Discover the enchanted Galapagos Islands through this island-hopping tour! The islands offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. Due to its isolation, the Galapagos formed a natural sanctuary that preserves species, allowing them to evolve over countless millennia. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such close and intimate contact with the wildlife. The tour also provides many benefits to local communities and is socially and environmentally responsible. Be part of an educational and inspirational journey of a lifetime in one of the most fiercely protected marine wilderness’ in the world!
The Best of Galapagos – 7 Day Extension
Trip Addons
Itinerary:
Highlights
HighlightsHighlights
- Sierra Negra Volcano
- Snorkelling with Sea Turtles, Rays, Penguins and Sea Lions
- Kayak to View Wildlife
- Tintoreras and Lava Tunnels
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Encounter with Wild Giant Tortoises
Day 1 - Welcome to Guayaquil!
Day 1 - Welcome to Guayaquil!Welcome to Guayaquil!
Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time, we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
Day 2 - Galapagos - Isabela Island
Day 2 - Galapagos - Isabela IslandToday we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there.
Day 3 - Snorkel at the Lava Tunnels
Day 3 - Snorkel at the Lava TunnelsExplore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at “Concha de Perla”, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel.
Day 4 - Hike Sierra Negra - Kayak & Snorkel in Tintoeras
Day 4 - Hike Sierra Negra - Kayak & Snorkel in TintoerasAfter driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet by kayak, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
Day 5 - Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 5 - Charles Darwin Research StationIn the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
Day 6 - Flight back to Welcome to Guayaquil
Day 6 - Flight back to Welcome to GuayaquilAfter our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
Day 7 - Depart back to UK
Day 7 - Depart back to UKToday our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “Buen viaje”!
Duration: 7 Days
Region: Ecuador
Challenge Rating
From: £2600
This trip addon is for our Ecuador trips
Click the button below to view our Ecuador trips and add this to your adventure during the checkout
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Airfare
Lima – Quito
Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip -
Transportation
Comfortable land and sea transportation; speed boat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz.
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Accommodation
Based in double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in Galapagos.
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Meals
6 Breakfasts & 2 lunches.
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Activities
Snorkeling in the Lava Tunnels, trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano, snorkeling, and kayaking in Tintoreras, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, hiking in Santa Cruz highlands.
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Gear
Snorkelling mask and fins, life jacket.
What's Included
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Single Supplement
Can be added in trip builder for a further cost
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International flights back to the UK
If you have booked International Flights through the Bucket List Company for your Peru Trip then these are included
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Travel insurance
Mandatory
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Select Meals
Meals not described in the itinerary
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INGALA Transit Card
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Galapagos National Park fee
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Pier entry at Puerto Villamil.
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Tips for guides and drivers