History & Adventure in the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

Highlights

• See giant tortoises and rare birds up close
• Explore the mysteries of Isla Floreana on a day trip
• Enjoy standup paddleboarding in Puerto Villamil
• Snorkel around the famous Kicker Rock

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the Galápagos, Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! After arriving at Baltra Airport, a local guide will pick you up, and you'll hop over to Isla Santa Cruz and its main town of Puerto Ayora. En route, you'll stop at a local highlands farm where dozens of giant tortoises live. Wander around on your own to appreciate these majestic creatures.

Enjoy lunch before continuing to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness firsthand the work of international scientists coming to the Galápagos to conduct environmental projects. Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, dedicated to protecting giant Galápagos tortoises. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn about each one.

Day 2: Kayak in Tortuga Bay & Tour Isla Santa Cruz

Begin today's kayaking adventure with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective, observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds. Pelicans and finches are local to the area, and near the salt lagoon, you may spot flamingoes. After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach before returning to Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the bay of Santa Cruz. Stop at the tiny islet of La Lobería, where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish. Afterward, head to the Shark Channel, where you may spot harmless whitetip sharks and blue-footed boobies. You'll also visit the Canal del Amor, home to sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties. 

Day 3: Enjoy an Excursion to Los Túneles

Meet your guide in the morning for a ride to the dock in Puerto Ayora. From there, catch a speedboat to Isla Isabela. One of the island's unique snorkeling spots is Los Túneles, characterized by geological formations, rock arches, and tunnels above and below the ocean's surface. Start in shallow water and look for tropical fish, rays, turtles, sea horses, and even whitetip reef sharks. 

Day 4: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano

Hike around the crater of Sierra Negra volcano today. It's one of the largest shield volcanoes in the world, with a distinctive low profile and a nearly 6-mile (10 km) diameter crater. Your six-hour roundtrip hike to the volcanic summit will begin from Puerto Villamil. As you approach the crater, explore its lava landscapes and enjoy views of the Isabela and Isla Fernandina volcanoes. End your day with time on the beach or snorkeling through the mangrove forests of Concha Perla.

Day 5: Try Standup Paddleboarding

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Today, explore Puerto Villamil Bay on a standup paddleboard. Navigate mangroves and the calm bay and be on the lookout for blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigates. Then put on snorkeling gear to swim in Concha Perla, especially if you didn't get a chance yesterday. Catch a speedboat from Isla Isabela to Isla Santa Cruz later in the day.

Day 6: Tour Isla Floreana

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a day trip to Isla Floreana, a place of mystery and vivid history. Your guide will take you to a pirate's cave and a freshwater spring in the highlands. Later in the day, you'll learn about the first families who settled in the Galápagos. Then you'll visit La Lobería to see sea lions and marine iguanas. Finish the afternoon at Playa Negra, where you can relax and enjoy some beach time. 

Day 7: Explore an Uninhabited Island

Today you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or Seymour Norte. These uninhabited Galápagos islands allow you to see the archipelago's untouched natural habitats. After a boat ride, hike with your guide to see more wildlife and relax on the beach. At the end of your tour, return to Puerto Ayora. 

Day 8: Boat to Isla San Cristóbal, Visit Tijeretas Hill

Today you'll catch a speedboat from Isla Santa Cruz to Isla San Cristobál. Check in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, then visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the island's wildlife and conservation efforts.

With your guide, head to Tijeretas Hill to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The place is named for tijeretas (frigatebirds) nesting in this area. You may also see whales if you visit the island from June to October. Finish the day at La Lobería, a beach home to sea lions and marine iguanas. 

Day 9: Snorkel at Kicker Rock

Today's day trip is to Kicker Rock, a 500-foot (152 m) pair of volcanic islands connected by an underground channel. Ride a speedboat along the coast to reach the island, watching for frigatebirds and two types of boobies. After walking around on land, put on your snorkeling gear to see what's underwater. Spot tropical fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and four kinds of rays. Break for lunch on the boat and spend the afternoon on the beach.

Day 10: Encounter Wildlife at Isla Lobos, Dinner by the Sea

In the morning, visit Isla Lobos, about 6 miles (10 km) from San Cristóbal. Noisy, jolly sea lions will welcome you to their home, a relatively flat island with white sand beaches. Relax on the sand, swim with sea lions, or try snorkeling with rays, turtles, and tropical fish. On the shoreline, keep your eyes open for colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. At night, you'll enjoy dinner in a restaurant by the sea.

Day 11: Depart Isla San Cristóbal

It is time to say goodbye to Ecuador! You'll transfer to the airport for your flight. Safe travels!

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