8 day family adventure supporting true efforts in sustainable, community-based tourism in this spectacular but fragile ecosystem.
N E X T D E P A R T U R E | JULY 6-13, 2022
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
If you are interested in seeing the Galapagos up close and personal- not on a cruise ship- than this trip is for you and your family. This land-based island-hopping tour offers a unique perspective of the Galapagos Islands, the way the locals see them.
Why land-based? Staying within the communities of the islands ensures that our tourism dollars are not only going towards local businesses and organizations but it allows for a more authentic, candid opportunity to interact with the culture and community of these islands.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Stay on the islands and experience what local life is like here
Get up close and personal with giant tortoises, sea life, iguanas and birds
Help support local efforts in sustainlble agriculture
Visit a local school and engage with the local kids
Snorkel and swim with sea lion, sea turtles and iguanas!
investment | $2795 PP
Minimum age for this trip is 6. Payment plans of up to 5 installments offered.
W H A T ‘ S I N C L U D E D ?
ACCOMODATIONS
7 nights at local hotels
MEALS
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare, Galapagos national park fee ($100), drinks other than water, guide and driver tips, a few meals.
ALSO INCLUDED
Airport Transfers
Private van & driver
Bilingual guides
Community activites
All listed excursions
Entrance fees
“an opportunity to dig deeper into the culture by
meeting reaL PEOPLE AT MULtiple levels of society”
- MAXINE KIMBREL | 2018 PARTICIPANT
T R I P D E T A I L S
A R R I V A L + D E P A R T U R E ( F L I G H T I N F O )
Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed to buy plane tickets. Please plan to arrive in the morning into Baltra Airport (GPS) on Seymour Island on Day 1. Our airport transfer will be confirmed once everyone has their flights. You need to make your departure flight from San Cristobal Airport (SYC)
A C C O M O D A T I O N O P T I O N S
Hotel Fiesta: Single room with one queen bed, double room with 2 twin beds or quad rooms with 2 doubles and a twin available.
Casa Opuntia: Single with 1 double bed, triple with 1 double and 1 twin bed and quad rooms with 2 double beds available.
T H E I T I N E R A R Y
D A Y O N E | ARRIVAL
Please arrive into Baltra Island airport (GPS) on the morning of day 1. You will be met at the airport by our guide and we will immediately dive into the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos. From the airport we will stop at Rancho Primicias, a privately owned sanctuary for the famed giant tortoises. After lunch we’ll check in to the hotel and there is time to decompress. (L)
D A Y T W O | UNINHABITED ISLAND TOUR
As land access is heavily regulated on the Galapagos Island there are many uninhabited islands to explore. Today we will visit South Plaza Island where there will be opportunity to hike around and to snorkel. You’ll possibly see sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, reef sharks, rays and tons of birds! It will be a full day with lunch. (B,L)
D A Y T H R E E | CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Choose from a variety of activities today. You may feel like basking in the sun and playing in the waves or learning more about the history of the flora and fauna of the islands or seeing the first organic agriculture farm in the Galapagos. Your guide can discuss in depth more about each experience.
Tortuga Bay Beach
Charles Darwin Station
Organic Coffee & Garden Experience
Transportation will be provided to and from all activities. (B)
D A Y F O U R | LOCAL SCHOOL & FARM VISIT
After breakfast we will head to the local school Tomas de Berlanga. We will have a unique opportunity to see what school is like on the island for these kids. Lunch will be a true farm to table experience where we will visit Huerta Luna, a sustainable farm working to protect the Galapagos Islands through promoting the use of native and endemic species. (B,L)
D A Y F I V E | DEPARTURE TO SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
We’ll have to hop an early boat to neighboring San Cristobal. After a 3 hour boat ride the day will be spent exploring this island. After we get settled in the afternoon we’ll head up to the San Cristobal highlands so see how each island truly has its own unique ecosystems and environments. There will be another opportunity to see the giant tortoises. The day will gloriously end at the tranquil Puerto China beach. (B)
D A Y S I X | ISLA LOBOS
About 40 min from San Cristobal is Isla Lobos, a small islet home to many Galapagos birds. (boobies and frigates!) We’ll have a guided tour of the island and then relocate to Ochoa Beach to have lunch, snorkel and relax in the sun. (B,L)
D A Y S E V E N | CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
So many amazing choices of things to do!
La Loberia Beach-up close and personal with wild marine life
Playa Carola-National Park filled with hiking trails
Kicker Rock-snorkel with sharks
We will have our last celebratory dinner together before everyone heads back tomorrow. (B,D)
D A Y E I G H T | DEPARTURES BACK TO MAINLAND
Sadly our time in this special place comes to an end. Make sure to book your departing flights from San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
G U I D E S + P A R T N E R S
The GalapagosAlternative
The GalapagosAlternative is a locally owned tour operator based on Santa Cruz island. They specialize in land-based tours of the islands that ficus on sustainable agriculture, slow foos and slow travel.
They have carefully crafted many partnerships throughout the islands and their aim to fully support local businesses, restaurants, hotels and organizations is truly changing the face of tourism in the Galapagos.
A D D I T I O N A L R E S O U R C E S
H A V E Q U E S T I O N S ?
We know this is a lot of information. Have questions? Visit our FAQ page here or feel free to reach out to us.
T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E
Here at Purposeful Nomad we do our best to ensure that every program is a success.
However, in the event of something unexpected we want you to be fully protected. We REQUIRE that you purchase international insurance.
Purposeful Nomad is an affiliate partner with World Nomads but you may choose any company.
Click here to purchase insurance through World Nomads.
Ready to Book? Reserve your spot now!
B O O K I N G T E R M S + R E F U N D P O L I C Y
Please click here to view our payment details and requirements as well as to the refund policy agreement.
V I S A + E N T R Y I N F O
Please click here for detailed information on how to obtain the correct visa for your travels.
V A C C I N A T I O N S
Be an informed traveler! Ultimately it is up to you to consult a physician. We are here to help but can not legally provide medical advice. Here is a great website to review.
P A CK I N G L I S T
Click here to access our packing list designed specifically for this trip. There’s also information about tips and currency.