GALAPAGOS ISLANDS TOURS

Day 1: Arrive on Santa Cruz and meet your guide. After a unique journey to the island's main town, you'll check in. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the renowned Tortuga Bay, a stunning South American beach accessible by foot, ideal for swimming and wildlife spotting. In the evening, your guide will lead you to the lively Calle de los Kioskos for authentic open-air dining in this bustling Galapagos hub.

Day 2: Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and exploration of Puerto Ayora town or a fish market visit. In the morning, head to a private giant tortoise reserve in the highlands, followed by a boat ride to Isabela Island. Stroll through Puerto Villamil for a beautiful sunset. If you're interested in surfing at Tortuga Bay, inform your guide.

Day 3: Morning hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the Galapagos' most active. Enjoy panoramic views from the rim and spot unique bird species. After returning to town, savor lunch and prepare for an afternoon kayaking adventure in Puerto Villamil's sheltered bay. Encounter penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and various birds. Conclude the day with a sunset dip before having an independent dinner in town, with your guide's restaurant recommendations.

Day 4: Morning lava field walk at Tintoreras, where penguins and nesting marine iguanas may be spotted. This area is also a resting place for sleeping sharks. In the afternoon, you'll take a flight to San Cristobal, the oldest Galapagos island, and have lunch upon arrival. Then, embark on a scenic downhill biking adventure to La Loberia, a sea lion hangout, and enjoy watching and snorkeling with these playful creatures. Your guide will recommend dining spots on your way back to town.

Day 5: Cruise along the coast, spotting fascinating shore birds and enjoying an introductory snorkel to discover damselfish, puffer fish, and playful sea lion pups. Then, you'll head to the remarkable Kicker Rock, where you'll search for sea turtles, eagle rays, starfish, and possibly Galapagos Sharks. After a visit to a beautiful, boat-accessible beach and lunch on board, you'll return to town in the afternoon. There's time for town exploration or an optional stand-up paddleboarding session. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner as it's your last on the islands. Diving is also available upon inquiry.

Day 6: On the final day, choose your morning activity, whether it's shopping for souvenirs, a last beach swim, or visiting the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands' history and conservation. Those interested can take a short hike to Tijeretas for panoramic views. In the afternoon, you'll fly back to the mainland, and if you're extending your stay in Ecuador, consider booking another excursion. Safe travels!

Day 1: Arrive in Quito and check in at your hotel. Later, join a welcome briefing and dinner with your fellow travelers. If you arrive early, explore Quito's attractions, like the Pichincha Volcano, Old Town, and El Panecillo for scenic views. Quito boasts museums, artisan markets, and a vibrant New Town with cafes and restaurants. Keep your valuables secure, and we can assist with pre-tour activities and extra accommodations if needed.

Day 2: Fly to San Cristobal, one of the oldest Galapagos islands, and land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. After sampling local cuisine, embark on a scenic downhill bike ride from La Soledad to La Loberia beach, where sea lions sunbathe and play. Enjoy a swim in the sea and return to town for a welcome dinner of fresh fish and island cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Dive into Galapagos' underwater world. Boat cruise to spot shore birds, snorkel for damselfish, puffer fish, and playful sea lion pups. Explore Kicker Rock for sea turtles, eagle rays, and starfish. After lunch, return to town, visit Interpretation Center, and hike to Tijeretas for a panoramic view. Enjoy your evening at Mann Beach or Casa Blanca for a sunset. Dinner is on your own with plenty of suggestions. Diving is an option; inquire in advance.

Day 4: Sail to Floreana, one of the least inhabited islands. Enjoy a pre-lunch snorkel and visit the black sand beach, learning about the island's early settlers. In the afternoon, explore the Pirate and Whaler Caves in the highlands. Return to your beachside accommodation to savor dinner and admire Floreana's impressive night sky, perfect for stargazing

Day 5: Conclude your Floreana visit with a coastal walk. Then, sail to Isabela, the largest island. In Puerto Villamil, enjoy lunch and a kayak adventure in the sheltered bay, with possible sightings of Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, rays, and birds. In the afternoon, explore Las Tintoreras with a lava field walk and snorkeling, encountering marine iguanas, brightly colored adults, and maybe sleeping sharks. Snorkeling lets you see sea cucumbers and Galapagos penguins up close.

Day 6: Get ready for a volcano hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active in the Galapagos. As you hike to the caldera's edge, spot unique highland bird species and enjoy a wide-caldera view. Traverse the lava fields of Volcan Chico, reaching a lookout with Isabela views. Afterward, return to town with free time for reading or a swim before dinner.

Day 7: Enjoy a free morning or opt for an optional ($) Snorkel Tour to Los Tuneles, renowned for its captivating underwater world with sleeping sharks, sea horses, sea turtles, and unique lava tunnels. After lunch, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to see tortoises in different stages of development. A mangrove-lined boardwalk path leads back to town, where you may spot various birds, including flamingos. Gather for a well-deserved feast as it's your last night in Isabela.

