Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel and meet your guide and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting.
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
Day 2
Quito – Galapagos Islands
Today you travel to the famous Galapagos Islands, the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution of species. Your morning flight will take you to the island of Baltra where you will take a short boat ride to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, five of which are still active.
Overnight: Cormorant Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 3
Galapagos Islands
Today explore the fascinating formations caused by the lava during the last eruptions from the volcano along the seafront - this is the magical place that features in BBC and National Geographic documentaries. You'll see the labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway taking them from the mangroves to the open sea through the tunnels.
You'll have the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling with these beautiful animals including the Galapagos penguin, curiously playing around if you prefer you can take a surf lesson, go biking or simply relax on the gorgeous white-sandy beaches of Isabela Island. We'd recommend you visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel.
Overnight: Cormorant Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
Galapagos Islands
Your adventure continues with a hike on the rim of the Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. Upon arrival take in the breathtaking views before exploring the circumference of the massive, lava filled carter, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If you are feeling energetic you can continue your hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colourful lava formations.
In the afternoon you will visit Tintoreras Islet to see a variety of wildlife such as reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. You will visit one of the beaches which is surrounded by mangroves which is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
In the afternoon you return to Puerto Vilamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles and marine iguanas. The reminder of the afternoon is yours to relax or join an optional excursion such as snorkelling at Concha de Perla, taking a surfing lesson on the white sand beaches of Isabela Island. Perhaps you would prefer to visit the giant tortoise breeding centre which is highly recommended and is walking distance from your hotel.
Overnight: Cormorant Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 5
Galapagos Islands
This morning you will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. On arrival you will check into the hotel and then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where you will learn more about many of the endemic species you have seen in the wild, the conservation and management efforts of the Galapagos islands.
This afternoon you will visit the El Chato reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz which is home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hike through El Chatos beautiful landscapes with these beautiful giants. Along the way you have a chance to spot pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds as they gather at the fresh water lake.
Overnight: Hotel Silberstein (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Galapagos Island – Quito
Transfer back to Baltra’s airport for your flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Quito transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Swissotel Quito (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Quito
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast included
