Itinerary

1. Day-01 - Welcome to Galapagos: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

   • After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will wait for you and take you to Santa Cruz Island.
   • You will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat). Our first stop is a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises. You can wander around at will and enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, we will continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.
   • In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station, where 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., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into nature. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

2. Day-02 - 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 the National Park grants, you will visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour. 
   • There, you will follow trails to discover their richness, and in the afternoon, you can explore the waters around. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.
   • Lunch is included onboard, walking, and a snorkelling activity to maximize your experience.
   • In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

3. Day-03 - Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon at Leisure in Santa Cruz

   • After a delicious breakfast, 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.
   • Afterwards, 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, two large cliffs separately filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below.
   • In the afternoon, you will return to the dock and your hotel, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon strolling and exploring Puerto Ayora on your own.

4. Day-04 - Speedboat to Isabela Island & Wildlife on Las Tintoreras

   • Start your morning with a two-hour public speed boat trip to Isabela Island. After arriving, visit the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.
   • After lunch, join a group tour to visit the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkelling. You will see Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks resting in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
   • Afterwards, 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.

5. Day-05 - Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano

   • The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda. Our adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, we will prepare our backpacks and walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes.
   • You will hike a six-hour roundtrip to its summit, from which you will see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. Then, walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes in the Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
   • During your climb, look 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 crater's edge, you will have spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes surrounding it. The crater's circumference is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km and its widest point.
   • After you return to Isabela Island, you will have some free time. If you still have energy, you can head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.

6. Day-06 - 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 labour of prisoners at the island's former penal colony. Then, ride to different viewpoints on the island.
   • Concha Perla (near Puerto Villamil) offers many opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, or sunbathing on the beach if you prefer to spend the day on the water.
   • For a quiet day of relaxation, stick around the hotel and enjoy the island's tranquillity.

7. Day-07 - Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island and Kayaking Tortuga Bay

   • You will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island early in the morning.
   • We have reserved kayaks for you at Tortuga Bay. A 45-minute hike will lead you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. When you are done kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkelling. Late afternoon, at leisure.

8. Day-08 - Farewell Galapagos

   • 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.