GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPER

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Ecuador and Overnight Quito

Depart your home town and fly to Quito, Ecuador. Quito is the capital city and located high in the Andes Mountains (9,600 feet). Upon arrival you will pass through immigration and customs then receive a transfer to your hotel for the night.
(Hotel)

DAY 2: Travel to Galapagos, Visit the Interpretation Center, Frigatebird Hill and Kayaking Tour

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival in the Galapagos your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer with you to your hotel. You will have time to relax and unpack before lunch and your afternoon tour of the Charles Darwin Interpretation Center, an excellent introduction to the Galapagos Islands.

Leaving the Interpretation Center a short hike takes us to Frigatebird Hill where we can view the nesting place of both Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds as well as a variety of other sea birds including the renowned blue footed boobies. Finishing our hike we board our kayaks where we can discover the wildlife up close in our secluded bay.
(B, L...Hotel)

DAY 3: Snorkeling Tour of Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock and Manglecito Beach

Our full day excursion heads up the coast from San Cristobal we stop first at Isla Lobos where we are able to snorkel with the friendliest sea lions in all of Galapagos. Then a short ride takes us to Kicker Rock a basalt monolith rising out of the sea.

Kicker Rock is interesting both for the wildlife above and below the water level. Above the water there are flocks of birds nesting along the crags of the rock on each living on a different level almost as if they are floors of an apartment building. Below the water school of fish, rays, sea turtles and sharks are waiting to be discovered. Our final visit is to the beautiful beach at Manglecito where we can enjoy a walk discovering the mangrove environment.
(B, L ... Hotel)

DAY 4: Visit to Tortoise Preserve, El Junco Lagoon and Coffee Plantation

Today we head into the highlands, we begin with a visit to the tortoise preserve where we can observe these gentle giants roaming free in the natural environment. Here we can also observe yellow warblers, Darwin Finches and a number of endemic plant species.

Continuing in the highlands we visit El Junco one of the few fresh water lakes in Galapagos. This is a favorite site for birders. We continue to the Galapagos Coffee Plantation where we have a glimpse of life in the Galapagos and enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to town.
(B, D...Hotel)

DAY 5: Fly to Isabela, Visit to Sierra Negra Volcano and Tintorares

You begin your discovery of the island of Isabela by visiting the Sierra Negra Volcano. The Sierra Negra Caldera is the second largest in the world and the volcano itself is one of the world's most active (the last eruption was in 2005). The journey to Sierra Negra provides us with a variety of birds not seen near the coast as well as some breath taking views of the islands and their dramatic origin.

Returning to the coast your guide takes you on a stroll along the brackish lagoons to view a variety of flamingos, whimbrels and other migratory birds. You finish your day's exploration of Isabela with a short boat ride out to the islets in front of the main dock. Once ashore a short hike offers you the chance to explore this region known as Los Tintorares where you can view piles of marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, boobies, sea lions and sleeping white tip reef sharks.
(B, L ... Hotel)

DAY 6: Snorkeling Tour of Los Tuneles and Visit to Los Humidales

Traveling south of Puerto Villamil we head towards the southern tip of Isabela, and an area known as Los Tunneles. It's here where the hot molten lava reached the cool Pacific waters cooling instantly to form a series of tunnels, bridges and other interesting lava formations, creating one of the most interesting snorkeling destinations in all of Galapagos. Arriving at Los Tuneles is not for the faint of heart, we begin by skirting between waves, but once we reach our goal we are treated to crystal clear calm waters which are the home of penguins, sea lions, lobsters, eels, sea turtles and other marine animals.

Returning to port for lunch in the afternoon we take a peaceful bike ride down following the sandy path to the end of the road where we reach the mangrove area known as Los Humidales. Here we can see migrating birds, young tortoises in the wild and the many other animals that use the protection provided by the mangroves to call this area home.
(B, L ... Hotel)

DAY 7: Travel to Santa Cruz, Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Santa Cruz Highlands

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival in the Galapagos your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer with you to the island of Santa Cruz. Once in Puerto Ayora you will have time to relax and unpack before lunch and your afternoon tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station.

A trip up to the highlands of Santa Cruz where you begin by literally traveling into the heart of the island. An underground hike through one of the islands lava tubes provides you with a unique view of the volcanic forces that formed the islands. Departing the lava tubes your hike continues through the scalesia forests for some bird watching. Here in this ancient looking forests the brilliant red vermillion flycatcher, bright yellow warblers and a variety of other songbirds make there home. As we make our way towards the lagoon home of wild giant tortoises.
(B, L...Hotel)

DAY 8: Visit Los Gemelos and Return to Quito

Your final day in Galapagos begins with a boat ride back to the island of Santa Cruz where we transfer via road back to the Baltra airport. One last visit before we go to the twin craters of Los Gemelos. Here in the walls of this deep ravine live a variety of birds including yellow warblers, vermillion flycatchers, owls and birdlife.

Having completed your visit, your guide escorts you back to the airport for your departing flight to the continent. As you arrive in Quito where you transfer back to your hotel for the night.
(B ... Hotel)

DAY 9: Depart Ecuador

Depart for home

This itinerary reflects the regular tour itinerary for groups sizes between 6 - 10 guests.  To accommodate smaller groups at the same price a slight itinerary change may apply to use public transport between islands.

*Please note the itinerary may vary due to changes in air schedules, weather, national park regulations, local conditions, safety or unforeseen emergencies.

DETAILED ITINERARY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST