Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll arrive in Quito and check into your hotel, then have the afternoon free to walk around the historic old town on your own. The colonial architecture is worth seeing at your own pace. Later at 6 PM, you'll meet your tour group and guide for a welcome briefing to go over what's ahead.
Optional Activities
- Explore Quito's historic old town and surroundings
- Quito Airport Transfer (one way, max 2 passengers per car) - $155 per passenger
- Quito Airport Transfer (one way, max 4 passengers per car) - $185 per passenger
- Quito Airport Transfer (one way, max 6 passengers per vehicle) - $235 per passenger
Landmarks/POIs Quito Historic Old Town Pichincha Volcano - Day 2
Quito to Puerto Villamil
Head to the airport for your flight from Quito to Baltra, which is your entry point to the Galapagos Islands. From there you'll take a boat to Puerto Ayora and then travel to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. You'll notice right away that six massive shield volcanoes shaped this island's landscape. The evening is yours to settle in and rest.
Included Activities
- Flight from Quito to Baltra
- Boat transfer from Puerto Ayora to Isabela
Landmarks/POIs Baltra Island Puerto Ayora Isabela Island - Day 3
Isabela Island
This day focuses on Los Tuneles, a lava arch formation with clear water that takes about an hour by boat to reach. You'll snorkel at two different spots and you can expect to see sea turtles, rays, sharks, sea lions, and penguins in their natural habitat. Between the boat rides and snorkeling, you'll have time on the white-sand beaches, or you could rent a bike and explore, or visit the giant tortoise breeding centre nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Snorkelling in the Lava Tunnels (Los Túneles)
- Boat transfer to and from Los Túneles
Optional Activities
- Relax on Isabela's white-sand beaches
- Rent a bike
- Visit the nearby giant tortoise breeding centre
- Wet suit rental - US$10 per person
Landmarks/POIs Los Túneles - Day 4
Isabela Island
After breakfast you'll trek to Sierra Negra volcano's rim at 1,500 metres/4,921 feet, which gives you views of the lava landscape stretching out below. Lunch happens on a local organic farm where they grill produce over volcanic stone, and you can walk through the fruit trails or just relax there. Then you'll spend 2 hours kayaking through a bay where wildlife is active, followed by a walk through mangroves that leads to a turquoise cove for about an hour of snorkelling. There's an option to extend to Volcan Chico if you want more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on a peaceful organic farm where local produce is grilled over volcanic stone)
Included Activities
- Hike along the rim of Sierra Negra volcano
- Lunch on an organic farm
- Kayaking in Tintoreras bay
- Snorkelling in the turquoise cove
Optional Activities
- Optional hike extension to Volcán Chico (additional 4 miles/6.4km)
Landmarks/POIs Sierra Negra Volcano Volcán Chico Tintoreras Bay - Day 5
Puerto Villamil to Puerto Ayora
A boat takes you from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where you'll check into your hotel in Puerto Ayora. From there you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about endemic species and Darwin's work on evolution. The afternoon involves hiking up into the highlands to the Primicias reserve, where you can walk among giant tortoises and spot pintail ducks, egrets, and finches near the freshwater lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Speed boat transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz
- Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
- Hike in Santa Cruz highlands to see giant tortoises at Primicias reserve
Landmarks/POIs Charles Darwin Research Station Primicias Reserve Santa Cruz Island - Day 6
Puerto Ayora to Quito
You'll have breakfast and a last chance to see sea lions relaxing before you head to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito. The rest of the day is free time once you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight from Baltra to Quito
- Day 7
Quito
The tour wraps up after breakfast. From here, you'll arrange your own transport to the airport or decide how you want to continue your travels.
- Meals
- Breakfast
