10-Day Galapagos Tour: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal

Day 1: WELCOME TO ECUADOR–HOTEL TRANSFER

1. Quito
   2h
   Begin your adventure at Quito International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Hotel Patio Andaluz -Quito Old Town

Day 2: ARRIVAL IN SAN CRISTOBAL GALAPAGOS

1. Cerro Tijeretas
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy comfortable hotel-to-hotel transfers in San Cristóbal, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. We will pick you up directly from your hotel and provide safe transportation to your next destination.
   
   The service also includes departure from your hotel to Cerro Tijeretas (Tijeretas Hill), where you’ll visit scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline and observe frigatebirds in their natural habitat. This transfer allows you to enjoy the visit without worrying about logistics, transportation, or timing.

Day 3: ISLA LOBOS - TRANSFER TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

1. Isla Lobos
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Isla Lobos offers a unique experience where visitors can snorkel alongside sea lions, turtles, and marine life, and enjoy a nature walk to observe blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you will take the ferry to Santa Cruz.

Day 4: Santa Fe Island - navigable tour

1. Santa Fe Island
   8h
   Explore Santa Fe Island, home to turquoise bays, sea lions, and the unique Santa Fe land iguana. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, snorkeling with marine life, and hiking through pristine island landscapes

Day 5: Charles Darwin Research and Tortuga Bay

1. Tortuga Bay Beach
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Tortuga Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife such as marine iguanas. Access to the beach is via a well-marked walking trail of approximately 45 minutes each way, offering scenic views along the route. At the beach, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and nature observation in a pristine environment.
2. Charles Darwin Research Station
   8h · Admission ticket included
   The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island is an educational and inspiring stop, offering visitors the chance to learn about conservation and breeding programs for Galápagos’ unique endemic species, including the famous giant tortoises. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about environmental preservation, sharing fascinating insights about the archipelago’s biodiversity. Visitors can also see tortoises of different ages and species up close, making the experience unforgettable for all ages.

Day 6: Floreana or North Seymour Island

1. Floreana
   8h
   We offer exciting day trip options to either North Seymour or Floreana Island, depending on availability and scheduling. These are unique experiences that showcase different aspects of Galápagos wildlife and landscapes:North Seymour
   A short boat ride from Baltra Island brings you to North Seymour, known for its large populations of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions. The tour includes easy walking trails through bird colonies and scenic coastal views perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers.
   Floreana Island
   Floreana offers a rich mix of history and nature. Highlights can include visits to Post Office Bay, spectacular snorkeling spots, and opportunities to see flamingos, sea turtles, and other marine life. This tour typically involves a longer boat ride and a more diverse experience of island ecosystems and cultural landmarks.

Day 7: Santa Cruz to Isabela – Transfer & Island Visit

1. The Wall of Tears
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Depart from Santa Cruz at 6:30 AM by speedboat, arriving on Isabela Island between 9:30 and 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, enjoy visits to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and the Flamingo Lagoon. In the afternoon, choose between biking to the Wall of Tears or snorkeling at Concha de Perla, depending on your preference. An ideal introduction to Isabela’s natural highlights.
2. Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center is a fantastic place to learn about the conservation of giant tortoises in Galápagos. Visitors can see tortoises of all ages, from hatchlings to adults, and learn about the important breeding programs that help protect these iconic species. The staff are passionate and informative, providing fascinating insights into the life cycle of tortoises and the challenges of conservation. It’s an educational and memorable experience for anyone interested in wildlife and environmental preservation.
3. Isabela
   1h
   Laguna de los Flamencos on Isabela Island is a beautiful and tranquil spot, famous for its vibrant flamingos and rich birdlife. The calm lagoon is perfect for wildlife photography and peaceful walks while observing flamingos in their natural habitat. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. A must-visit for nature lovers and anyone looking to experience the archipelago’s incredible wildlife up close.

Day 8: Túneles Tour – Isabela Island

1. Isabela
   8h
   Túneles Tour Isabela Island
   Explore the spectacular Túneles de Isabela, a unique lava formation shaped by the ocean. This tour includes snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, where you may see sea turtles, rays, sharks, seahorses, and penguins, as well as a short walk through lava tunnels to observe blue-footed boobies nesting on the rocks. One of the most iconic and wildlife-rich experiences in Galapagos.

Day 9: Transfer to Sabta Cruz - Playa Alemanes

1. Santa Cruz
   8h
   Enjoy a comfortable transfer from Santa Cruz to Playa de los Alemanes, departing at 6:00 AM and arriving between 9:30 and 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the beach at your own pace perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the sea in a peaceful natural setting.

Day 10: Transfer to Baltra Airport with Highlands Visit – Santa Cruz

1. Santa Cruz
   5h
   Enjoy a comfortable transfer to Baltra Airport, including a scenic stop at the Santa Cruz Highlands ranches. During the visit, observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about the unique highland ecosystem before continuing to the airport for your onward flight.

Pickup details

Your guide will be waiting for you outside the airport arrival area, holding a sign with the Tour Leader name for easy identification

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness