Day 1
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red-and-gold columns and ceilings. Afterward we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
San Cristóbal Island
This morning we pick you up from your hotel & transfer you to the airport for the flight to San Cristóbal, Galapagos. Our local guide will be at the airport to greet us & begin the excursion towards the high part of the island where we will have the opportunity to visit the Center where giant Galapagos turtles are raised. After this visit, we will enjoy a wonderful barbecue at a nearby farm.
Junco Lake, San Cristobal Island
We continue our excursion to Junco Lake, the only sweet water lake, where we will see marine birds. Just a few minutes from this place, we will stop at a lookout where we there is a beautiful view of the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Bay. We return Puerto Baquerizo for overnight in our hotel, Hotel Mar Azul I or similar.
Day 4
Lobos Island & Leon Dormido
This morning, after breakfast we sail to Lobos Island where we will see colonies of sea lions, from which the island gets its name. We continue on to the famous Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) where we can watch the high-flying boobies and frigate birds. Our main recreation here will be snorkeling and we will have the opportunity to swim with rays, seals, marine iguanas, multicolored fish, and much more.
Puerto Grande, San Cristobal Island
We continue on to Puerto Grande, located on the northwest coast of San Cristobal Island. We enjoy a well-deserved rest and boxed lunch on this beautiful white sand beach before we return to the hotel this afternoon.
Day 5
Santa Fe Island
This morning we take a fast launch from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Santa Fe Island. This island has the most beautiful beaches where colonies of sea lions lie basking in the sun on exceptionally white sand. Here we will have the opportunity to snorkel in quiet, transparent dark blue and turquoise-colored waters. As we snorkel, we will see sharks, rays and marine iguanas as well as blue-footed boobies, the tropicbird, fork-tailed seagulls and other species.
The Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
At noon, we will reach Puerto Ayora the main town on one of the most important islands in the Archipelago; Santa Cruz Island. We will enjoy lunch before taking a jeep to the high part of the island to the Primicias Ranch. Our descent will begin at the edge of the main road down to the base of the Ranch on a muddy road good for mountain biking. As we descend, we will pass through a rich farming area and then reach the base of the ranch and be able to see the very famous giant Galapagos turtles in their natural state. After a short rest, we will return to the hotel, Hotel Sol y Mar or similar.
Day 6
Punta Estrada & Las Grietas, Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, we will leave in our sea kayaks and go down Ninfas Lake, which borders the coast. We will pass Punta Estrada and continue until Las Grietas. During the trip, we will be able to see sea birds, sea lions and sea iguanas. The trip will end at a beautiful natural pool surrounded by volcanic rock where the crystal-clear turquoise water is good for snorkeling among sea lions. After our time in the sun, we will return to Puerto Ayora for a delicious and well-deserved lunch.
Charles Darwin Research Center, Santa Cruz Island
This afternoon, we will visit the very important Charles Darwin Station; it is impossible to go to Galapagos and not see it! Visiting this place is an excellent introduction to the formation and evolution of the islands. We will be able to see the giant Galapagos turtle-breeding center and also meet the famous unique living fossil known as “Lonely George.” We spend a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Day 7
Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Early after breakfast, we will sail to Isabela, the largest island of the Archipelago composed of 6 volcanoes, 5 of which are active. A fast launch takes us to the southern part of the Archipelago. This trip takes about 2˝ hours. After an interesting sail in the South Pacific, we will reach the island’s main dock where our transportation will be waiting to take us to the hotel. At noon, lunch will be in a typical restaurant in the town.
Muro de las Lagrimas, Isabela Island
In the afternoon, we will take a long, but easy, walk towards the Muro de las Lagrimas. This historical place was build by prisoners from Ecuador’s first jail. As we walk to our destination, we will see the Flamingo Lake, the Center where the giant turtles are raised, areas of mangrove trees, and a lookout from which we will be able to see the southern part of the island and the sea where it meets the immense blue sky. After returning, we will stop for a refreshing swim on the enchanting beach of Puerto Villamil. We will overnight in our hotel, Hotel Albermarle or similar.
Day 8
Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela Island
Today will be very special because our guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. The crater of this volcano called “Sierra Negra” is approximately 7 kilometers in diameter. We will enjoy a soft trek in order to enjoy the wonderful scenery and then have a box lunch.
Chico Volcano, Isabela Island
The day will continue with walk to Chico Volcano where we will walk through the fumaroles of this active volcano as we look down on the sea. Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 9
The Tunnels of Cape Rosa, Isabela Island
Prepare yourself for one of the best days of your trip! After sailing for an hour and a half from Puerto Villamil, we will reach Cape Rosa on the western side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful places nature has bestowed upon humankind. Here we can walk over the connected lava tunnels situated in the blue sea waters. From the surface, we will very easily be able to see dozens of sea turtles, penguins and rays and we will also be able to do snorkeling and swimming alongside this rich marine fauna.
After enjoying a box lunch, we sail to return to our hotel in Puerto Villamil, we will see manta rays of different sizes that will make this trip different, and if it is the mating season, we will see them diving upside-down on the surface, waiting to have their pictures taken.
Day 10
Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Island
Early departure to take the fast launch to Puerto Ayora. We will immediately take a bus across Santa Cruz Island to the Baltra Airport where we will check in for our flights to the Continent. Those who want can take an inter-island flight in a 5 to 9 capacity plane. The flight from Isabela to the Baltra Airport is 30 minutes (no flights on Sundays) and connects to the flight to the continent. This service is optional and is charged extra but can be canceled at any time.
Upon arrival in Quito transfer to the hotel.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of your choice.
Biking in the Galapagos
Mitad del Mundo Park
Snorkeling in the Galapagos
