Visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkelling with sea turtles, rays, penguins and sea lions, Kayaking, Tintoreras & Lava tunnels, Charles Darwin resear
Highlights
Visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkelling with sea turtles, rays, penguins and sea lions, Kayaking, Tintoreras & Lava tunnels, Charles Darwin research station, and encounters with wild giant tortoises.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Quito. Evening welcome briefing
Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. ToDAY is a DAY for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito!
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Quito Arrival Airport Transfer
DAY 2: Fly to Baltra Island and take a boat to volcanic Isabela Island
Today, we embark on an adventure to the remarkable Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Our journey begins with a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon arrival, we'll transfer to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos, and then hop on a short boat ride to Isabela Island, the archipelago's largest and most volcanically active island.
Isabela Island owes its existence to six shield volcanoes, five of which remain active, making it one of the most volcanically dynamic places on Earth. Keep in mind that reaching these remote islands, located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, requires a combination of air, land, and sea travel.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Lava tube snorkelling and kayaking with penguins, sea lions and turtles
Prepare to be amazed as we venture along the seashore to witness the awe-inspiring lava formations sculpted by Isabela Island's volcanic eruptions. This captivating landscape, featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a mesmerizing labyrinth of lava tunnels filled with crystal-clear water teeming with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.
Here, you'll encounter "Los Tuneles," a natural highway where turtles journey from the mangroves to the open ocean. Snorkel through this underwater wonderland for an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures, including playful Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, we'll return to Puerto Villamil for a kayaking excursion in Tintoreras, where you can observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
Don't miss this extraordinary snorkeling experience with Isabela's diverse marine life. Before or after your adventure, feel free to explore the island at your own pace. Rent a bike, unwind on the exotic white-sand beaches, or visit the nearby giant tortoise breeding center.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Hike Sierra Negra, Kayak in Tintoreras and snorkel at Concha y Perla
Following breakfast, we'll set off for the Sierra Negra Volcano. Our journey takes us to Isabela's highlands, the usual starting point for the hike. This colossal volcano, towering approximately 1,500 meters high with an outer diameter of about nine kilometers, is the world's second largest lava dome.
Later, we'll savour a delightful lunch at a charming highland restaurant; an organic farm where the owners craft delectable dishes using locally grown produce. Indulge in a flavourful meal prepared on a lava rock grill, then take a leisurely stroll through the fruit trails or simply unwind in a hammock beneath a majestic mango tree, breathing in the fresh air.
In the afternoon, we'll return to the pier where we'll gear up for a kayaking adventure in the bay, where we'll encounter a wealth of local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and even the occasional juvenile "Tintoreras" shark.
To conclude this exhilarating DAY, we'll make a brief stop at Concha & Perla, a picturesque beach in Puerto Villamil perfect for snorkeling. A short, scenic walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk leads to this turquoise haven, teeming with marine life. Here, amidst fellow tourists, you'll encounter colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and perhaps even marine iguanas!
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Head to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
This morning, we embark on a scenic journey from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where we'll check into our hotel and then delve into the fascinating world of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species we've encountered in their natural habitats, as well as the ongoing conservation efforts vital to preserving the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem.
In the afternoon, we'll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz, our destination being the 'Primicias' reserve, renowned for its iconic Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through this picturesque landscape alongside these gentle giants is an experience you won't soon forget. Be sure to keep an eye out for other highland wildlife, including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, who congregate at a freshwater lake to cleanse their feathers of salt.
Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Free time before flying back to Quito
Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we return to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Tour ends in Quito
Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!
Whilst an airport transfer is not included toDAY, this can be arranged on a request basis.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Quito Departure airport transfer
included with
- 5-star hotels in Quito, 3-star on the Galapagos Islands
- All transport and transfers per the itinerary
- Roundtrip Domestic flights between Quito and Galapagos Islands (may make a stop in Guayaquil).
- Airport transfers in Quito (for the Galapagos flights on days 2 & 6)
- Services of Naturalist Local Guide whilst in Galapagos
- Snorkelling Gear (masks, fins & life vest)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
- International flights (available on request)
- Quito airport transfers on days 1 & 7
- Visa fees
- INGALA transit card: USD 20 p/p
- Galapagos National Park fee USD 200 p/p
- Wetsuit Hire USD 20 p/p
- USD $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tipping
- Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
DAY 1: Arrive in Quito. Evening welcome briefing
Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. ToDAY is a DAY for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito!
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Quito Arrival Airport Transfer
DAY 2: Fly to Baltra Island and take a boat to volcanic Isabela Island
Today, we embark on an adventure to the remarkable Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Our journey begins with a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon arrival, we'll transfer to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos, and then hop on a short boat ride to Isabela Island, the archipelago's largest and most volcanically active island.
Isabela Island owes its existence to six shield volcanoes, five of which remain active, making it one of the most volcanically dynamic places on Earth. Keep in mind that reaching these remote islands, located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, requires a combination of air, land, and sea travel.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Lava tube snorkelling and kayaking with penguins, sea lions and turtles
Prepare to be amazed as we venture along the seashore to witness the awe-inspiring lava formations sculpted by Isabela Island's volcanic eruptions. This captivating landscape, featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a mesmerizing labyrinth of lava tunnels filled with crystal-clear water teeming with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.
Here, you'll encounter "Los Tuneles," a natural highway where turtles journey from the mangroves to the open ocean. Snorkel through this underwater wonderland for an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures, including playful Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, we'll return to Puerto Villamil for a kayaking excursion in Tintoreras, where you can observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
Don't miss this extraordinary snorkeling experience with Isabela's diverse marine life. Before or after your adventure, feel free to explore the island at your own pace. Rent a bike, unwind on the exotic white-sand beaches, or visit the nearby giant tortoise breeding center.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Hike Sierra Negra, Kayak in Tintoreras and snorkel at Concha y Perla
Following breakfast, we'll set off for the Sierra Negra Volcano. Our journey takes us to Isabela's highlands, the usual starting point for the hike. This colossal volcano, towering approximately 1,500 meters high with an outer diameter of about nine kilometers, is the world's second largest lava dome.
Later, we'll savour a delightful lunch at a charming highland restaurant; an organic farm where the owners craft delectable dishes using locally grown produce. Indulge in a flavourful meal prepared on a lava rock grill, then take a leisurely stroll through the fruit trails or simply unwind in a hammock beneath a majestic mango tree, breathing in the fresh air.
In the afternoon, we'll return to the pier where we'll gear up for a kayaking adventure in the bay, where we'll encounter a wealth of local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and even the occasional juvenile "Tintoreras" shark.
To conclude this exhilarating DAY, we'll make a brief stop at Concha & Perla, a picturesque beach in Puerto Villamil perfect for snorkeling. A short, scenic walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk leads to this turquoise haven, teeming with marine life. Here, amidst fellow tourists, you'll encounter colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and perhaps even marine iguanas!
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Head to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
This morning, we embark on a scenic journey from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where we'll check into our hotel and then delve into the fascinating world of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species we've encountered in their natural habitats, as well as the ongoing conservation efforts vital to preserving the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem.
In the afternoon, we'll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz, our destination being the 'Primicias' reserve, renowned for its iconic Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through this picturesque landscape alongside these gentle giants is an experience you won't soon forget. Be sure to keep an eye out for other highland wildlife, including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, who congregate at a freshwater lake to cleanse their feathers of salt.
Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Free time before flying back to Quito
Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we return to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Tour ends in Quito
Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!
Whilst an airport transfer is not included toDAY, this can be arranged on a request basis.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Quito Departure airport transfer
