peru gateway travel The
BEST and most informative site on Peru for travel and tourism to Lima,
Machu Picchu,
Cusco,
Cuzco
and all of Peru.
Use our unique PERU TRAVEL PLANNER
to help plan your travel itinerary.
Toll free 1 888 671 2852
/ 1 888 671 2853
Contact Us
PLACES
Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabela INTRODUCTION
The Ecuadorian Coast holds three main ecosystems: the tropical wet forests
of the north, the tropical savannas of the center and south east, and the
dry forest of the west and southern peninsula. Throughout the coastline
there are two additional important ecosystems: the mangroves, the beaches
and the rock cliffs.
These is an experience that will leave in your mind memories of beautiful
beaches, rich culture and adventure!
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO GUAYAQUIL
AM OR PM
Pick up at the airport from your international flight.
Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2: GUAYAQUIL - SANTA CRUZ
AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to airport in order to take the Galapagos Flight.
Arrival to Santa Cruz. Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride).
Check-in Aventura Lodge. Lunch at the hotel.
PM
Bay Tour. Snorkel with Sea Lions, Sting Rays and Baby Reef Sharks in the
shallow, emerald waters of Tortuga Bay, then witness the nesting site of the
famous Marine Iguanas.
Back to the hotel.
Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 3: SANTA CRUZ – FLOREANA
AM
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart Tortoise Quest Tour. This tour begins with a trip to the lavish, lush
green "Los Gemelos" (The Twins), two enormous collapsed lava chambers - an
awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature.
Afterwards, we visit a 600-acre private reserve where the giant Galapagos
tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep.
After visiting the tortoises, we'll take a 5-minute ride to the entrance of
a 450 meter (1350 feet) illuminated lava tunnel. Stalagmites, stalactites,
sulfur and mineral colored walls all await you on this uniquely Galapagos
experience.
PM
Return to Aventura Lodge for Lunch.
Around 2:00 PM departure for Floreana. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
Arriving on the dock, be greeted by amazing ruby red and turquoise colored
Floreana marine iguanas.
Check in at Florena Lodge.
Next, enjoy visiting a beautiful place, Black Beach.
Swim, snorkel or simply relax by absorbing the special scenery of this spot.
BBQ Diner at local restaurant, enjoy the Galapagueña gastronomy and warm
hospitality of one of the families that first arrived to this island and
listen from them about the mysteries of the inland.
DAY 4: FLOREANA - TORTUGA ISLAND - ISABELA
AM
Breakfast at the lodge.
Departure in open-air bus that will transport you to the highlands of
Floreana.
Walk up to see the Asilo de la Paz (Peace Asylum) where an artisan spring
that attracted pirates, whalers and later settlers to Floreana is located.
See the Cueva de los Piratas (Pirate's Cave) where pirates carved temporary
shelter out of the soft stone.
Cerro Pajas (Bird Hill) truly lives up to its name with a multitude of
Floreana Finches. Visit a tortoise reserve where you can watch many of the
giant tortoises up close and personal.
Around 11:00 AM depart for Isabela. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
MID-DAY
Arriving in the port is a visual feast with stunning green and turquoise
waters so clear, you can see sea turtles, sea lions and penguins as though
looking through glass.
Check-in Isabela Lodge, lunch.
PM
2:30 PM departure to Las Tintoreras and Bay Tour.
Walk through a jagged 'AA' lava field, passing abundant colonies of marine
iguanas, to see a small canal full of resting white-tipped reef sharks.
The black, treacherous lava field, the emerald green sea, the forest green
mangrove and the cloud capped volcanoes of Isla Isabela is the sort of
afternoon backdrop you will not soon forget.
Once you return to the dock, you can snorkel this warm, shallow bay
surrounded by mangrove, for an opportunity to see white-tipped reef sharks,
sea lions, penguins and more.
Back to the hotel, relax.
Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 5: ISABELA
AM
Breakfast at the lodge.
Depart for Volcan Sierra Negra Tour.
4x4 vehicles will drive us up through the transitional zone and into the
humid highlands that are the slopes of Volcan Sierra Negra to the point of
where vehicles can go no further. The trail is quite muddy, and it does take
a bit longer on foot. After a gorgeous ride / hike, we arrive to the caldera
of Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world at 4 miles across.
The views are breathtaking! We will relax a bit and have a snack on the edge
of the caldera. For the more hardy of the group, the option exists to walk
an especially difficult hour further to Volcan Chico, where fumarole
activity is abundant, and again, the views are spectacular. This is not an
easy hike; however absolute worthy!
