Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN CRISTOBAL AND HIKE IN FRIGATE HILL
We meet you when you arrive on San Cristobal Island and welcome you with lunch and an orientation at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. We continue our hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galapagos cotton, and other endemic vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by the Chattam lava lizard, and bird species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the late afternoon, we visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the evolution of life on the islands. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. Our first evening is free to explore this tranquil port town. Overnight in San Cristobal. (L)

DAY 2: HIKE IN EL JUNCO, SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO
After breakfast, our adventure begins with a hike to El Junco, the island’s main active volcano crater and lake located 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. This crater lagoon is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the entire archipelago. The lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks, common gallinules, frigate birds, and many other endemic species. We continue on to La Galapaguera in Cerro Colorado, a new facility operated by the National Park to breed and protect the subspecies of giant turtles endemic to San Cristobal (Geochelone chathamensis). In the afternoon, we visit Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy excellent snorkelling; for certified divers, this is also one of the best dives in the islands. You’re almost guaranteed to get postcard-quality pictures if you bring an underwater camera with you. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. In the evening, we return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and spend the night in San Cristobal. (B, L)

DAY 3: VISIT LONESOME GEORGE & HIKE IN EL CHATO RESERVE
After breakfast, we take a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island. Here, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management projects in the archipelago. The research station is also home to Lonesome George, a photogenetic giant tortoise who is the very last of his species of Pinta Island tortoise. Afterwards, we drive to El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island – the natural habitat of the large Galapagos tortoise. As we seek these lumbering giants, we’ll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We explore fascinating lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations that were used by pirates in the eighteenth century, and on a clear day we can see Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. In the evening we are free to explore excellent dining options and nightlife in the Galapagos’ most populous town. (B, L)

DAY 4: CERRO CROCKET AND TORTUGA BAY HIKE
Today we hike into the amazing cloud forest highlands of Santa Cruz Island. On the way to the summit of Cerro Crocker (the highest point on the island at 864 meters), we'll have another chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and observe other intriguing wildlife like the vermillion flycatcher. This hike will also bring us closer to fabulous vistas of the Media Luna crater. Following a trail through Miconia forest, we reach a lookout point with amazing views of the coastline below. In the afternoon, we go on a soft hike to Tortuga Bay’s pristine white sand beaches, where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. Considered the best in the archipelago, these beaches and their dry forest habitat offer a peaceful spot for the nature lover. Also found here are pelicans, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, doves, and marine iguanas. These paths offer excellent opportunities for bird watching. In the evening, we return to spend our final relaxing evening in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

DAY 5: HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA
From Puerto Ayora, we board a fast boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 5 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All of these volcanoes (except for one) remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Here, we visit the Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay for wildlife and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations, find Isabela marine iguanas socializing with one another, and meet a large colony of sea lions. We pass through mangroves and salty lagoons that are home to the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also spot American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, and many other shore birds. In the afternoon, we relax on exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in the tranquil port town of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: SIERRA NEGRA HIKE
From Puerto Villamil, we drive to the highlands of Isabela Island to prepare for a hike that will take us on trails across irregular terrain to arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. On a clear day, the view from the Sierra Negra feels like a spiritual awakening. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005, and is also the second largest caldera in the world. We hike around the rim of the crater, from which you have a fantastic view of the 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled caldera, the other Isabela volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus beyond. From here, we hike to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening on the “Enchanted Islands.” (B, L, D)

DAY 7: ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT
In the morning, we return to Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island for our flight back to the continent. An optional, one- or more-day driving tour extension is highly recommended. (B)

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