Galapagos Holidays astoundingly unique
A visit to the Galapagos Islands is an inspiring experience for most - the "holiday of a lifetime". Immediately on arrival, you sense that you have landed in a place like no other on earth.
This collection of Pacific Ocean islands lies 1000 kilometres west of Ecuador. In 1959, 97% of the Galapagos Islands was made into a National Park and UNESCO has also recognised the Islands as a Man and Biosphere Reserve, and as a World Heritage Site. Pre-historic marine iguanas lounge on the black lava rocks while lazy sea lions bask in the sun. Astonishingly the animals don't run away from visitors to this incredible land. Whether you want to experience the islands during a Cruise holiday, prefer a land based trip or a combination of the two - Worldwide Holidays will be able to arrange the most suitable itinerary for your needs.
Exotic Landscape
Emerging from the Pacific Ocean 3-5 million years ago, the archipelago of Galapagos is the amazing result of powerful underwater volcanic eruptions. The Galapagos Islands' most famous visitor, Charles Darwin, was not impressed with the landscapes that greeted him upon his arrival, writing in 1845 that, "Nothing could be less inviting..." But modern visitors now appreciate the stark beauty of these islands, possibly as they are such a contrast to our modern urban cities!
Unique Wildlife
The dream destination for nature lovers, wildlife watchers and eco adventure tourists, these tiny islands are an incredible and unique place to catch nature at its most pristine. While only five of the islands are inhabited by humans, the rest of the Galapagos Islands play host to a fantastic array of rare and endemic wildlife such as the Galapagos Tortoise, Darwin's Finches, the Waved Albatross, the Flightless Cormorant, the Galapagos Penguin, the Galapagos Hawk, the Marine Iguana and the Brown Pelican.
Tropical Climate
The Galapagos Islands are located on the equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes. There are two seasons in the islands: the rainy, hot season from December to June when humidity is high and average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30° C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, you can expect cool winds, occasionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and are lower at night.
Getting About
Flights to the Galapagos Islands only operate from the two mainland cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Flights originate from Quito; touch down in Guayaquil en route, before arriving in either Baltra or San Cristobal Island. On arrival in the islands you will be met and transferred to your chosen yacht for your Galapagos cruise or transferred to the island hotel. It is essential that clients arrive in Ecuador at least two days before the planned Galapagos cruise. If the international flight arrival was delayed and clients missed the domestic flight and commencement of the cruise, it is not possible to "catch-up".
Itinerary Ideas
Hotels & Cruises
Locations
Visiting the Galapagos islands, for me, was a life changing experience - it was just so special and moving.