PM
Lunch at Campo Duro
Campo Duro offers a 'tortoise patronage' program that doesn't involve money
changing hands. Guests have the opportunity to become a patron to their
chosen tortoise at the reserve merely by choosing a tortoise (they're all
numbered), naming their tortoise and then entering a story in the Patron's
book such as information on why they chose the name they chose and their
contact information.
Then, the Patron invites any and all of their friends to go visit their
tortoise and provide them with updates.
Next visit is Cuevas de Sucre / Mirador el Mango:
Las Cuevas de Sucre is a fantastic lava tube. This is one of the newer Park
Sites. Set in the transitional zone in a forest the Park says is now
completely endemic plants. It's lush greenery leading into the entrance. Not
lit inside like the lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, so a flashlight is a must.
Inside, the tunnels ceilings look like you're walking through a gold mine,
great place!
Next visit El Mango Mirador, located near the road leading to the
agricultural area of the island, well known since the early settlers of the
island planted a tree mango that so far there. From the top of highest peak,
with the clear day you'll have a wonderful view of the entire southern part
of Isabela Island, its nearby islands or even other islands as Floreana and
Santa Cruz.
Back to the lodge.
Dinner at Isabela Lodge
DAY 6: ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ
AM
Breakfast at the lodge.
Departure for tour. We begin with a drive out of town along the most
beautiful, white sand, palm lined beach in all of Galapagos, Long Beach.
This beach, straight from the cover of a travel magazine, stretches on for 3
kilometers before the National Park where we walk up the trail for
astounding views from the top of Cerro Orchilla.
Visit the "Muro de Las Lagrimas" (Wall of Tears), a unique construction
built by the backbreaking of prisoners of a penal colony centuries before.
The path to the Wall of Tears is abundant with lava lizards, the males are
larger and striped and the females red-throated.
Around 11:00 AM, depart for Santa Cruz. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
PM
Arrive in Puerto Ayora 12:30-1:00 PM.
Check in Aventura Lodge and Lunch.
Around 3:00 PM depart for guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin
Research Station.
After the Darwin Station, there will be some free time to shop for
souvenirs, bike, or just discover Puerto Ayora on your own.
Dinner at Aventura Lodge.
DAY 7: SANTA CRUZ - GUAYAQUIL - SAMAI
AM
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart for airport 3 hours before flight. Transport and guide from the hotel
all the way to your airport gate.
PM
Pick up at airport of Guayaquil and to take La Ruta del Sol.
For you to begin feeling the flavor of this region, we will take you on a 2-hour
drive through picturesque fishing villages, along white sand beaches, and
through amazing landscapes. Superb landscapes for pictures!
Lunch at a local restaurant on the road, to enjoy the local gastronomy.
Check in at our lodge, Red Mangrove Samai Lodge-:
"At 330 feet above sea level there emerges this oasis amid the ivory nut,
tangerine, and orange groves. Built with natural materials, the cabins call
to mind the countryside and its sweetness rather than the beach. Tapping the
strong energy that steams from the encounter of mountain and sea, the lodges
have been set up after a mixture of Feng Shui, Andean and Amazonian
cosmogonies. Safeguarded by sounds of the jungle and lightened up by the
ocean breeze, Samai is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation
and healing".
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility at this oasis of peace. Time to enjoy the
Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
Around 7:00 pm prepare for dinner at Nativa Bamboo Restaurant in Montañita.
This place will welcome you for dinner and offer you the chance to enjoy
Montañita's famous nightlife.
Steak, seafood, pizza, and burgers are just a few of the dining options,
along with excellent local cuisine. Nativa Bamboo", ocean front restaurant,
bar, dancing area and live music. You will be capture in Montañita is widely
known as the best place to party!
Arts and crafts shopping
Back to the lodge for a good night sleep.
DAY 8: RUTA DEL SOL
AM
Breakfast at the lodge
Today you decide what you want to do, please choose between the following
activities:
* Lear how to dive: take a discover/resort scuba diving experience in order
to explore the world under the water, our professional team of experts will
teach step by step how to became lover of the beauty below the water.
* Or walk 10 to 15 minutes to the San Jose beach; to enjoy a beach day, and
excellent opportunity to be connected with the local community, swim, sun
and sand, pictures, coconut drinks.
PM
Lunch at Cuna Luna Hotel whit a wonderful panoramic view and an extensive
gourmet menu.
At the middle of the afternoon, return Samai to enjoy the sunset and coffee,
bear, or soft drinks and to prepare ourselves to experience one of the most
amazing ancestral activities.
At Red Mangrove Samai Lodge, holistic healing and spa techniques are
promoted to rejuvenate you on every level: mind body and spirit. The
facilities will blend the tranquility of the mountain, the soft breeze of
the beach and the sound of the ocean will embrace you giving the opportunity
to deeply relax and take the strength from the mother nature.
