The Best of Galapagos Adventure

Meet your head guide and the group at 6PM.

Your guided Galapagos Islands tour begins in Quito! The largest and best-maintained colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is viewed as the Cultural Capital of South America and is situated on the equator in a valley in the lower regions of the Pichincha Volcano. Depending on your arrival time, you can either explore the city and the old town of Quito or get a guided day tour. At night, one of our head guides will meet you at the reception for a briefing at 6 PM. You will be briefed about the adventure tour and will be able to ask questions regarding it. This day will also help you to acclimate to the new location.

Today you begin your epic journey to the remote Galapagos. Get up early for a morning flight to the island of Baltra. Then, travel to Puerto Ayora, the biggest town in the Galapagos Islands. After that, enjoy a 2-hr boat crossing to the biggest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela Island. During the island crossing, watch out for some dolphins and whales (July to October). Once in Puerto Villamil, check-in at our ocean-front hotel and unwind from an incredible journey to get here.

Your guided tour of the Galapagos goes underwater today, with incredible snorkeling in underwater lava formations. Snorkel through this labyrinth of lava arches in pristine, clear water. You’ll get the chance to spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more. If you’re lucky, you will see the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.

After the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relaxing on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We highly recommend you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.

Drive from Puerto Villamil and hike into a young forest ecosystem. The goal of this 9.6km hike is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater - an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018. From the rim of Sierra Negra, enjoy outstanding views and explore the stunning massive, lava-filled crater. If we will have enough energy, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, which adds 6.5km of hiking.

In the afternoon, a highlight of this Galapagos Tour is the 2-hour kayak to the spectacular Tintoreras Islet for a snorkeling adventure. The beautifully clear waters here are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. A nearby beach is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Our Galapagos travel adventure departs Isabela to head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).

Once we arrive on Santa Cruz, we will check-in at the hotel and then visit the Research Station to learn more about the history and natural history of the Galapagos. In the afternoon, head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. You will have the opportunity to trek through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants. It is a great and unforgettable experience. You will also be able to spot highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds.

Our guided Galapagos Islands tour is nearing the end. After the final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and the last photos taken of the sea lions, transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to Quito.

The trip ends, though many guests stay on to explore Quito and other amazing parts of Ecuador.