Galapagos Charm - 6 day Island-hopping Adventure
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Day 1: Santa Cruz Island - Arrival in the Galapagos
Today we arrive to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you’ll notice as you walk through the facility. This was the first ecological airport in the world. From the Itabaca Channel we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where we can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. Day 2: Puerto Ayora - Daily Tour on board a motor yacht Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide as you experience the remote islands in comfort and style. Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. We can visit North Seymour, South Plazas, Santa Fe or Bartolome Island. Along the way, we might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Island visited may vary according to National Park regulations ** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification Day 3: Puerto Ayora - Day at Leisure Today we have multiple choices of activities available (organized at additional cost or self guided) or if you feel like unplugging from the world and relaxing completely at our Giant Tortoise Sanctuary enjoying the views, walk to the Lava Tunnels or simply enjoy of the peacefulness until your pick up time. Optional tours: 1. Walk to Las Grietas & Kayak at Tortuga Bay (private basis) From Puerto Ayora main pier we take a water taxi to the “Other Side Pier”. At this point we start an easy walk for about 1 Km (~0.6 mile) until we reach Las Grietas. This is a stunning geological formation named as fissure where we can see two impressive rock walls with an elongated crystal clear water pond ideal for snorkeling. ied. The Research Center offers a brand new Interpretation Center with some of the most important samples of the Center Collection. Later, visit to Tortuga Bay. After walking through a deciduous forest for 2.5 Km (~1.5 miles) we will reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. We will continue walking along this white sand beach for another 1 Km (~0.6 mile) until we reach the Playa Mansa where we can enjoy a special kayaking ride around the Bay. 2. Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero (private basis) Visit Cerro Mesa viewpoint from where we can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. Continue towards one of the iconic formations in Galapagos resembling a crater from where we will start a hike downhill for about 30 minutes to the bottom of this collapsed crater. Explore the area, recover energies and start the hike uphill for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Excellent opportunities to find endemic species such as the Wood-pecker Finch and being very lucky giant tortoises. Later, kayaks at Garrapatero. Walk for about 500 mts (~0.3 mile) on a flat and easy terrain through a deciduous forest until we reach El Garrapatero beach. Kayaking activity takes place from the beach along the bay for about 45 minutes. We can make a short walk to the brackish lagoon where we have high possibilities to find pink flamingos. 3. Coffee farm and Sugar Cane mill & Highlights of Puerto Ayora (private basis) In the morning, visit Organic Coffee Farm & Sugar Cane mill. Departure from your hotel towards the farming area of El Cascajo. Visit one of the most traditional farms in the area where we can find real organic coffee and sugar cane plantations. We will learn about all coffee and sugar cane growing and production process including a handcrafted sugar cane mil and distillery where the farmers produce a traditional sugar cane liquor. Afterwards, visit to wooden workshops in Galapagos. Inspired by the unique beauty of the islands and using cedrella´s wood; one of the introduced species in Galapagos several years ago; galapagueños artists have dedicated their lives to capture in this wood images of fauna and flora of the archipelago. Their pieces are full are full of creativity and details that reflect the naturalness of the enchanted islands. During this visit we will know more about these skilled hands. Later, visit to Charles Darwin Research Station. The Charles Darwin Research Center is the matrix of all the scientific researches in the Galapagos Islands. It is from these headquarters from where all the most sensitive conservation projects are being directed. The conservation and preservation of giant tortoises, marine iguanas among others are some of the examples of the Center labor. We can walk along the core of the Research Center where we can find the corrals where the giant tortoises are being breed as well as the corrals where the land iguanas are being studied. The Research Center offers a brand new Interpretation Center with some of the most important samples of the Center Collection. 4. Navigable Tour to neighbor islands (sharing basis) Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, and experience the remote islands in comfort and style. Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. ** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification Day 4: Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island Today we take an early morning speedboat to Isabela Island where we will check into our hotel. Our adventure begins with a tour of the Tintoreras, a group of small islands close to the town of Puerto Villamil. The islands are named after the white tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. On the Tintoreras we will see almost all the archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. This is a Galapagos in miniature! After walking on the island, we will have a chance to snorkel in the bay. Don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! Day 5: Puerto Villamil - Hiking day! Volcanic eruptions created all the Galapagos Islands, and you will have a chance to see this geologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands. We have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands, and we start by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, we may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route. When we reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, we will see the reward for our efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway! Later, as we head towards Volcan Chico, we may get the feeling we are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, we will enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles. After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, we will be able to relax in the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree, and enjoy our box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of the Island. In the distance, we will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. We then head back down to complete our day of hiking (16 kilometers / 9,94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil. Day 6: End of Itinerary - Departure day Today we take an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for our onward journey or flight back home. |
2026 Prices per person in US$: with 1 person = $4477 with 2 people = $2846 with 3 people = $2531 with 4-6 people = $2489 single supplement = $691 Hotels Used:
Galapagos Magic - Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos Magic is a tented safari camp nestled in a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the Santa Cruz highlands. Accommodation options comprise safari tents, safari tree houses, a private lodge and suites. Guests can conveniently enjoy breakfast and dinner on-site. Galapagos Magic also offers a variety of excursions, including a glamping adventure and island hopping. Ikala Galapagos Hotel | Puerto Ayora - With a privileged location in the heart of Puerto Ayora, Ecuador, Ikala Galapagos Hotel offers accommodation in proximity to restaurants, bars and points of interest such as Laguna de las Ninfas, Tortuga Bay Beach and the Fisherman’s Dock. The hotel features rooms and suites, each with air conditioning, a hairdryer, a fan, free Wi-Fi and a safety box. Guests can delight their palate with breakfast and dinner at the on-site bar and restaurant. Ikala Galapagos Hotel also features an outdoor pool and lush gardens. Isamar Hotel | Puerto Villamil - Overlooking the ocean, IsaMar Hotel is located on Isabela, a one-million-year-old island offering endless opportunities to witness awe-inspiring volcanic geography. In-room conveniences include air conditioning, safes, Wi-Fi, TVs, and hairdryers. Guests can enjoy an inclusive breakfast in the morning, and additional meals can be enjoyed on-site. The hotel also features a bar and a lounging deck next to the beach. 
INCLUDED
Recommendations: For excursions, please take solar protection, a cap or hat, bathing suit, long-sleeved shirt, water bottle, snorkeling gear (if you do not have your own, a mask, snorkel and fins are provided free of charge), camera, appropriate shoes for wet landings and hikes on lava terrain (sneakers or similar) with thick soles. Our expedition staff will give further details and recommendations, as well as more natural history background, the night before each excursion. |
