Day 1: Santa Cruz – Isabela
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will pass through the National Park control where the entrance fee to the National Park will be paid. After passing the respective controls and picking up your luggage, a staff member assigned by our team will greet you at the exit door of Baltra airport. Together with the guide, you will board the “Lobito” bus, which will take you to the Itabaca Channel, where we will cross to Santa Cruz Island via a barge. After crossing, we will board the assigned transportation to head to...
Day 2: Wetlands – Tintoreras
In the morning, we head to the Wetlands, which are some of the most ecologically vibrant landscapes in the world, occupying a fascinating limbo between land and sea. This tour will take you around the island to hike or cycle through the wetlands. The tour lasts about three hours by bike or four hours on foot, where you will see four types of wetlands and colorful native species, including flamingos. Afterward, we will visit Tintoreras Islet, which gets its name from a volcanic lava crack that has formed a series of channels that have become the favorite spot of Galápagos sharks (an endemic species of the Galápagos Islands). In this crack, you can see hundreds of sharks in the water, along with iguanas and other island species. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Isabela – Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Station
Transfer to the pier to head to Santa Cruz, check in at the hotel, and in the afternoon, we will visit the Charles Darwin Station. This is an opportunity to learn about conservation in Galápagos in action. Its work is crucial for protecting the pristine habitat of the Galápagos National Park, where we can observe endemic giant tortoises, land iguanas, finches along the trails, and visit the Van Straelen Interpretation Center, a space to learn about Galápagos sharks, mangroves, ocean currents, and invasive marine species. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Santa Cruz – Tortuga Bay – Highlands – and Gemelos
At the time assigned by the guide, we will depart by the assigned transport to Tortuga Bay beach, where the transport will drop us at the beginning of the trail leading to the beach. We will walk the cobbled path, during which we can observe different species of animals and plants typical of the area, such as lava lizards, finches, cacti, and more. Tortuga Bay beach is a nesting site for turtles and marine iguanas, a paradisiacal beach with white sand surrounded by mangroves. It is a natural beach, so we recommend bringing only what’s necessary, swimwear on, a trash bag, water, and snacks if desired. After walking through Playa Brava, we will reach Playa Mansa, where we can enjoy the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Kayaks are available for rent (not included) if you’re interested in practicing this sport; it’s an ideal place. After some time at the beach, we will return by the trail to the assigned transport and head back to the hotel for lunch. At the agreed time with the guide, we will depart from the hotel to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where we will make three stops at iconic places in the area: Rancho Primicias, Lava Tunnels, and Gemelos. At the ranch, we will observe tortoises in their natural habitat. The Lava Tunnels are a unique place where lava flows have formed numerous arches or tunnels—a one-of-a-kind walk. We will then stop at the Gemelos, two land depressions caused by volcanic subsidence over the years, where scalesia plants, mosses, and orchids predominate. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 5: Santa Cruz
Breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, the guide will assign you a pick-up time from your hotel to take you to the airport.