Day 8: Leave Isabela behind and sail to Santa Cruz. In the highlands, encounter free-roaming giant tortoises and explore lava tunnels. After lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about their conservation efforts. Spend the afternoon as you wish, either exploring Puerto Ayora or opting for an optional visit to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful beach for various activities. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner in the Enchanted Islands.

Day 9:  Enjoy some free time in the morning before your flight back to the mainland from Baltra airport, which involves a cross-island taxi ride on Santa Cruz, followed by a ferry and a bus ride. If time allows, make a pit stop for fresh ground Galapagos Coffee and a visit to the unique Los Gemelos craters in the highlands. Afterward, fly back to Quito for your final dinner.

Day 10: It's your final day, and we'll ensure you reach the airport if you have a flight before noon. Alternatively, you can arrange a day tour in and around Quito for some additional exploration. Check out our post-trip suggestions for more ideas on how to make the most of your time. Safe travels!

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador, check into your hotel, and join an evening briefing to meet fellow travelers before the first dinner. Explore Quito, one of the world's highest capitals, with options like a day trip to Pichincha or cycling down Cotopaxi volcano. Immerse yourself in UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, featuring cathedrals and colonial architecture. El Panecillo offers a panoramic view. Museums, markets, cafes, and restaurants fill both New and Old Towns, accessible by trolley or taxi. We can assist with pre-tour activities and extended stays.

Day 2: Fly to San Cristobal, one of the oldest Galapagos islands, landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. After sampling local cuisine, embark on a bike ride to La Loberia beach to witness curious sea lions. Capture their moments of sunbathing and swimming. Explore the town on a bike circuit, concluding at the Interpretation Center to learn about the archipelago's history. As the sun sets, bike back to town for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

Biking details: 15km, easy, mostly level ground. 

Day 3: Embark on today's cycling challenge, navigating San Cristobal Island's diverse terrain to reach the captivating Puerto Chino beach. Potentially explore a coffee farm, emphasizing the Galapagos' significant coffee export. Ascend to 600m at El Junco, the sole freshwater lake in the Galapagos, then continue to Puerto Chino. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the scenic surroundings and a break at Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, observing giant tortoises and endemic plants. Unwind on the beach or swim before a relaxing truck ride back to town, with the option to cycle back at your own pace. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

Biking details: 25-40km, moderate-difficult, some uphill portions, easier return to town. 

Day 4: Experience the underwater wonders today, taking a break from biking. Cruise along the coastline towards Frigatebird Hill, spotting sea birds like the Great Frigate and Blue-Footed Booby. Anchor in calm waters to snorkel with rays, damselfish, puffer fish, and sea lion pups. Continue to Kicker Rock, a volcanic tuff cone rising 143m from the ocean, in search of sea turtles, eagle rays, starfish, and possibly Galapagos Sharks. Enjoy a boxed lunch at Puerto Grande, where you can swim or relax on the beach. Return to town in the late afternoon, with a free evening for dinner. Diving may be available; inquire in advance. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Day 5: Embark on a boat trip to Floreana Island after breakfast, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, or waved albatross. Snorkel off Floreana's coast, exploring marine life. Discover Puerto Velasco Ibarra and relax on the black sand beach before a bike ride to the highlands. Ascend gradually to around 400m, passing farms and shrub lands. Visit the Pirate Caves and a Giant Tortoise site, then bike back to town for sunset. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Baronesa. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

Biking details: 16km, moderate-difficult, some uphill portions. 

Day 6: Morning speedboat ride to Isabela, the largest Galapagos island. Begin cycling in Puerto Villamil, heading to the historical Wall of Tears on a flat, sandy road with scenic coastal views. Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, home to nearly 1000 tortoises in various stages of development. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

Biking details: 14km, easy-moderate, mainly flat with some sandy portions. 

Day 7: Gear up for an exciting day at Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest volcanic caldera. A van transports you and your bikes to the volcano, last erupting in 2005. Hike to the immense crater, spotting highland birds, and enjoy a downhill bike journey through the cool, misty highlands. Potential stops for lunch at a remote spot. The afternoon is yours to explore town, mangrove wetlands, wildlife, or relax at a beach bar. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Biking details: 20-30km, easy-moderate, mostly downhill with some rough road patches. 

Day 8: Opt for an optional morning walk around Concha de Perla to spot marine iguanas. Then, set off to Santa Cruz Island by boat. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely-paced bike tour through the Highlands, exploring a giant lava tunnel and off-the-beaten-path spots. Possibility of encountering wild tortoises. Free time before dinner for souvenir shopping or exploring Puerto Ayora. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

Biking details: 25km, easy-moderate, mostly downhill with some rough road patches. 

Day 9: Depending on flight times, enjoy a final hike or visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to Giant Tortoise Species and Galapagos Land Iguanas, including the late Lonesome George. Fly back to Quito early afternoon, with an optional farewell dinner to say goodbye to new friends. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Day 10: Today is the tour's last day. We'll arrange timely airport transfers for morning flights or a day tour in and around Quito for additional exploration. Check our post-trip suggestions for ideas. Breakfast is provided.