Galapagos tour: amazing wildlife encounters

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Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador, 'The Middle of the World'

Welcome to Quito! As you fly in, make sure you look down to take in the view. The whole of the city stretches over 50 kilometres in a highland valley and is quite something to behold.

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your driver, who will take you to your hotel.  

quito - Puerto Ayora

Day 2: From Quito to the Galapagos Archipelago

Today you will be transferred from mainland Ecuador to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Your guide will meet you at the airport.

Your first excursion is to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This is at a local farm in the highlands, where dozens of the creatures can be seen grazing on the lush vegetation. Wander around and enjoy a delicious lunch before you're taken to Puerto Ayora to check into your hotel.

This afternoon you'll visit Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects. This is the most famous place to see giant tortoises, as they are reared here before being released into the wild. Learn all about the various species and how their shell shapes have evolved differently over time to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to. 

Puerto Ayora

Day 3: Exploring an uninhabited island

After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.
Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour. On arrival, follow trails to discover their unique topographies and environments, and in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding waters.

Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.

Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkelling activity to maximise your experience.

In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time. 

Puerto Ayora - tORTUGA Bay

Day 4: The wildlife of Tortuga Bay

Begin your kayaking adventure with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famous for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close. Look out for marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating flora. Pelicans and finches are local to the area, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you may even spot flamingos. Sunbathe on the beach before returning to Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, enjoy a small boat tour. The first stop is the islet of La Lobería, where you can snorkel around sea lions and colourful fish. Then head to Shark Channel, where you may spot whitetip sharks and iconic blue-footed boobies. Passing the Canal del Amor you may spot sea turtles. A 10-minute walk also gives you the chance of seeing marine iguanas. 

Puerto Ayora - Puerto Villamil

Day 5: Speedboat to Isabela Island

Start your morning with a 2-hour public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, your base for the next three nights. After arriving, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.

Puerto Villamil

Day 6: Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano

This morning you will be transferred from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail, where you will get your backpack and set off. The whole hike is a 6-hour trip. On it, you will take in woodlands that never grow old due to constant geological change, the second largest volcanic crater in the world (10km at its widest point), unique vegetation, lava landscapes, and scenery of the northern volcanoes on the Isabela and Fernandina Islands.

On returning to your hotel, you have some free time to use as you wish. Put your feet up and relax or go to the beach or for a snorkel at Concha Perla.

Puerto Villamil

Day 7: Snorkelling at the Cabo Rosa lava tunnels

After an early breakfast at the hotel, get ready for more wildlife encounters with a thrilling excursion to Los Tuneles, a perfect snorkelling spot.

From the dock in Puerto Villamil, you will board a speedboat for a 1-hour journey to reach the Cabo Rosa lava tunnels. Known locally as "Los Tuneles", these are a series of lava flows that have produced unique geological formations, like arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water, which makes the area a truly excellent place to swim around.

In the shallow waters, you can find colourful fish, rays, turtles, sea horses, and (harmless) whitetipped reef sharks! Keep your eyes open for penguins sitting on the rocks and prepare yourself for the possibility of swimming with sea turtles.

Puerto Villamil - Puerto Ayora

Day 8: Farewell dinner by the sea

Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Santa Cruz Island. You have the afternoon to spend at leisure. 

Since it's the final night of your adventure, tonight you will enjoy a special farewell dinner by the sea. Relax and enjoy one last delicious meal on the "Enchanted Islands". 

Puerto Ayora - quito

Day 9: Return to mainland Ecuador

Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to wander around Puerto Ayora. 

Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. For the last leg of your journey, you'll take a public shuttle bus to the terminal and check in for your flight.

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Day 10: International departure from Quito

Today you are free to explore Quito on your own before getting picked up for your transfer to the airport.