A Galapagos Adventure

A much dreamed about destination – The Galapagos Islands as an adventure like no other and shared with you by Julie Richards.

We have several Advisers whose expertise is South America and Julie decided to fulfil a lifelong dream earlier this year. She settled on a quick visit to a much dreamed about destination – the ancient and (relatively untouched) Galapagos Islands. She chose a three-day tour because of time constraints but even this short window of opportunity allowed for a reasonable experience of the Galapagos and its intriguing fauna. On the day of arrival, Julie visited of the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, conveniently only are bred 5 minutes walk from the seafront hotel.

In addition to tortoises, the station has a land iguana repatriation project where, just like giant tortoises, these endemic reptiles from different islands are bred in captivity and are later taken back to their native islands. There are also walkways where you can see native flora as well as land birds, including some of Darwin’s famous finches.

On the second day Julie visited the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You can see giant tortoises in the wild — usually wallowing in a shallow pond or plodding through dense brush. Julie was delighted to have had the opportunity to see giant tortoises in the wild, even though it was raining and the ground was muddy. Because they are so low to the ground, the giant tortoises are barely visible until they reach a clearing. The sound, however, is unmistakable.

The largest town in the islands, Puerto Ayora, is the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park. On the walk back to town from the station, Julie was able to shop for souvenirs and see something of the town itself. Puerto Ayora has the feel of an island resort, with open-air restaurants, small hotels and a laid-back pace. Sitting at San Francisco Park, you can watch waves rolling in, blue-footed boobies plunging into the sea and marine iguanas feeding on algae. A nature lover’s nirvana.

Recommended package:

3 day/ 2 night short stay package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Silberstein
• Breakfast daily
• Round trip airport transfers
• A one day excursion to the highlands or a yacht excursion

Not included:
• Galapagos Transit Card USD 10.00
• Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park USD 100.00 pp

Contact Julie for more information on (02) 8270 4800 or email her at jrichards@conciergetraveller.com.au

You may also like

• Unspoiled Abrolhos Islands - Western Australia
• Lindblad Expeditions - extraordinary cruises
• An Alaskan Cruise Adventure
• Ocean deep, Table Mountain high: Getting the most out of South Africa
• Artful expeditions afloat with Orion cruises
• Honshu Island, Japan
• Eagle Island Camp - Okavango Delta
• Expedition Cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands
• Barefoot Best - Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef
• Beauty & the Best - Southern African safaris