Description

Day 1: Arrive Santa Cruz Island – Baltra – Puerto Ayora (L/D)

Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, meet your naturalist guide and transfer to Puerto Ayora. En route, visit the Santa Cruz Highlands, offering a first introduction to the island’s unique ecosystems.

Lunch will be served at the harbor before transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will observe different species of Giant Tortoises in captivity. Learn about their life cycle, variations, and the conservation programs dedicated to preserving both the species and the Galápagos environment.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Navigation Excursion: Bartolomé / North Seymour / South Plazas (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the dock for a full-day yacht excursion (destination subject to Galápagos National Park scheduling).

Possible visitor sites include:

North Seymour Island – excellent for hiking and snorkeling; rich wildlife including frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas.

Bartolomé Island – the most iconic landscape in the Galápagos, featuring volcanic formations and panoramic views.

South Plazas Island – known for its striking contrasts of turquoise waters, white sand, and lava rock, with abundant marine life.

Lunch will be served onboard.

Return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Santa Cruz – Cerro Mesa & Garrapatero Beach (B/L/D)

This morning, visit Cerro Mesa, a highland reserve offering panoramic views of the archipelago. The area is rich in endemic flora and fauna, including multiple species of Darwin’s finches and the vermilion flycatcher.

Experience the unique “garúa” mist that nourishes the highland ecosystem and view one of the largest volcanic craters on the island.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to El Garrapatero Beach, a peaceful bay ideal for swimming and relaxation.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Santa Cruz – Tortuga Bay – Isabela Island (B/L/D)

After breakfast, excursion to Tortuga Bay.

A 45-minute walk leads to Playa Brava, home to marine iguanas and seabirds. Continue to Playa Mansa, a calm lagoon perfect for swimming and wildlife observation.

Lunch at the port.

In the afternoon, board a public speedboat to Isabela Island (approx. 2–2.5 hours).

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Villamil. Visit the Flamingo Lagoon.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Isabela Island – Sierra Negra Volcano (B/L/D)

Early departure for Sierra Negra Volcano.

Transfer to the Galápagos National Park control point, followed by a guided hike to Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico. This area features one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world and dramatic lava landscapes.

Box lunch included during the excursion.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon. After a short rest, proceed to Concha de Perla for snorkeling.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Isabela Island – Tintoreras & Island Exploration (B/L/D)

After breakfast, depart for Tintoreras Islet.

After a short boat ride, explore the islet and enjoy snorkeling. Possible sightings include reef sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

Return to town for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, followed by the historic Wall of Tears. Continue to nearby lava tunnels and scenic viewpoints including Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Isabela – Santa Cruz – Baltra Departure (B)

Early morning transfer to the port for the speedboat back to Santa Cruz.

Upon arrival, continue to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil.