10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela Island

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

1. Quito
   1h
   Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you to transfer to your accommodation in the city center, a one-hour trip.
   
   The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350ft (2,850m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers, as well as a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Day 2: Welcome to Galapagos: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

1. Baltra
   8h
   Experience the wonders of Santa Cruz Island from the moment you land at Baltra Airport, where your guide will eagerly lead you on an awe-inspiring journey. Witness giant tortoises thriving in their natural habitat at a local highland farm, offering a chance to freely explore and savor a delectable lunch. Continuing to the port in Puerto Ayora, you'll seamlessly check into your hotel. In the afternoon, a visit to the Charles Darwin Station unveils a global collaboration of scientists working on vital environmental projects. Here, at the renowned "Fausto Llerena" Breeding Center, named after a dedicated ranger, witness the unique evolution of tortoises' shell shapes, perfectly adapted to their native island terrains and vegetation. This center stands as the premier location in the Galapagos to encounter a diverse array of tortoise species.

Day 3: Exploring an Uninhabited Island

1. Santa Cruz Island
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.
   Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour where you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the waters around.
   Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.
   Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience.
   In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

Day 4: Kayaking Tortuga Bay & Afternoon at Leisure in Santa Cruz

1. Santa Cruz Island
   4h · Admission ticket included
   After a delicious breakfast, we have reserved kayaks for you at Tortuga Bay. A 45-minute hike will lead you to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. When you are done kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkeling. Late afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Speedboat to Isabela Island & Wildlife on Las Tintoreras Islet

1. Isabela Island
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, a 2-hour trip. After arriving, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.
   After lunch, join a group tour for a visit to the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling. See Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows.
   Afterward, snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. The evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island.

Day 6: Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano

1. Isabela Island
   8h · Admission ticket included
   The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda.
   Our adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, we will prepare our backpacks and start our walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes.
   You'll do a six-hour roundtrip hike to its summit, from where you'll get to see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes in Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
   During your climb, make sure to be on the lookout for the unique vegetation that inhabits the area.
   Your finishing point is the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, this volcano is still active. Once at the edge of the crater, you will have spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes that surround it. The circumference of the crater is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km along with its widest point.

Day 7: Free Time in Isabela Island

1. Isabela Island
   8h
   Have fun with an exciting free day on Isabela Island. Rent a bike and visit the famous Wall of Tears, built with the forced labor of prisoners at the island's former penal colony. Then, ride to different viewpoints on the island.
   If you prefer to spend the day on the water, Concha Perla (near Puerto Villamil) offers lots of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing on the beach.
   For a quiet day of relaxation, stick around the hotel, and enjoy the island's tranquility.

Day 8: Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island and Afternoon Bay Tour

1. Santa Cruz Island
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Early in the morning, you will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and in the afternoon you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
   • You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería named for the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
   • Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies, you’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
   • Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
   • Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, which are two large cliffs separate filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below.

Day 9: Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island

1. Baltra
   Pass by
   Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora.
   Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. For the last part of your trip to the airport, you'll take the public shuttle bus to the terminal and check-in for your flight. Farewell Galapagos!

Day 10: Departure from Quito

1. Quito
   Pass by
   Today you are free to explore Quito on your own before getting picked up for your transfer to the airport.
   At the designated time, meet with your driver at the hotel and head to the airport for your flight home.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness