Concise Galapagos
Highlights
- Enjoy an exciting Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
- Explore a lava tunnel left over from the original pyroclastic flow, and “Los Gemelos” - two large volcanic craters
- Walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about the many species of tortoises that inhabit the Galapagos
- Opportunity to snorkel at different spots, as well as a short hike to explore and view the animals and birds in the area
- Visit the charming small town of Puerto Ayora
Overview
A popular program for those with time constraints but who still want to gain a full understanding of the importance of the Galapagos Islands and experience their diversity and charm. Six days of exploration based on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands and visiting two more of the uninhabited islands will give you insight into the uniqueness and diversity of this precious archipelago.
- Day 1 - Charles Darwin Research Station
AM: Transfer from Baltra to hotel with guided Highland Tour
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station - self-guided
Your Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure will begin when you are met at Baltra airport on arrival by official Galapagos guides and driven to a highland farm and reserve to view and learn about the giant tortoises. You will also explore a lava tunnel left over from the original pyroclastic flow, and “Los Gemelos” - two large volcanic craters that have their own microclimate and species. From there you will be driven to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may have time to walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about the many species of tortoises that inhabit the Galapagos.
At the hotel, staff will go over the details for the week to make sure everything is clear.
- Day 2 - Tour to Bartolomé, Plazas or North Seymour*
AM/PM: All-day guided tour to Bartolomé, Plazas or North Seymour*
You will be picked up from your hotel at an agreed hour between 6.00 and 7.30 AM depending on which tour you have. Refer to the app for details of what you will see on your tour. The day will be spent sailing to and exploring one of these unique islands with the chance to snorkel at different spots, as well as a short hike to explore and view the animals and birds that live there. You will be accompanied by a qualified Galapagos guide. Snorkel gear is provided. Lunch and water is also provided on the boat. In the evening you can choose where to eat and explore the charming small town of Puerto Ayora.
- Day 3 - Isabela Island
AM: Launch to Isabela Island
PM: Guided tour to Volcan Sierra Negra
This morning you will be at the jetty around 6.30 AM for the high-speed launch to Isabela Island. The trip takes around 2 hours. On arrival you will have to pay $10 in cash for “entrance” to the island, and then you will be met and escorted to the hotel. After dropping your luggage you will be picked up to drive to the still-active volcano “Sierra Negra” to hike to the rim, and on to “Volcan Chico” if you are feeling energetic enough. The tour will end around 5 PM when you will be droped back at the hotel. You can decide where and what to eat among the restaurants in the main part of the village.
- Day 4 - Tintoreras snorkel tour
AM: Guided Tintoreras snorkel tour
PM: Launch return to Santa Cruz + Playa de los Alemanes/Laguna de las Ninfas – self-guided
You will be picked up from the hotel around 7 AM and driven to the jetty to board a small boat that will take you to a collection of rocks that jut out of the water close by. Here there is excellent snorkeling and you will be able to see a variety of marine species endemic to the Galapagos. Snorkel gear is provided.
After this you can eat lunch in any of the many restaurants and cafés around the main square of this tiny village.
The launch to return to Santa Cruz leaves at 2 pm and you will be driven to the jetty in time for departure.
On arrival at the jetty in Puerto Ayora you will return to the hotel (a short walk or a $1 taxi ride). If you still feel energetic then you can use the app to get the directions to walk to Playa de los Alemanes or Laguna de las Ninfas.
- Day 5 - Pinzón or Floreana or Santa Fé
AM/PM: Pinzón or Floreana or Santa Fé - all-day excursion
You will be picked up from the hotel at the agreed time depending on your tour and taken to the waiting boat that will sail to the island destination. Refer to the app for details of what you will see. The boat to Floreana is the regular daily launch, and once you arrive on Floreana you will be met and taken on a tour of the highlands with its human-created remains and impressive flora, before returning for lunch. After lunch you will take a short hike to a sheltered cove where you can snorkel and see many turtles and tropical fish and corals. The tours to the other islands will also offer hikes across the islands and opportunities to snorkel to see the diverse marine flora and fauna. Snorkel gear is provided.
You will arrive back in Puerto Ayora around 5-6 pm. In the evening you can explore the town and sea front and decide where to eat.
- Day 6 - Itabaca Channel
AM: Transfer to Itabaca Channel. Cross and take bus to airport.
You will be picked up from the hotel approximately 2.5 hours before your flight and driven to the Itabaca Canal to cross over to Baltra for your return flight
- 5 nights Hotel accommodation (depending on program)
- Qualified Galapagos park guides
- All breakfasts are included plus lunch on all-day excursions.
- Motor Yachts, High-speed launches, Private Vehicles
- International Flights
- Insurance
- Gratuities
- Dinners
- Lunches are not included except on the all-day excursions
- Galapagos Park Entry