10-Day Galapagos Island Hopping In Santa Cruz and Isabela From Quito
Highlights
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Morona-Santiago, Santa Cruz Island
Locations Covered
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Morona-Santiago, Santa Cruz Island
nature, sunandsand, kayaking
Private Tour
10 Days
Medium
English, Spanish
Description
Experience an unforgettable journey at the Galapagos Islands and allow yourself to be amazed by one of the Earth's natural marvels. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Galapagos! Embark on visits to Santa Cruz and Isabela islands, venture into uninhabited territories, indulge in swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, and uncover the enchantment of our stunning archipelago. This comprehensive travel plan will lead you through the Galapagos' most remarkable ecosystems, from the breathtaking lunar-like terrain of Sierra Negra Volcano to the sanctuary of the Giant Tortoises in Santa Cruz's Highlands.
Itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
- Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador!
- Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you to transfer to your accommodation in the city center, a one-hour trip.
Meals included: None
-
Day 2: Welcome to Galapagos: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
- After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.
- At the farm, there are dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will and enjoy a delicious lunch.
- Afterward, continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.
- In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station.
- Scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc.
- Here, the animals are raised before being released into nature.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 3: Exploring an Uninhabited Island
- After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.
- Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you will visit one of the following islands: South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
- On the island, you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the waters around.
- Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience.
- In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 4: Kayaking Tortuga Bay & Afternoon at Leisure in Santa Cruz
- After a delicious breakfast, we have reserved kayaks for you at Tortuga Bay.
- A 45-minute hike will lead you to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos.
- When you are done kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkeling.
- Late afternoon at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 5: Speedboat to Isabela Island & Wildlife on Las Tintoreras Islet
- Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, a 2-hour trip.
- After arriving, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.
- After lunch, join a group tour for a visit to the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling.
- See Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
- Afterward, snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins.
- The evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island.
Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 6: Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
- Begin our walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes.
- Do a six-hour roundtrip hike to its summit, from where you will get to see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world.
- Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes in Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
- During your climb, make sure to be on the lookout for the unique vegetation that inhabits the area.
- Your finishing point is the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, this volcano is still active.
- Once at the edge of the crater, you will have spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes that surround it.
- The circumference of the crater is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km along with its widest point.
- You will have some free time after you get back to Isabela Island.
- If you still have energy, you can head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 7: Free Time in Isabela Island
- Have fun with an exciting free day on Isabela Island.
- Rent a bike and visit the famous Wall of Tears, built with the forced labor of prisoners at the island's former penal colony.
- Then, ride to different viewpoints on the island.
- If you prefer to spend the day on the water, Concha Perla (near Puerto Villamil) offers lots of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing on the beach.
- For a quiet day of relaxation, stick around the hotel, and enjoy the island's tranquility.
Meals included: None
-
Day 8: Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island and Afternoon Bay Tour
- Early in the morning, you will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island.
- In the afternoon, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
- You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería named for the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
- Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies, you will come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
- Taking a 10-minute walk you will see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
- Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, which are two large cliffs separately filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and saltwater below.
Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 9: Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island
- Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora.
- Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel.
- For the last part of your trip to the airport, you will take the public shuttle bus to the terminal and check-in for your flight.
- Farewell Galapagos!
Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 10: Departure from Quito
- Today you are free to explore Quito on your own before getting picked up for your transfer to the airport.
- At the designated time, meet with your driver at the hotel and head to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
-
No refund in case of any cancellation.
Price
Persons | |
---|---|
1 to 1 | /person |
2 to 16 | /person |
This is a private tour |