The Best of Galapagos

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos.

From here, we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes—Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active, which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth.

Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador. It is important to note that getting there involves air, road, and sea transportation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.

The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.

Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as biking or simply relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.

Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way
Snorkeling time: 2 sessions of 1 hour each
What to wear today: Shorts, long-sleeve water t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or cap, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, buff.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, around 08:00, you will depart to Sierra Negra Volcano. You will drive to the highlands of Isabela where you’ll start the hike. The volcano, with an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters and an outer diameter of nine kilometers, is the second largest lava dome in the world.

After returning to the pier around 14:30, and a brief orientation, we’ll begin kayaking in the bay. Wildlife sightings include penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and juvenile sharks (“Tintoreras”).

To end the day, at 16:30 we’ll visit Concha & Perla, a charming beach accessible via a boardwalk through mangroves. There we will snorkel in turquoise waters full of marine life such as colorful fish, pelicans, mockingbirds, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

Hiking time: 4 hours total
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) — Optional extension to Volcan Chico: 10 miles (16 km)
Elevation gain: 950 ft (289.5 m)
Max elevation: 3687 ft (1124 m)
Kayaking time: 2 hours
Snorkeling time: 1 hour

What to wear – Hiking: Shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes, rain jacket, hat, buff, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
What to wear – Kayaking & Snorkeling: Sandals, shorts, long sleeve water shirt, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, we will head to the ‘Primicias’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through Primicias’ beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife, such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake.

Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “Buen viaje”!

Meal Plan: Breakfast