The Best of Galapagos - 7 Days

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, located 600 miles (965.6 km) off the coast of Ecuador. This was the place that inspired Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection – and it’s sure to inspire you too.  

First, we’ll transfer you from your hotel in Guayaquil to the airport from where you’ll fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. On arrival we’ll pick you up and head straight from Baltra to the nearby Santa Cruz Island From here, we will cross the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry to Isabela Island. Here we will drop you off at your hotel for the evening.

Today after breakfast, we will explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and other sea creatures. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.

In the afternoon after lunch, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas. This is the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.

• Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels: 1 hour each way.
• Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each.

What to wear:

Shorts, long-sleeved t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent.

Optional Activities:

• Snorkeling at “Concha de Perla”.
• Surfing lessons.
• Biking.
• Relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island.

*We recommend that you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.

After Breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Puerto Villamil to the trailhead for our Sierra Negra Hike. We will prepare our backpacks for our hike into a young forest ecosystem. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. Once we arrive, we take in the breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater. This crater is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. Both of these are great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over the millennia.

In the afternoon, we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. After these fantastic  Galapagos excursions, we will take you back to your hotel for the evening.

• Hiking time: 4 hours both ways
• Hiking distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles. Optional hike to Volcan Chico (16 km /10 miles).
• Hiking elevation gain: 289.5 m / 950 ft.
• Maximum elevation while hiking: 1124 m / 3687 ft.
• Kayaking time: 2 hours.
• Snorkeling time:  1 hour.

What to wear today for hiking: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes, rain jacket, hat, sun cream, mosquito repellent.

What to wear today for kayaking and snorkeling: sandals, shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, bathing suit, hat, sun cream, mosquito repellent.

In the morning, we will head from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a short walk from the town of Puerto Ayora. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. At the research station you can learn all about conservation in the Galapagos, visit the Natural History Interpretation Center to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild.

After lunch, we will head to the ‘El Chato´ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato’s spectacular landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. 

What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sun hat, sun cream.

Sadly, after our final breakfast on The Galapagos Islands, it is time to take our last photos of the sea lions and say goodbye to this magnificent archipelago. We will transfer to Baltra Airport in time to catch the flight back to Guayaquil on the mainland.

What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, sun hat.

Our final day is spent in Guayaquil, as you wait for your flight out, either back home or to continue your adventure in Ecuador. We’ll take you to the airport to catch your flight, and help with any other travel plans you might have. And then it’s time for this part of your journey to end, but you’ll be taking all the amazing memories of the Galapagos with you.