CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours

DESIGN YOUR OWN ITINERARY

A Galapagos trip is focused on the expedition cruise of course - in this case, spending 12 nights / 13 days on board.  We also offer the option of adding extra days pre- and post-cruise.  These are respectively designed to i) reduce the risk of missing your embarkation date, and to ii) give you a chance to get your land legs back after several days at sea.   

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING VARIATIONS:

BREEZE:  Includes two nights "pre-cruise" in Quito, at a boutique hotel, plus a Quito City Day Tour.  Arriving 2 days before your embarkation date will provide an important cushion against potential travel disruptions on your way to Quito (missed connections, cancelled flights).  Same as "cruise only", but add on:

• 2 nights in Quito, including 2 nights in a very comfortable and unique Mama Cuchara Arts Hotel;
• Quito World Heritage city day tour with cable car to upper slopes of Pichincha volcano (weather permitting);
• Transit control card and park entrance fee;
• Airport transfers with dedicated airport check-in assistance (domestic flights);
• Domestic flights, cruise and more included;
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance (US$200,000);
• Carbon offsets - offsetting the impacts of trip emissions - Click here for more details. 

LEISURE:  Enjoy some down time after an active trip - wander about town, go to the local beach, do a bit of shopping, taste the local craft beer, coffee shops and more.  Same as breeze, but add on:

• 2 extra nights in Galapagos post-cruise in the lovely Ikala boutique hotel with pool;
• Visit an organic coffee farm in the highlands;
• Lunch at a highlands restaurant;
• Services of a naturalist guide to help plan any excursions or accompany you;
• A guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station;
• A farewell dinner on your last night in Galapagos;
• Accompanied transfer to the hotel for your flight back to the continent, includes check-in assistance.

SHIP ITINERARY:  13 DAYS

We're combining two of Beluga's standard but shorter itineraries into a longer uninterrupted one, giving you very broad exposure to a wide variety of Galapagos ecosystems and landscapes, both above and below the sea. 

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (Part I):  Southeastern, Central and Northern Islands

Day 1:  Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)

Galapaguera and el Junco: The lagoon is the only fresh water reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has collected in the caldera for thousands of years and formed this lagoon. Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment. Note: Day 1 activities are subject to the flight arrival time.

Day 2:  Española Island

Española Island:  Española is the oldest of the Southern Islands and is the southernmost in the archipelago. Because of its remote location a unique range of endemic species evolved here. 

• Gardner Bay: Located on the northeast of the island, the site has a long and beautiful white sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies. 
• Islote Gardner and Islote Osborn: These islets are snorkeling sites where you should see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
• Punta Suarez: The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff you can enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 20m into the air. The waved albatross breeds here (April-Dec). Other common species include Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nasca boobies, and Española lava lizards.

Day 3: Floreana Island

Floreana is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts, and early colonists.  

• Punta Cormorant: Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen.
• Devil’s Crown: This is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.
• Post Office Bay: This is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and remains of the Norwegian fishing village.

Eden, A recent film, directed by Ron Howard, dramatizes the extraordinary true story of several European settlers who tried to establish new lives on Floreana during the early 1930's.  CNH Tours is friends with a few of their descendants. 

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island / Santiago Island

Santa Cruz Island - where at least 60% of the people in Galapagos live (we won't see them today)

• Dragon Hill: Cerro Dragon has hypersalinic small lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingoes.  Large land iguanas give the hill it's name.  

Santiago Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. It offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals. We'll stop at: 

• Sullivan Bay: This site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100 hundred year old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, and lava bubbles.

Day 5: Genovesa) Island 

Genovesa is an eroded flat volcanic island, with a natural harbor, which is actually the submerged caldera of this volcanic island. It's a wonderful place for sea birds.

• Darwin Bay: The steep cliffs of this area dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels and Darwin’s finches. Stand back and enjoy the show!
• El Barranco: There is a good possibility of seeing the unique “Short eared owl” at this site. During the dinghy rides along the cliffs fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted.

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island  

Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove): You'll enjoy a peaceful zodiac cruise in this quiet red mangrove lagoon.  It's a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Maybe we'll spot some baby hammerhead sharks?

We'll disembark from the ship and hop on a bus as we transition to the 2nd part of our adventure.

THE JOURNEY DEEPENS (Part II):  Western and Central Islands

Day 6 (cont.): Santa Cruz Island

• Highlands of Santa Cruz: Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz
• Charles Darwin Station: Visit the Charles Darwin Station is a research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.

Day 7: Sombrero Chino Island / Rábida Island 

Sombrero Chino is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas and if we're lucky, you'll have your first encounter with Galapagos penguins.

Rábida is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.

Day 8: Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m. Once overrun by destructive goats, the northern part of this roughly hourglass shaped island was cleared of them.  That effort was what first brought CNH Tours founders Marc Patry and Heather Blenkiron to the Galapagos in 1998. 

• Sierra Negra : Volcan Sierra Negra has a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
• Puerto Villamil: Puerto Villamil is a quirky small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.

Day 9: Isabela Island 

• Punta Moreno: Punta Moreno is located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
• Elizabeth Bay: This spot is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.  Who knows what other animals we might encounter here?

Day 10:  Isabela Island 

• Urbina Bay: Urbina Bay is located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colourful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.
• Tagus Cove: Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an wonderful panoramic view of the dramatic volcanic coastline stretching off into the distance.

Day 11: Fernandina Island / Isabela Island 

Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active - with volcanic eruptions occurring every few years.  Perhaps one will be happening during your visit?

• Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island): Punta Espinoza is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, among others.

• Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island): This site is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

Day 12: Santiago Island / Bartolome Island

 Santiago Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals.  It was the site of a massive ecological restoration project in the late 1990's and early '00s - during which time all the goats and all the pigs were removed.  

• Playa Espumilla: Espumilla Beach has a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool off swim or a snorkel.
  
  
• Buccaneer Cove: This site was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days in November 1835. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history Buccaneer Cove is a must see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noddies, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed gulls.

Bartolome Island: A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view of Santiago Island to the west and of the moon-like volcanic landscape around you. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.

Day 13: North Seymour Island / Flight back to the mainland (or transfer to Puerto Ayora if you're doing our "leisure" variation) 

North Seymour Island is a flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.

AFTER DISEMBARKATION

For those NOT joining us on the Leisure variation, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight back to the mainland - check-in assistance is provided.  Unless you've arranged for any further extensions with us (Amazon or Machu Picchu anyone?), your trip with us will end on arrival on the mainland.

For those joining us on the Leisure variation - your trip continues:  

You'll be taken back to the north side of Santa Cruz island, hop on a private transport, and visit an organic farm in the highlands. Learn first hand how local farmers are trying to operate farms in a way that aligns with the conservation ethos of Galapagos, while at the same time making a living (hint: Not always obvious). Coffee, pineapples, passion fruit, tomatoes, bananas and more.  We'll have lunch in the highlands before heading down to the bustling town of Puerto Ayora for your hotel check in and free evening (dinner not included).

Day 14:  Free day in Puerto Ayora / Farewell dinner.  T

Finally!  A bit of free time to use with as you please.   

Day 15:  A final breakfast as you watch the sun rise of Academy Bay.  You'll have a private transfer (with guide) to take you to the airport.  Check-in assistance is provided.  Unless you've arranged for any further extensions with us (Amazon or Machu Picchu anyone?), your trip with us will end on arrival on the mainland.