DAY 1

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ARRIVAL + HIGHLAND TOUR

 

Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, one of our representatives will cordially receive you. From there we will go to the Itabaca channel to take our private transport and arrive at our destination called “El Chato”, located in the highland part of Santa Cruz Island. Once at the site we will have the opportunity to observe the emblematic species of the Galapagos Islands, the Giant Land Tortoises. These are found in free areas, such as lagoons and trails.

We will also visit the lava tunnels. These are hollow rocks type caverns or caves, which allow us to take a walk inside them and take pictures of this beautiful and unique volcanic formation. In addition, we will learn a little more about the geological and natural formation of the Galapagos Islands.

After this spectacular excursion at the highlands, we will go to our hotel located in the city of Puerto Ayora.

 

DAY 2

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NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND TOUR

 

We are going to visit North Seymour, where we do a hike within its natural and special paths to observe and enjoy the best place for birds during the nesting time. Amongst them there will be the blue-footed boobies (with their romantic courtship dance) and the magnificent red-breasted frigate birds (during the mating season, the male inflates its amazing red breast pouch to attract the females). Due to this special activity of the birds, Seymour represents a unique area and is very recognized in the enchanting islands. Additionally we´ll be able to see Tropical Birds, Pelicans, Seagulls and the yellow Land Iguanas (endemic species of Galapagos).

We are also going to visit Bachas Beach. On this beach, you will find white coral sand and a few steps away there are saltwater lagoons where birds like Herons and Flamingos feed themselves. You can realize the activity you prefer most in that moment, such as taking pictures, swimming, snorkeling, walking or just relaxing on the beach.

Start: 08:00 am          Return:16:00 pm

 

DAY 3

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PINZON ISLAND TOUR

 

We will start our voyage towards Pinzon Island. When we arrive, we will navigate around this island to watch and take photos of different types of shorebirds, which live in that place, such as Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies and Frigate Birds.

Pinzon Island is well known for to contain in its waters one of the greatest variety of marine live, due to its marine vegetation and shoals of fish, of which species of giant ocean animals are feeding themselves. In this place, we will have two excellent and breath-taking times of snorkeling, where we will be able to observe the Galapagos Sharks, Sting Rays, Sea Turtles and Manta Rays of 2 to 3 meters. We’ll also be able to see the Galapagos Penguins and if we’re lucky even Dolphins and Whales.

In our next activity, we are going to do some interactive fishing, which will take during 20 and 45 minutes. Depending of our capture, we can prepare Sashimi or Ceviche as an appetizer for the group.

Later on, we are heading for a wet landing on a marvelous beach, where you’ll have some free time. You can realize the activity you prefer most in that moment, such as taking pictures, swimming, snorkeling, walking or just relaxing on the beach.

Start: 08:00 am          Return: 16:00 pm

 

DAY 4

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 FLOREANA ISLAND TOUR / Optional: South Plazas Island

 

We begin our adventure to Floreana Island (Puerto Velasco Ibarra) taking a boat with a navigation of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Floreana Island is one of the islands with more historical roots within the Archipelago.

Upon arrival, we begin our tour in an adventure land transport for our excursion in the Upper part. We visit the Asilo de la Paz , which is formed by a vegetation typical of the Island. Here we will find the Cuevas de los Piratas, which were used as shelters by the first inhabitants of the Island.

On the way, we will find some rock formations in the shape of INCAS faces. We will have a short introduction of those interesting stories of this beautiful Island by our Guide. Then we will arrive at La Galapaguera where we will observe the island’s endemic tortoises in their natural habitat after their re-insertion by the Galapagos National Park after breeding several specimens in captivity and ensuring the existence of this species. Then we will arrive at a viewpoint from which we will be able to appreciate a beautiful view of the entire coastal area of ​​Floreana Island.

After lunch at a local restaurant on the small island, we will go to the port where we can see the red and black iguana (hybrid type) typical of Floreana Island.

Finally we will enjoy a snorkeling time from La Lobería or from La Playa Negra (either of the 2 options) where we will be able to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and sea turtles.

Start: 08:00 am          Return: 16:00 pm

 

DAY 5

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ISABELA ISLAND – TINTORERAS TOUR

 

In the morning, we leave to Isabela at 07:00 am, with approximately 2 hours of navigation. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, we´ll have the transfer to the hotel and the check-in respectively.

After lunch, we will begin a water navigation to Tintoreras Islet, which is 10 minutes away from Isabela Island. During this navigation, we will find the Penguins (which are the main attraction of the place) together with the Blue Footed Boobies and Pelicans.

When we arrive at Tintoreras, we will do a hike within its natural paths. On the way, you can find several volcanic crevices in which the Tintorera Sharks enter and become part of the reef’s natural environment. For this reason, the islet has the same name like the species “Tintorera”.

Finally, in the snorkeling activity, we can see Marine Iguanas, Sea Lions, Sea Turtles, fish and on a good day, we could swim with Penguins.

We will also visit the Flamingos lagoon to observe these peculiar pink birds along with herons in natural areas.

After the trip, we will have free time in the city.

 

DAY 6

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ISABELA ISLAND: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

 

In the morning, we will have an overland transfer to the entrance of the path that leads us to the Volcano Sierra Negra. From there we begin the walk to the Sierra Negra Volcano (second largest crater in the world, only one open for tourism in Galapagos and one of the few that shows activity during last decade). Along the way we will be able to observe the different types of lava according to their age, we can also observe a spectacular landscape full of vegetation typical of the place.

Arriving at the top of the volcano’s crater, you can descend on foot to the fumaroles located at the bottom of the caldera of the Sierra Negra volcano.

Estimated return 13:30 pm.

After lunch, you will have the afternoon free with the option to enjoy the beach of Puerto Villamil by swimming or just resting on the sand.

 

DAY 7

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 ISABELA ISLAND: TUNNEL’S TRIP

 

Tunnels are one of the best places on Isabela Island to do snorkeling / swimming, thanks to its transparent waters and its great variety of marine live. This place was named “The Tunnels” due to the volcanic lava formations in form of arches or bridges above the water, forming tunnels underneath it. That makes its landscape unique in Galapagos.

In our navigation form Isabela towards The Tunnels, we are going to visit Union Rock, where we will be able to observe different species of birds, such as Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Seagulls and Pelicans. Continuing with our navigation, we will arrive at The Tunnels, where we are going to do a walk on the volcanic lava formations. Here you will be able to enjoy and take some photos of this breath-taking and spectacular landscape full with cacti, which complement the stunning scenery.

We’re also going to have 2 marvelous times of snorkeling within the lagoons to live one of most impressive sensations and experiences due to the fact that you’ll going to share this natural aquarium with Giant Sea Turtles, White-tip Sharks, Eagle Rays, Seahorses and Galapagos Penguins.

 

DAY 8

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FERRY + TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

 

We start this day by taking a ferry from Santa Cruz Island (07:00 am) to San Cristobal Island with approximately 2 hours of navigation.

Upon arrival, we will have breakfast and then the transfer to the airport to take the respective flight back to continental Ecuador.