JENKINTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lush landscape, magnificent wildlife, remarkable volcanoes, fascinating flora and fauna, and the amazing Galapagos Islands define Ecuador, South Americas hidden jewel. Now, thanks to Friendly Planet Travel, a leading tour operator that offers high-quality, affordable vacation packages to exotic destinations worldwide, travelers can explore the legendary islands that inspired Charles Darwins theory of evolution in style on the eight-day Galapagos Islands Wildlife Discovery tour for just $2,799.

We are thrilled to announce our new Galapagos Islands Wildlife Discovery package, says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. This tour offers upgraded hotels on our island-based program plus improved transportation between islands. Weve added a flight between San Cristobal and Isabela Islands, which allows travelers to spend less time traveling and more time exploring the fantastic scenery and wildlife. Travelers will be hard pressed to find a package that offers a better value for money with such a high degree of personal service than this program.

Galapagos Islands Wildlife Discovery includes round-trip airfare from Miami via LAN airlines, including fuel surcharges, airline taxes, and fees; all transportation, including intra-flights and transportation between islands; and accommodations in first-class hotels and superior-class island lodges. The tour also includes 14 meals; a truly fascinating program of exploration with a naturalist guide, on San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands; and a Galapagos National Park fee ($100) and transit control card ($10).

The exploration begins in Quito, one of the loveliest South American cities, and the capital city of Ecuador, where travelers stay for a night before departing for San Cristobal Island, the eastern most island of the Galapagos, known for Carola Beach, and a plethora of sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas. A stop at the local Interpretation Center to learn about the islands unique wildlife and geology, and a hike to Frigate Hill, which overlooks the rugged coastline and small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, round out the first day on the Galapagos.

The tour continues the following day with a snorkeling adventure to Isla Lobos, translated as Sea Lion Island, for the best sea lion encounter in the Galapagos. From there, travelers sail to Kicker Rock, home to the islands best snorkeling.

The following day, travelers depart from San Cristobal via a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. Isabela is constantly changing due to six shield volcanoes that render it one of the most thrilling volcanically active spots on the planet. Travelers hike to El Muro de las Lagrimas, (Wall of Tears) built by prisoners during the time Isabela was a penal colony, and explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches.

Travelers then depart from gorgeous Isabela Island and journey to Santa Cruz Island via speedboat, arriving at Puerto Ayora. They spend the day at the El Chato reserve, home to the Giant Tortoise, exploring the incredible lava tunnels, volcanic sinkholes, and fascinating wildlife. The day ends with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the Galapagos Islands. The tour concludes in Quito with a day at leisure.

For travelers with a bit more time, an optional three-day extension to Quito is available starting at $299. In Quito, travelers explore the capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its mountains and snow-capped volcanoes, on an included city tour with stops in modern Quito as well as the citys historic district, and featuring San Agustin Convent, San Francisco Church, and the City Museum.

Friendly Planets 8-day Galapagos Islands Wildlife Discovery tour is available for $2,799 on the departure dates of Sept. 15 and Dec. 1, if booked by June 27. Other dates are available at slightly higher prices. Friendly Planet also offers two additional Galapagos packages: Ecuador and Galapagos Islands and Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands.

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Friendly Planet Travel Offers New Galapagos Islands Wildlife Discovery Tour