Discover the southern Islands of the Galapagos Islands on an active excursion in ways you never thought possible. Traverse the marine reserve by kayak, speed down the highlands by mountain bike, or hike through intriguing volcanic formations. Every day, a new adventure awaits you. In the evening, explore small port towns, or just relax in high-quality, choice hotels. |
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Overnight.
Day 2 Fly San Cristobal (B,L)
This morning you'll catch an early flight to San Cristobal Island to begin your action-packed Galapagos tour. After you’ve settled into your new surroundings, you’ll hike the nearby Frigate Hill, appropriately named for the bird that is known to nest along the hillside. During the breeding season, the large birds are easily recognized by the inflated bright red throat pouch, which the male frigate proudly displays. Other wildlife to keep an eye out for includes the comical blue-footed boobies, swallowed tailed-gulls and Darwin’s finches. The small beach at the foot of the hill is believed to be the site of Darwin’s first landing. After your hike, you’ll cool off with a swim or dip your toes in the waters off the white sandy shoreline of Mann Beach. The evening is free to leisurely explore the shops and restaurants of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 3 Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling (B,L)
Little compares to a morning paddle along the Galapagos coastline. Sea lions, boobies, frigate birds and sea turtles make for excellent company as you sea kayak to Playa Ochoa. Here, you'll relax along the shoreline or swim in the wildlife-rich waters. Reenergized from lunch, you’ll continue your paddling to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). This enormous rock resembles a sleeping lion and towers over the region, rising 500 feet straight up from the ocean. You’ll spend the remaining afternoon snorkeling Leon Dormido – for those who are certified, the waters also offer terrific diving. Share the waters with hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, not to mention the dozens of tropical fish. Tonight, take in the last sights of San Cristobal before you venture to Santa Fe Island in the morning.
Day 4 More Waters Await! (B,L)
Today is filled with more water adventures off of the Santa Fe and Santa Cruz Islands. A boat ride takes you first to Santa Fe where you’ll snorkel the island’s surrounding crystal waters rich with sea lions, fish, rays and turtles. Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves in the region - a turquoise lagoon protected by a peninsula of rocks and small islands that extends from the shore. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Santa Fe Iguana lounging onshore. These rare reptiles are only found on the same-name island. Your boat ride continues onto Santa Cruz, where you'll pick up your kayaks for paddling around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada. Weave your way though channels as sharks and rays swim in the waters beneath. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife perched on the jagged cliffs above. This evening you overnight in the Galapagos’s largest city, Puerto Ayora.
Day 5 Highlands Hike and Bike (B,L)
Your exploration continues into the Highlands of Santa Cruz. This morning you’ll transfer to El Chato reserve. As you hike through the area you can look for pintail ducks, egrets, finches, frigate birds and – with great luck – the rare giant Galapagos tortoise. Your trail takes you through lava caves, tunnels, the collapsed crater Media Luna, and into the Miconia forest. The forest is a major breeding location for the Dark-rumped Petrel. Your return trip is done by mountain bike. Finish the day with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a must-stop for every Galapagos traveler. Here, visitors can observe tortoise research and breeding programs. Don't forget to say hello to the tortoise Lonesome George – the last of his species.
Day 6 Explore Isabela Island (B,L,D)
After breakfast you’ll take a boat to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest and the most volcanically active island in the Galapagos. This island has six volcanoes and is well known for the 5 subspecies of giant tortoise that live in the cloudforests. Spend the afternoon visiting the Tortoise Breeding Center and follow a trail along the coastline in search of Galapagos penguins and sea lions. Isabela’s salty lagoons are also home to a wide range of sea birds, offering some of the best birding in all of the Galapagos – so don’t forget your binoculars! Your afternoon is spent relaxing along white sandy beaches. Overnight in Puerto Villamil.
Day 7 Isabela on Horseback (B,L,D)
You’ll begin your day with a 6-mile horseback ride to the very rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. The view from this 6x5 mile-wide caldera is sensational. From here you’ll hike to the puffing Chico Volcano on the northeast side of the caldera. During your hike you'll have a good chance of seeing Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, finches and flycatchers. Tonight you’ll spend your last evening in this quiet port town before saying farewell to the Enchanted Islands in the morning.
Day 8 Fly Quito (B)
This morning you'll make your way back to Santa Cruz and Baltra Island where you'll catch your flight back to the mainland. Today is free to enjoy Quito at your leisure and share stories of your exciting Galapagos travel adventures. Overnight in Quito.
Day 9 Return Home
*This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy. |
