Active Galapagos

There are no activities planned on the first day for you to be able to explore the beautiful city of Quito on your own, but if you feel like having a guided day tour at extra cost, do not hesitate in contacting us. Please keep in mind that there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel’s lobby to meet your guide and the rest of the group as well as learn about what’s in store for the days of your expedition! Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar. Meals included: none.

Today in the morning we will be picked up and taken to the airport for a three-hour flight to San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival we will check in at the hotel and have some time for lunch accompanied by the fresh Pacific breeze. In the afternoon we will visit the Interpretation Centre of the National Park to learn from a seasoned Naturalist guide about the archipelago. Later we will go hiking through the brush forest that leads us to Frigate Hill, a lovely viewpoint on the island. After we will have a chance to go snorkeling in search of lazy sea lions, graceful and impressive sea turtles, and colorful fish. Overnight: Sunset Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

We start our day hopping on the boat for a fifty-minute ride through sapphire blue waters to one of the most jaw-dropping places in the Galapagos: Kicker rock. Here we will take a dip beneath the waves through the channel that cuts through the middle of the formation for the chance to encounter white tip reef sharks, rays, sea lions, turtles, and an array of fish. If luck is on our side, we may even spot hammer head sharks. Lunch will be served on board. Our day ends heading back to the town where you will be able to explore on foot and enjoy the serenity of a night in Galapagos.

Overnight: Sunset Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

After an early breakfast, we will take the island hopper plane to Isabela Island one of the youngest islands in Galapagos. Isabela is mostly uninhabited and remains a sanctuary for wildlife, being home to animals such as iguanas, flamingos, giant tortoises and even penguins. Once we arrive, we will have free time to explore and have lunch. In the afternoon we will go kayaking to Tintoreras, and islet of jagged volcanic rock that form small underwater canyons thriving with wildlife. Be on the lookout for feisty penguins and blue-footed boobies! Get up close and personal by submerging in serene crystal waters in search of more varieties of fish, turtles, and sea lions. Overnight: Cormorant Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

After breakfast we will head out on our next day of Adventure—biking along an exclusive road around the side of the island. Highlighting our ride are stops at Playa del Amor and the Tortoise Breeding Center. Playa del Amor, or Love Beach, is home to the largest population of iguanas on the Island. Native to the Galapagos, you may spot these marine aniamls lazily lounging about the sand or foraging underwater. At the Tortoise breeding center, we will learn of the impressive efforts of workers at the National Park in the preservation of the tortoise population. Our day finishes after five hours of exploration though richly diverse environments at the Flamingo lagoon. Once back in town you will be able to enjoy the golden sunset. Overnight: Cormorant Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

Enter a world like no other at Los Túneles. Famous for its arch-like volcanic formations this is an ecosystem brimming with different species of animals and is nesting ground for blue-footed boobies. Possible sightings include white-tip reef sharks, penguins, golden and eagle rays—among many others! Explore the area above and below as our day’s expedition takes us by boat, snorkeling, as well as on foot. Lunch will be served on board and after we will travel back to town. Overnight: Cormorant Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

Free as a... penguin— we mean BIRD! Take the day to explore the island on your own but don’t hesitate in contacting us to arrange a day tour to Sierra Negra volcano or even surf lessons (prior booking required). Overnight: Cormorant Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

Seize the day with an early rise and boat ride two hours to the Island of Santa Cruz home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness the tireless efforts of researchers and conservationist and learn about how they are helping to repopulate the island with

different species of tortoise. Although you will see many different types of tortoise at the station’s breeding center, our second stop of the day will take us up to ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands for an intimate experience to see them in their natural habitat. Explore the lava tunnels that dot the property while watching the gentle giants lounge around in the mud; these are truly impressive creatures! Our day ends returning to town where you can enjoy the evening taking a stroll through Puerto Ayora. We recommend heading down to the boat docks at night as sharks and rays can be spotted playing in the lights below. Overnight: Galapagos Inn Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning we will be transferred back to Baltra for our return flights to Quito. Average time back to the city is 2-3 hours depending on if your flight is direct or with a stop in Guayaquil. Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.