DAY 1: QUITO – BALTRA – ISABELA
We fly from Quito or Guayaquil to the Island of Baltra. At the airport in Baltra, we will meet with our English-speaking guide who will take us to the port of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch. Afterwards, we will take the public speedboat to Isabela, which takes approximately 3 hours. We will arrive at La Laguna Hotel or similar. After a brief rest at the hotel, we will head to the Flamingo Lagoon, which is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the great majority of flamingos.
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DAY 2: SIERRA NEGRA ACTIVE VOLCANO TREKKING – CONCHA PERLA ISABELA
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll take an excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano. This volcano is located 21 km (13 miles) away from Port Villamil and has the second-largest volcanic crater in the world, measuring about 9.7 km (6 miles) in diameter and 90 m (295 ft) deep. To arrive at this incredible sight we travel in bus or similar vehicle for 45 minutes to the Galapagos National Park where we will register our visit and then begin our hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano. We’ll then proceed to the Volcan Chico where you can feel the warmth of the ground as proof of its activity. Here, we’ll stop for a box lunch before returning to the hotel. After a brief rest, we’ll have the chance to go snorkeling or swimming at Concha Perla where we can observe the colorful fish, sea urchins, starfish, sea lions, or even sea turtles. Accommodation provided at La Laguna Hotel or similar.
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DAY 3: TORTOISES BREEDING CENTER – TINTORERAS
After breakfast we will go to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where we will see giant tortoises in different stages of life and learn about the process that the center is going through to raise the numbers of tortoises on the island. Additionally, we will visit a small lava tunnel and another Flamingo Lagoon, and then we will return to the hotel to have lunch.
In the afternoon, we will sail to Islote Tintoreras. It has this name due to a large crevice with very clear calm water in which white-tip sharks known as Tintoreras come daily to rest at the bottom. We can also observe penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas, and go snorkeling with sharks as well as other colourful tropical fish while enjoying the beaches of Isabela. Accommodation provided at La Laguna Hotel (no WIFI available).
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DAY 4: PUERTO AYORA – CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
First thing in the morning, we will take the public speedboat to Puerto Ayora, where the guide will be waiting for us in order to check in to the hotel. We will have breakfast and then will enjoy a wonderful visit to see giant turtles in their natural habitat. After lunch in the Highlands, we will return to Puerto Ayora and go to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, we will have the opportunity to remember the history of the famous Lonesome George. Accommodation provided at Hotel Fiesta or similar. Optional: You may visit the town again at night for dancing and entertainment.
(B/L/D) Goodbye Dinner
DAY 5: THE TWINS – BALTRA
After breakfast, we will travel to Baltra Airport, but on the way we will stop by The Twins (The Gemelos), which are similar to craters, but formed by a collapse of the earth because of the lava flows that passed below it. The tour will end with the arrival at the airport where we will depart to Quito or Guayaquil. Accommodation provided at Hotel IBIS (or similar).
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DAY 6: FREE DAY IN QUITO
(Or ask your agent for a Day Trip Option – extra cost)
Today, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous old town with a free walking tour of Colonial Quito. The free walking tour starts at 10:30. The guide will tell us some of the many stories that this place had witnessed along its existence. While walking through its magical streets, you will feel like living 500 years in the past.
At night we will go to the local bus station to take our transportation to Lago Agrio. This ride will take around 7 hours on an overnight bus.
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DAY 7: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION
Our adventure begins at 10:00. We travel by bus/truck to Tierras Orientales (2 hours), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno blackwater river until we reach Waita Lodge (3 hours approx.). After dinner, our naturalist bilingual guide gives us a captivating lecture.
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DAY 8: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION
Early morning canoe excursion, the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest thriving activity. After breakfast, we trek in the primary rainforest with our naturalist and native guides who will explain to us the practical and medical uses of the plants. After lunch, we go out with either paddleboards or motorized canoes to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and to try to find species of monkeys and dolphins. After dinner, we venture into the forest to find species of insects and with a bit of luck species of snakes and frogs.
(B/L/D)
DAY 9: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION
Starting early in the morning, we spend the whole day exploring. We navigate downstream to observe the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colorful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. We return to the Lodge for a delicious breakfast and then trek into the pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medical and practical uses of the rainforest's flora and fauna that their ancestors have taught throughout generations. We will also learn how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. After lunch, we navigate along the Cuyabeno River, where we have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis). We also try our luck at Piranha fishing. We visit the Kichwa Birdwatching Tower. Here, above the canopy, we will benefit from a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest and observe a variety of species, including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.
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DAY 10: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION
After breakfast, we navigate along Cuyabeno River towards to the Kichwa Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present. Then, we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico River to Puerto Gregorio. Our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio (arrival at 16:00 approx.). Departure flight/bus to Quito.
End of services.
(B/L/-)
* The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
Minimum 2 pax – ask price for a single supplement
Private tour
