Charles Darwin Station | Galapagos

Santa Cruz & Isabela Expedition - Galapagos Tour

Day by day

Day 1: Baltra, Charles Darwin Station

Flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra airport where a naturalist guide will meet you and take you to Puerto Ayora, on the way a stop will be made to visit the highlands.

After lunch, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station, where you will be able to see a variety of species of Giant Tortoises in captivity, ranging in age, and from what island they are original. Listen and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts oriented to preserve the Giant Tortoises, as well as the environment of the archipelago.

-/L/D

Day 2: Bartolome Island , North Seymour, Plazas Islands

After breakfast, the guide will meet you at the hotel to take you to the dock and start the navigable tour, lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon return to the port. According to boat availability, you can choose one of the following trips:

North Seymour Island is a spectacular place to hike, swim, and enjoy snorkeling. The main attractions are: the frigates, boobies, gulls, hawks, green sea turtles and the famous Galapagos Sharks.

Bartolome Island is the most attractive landscape of the archipelago. This island is undoubtedly the most photographed in all the Galapagos Islands. You can appreciate a spectacular view of two beautiful bays and observe the fascinating formations of lava and volcanic cones.

Two islands form Plazas. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava coast. It is a wonderful spot to observe marine life, including manta rays. Coasts are perfect for snorkeling activity.

B/L/D

 

Day 3: Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay, Flamingos Lake

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Tortuga Bay, the walk through a cactus trail will last 45 minutes approximately on Playa Brava Beach you will have time for kayaking. You will find lots of marine iguanas, marine birds and pelicans.

Then continue to Playa Mansa Beach, 15 minutes additional walk, this beach is a kind of natural lagoon visited for blue-footed boobies and pelicans, great for swimming. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch.

After lunch you will go to the port to embark on the public speedboat that will take you to Isabela (approximately 2-2.5 hour navigation). Upon arrival at Isabela, your guide will meet you take you to the hotel, after check-in you will be taken to visit the Lake of the Flamingos.

B/L/D

Day 4: Isabela Island

Approximately at 7:30 am, the trip to hike Sierra Negra Volcano will start. Passengers will be transported by bus or other  transportation for about 45 minutes to the Galapagos National Park control site to register the visit. Visitors can admire the change of vegetation during the tour. Heading from an arid black volcanic surface towards a greenish cloud forest of endemic Scalesias, Darwin Bushes, and many other introduced plants. This site is great for bird watching (finches, yellow wobblers among many others can be seen). You may choose from two paths: a short circuit that goes along the crater’s edge and the longer linear way that reaches Chico Volcano. Enjoy a box lunch before returning to Puerto Villamil.

After a short break in the afternoon, you will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela, where you will be able to see a variety of species of giant tortoises in captivity. Continue to the Wall of Tears. The wall has a length of 100m and a height of 7m. The name is derived from the difficult and painful nature of the conditions in which the prisoners were forced to work. Return to Puerto Villamil by bike; enjoy the ride and the beautiful landscape.

B/L/D

Day 5: Departure

At 05:30 am, you will be transferred to the Port for your return journey to Santa Cruz, upon arrival a guide will meet you to transfer you to Baltra airport for your return trip to Quito or Guayaquil.

 

Itinerary Map

Includes

  • Transportation between islands
  • Bilingual tour guide
  • Detailed meals
  • Hotels

Does not Include

  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses
  • Airfare tickets
  • Aditional activities
  • Snorkeling equipment

Meals Included

  • Breakfast Served Daily
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
Charles Darwin Station | Galapagos
Tortuga Bay | Galapagos
+1
Flamingo Lake | Galapagos
More information about the Galapagos Islands you visit in this itinerary:
Santa Cruz & Isabela Expedition
5 Days


+593

Why travel with us?

Galapagos experience Over 11 years of experience
Galapagos travel specialists Galapagos Specialists
Galapagos packages Set and Tailor-made packages
Galapagos cruises The best last-minute cruise deals
Galapagos trips 24/7 Customer service during your trip
Galapagos experience Multi-Destination packages

Similar Itineraries