Galapagos

1. Asilo de la Paz

• What is Asilo de la Paz?
  • Asilo de la Paz is a 450-meter-high hill located on Floreana Island, one of the first islands in the Galapagos to be colonized by Ecuadorians.
• What attractions can visitors find at Asilo de la Paz?
  • The hill is home to several unique sites, including:
    • A historic pirate cave that was once used as a hideout.
    • A freshwater spring where visitors can bathe.
• Who manages the surrounding area?
  • The National Park Service oversees the surrounding woodlands and ensures the conservation of the ecosystem.
• What wildlife can visitors see at Asilo de la Paz?
  • Visitors can hike to the corral and see various species of tortoises that visit the Galapagos Islands.
• What types of plants grow along the hiking trails?
  • As visitors hike up the hill, they’ll encounter a variety of native flora, including:
    • Plum orchards
    • Tamarind trees
    • Various citrus fruits

2. Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza

• What is the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza?
  • Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza is a tortoise conservatory dedicated to breeding and conserving Galapagos tortoises and their natural environment.
• What can visitors see at the conservatory?
  • Guests can observe tortoises of all sizes and learn about their breeding and conservation efforts.
• Are guided tours available?
  • Yes! The center has informative staff members who provide guided tours, sharing fun facts about how the tortoises are bred and released back into the wild.
• Is there a walking path near the conservatory?
  • Yes! A boardwalk connects the conservatory to the town, taking about 45 minutes to walk. Along the way, visitors may see:
    • Iguanas
    • Flamingos
    • Various bird species
• Is there an entrance fee?
  • No, entry is free, but donations are welcome to support conservation efforts.

3. Centro de Interpretacion

• What is the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal?
  • An attraction that combines fun and education, the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal aims to introduce visitors to the rich history of the islands.
• Who established the Interpretation Center?
  • The center was put together by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development, the Galapagos National Park management, and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
• What can visitors learn at the center?
  • Visitors exploring the center will learn many fascinating pieces of information about the island’s history.
• What is featured in the Natural History Room?
  • The Natural History Room presents an in-depth exhibit of the volcanic origin of the islands.
• Are there other exhibits?
  • Yes, there are other rooms dedicated to the island’s colonization, flora and fauna species, and conservation of the land.

Centro de Interpretacion, Avenida Alsacio Northia, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador

4. Dragon Hill

• What is Dragon Hill?
  • Nature lovers will enjoy spending a day exploring Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, on Santa Cruz Island. The stunning location gets its name from a time when it was the only place in Santa Cruz where you could find land iguanas or “dragons.”
• What animals can visitors see at Dragon Hill?
  • Visitors are sure to come across green turtles, rays, Galapagos mockingbirds, and a number of other migratory shorebirds along the rocky beach.
• What plant life is Dragon Hill known for?
  • Dragon Hill is known for its Galapagos cotton and a variety of candelabra cactus.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Dragon Hill?
  • The area is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy beachcombing, sunbathing, hiking, or snorkeling.

5. Ecuagringo Fishing

• What is Ecuagringo Fishing?
  • Ecuagringo Fishing is a commercial fishing company that has been supporting local fishermen in the Galapagos Islands for over twenty years.
• What makes Ecuagringo Fishing unique?
  • The company consists of a passionate staff who love the outdoors and the rush of the sport. They are highly skilled and can navigate the waters effortlessly.
• Where does Ecuagringo Fishing operate?
  • Ecuagringo offers island fishing tours in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.
• What types of fishing tours are available?
  • Visitors can choose from Marlin and big game fishing, inshore fishing, and fly fishing.
• What additional experiences does Ecuagringo offer?
  • The team ensures a memorable fishing trip that also provides opportunities to take stunning wildlife pictures.

100 Aquarium Whrf, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 59-39-89-26-83-00

6. Galapagos Alternative

• What is Galapagos Alternative?
  • Galapagos Alternative offers visitors from all over the world an opportunity to explore the Galapagos Islands from a local perspective.
• How are the itineraries planned?
  • There are itineraries created based on interests, time, and locations. Visitors can also design a completely personalized itinerary based on their specific needs.
• What cultural experiences are included?
  • Guests will experience the rich culture of the islands while staying at local hotels and dining at some of the best local restaurants.
• What are some popular attractions on the tour?
  • Some of the most popular attractions include Santa Fe Island, the Sierra Negra Volcano tour, the Lava Tunnels tour, and Punta Carola Beach.

100 Aquarium Whrf, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: +59-39-94-65-50-18

7. Galapagos Natural Life

• What is Galapagos Natural Life?
  • Galapagos Natural Life is a direct tour operator that specializes in finding the lowest priced last-minute deals on cruises touring the Galapagos Islands.
• How long has the company been operating?
  • The company has been around for over seven years and has built a reputation for offering great deals on Galapagos tours.
• What kind of discounts does Galapagos Natural Life offer?
  • They sometimes provide discounts of up to 50% on last-minute cruise bookings.
• Are there any additional promotions?
  • Yes, promotions include a free night's stay at the company’s hostel in Quito or a complimentary hotel/airport transfer.
• Does the company offer land-based tours?
  • Yes, they offer land-based tours that island hop and stop at all the major attractions along the way.

Joaquin Pinto E8-64 y 6 de Diciembre, Phone: +5-93-22-52-05-75

8. Galapagos Underwater

• What is Galapagos Underwater?
  • Galapagos Underwater offers diving courses and tours that allow visitors to explore the underwater wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
• Why is underwater exploration important?
  • With 70% of the planet covered by water, diving offers a chance to see a side of the islands that can’t be experienced from land.
• Who leads the diving tours?
  • Experienced and trained guides focus on safety while ensuring visitors have a fun and memorable experience.
• What marine life can be seen?
  • Visitors can snorkel or dive to see hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, and turtles.
• What makes the diving tours special?
  • The top-quality diving tours ensure that visitors truly explore one of the world’s most diverse marine hotspots.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal, Galapagos, Ecuador, Phone: 59-32-52-18-58

9. Ecoventura

• What is Ecoventura?
  • Ecoventura is a family-owned expedition cruise company that shares its love for the Galapagos Islands with visitors, providing an authentic experience.
• What makes Ecoventura's cruises unique?
  • They work with small groups, ensuring an unforgettable and safe voyage while minimizing their impact on the fragile environment.
• What vessels does Ecoventura operate?
  • Expeditions take place on one of their two first-class 20-passenger yachts, a 16-passenger upscale dive live-aboard, and the premium luxury vessel MV Origin.
• What activities are included in Ecoventura’s expeditions?
  • Their adventures include hiking through volcanic formations, observing nesting seabirds, watching sea lions on a secluded beach, snorkeling with penguins, swimming with sharks, kayaking in small romantic coves, and zodiac rides to explore the shoreline and search for wildlife.
• What is Ecoventura's commitment to sustainability?
  • Ecoventura is a world leader in sustainable tourism and was the first company to be awarded the Smart Voyager certification.

Worldwide Sales & Reservation office: Galapagos Network, 5805 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 160, Miami FL 33126, Phone: 305-262-6264; Toll-free: +1 800-633-7972