Day 1: San Cristobal Island – Highlands

After arriving at San Cristobal Airport look out for a Galacruises representative who will be holding a sign with your name. After checking-in at the hotel and eating lunch in a local restaurant head to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center where our guide will explain how the Galapagos Islands were formed, the evolution of species, the migration of the animals, and the human settlements within the Galapagos.

After visiting the Interpretation Center, we will make our way to “Cerro Tijeretas”, or “Frigate Hill”. Here you can do some snorkeling to see colorful fish species, starfish, sea urchins, or to simply enjoy the crystal clear waters. The afternoon continues with a visit to Playa Carola, where you will have time to enjoy the beautiful beach before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in San Cristóbal
B/L/-

Day 2: San Cristobal – Leon Dormido – Puerto Grande or Manglecito
We will snorkel with a herd of sea lions and then continue to the famous Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) where we can observe the high-flying booby birds and frigate birds. We will spend the best time diving, snorkeling and swimming with rays, seals, iguanas, multicolored fish, and many more. Afterwards we will go to Puerto Grande and its beautiful white sand beach to enjoy a well-deserved rest and a box lunch. B/BL

Day 3: San Cristobal Island – Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station – Tortuga Bay Beach
We will have an early morning trip to Santa Cruz Island, one of the most important islands in the Archipelago (because this is where most of the hotels and tourist accommodations are located). After arrival, we will visit the important Charles Darwin Research Station where we can observe one of the largest Galapagos tortoises and land iguanas breeding centers. The local guide will give us a detailed explanation on the islands evolution. We will have lunch in the village. In the afternoon, we will take a long but easy walk to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the islands, Tortuga Bay Beach. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L/-

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island – Highlands – Garrapatero Beach
We will take a hike to the highlands of the island and visit the Primicias Ranch where we will be bushwalking and looking for giant Galapagos tortoises. After a walk, we will visit the lava tunnels and have lunch in a typical restaurant. We will continue down to Garrapatero Beach — one of the most beautiful white sand beaches. The sea here is turquoise and calm. You can go snorkel and watch flamingos or other sea birds. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L/-

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island – Bay Tour – Isabela Island
In the morning, we will take a tour around the bay. We will visit Punta Estrada, the Germans’ Beach, Channels of Love and the Grietas. During this trip, you will be able to observe seabirds and sea lions and you can surface dive. Lunch in Puerto Ayora. In the afternoon, a speed boat will take us to Isabela Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Archipelago.
After a cruise of 2 ½ hours we will reach this corner of paradise where a local transfer will take us to the hotel and lodging. B/L/-

Day 6: Sierra Negra Volcano – Campo Duro Farm – Tintoreras
Our guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world, Sierra Negra. Its crater is approximately 7 kilometers wide. We will take a 4h trekking tour to enjoy this wonderful and unique scenery.
Lunch in a local farm called Campo Duro where we will also watch Isabela Giant Tortoises. Back to Puerto Villamil town, we will visit Tintoreras Islets. Herds of white tip sharks can often be seen here, resting around the lava canals. You can also observe hundreds of marine iguanas, as «Las Tintoreras» are one of their main breeding sites. On the nearby sandy beaches, sea lions play and relax in the sun. Afterwards we will have an opportunity to snorkel. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 7: The Tunnels of Cape Rosa- Wall of Tears – Orchilla Viewpoint – Breeding Center “Arnaldo Tupiza” – Flamingo lagoon
Prepare yourself for one of the best days of this trip! After sailing for 45 minutes from Puerto Villamil, we will reach Cape Rosa on the western side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful and amazing places nature has bestowed upon humankind. Here we can walk over the connected lava tunnels surrounded by the crystal sea waters. From the surface, you will be able to see dozens of sea turtles, penguins and rays. You can also snorkel or simply swim along this rich marine fauna as we sail to and from Isabela, we might be able to see manta rays of different sizes, a truly unique experience. And if it is their mating season, we will watch them floating upside-down on the surface, waiting to have their pictures taken. In the afternoon, we will drive towards the “Wall of Tears”. This historical place was built by the prisoners of the Ecuador’s first jail. On our way, back we will stop at the Orchilla viewpoint. From the top, you can see the entire coastal wetland system including Poza de los Diablos, Puerto Villamil, the beaches, the volcanoes and the islets to the south east of Isabela. It is a great location for panoramic photos on clear days.

We will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you will be able to observe tortoises of all ages and sizes. We will also learn about the breeding and farming of giant tortoises and see all the work that is being done to help recover the wild populations of these species. Then, we will take a walk around the flamingo lagoon. Return to the hotel and lodging. BL/-

Day 8: Isabela Island- Santa Cruz Island- Baltra- Quito / Guayaquil
We are going to depart early to take a speed boat back to Puerto Ayora. After getting there we will take a bus to the Baltra Airport where we will check-in for our flights back to the Continent. You can also take an inter-island flight in a plane with a capacity of 5 to 9 passengers. The flight from Isabela to the Baltra Airport takes 30 minutes and connects to the flight to the continent (no flights on Sundays). This service is optional; it is charged extra and should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. B/-/-

✓ B= Breakfast
✓ L= Lunch
✓ D= Dinner