The Book Bus & Galapagos
An unforgettable itinerary....volunteer as a story-teller on board our unique Book Bus project before flying to the Galapagos Islands to be amazed!
The Book Bus provides a unique opportunity to volunteer as a member of the crew of the travelling Book Bus in Ecuador, a very special mobile service for children in South America. Throughout the year the bus will tour Ecuadorian schools promoting reading and story telling to disadvantaged children. The bus has been uniquely designed by much-loved children’s illustrator Quentin Blake. Find out more >>>
After 2 weeks on board you will fly to the enchanted Galapagos for a unique active itinerary, you'll scale Isabela's volcano, snorkel over underwater worlds and meet near-extinct Galapagos tortoises.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrive Quito
Transfer to hotel
No activities planned
Day 2 (Sunday)
Transfer to Book Bus project site
Please note: this transfer is not included in the price as it varies from location to location.
For more information please contact us
Days 3-15
Book Bus project
As a Book Bus volunteer you will visit schools in Ecuador loaded with a cargo of picture books, painting equipment and musical instruments. Wherever you stop you will read to the children, paint and make music with them, encouraging the children to dramatise the books they have read or create a piece of art from it; the required resources are carried on the bus and we donate a box of books to each community.
Weekends are free and your Book Bus leader can recommend things to do.
Day 15
Transfer to Quito (not included)
Overnight in hotel
Day 16
Fly to Galapagos Islands
The trip begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight (approx. 3.5 hours) to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. You will land around midday, be met by your tour leader and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the Interpretation Center and learn the mysterious history of Galapagos, The Enchanted Islands. Later we hit Mann Beach for a swim where we can observe playful sea lions, and frigates gliding on the thermals. That evening we will have a 'welcome to Galapagos' dinner, which will include of some of the islands fresh fish and produce.
Day 17
Your day begins with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido (45 minutes approx.), observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions. Here we can dive (optional) and snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few.
In the afternoon we will make our way to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we will have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. Once at the top, we jump on mountain bikes for an exhilarating downhill ride through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo.
Today you may have the opportunity to go for an optional dive.
Day 18
Early in the morning of day 4 we take off to Floreana Island by boat (Approx. 2.5 hours), before continuing to Isabela Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way
Days 19-20
On day 19, a full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we visit the breeding centre of the giant tortoise, the largest in Galapagos.
That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail.
On day 20 we travel by pick-up truck and on foot to the Wall of Tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we'll pop in and visit Pink flamingos, also stopping at the lookout and one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way.
After lunch we travel by dingy (10 minutes approx.) to the Tintoreras, a perfect spot for snorkelling, before returning to our hotel.
Day 21
Today is an early morning departure as we travel to Santa Cruz (2 hours approx.)
We will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and observe the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. Also scheduled for today is a trip to the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1 km long - all the while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try any of the optional activities such as body boarding or surfing.
Day 22
Today we pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, brought back form the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island (1.5 hours approx.) for a dive (optional) or snorkel in a beautiful bay where we can observe the marine iguanas feeding off the rocks and schools of surgeonfish just below the surface.
We then return to San Cristobal by boat (1.5 hours approx.) and to our hotel. In the evening we will have a last group dinner to celebrate a great trip.
Days 23-24
We bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands with a quick optional visit to La Loberia or last minute souvenir shopping.
A midday flight takes us back to Quito (approx. 3.5 hours). An representative will take you from the airport to your hotel, a quick change and it is out to enjoy the nightlife of Quito.
We return to our comfortable hotel in Quito for the evening.
Day 24 is departure day and we say 'Hasta la vista amigos!' or goodbye my friend!
There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
To book this trip or for more information please contact us
What's Included?
Included
Arrival airport transfer
3 nights in Quito. (B&B)
2 weeks on board the Book Bus
Accommodation (B&B) whilst on project
Internal flights to Galapagos
9 day Galapagos tour
7 breakfasts & 7 lunches on Galapagos
Return airport transfer (Galapagos flights)
Fully qualified bi-lingual guide
Not Included
Transfers to Book Bus project site (due to the Bus travelling around the country)
Meals other than breakfast whilst on mainland (please allow $8 per day)
Galapagos National Park Fee ($100)
Galapagos Transit Control card ($10)