6 Day Galápagos Tour from Santa Cruz to Pinzón Island

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Day 1: Arrival at Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz Highlands⌄

   Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be welcomed by a certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide. Travel by shuttle and ferry across the Itabaca Channel, followed by a private transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. At 2:00 PM, depart for the Santa Cruz Highlands. Visit Los Gemelos (The Twin Craters) and the Lava Tunnels, where your guide will explain the volcanic origin of the Galápagos Islands and the ecology of the highland ecosystem. Continue to El Chato Highlands Reserve for a guided walk along designated visitor trails. Learn about the conservation of the Galápagos giant tortoise and the island's native ecosystems. Depending on natural conditions, giant tortoises may be observed in their natural habitat.

   Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar

2. 2Day 2: Ferry to Isabela Island – Las Tintoreras Visitor Site⌄

   Begin the day with an early 6:10 AM departure to the dock for the inter-island ferry to Isabela Island. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

   In the afternoon, visit Las Tintoreras Visitor Site, a protected area within the Galápagos National Park. This approximately 5-hour guided excursion includes a walk through volcanic coastal landscapes followed by snorkeling in designated visitor areas within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Isamar or similar

3. 3Day 3: Trillizos Volcano Adventure⌄

   Choose your preferred departure time: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM. Meet your guide at the hotel lobby before transferring to the starting point of the excursion. The Trillizos Volcano Adventure combines hiking and controlled rappelling through one of Isabela Island's volcanic formations. Using certified safety equipment and accompanied by experienced guides, descend approximately 130 meters into an ancient volcanic cavity before hiking through underground lava formations. Along the route, learn about the island's volcanic history while observing quartz mineral deposits, lava formations, and native vegetation adapted to this environment. After the excursion, enjoy a free afternoon to relax at your hotel or explore Puerto Villamil at your own pace.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Isamar or similar

4. 4Day 4: Ferry to Santa Cruz – Bay Tour⌄

   Begin the day with an early 5:10 AM transfer to the dock for the inter-island ferry back to Santa Cruz Island. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours. After arriving in Puerto Ayora and checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time before your afternoon excursion.

   The Bay Tour is an approximately 4-hour guided excursion around Puerto Ayora's coastal visitor sites, including Playa de los Perros, Tintoreras Channel, Canal del Amor, the Salt Mines, and Las Grietas. The excursion combines short guided walks with snorkeling Your certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide will provide information about the area's geology, coastal ecosystems, and conservation programs. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

   Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar

5. 5Day 5: Pinzón Island⌄

   After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel at 7:50 AM and transferred to the dock to board your full-day excursion to Pinzón Island and La Fe Island. Travel through the Galápagos Marine Reserve before arriving at the day's snorkeling sites. The excursion includes snorkeling in designated visitor areas and guided interpretation by a certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide, who will provide information about the region's geology, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation programs. Depending on natural conditions, native marine wildlife may be observed in its natural habitat during the excursion. Lunch is served on board. Return to Santa Cruz Island at approximately 3:00 PM, followed by transfer to your hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar

6. 6Day 6: Departure⌄

   Transfer out to Baltra Airport

   Meals: Breakfast