: Cusco/Lima
This morning return to Lima and explore Colonial Lima. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum and its private collection of pre-Columbian art. Stroll the Plaza Mayor. Lunch will follow the traditional Latin American style and be rather late and then you can have a light dinner on your own. (B,L)
June 16: Departures Home from Lima, Peru
Flights home or to your next adventure. (B)
TopTravel Partner
TopBooking Info
To contact NPCA's ParkScapes program for questions or reservations please call 800-628-7275 or email travel@npca.org. You may also book directly online.
