The Best of Galapagos Adventure

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species.

We 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, where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported.

The island was formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerra 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 600mi (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador. It's important to understand that you will have to take air, road, and sea transportation to get there.

ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: 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.

In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.

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

ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch

After breakfast, at around 8:00 AM, we depart to Sierra Negra Volcano. You will drive to the highlands of Isabela where you would normally start hiking. The volcano, with its height of around 4,920ft (1,500M), and outer diameter of approximately 5.6mi (9km), is the second biggest lava dome in the world.

We lunch at a local restaurant in the highlands on a beautiful organic farm. The owners prepare their food with vegetables and fruits grown locally at the farm. Prepared on a lava rock grill, enjoy a delicious meal.

After lunch, take a walk among the fruit trails. Or simply take a nap in one of the hammocks and breathe the clean air below a big Mango tree.

We then make our way back to the pier, arriving at 2.30 PM. After a short briefing, we start kayaking in the bay where we can enjoy the local wildlife. Observe penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguanas Marinas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and sometimes Sharks “Tintoreras” juveniles.

To finish this day, at 4:30 PM, we have a short visit to Concha & Perla, a small beach in Puerto Villamil where we snorkel. A short beautiful walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk will lead you to the spot with turquoise waters and wildlife galore! You can expect to see plenty of other tourists alongside colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and maybe even marine iguanas!

ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch

In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Once we arrive, we check in at the hotel. Then, we 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.

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

ACCOMMODATION: La Isla or similar / MEALS: Breakfast

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

ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel / MEALS: Breakfast

Today our trip ends. Take your memories and photos with you, 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"!

MEALS: Breakfast