18th-23rd January 2025
GALÁPAGOS
EVENT
ONCE IN A LIFETIME
(18th to 23rd January 2025)
Galápagos is not an ordinary event…
It’s an unprecedented learning experience!
People
Days
Nights
destinations
We will begin our event in Quito, where we will share experiences with the local EO chapter and hold our traditional forums.
Next, we will head to the islands of the archipelago on a flight to board the “Galápagos Legend” and enjoy all the onboard amenities.
Our journey through the islands will include full board, two daily excursions, and a variety of activities: snorkeling, boat rides, kayaking, beaches, hiking…
A unique opportunity to connect with other chapter members in a ONCE IN A LIFETIME event.
Get ready for a 6-day, 5-night immersive experience that combines the best of Quito with the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands!
Embark on a journey of continuous learning aboard the exclusive “Galápagos Legend” as you explore this natural paradise alongside expert naturalists: turtles, penguins, sharks, sea lions, frigatebirds…
An unforgettable adventure you won’t want to miss!
Why is it a UNIQUE event?
For the first time in the chapter, a 4-in-1 event:
Learning, Wellness, Social Impact & Integration
Exclusivity
Swimming pool
Jacuzzis
Solarium
Bars & Restaurants
Social areas
International cuisine
Wellness & Gym
A UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Two incredible daily explorations guided by professional naturalists
(In small groups of 16 people to enhance the learning experience)
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES
We will delve into the fascinating fauna of the Galápagos Islands, whose geographic isolation provided Charles Darwin with the essential evidence to formulate the idea of natural selection as the key mechanism of evolution in his work The Origin of Species.
Due to their distance from the mainland, the islands served as a “natural laboratory” where species evolved differently on each island. This led to the formation of new species from a common ancestral species.
Interpretive walks, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, onboard lectures… We will not only enjoy the beauty of the Galápagos but also gain a deeper understanding of the scientific and ecological significance of this archipelago in the history of evolution.
Active Learning
Exploring the archipelago aboard the Galápagos Legend cruise is a deeply immersive educational experience in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, combining luxury with one-of-a-kind scientific explorations.
Bilingual naturalists
We will travel accompanied by naturalist guides certified by the Galápagos National Park. These experts will provide us with detailed explanations about the endemic species, geology, ecology, and conservation of the islands.
Iconic tours
Through guided tours to places like the Charles Darwin Research Station, we will learn about conservation efforts, the breeding of giant tortoises, habitat restoration, and the unique adaptations of species.
AGENDA
DAY 1: Saturday 18th
MORNING: Arrivals to hotel in Quito
We will begin our event in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where we will spend two nights (not included in the event price).
There is an option to book at the GO QUITO hotel with a special rate:
PRICE: $130/night (1 or 2 people)
- Breakfast included
- Taxes not included
- Rates valid from January 15th to 27th, 2025
EVENING: Welcome event
We will enjoy a welcome event accompanied by the local EO QUITO Chapter.
We will visit the city’s best spots with a professional guide on a walking tour.
Afterwards, we will all enjoy dinner together.
DAY 2: Sunday 19th
FULL DAY
We will dedicate the entire day to traditional forums in the meeting rooms of the Go Quito hotel, with a break for lunch.
EVENING
There is an option to optionally join the My EO’s.
DAY 3: Monday 20th
MORNING: Charter fligth to Galápagos
Charter flight from Quito airport to Baltra Island, Galápagos (2,5-hour flight), where expert guides will be waiting to take us by bus to the dock (10 minutes) where we will board the Galapagos Legend.
AFTERNOON: North Seymour Island Exploration
Excursion to North Seymour Island to observe the magnificent and large male frigatebirds courting females, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and more.
DIFFICULTY: High (sandy and rocky terrain)
DURATION: 105-min hike + 60-min glass boat + 60-min deep snorkeling
DAY 4: Tuesday 21st
MORNING: Bartolomé Island Exploration
Considered the most iconic landscape in the entire archipelago, with views of the famous Pinnacle Rock and the stark Santiago Island: Galápagos penguins, white-tip reef sharks, and playful sea lions.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (372 wooden steps)
DURATION: 45-min hike + 30-min boat ride + 45-min snorkeling / glass boat
AFTERNOON: MASH-UP forums
During the transfer from one island to another, we will hold the MashUp forums on the ship in a special format.
EVENING: Sullivan Bay Exploration
Amazing pahoehoe lava beds from recent flows on the island. As we walk over the lava, we will discuss the importance of pioneer plants, such as the tiny Mollugo.
DIFFICULTY: High (volcanic lava)
DURATION: 90-min hike
DAY 5: Wed 22nd
MORNING: Punta Pitt Explorations
This is the only place in the islands where we will have the opportunity to see all three species of boobies in the same location: red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and blue-footed boobies. Frigatebirds will be everywhere, and the views will be breathtaking.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (rocky terrain)
DURATION: 2-hour hike + 45-minute kayaking / snorkeling
AFTERNOON: Cerro Brujo Tour
From our inflatable boat, we will see the imposing cliffs of Wizard Hill. On the beach, we’ll share space with sea lions, snorkel, or walk to a hidden lagoon to spot birds such as black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintail ducks.
DIFFICULTY: Low (sandy terrain)
DURATION: 45-min boat ride + 45-min kayaking/snorkeling + 45-min beach
DAY 6: Thrusday 23rd
MORNING: Turtle Reserve Tour
In the highlands and humid areas of San Cristóbal, we will visit the giant tortoise breeding center “La Galapaguera” to observe this iconic creature of the archipelago in its different stages of life.
In the village, there are local craft and souvenir shops.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (sandy terrain)
DURATION: 45-min bus ride + 75-min visit + 45-min bus ride
EVENING: Return to Quito
We will take a charter flight to Quito from San Cristóbal Island. End of the event.
EVENT PRICES*
Onboard accommodation: 40 double cabins (single beds), 11 single cabins
(Double cabins must be occupied by two people, either an SLP or another chapter member)
* $400 Voucher: already deducted from prices // SLP’s Price: +$400
Legend Balcony Suite DOUBLE / TRIPLE
$4,575/Person
- Availability: 1 cabin
- Size: 33 m2 aprox
- Deck: Luna
- Private panoramic balcony
- Wine + VIP Amenities
Balcony Suite Cabin DOUBLE
$4,175/person
- Availability: 17 cabins
- Size: 22-26 m2 aprox
- Deck: Luna y Cielo
- Private panoramic balcony
- Wine + VIP amenities
Junior Suite Cabin DOUBLE
$3,650/person
- Availability: 22 cabins
- Size: 15-20 m2 aprox
- Deck: Tierra
- 2 panoramic windows
- Reusable bottles & bag
Junior Suite Cabin SINGLE
$5,075/person
- Availability: 6 cabins
- Size: 15-20 m2 aprox
- Deck: Tierra
- 2 panoramic windows
- Reusable bottles & bag
Standard + Cabin SINGLE
Individual: $4,175/person
- Availability: 5 cabins
- Size: 11 m2 aprox
- Deck: Mar y Tierra
- 2 portholes per cabin
- Reusable bottles & bag
*ALL CABINS INCLUDE: Private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, hairdryer, American type A outlets (120V), beach towels.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
QUITO
- Welcome event
- Forum rooms
- Day 1 dinner + Day 2 lunch
- Fligths Quito-Galapagos-Quito (valued at over $500/person)
GALAPAGOS
- Accommodation
- Full board
- 24-hour snacks
- Water, soft drinks, wine, and beer
- Explorations and activities
- Park entry fees (valued at over $200/person)
- Ingala control card fee
NOT INCLUDED (user pay)
- Flights Origin-Quito-Origin
- Accommodation and breakfast in Quito
- Lunch on day 1
- Dinner on day 2
- My EO’s
- Cocktails & Hard Liquor
- Wi-fi on board ($80/device)
- 3.9% fee for payment with VISA or PayPal
- 4.9% fee for payment with AMEX
- 0% payment via bank transfer
How to register?
¡Recuerda elegir a tu compañer@ si te alojas en cabina doble!
Register
Spots limited to 80 people (including SLP’s)
Choose a cabin
Assigned by order of reservation (payment)
Pay 50%
Before 15th November 2024
Pay the rest
Before 15th December 2024
GENTEAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Weather: 20ºC in Quito, 30ºC in Galápagos, chance of rain
Comfortable clothing
- Light jacket or sweater: Quito is at a high altitude, so temperatures can be much cooler than on the islands.
- Rain jacket: The weather can change quickly, especially in the highlands.
- Neutral-colored clothing: Use tones like beige or khaki that blend with the natural environment. Avoid bright colors and choose light, breathable fabrics.
- Convertible pants: Ideal for variable weather, as they can be turned into shorts as needed.
- Long-sleeve shirts: Protect your skin from the sun with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts.
All-terrain footwear
- Light hiking shoes: Opt for sturdy yet lightweight shoes for walking on rocky terrain.
- Water shoes: Essential for wet landings on remote beaches and useful for light hikes.
Personal first-aid kit
- Motion sickness pills: Quick and effective relief for seasickness.
- Antidiarrheal pills: Immediate solution for digestive discomfort during the trip.
Sun/Insect Protection
- Wide-brimmed hat: Protect your head from the intense equatorial sun. Choose a hat that fits well, even in windy conditions.
- Sunglasses with polarized lenses: Essential for protecting your eyes from the sun and improving visibility of marine life.
- Eco-friendly sunscreen: Bring a strong, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment.
- Reef-safe insect repellent: While insects aren’t a big issue, it’s helpful to have repellent on hand.
What not to bring
- Avoid single-use plastics: Protect the ecosystem by bringing reusable bottles and bags.
- Drones: They are prohibited to protect wildlife.
- Fresh fruits or vegetables: Fresh produce is not allowed due to strict biosecurity regulations.
Additional Gear
- Camera and GoPro: To capture the incredible wildlife on land and underwater.
- Binoculars: Useful for birdwatching, including species like blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
- Portable water bottle or canteen: Handy for hikes and excursions.
- Waterproof backpack or bag: Protect your belongings from the sea and adventure.