The spa activities are extensive and you can chose from:
• Shamanic Healing and Ceremonies
• Aromatherapy and Massage
• Rain-Drop Technique
• Salt & Oils Scrub
• Meditation Instruction private session
• Feng Shui Support and Class
• Tarot Card
Prices for this alternative healing techniques and activities varies and are
not included, please ask us about them.
Dinner at the lodge.
Late night optional Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
DAY 9: RUTA DEL SOL
AM
Breakfast at SAMAI
Visit "Agua Blanca Community" site museum run by the local people, is a
great opportunity to see arqueological sites while hicking and bird
watching, iguanas, etc, and end up in a pond of magical healing waters and
mud.
The Agua Blanca Community is small village is located 7.5 miles to the north
of Puerto López and 3 miles off the main highway. The people of this
community live in a very similar way to their ancestors, the Manteña Culture
that inhabited this land from 800 to 1532 DC.
PM
Late lunch in "Salango", taste Spondylus the food of the gods, lobster,
langoustines, perserbes, and other delicatessens. Vegetarian options
available.
Late afternoon back to Samai to refresh and prepare for dinner at Hola Ola
restaurant and enjoy night life at Montañita.
DAY 10: RUTA DEL SOL
AM
Breakfast at the hotel
OPTIONAL: Adventure at your choice: Three activities to choose.
1.- From Above: Ultra-Light flight to see the hold area Ocean, Cordillera
and more. Departure from Olon. Lunch at local restaurant and free afternoon
in Montañita to explore and enjoy the place on your own.
2.- Surfing Lessons, learn with locals how to handle the waves of San Jose.
Lunch at local restaurant and free afternoon in Montañita to explore and
enjoy the place on your own.
3.- Full day excursion to San Jose waterfalls and hot springs (secret to
every day tourists) Full day, lunch included.
PM
* Farewell Dinner at Samai, candles and music.
* Enjoy the facilities of the lodge: Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
DAY 11: RUTA DEL SOL – GUAYAQUIL
AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Guayaquil , on the way we will stop at Propueblo NGO - San
Antonio 15 minutes north of Montanita and Manglaralto, visit arts and crafts
first class creations by locals.
By noon time, arrival to Guayaquil and check in at Oro Verde Hotel.
PM
Depart for Guayaquil City tour.
Visit the city starting with Centennial Park on 9 de Octubre Avenue.
Continue along this avenue to see how the city has been renovated, past the
first fire station, the Masonic temple and some buildings from the beginning
of the 20th century. Opposite the Cathedral you can go into Seminario Park,
also known as Iguana Park, which is famous for its iguanas lounging in the
sunshine.
Our next stop will be at the Southern Market at Malecon 2000, to visit
Integration Plaza and the artisan market, the Union Club and the first fort
in Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (first mayor of
Guayaquil ) stands in front of the Guayas River.
The tour continues along Malecon Simon Bolivar to our next stop: Civic
Plaza, where you can visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and the Rotonda
monument. Continue by car to Las Peñas, the old neighborhood where the city
was born, located at the foot of Santa Ana Hill.
Then to we will take you on a yatch tour by the Guayas River, where you can
enjoy a beautiful view of the city at night.
Farewell dinner and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel or similar.
DAY 12: BACK HOME
AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer out to airport, end of services.
INCLUDED:
• 10% Service Charge as per Ecuadorian Law.
• All Meals mentioned on the programs.
• Soft drinks during meals.
• Excursions with English speaking Naturalist guide.
• Free internet wireless service while in Santa Cruz and Samai.
• Internet service at front desk while in Isabela
• When in Puerto Ayora and Isabela, free use of bikes.
• 25% discount for children under 10 years old.
• All snorkeling gear.
• All diving equipment except dive computers which can be rented separately.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Air ticket to /from Galapagos
• Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($100 International visitors and
$6 Ecuadorians)
• Control Visitor Card ($10)
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Gratuities
PERU GATEWAY TRAVEL Av Pardo 601
Suite 701-702 Miraflores Lima Peru Peru travel
guide,hotels, tours,vacation holiday planner for Machu
Picchu,Cusco,Lima and all of Peru
US TOLL
FREE 888-671-2853 -
1 888 671 2852
Non US customers call +51 1 4443027 - 4457704
Contact
Us
Cosmic Travel
Network :
Cosmic E.I.R. Ltda. 4915 Bathurst St. Unit # 209-680 Toronto,
ON. M2R 1X9 This information is current as
of today
Peru Viajes
