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, and arrive at La Laguna Hotel (no WIFI available). 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 one of the main reproductive sites for the great majority of flamingos.
(-/L/-)
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 by 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 the volcano’s 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 (no WIFI available).
(B/L/-)
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).
(B/L/-)
DAY 4: PTO AYORA – CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
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 and eat breakfast. Afterwards, we 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 is 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 upon arriving at the airport, where we will depart to Quito or Guayaquil.
(B/-/-)
* The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
Single Supplement $300