6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. ★Highlights⌄

   You can arrive to the Galapagos only by flight from either Quito or Guayaquil (air ticket not included). Our English speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport in Baltra, who will then take you to the port of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch. Afterwards, we will take the Public peedboat to Isabela Is. (at 14:00), for approximately two and a half hours. After arriving at Isabela, we will take a brief rest at the hotel and then head to the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos.

   Sierra Negra Volcano Hike + Chico Volcano PM. Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, you will get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike (comfortable clothes, walking shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended). Make sure your camera is stored in waterproof bags, wear some sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! A box lunch will be prepared by yourself at the hotel with the foodstuff of your choice. We will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (appx. 4 hours). The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost, and if interested please let us know beforehand. Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will reach Chico Volcano before heading back, which should provide a spectacular view of the incredible moonlike terrain.

   After breakfast, get ready to visit the Tintoreras part by walking. First, we will make our way to the meeting place in order to join the group. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white‐tipped‐fin Tintoreras Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island. Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close‐up with them. After the hike around the islet, we will get back to our hotels for lunch. In the afternoon we will get ready with our bikes for a ride towards Humedales Trail Complex. We will get back on our bikes and return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner.

   After breakfast and depending on the tide, we will make our way to the dock and prepare for the kayaking excursion. After listening to the instructions and safety precautions, and once equipped with lifejackets and oars, you will begin rowing towards Tintoreras Islet where you will be able to observe a variety of fauna from our kayaks, including Penguins, Blue‐footed Boobies, and Marine Iguanas. You will make our way up to El Faro before heading back to shore (appx. 2 hours). Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit and hike in the Highlands of Isabela, specifically Campo Duro inhabited by approx. 42 Giant Galapagos Tortoises in a semi‐natural protected environment. On the way back we will visit the Mirador del Mango, La Cueva de Sucre, and then return to the hotel to rest before eating dinner at a local specified restaurant.

   At 6:00 a.m. we will transfer to the pier. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GET YOUR OWN FERRY TICKETS (extra cost might apply). We will take the Public speedboat, which leaves at 7:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora (2 hour estimated travel time). Once on Puerto Ayora we will have breakfast and take a short rest before making our way to towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. After a car ride we will start our 2 ½ hrs hike towards along Cerro Chato Reserve. The adventure starts at Santa Rosa through endemic vegetation, rocks, and some mud lagoons. This reserve is the best location to spot Giant Tortoises, also known as the Galapagos, in their natural environment, we will return to Puerto Ayora for lunch. On the afternoon, we cannot miss the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. After a short rest, we will meet again with our guide at the indicated hour. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local specified restaurant.

   On the final day we recommend waking up at 6:00 am to have enough and get ready for the transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport. We will eat breakfast there, and then depart for Baltra where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil. Our unforgettable experience now ends at Baltra Airport. ** NOTE: Itinerary subject to change without prior warning depending on seasonal changes, weather conditions, and adjustments in policies set by the Galapagos National Park, and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise.