Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival At Baltra & Research Station Discovery

   • After arriving at Baltra Airport, a local guide will pick you up.
   • On the way to Puerto Ayora, stop off at a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises.
   • Wander around on your own to appreciate these majestic creatures.
   • Enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
   • Witness firsthand the work of international scientists who come to the Galápagos to carry out environmental projects.
   • Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galápagos tortoises breed and are cared for. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn about each one.

   Meals included: Lunch

2. Day 2: Tortuga Bay Adventure

   • Start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay.
   • Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline.
   • Observe colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and coastal flora.
   • After kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkeling.
   • In the afternoon, go on a bay tour.
   • In a small boat, visit the most beautiful bays and beaches of Santa Cruz Island.
   • Swim with playful sea lion cubs, explore the diversity of fish while snorkeling, or simply sunbathe on the beach.
   • Late afternoon return to Puerto Ayora and be taken to your hotel for overnight stay.

   Meals included: Breakfast

3. Day 3: Leisurely Island Biking

   • Enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace.
   • A bike will be reserved and waiting for you at your hotel for exploration.
   • Explore the island on two wheels, taking in the sights and sounds.
   • Leave the bike at your hotel at the end of the day.
   • Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.

   Meals included: Breakfast

4. Day 4: Isabela Island Expedition

   • Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, a 2-hour trip.
   • 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 in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
   • 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

5. Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano Trek

   • The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda.
   • Start with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail.
   • Prepare backpacks and start the walk through relatively young woods. The area suffers from constant geological changes.
   • Do a six-hour roundtrip hike to the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano.
   • Witness the second-largest volcanic crater in the world.
   • Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, observing northern volcanoes in Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
   • Look out for unique vegetation during the climb.
   • Reach the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, an active volcano.
   • Enjoy spectacular views of the crater and surrounding volcanoes. The crater's circumference is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km at its widest point.
   • Have some free time after returning to Isabela Island.
   • If energy permits, head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

6. Day 6: Interpretation & Exploration

   • Check in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
   • Head to the northern limit of the town towards the local Interpretation Center.
   • Learn about wildlife through exhibition and conference rooms.
   • Explore a natural history room explaining the origin of the islands.
   • Discover a human history room describing the presence of man since the discovery of the Galapagos.
   • Learn about conservation and how to protect and preserve the fragile environment.
   • Visit Las Tijeretas Hill, named after the large number of frigates that inhabit and nest in the area.
   • Enjoy viewpoints along the route for observing whale passage, mainly between June and October.
   • If time allows, visit La Loberia, a site for viewing colonies of wolves and marine iguanas.
   • Observe coastal vegetation including mangroves, salt marsh, muyuyo, and palo verde.
   • In the evening, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for your next day of adventure.

   Meals included: Breakfast

7. Day 7: Kicker Rock Snorkeling

   • Visit the most popular visitor site, the famous Kicker Rock.
   • Enjoy snorkeling and diving in this diverse ecosystem. Currents in Kicker Rock are strong and usually cold.
   • Excursion starts from the port in the morning and entails two immersions in different areas of Kicker Rock.
   • Late afternoon, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for overnight stay.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

8. Day 8: Departure from San Cristobal

   • In the morning after breakfast, you will be taken to the airport of San Cristobal.
   • Take your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
   • Farewell!

   Meals included: Breakfast