Galapagos Island Hopping Tour

Trip Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 · Quito / San Cristobal Island
Early morning transfer to Quito Airport to board our domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in San Cristobal, welcome check-in and tropical fresh juice cocktail at Golden Bay. Brief introduction to the islands and day activities before enjoying lunch at hotel. Early in the afternoon continue to Frigate Hill, where we’ll spot many of the unique species of the Galapagos. As we hike over natural lava rock trails, our guides will tell us all about Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti surrounding us, as well as the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches that we spot in the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to the diverse wildlife, this walking tour provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno below us. Continue to the local Interpretation Center, where we learn about the unique wildlife, geology, natural history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos. Return to Hotel Golden Bay for a gourmet seafood dinner. (L, D)

Overnight in San Cristobal Island at Golden Bay Hotel

Day 2 · San Cristobal Island
Get onboard a speed boat and head to Kicker Rock, the highlight of San Cristobal Island, a world renown site for snorkeling and diving. Amazing area for spotting sharks, rays and a great variety of tropical fish, you´ll be amazed in this natural aquarium. After this snorkeling adventure, we visit secret fishing spots with our local fishing guides to learn about the traditional techniques Galapagueños have used for more than hundred years to survive in the islands. Catch a wahoo or yellow fin tuna and make the most delicious sashimi or ceviche on board with the crew. After lunch, we head back to the island and spend the rest of our afternoon leisurely exploring the small village of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. (B, L, D)

Overnight in San Cristobal Island at HOTEL GOLDEN BAY

Day 3 · San Cristobal Island / Isabela Island In the morning, we take a short inter-island flight to Isabela island, the largest island in the archipelago, formed by six active shield volcanoes. In fact, Isabela is one of the most Volcanically active spots on the planet. We walk through Tintoreras channels, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Home to the famous and endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as other marine life. Optional snorkeling! After a delicious lunch made with local and organic products, the afternoon takes us on a short trail walk leading to the Giant Tortoise Center, completed in 1994 and home to the tortoise populations of southern Isabela. We’ll get a chance to see hatch-lings as well as older tortoises. Along the way to the Tortoise Center we pass through a Manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos a delightful and unexpected sight for Galapagos. At the end of the day, we relax at our boutique hotel, Iguana Crossing, where we can have a sunset cocktail, swim or lounge by its infinity pool, or perhaps stroll down the seemingly endless white sand beach. After a delightful gourmet dinner, we can either stay at our well-appointed hotel lounge or discover the quaint sand streets of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)

Overnight in Isabela Island at Iguana Crossing Hotel

Day 4 · Isabela Island
Our day starts with a hike to the rim of one of the most spectacular calderas in the world, the “Sierra Negra” Volcano. We discover the native forest of the highlands until you reach the rim of the caldera, similar to a giant bowl of black lava. We might be lucky and spot the mighty Galapagos hawk, as well as other rare birds. Enjoy the magnificent view and learn the geology of one of the youngest volcanoes in the world! We stop for lunch to enjoy a traditional feral pig. These are introduced, wild pigs, and hunting them preserves the ecosystem of the Galapagos. We share our table with a local family and then go for a visit to the Troya Farm. The farmers way of life is practically lost, so our visit contributes to keeping the traditional practices alive. The Troya family with share the secrets of farming on lava soil and will give us a taste of their locally grown fruits and vegetables. (B, L, D)

Overnight in Isabela Island at IGUANA CROSSING HOTEL

Day 5 · Isabela Island / Santa Cruz Island Take a short inter-island flight or a speedboat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. As soon as we arrive, we drive to the highlands for our first stop at Lava Java, an organic farm run by Scott Henderson and his wife Maria Helena, both staunch conservation advocates. Their shadow grown coffee is world class prized and the finca is a recognized bird eco-friendly spot. They´ll share their experiences on growing coffee and organic farming, while we enjoy freshly brewed coffee and fruit from the farm. We take off to enjoy a local “criollo” lunch at another local farm in the highlands. We´ll spend our afternoon visiting the grounds and collecting different fruits and vegetables to sample later on. Agriculture practices, animal farming, coffee plantations, sugar cane products made by the owners await us along with tales and legends of the first settlers. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station where we´ll learn about the giant tortoise breeding center and a small land iguana breeding center. These and many more are the invaluable conservation efforts by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. (B, L, D)

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island at Galapagos Finch Bay Hotel.

Day 6 · Santa Cruz Island
In the morning we’ll take a short hike through a distinctive dry forest to the stunning, pristine beach of Tortuga Bay. Along the way, we find many native birds, lizards, and plants. We emerge from the forest onto the spectacular Tortuga Bay, home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. Soft, white, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters welcome us for a perfect and relaxed day. After lunch, we go to town and visit artisan workshops. At one particular shop we learn about chocolate and the cocoa bean. Ecuador produces some of the world’s finest cocoa, and we´ll taste a wide assortment of chocolates made on-site from raw, local ingredients. As evening comes, we’ll prepare to visit the most representative Restaurants in Santa Cruz and taste different best sampling menus celebrating a wonderful trip and enjoying the last evening in the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island at Finch Bay Hotel.

Day 7 · Santa Cruz Island / Quito / Return Flight We transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland. (B)