Classic Galápagos Islands Adventure

After you clear customs in Quito, you will be met at the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel:  Mama Cuchara or similar (B)              

Travel Distance: From Quito’s airport to the hotel: 1 hour approximately, depending on traffic

Fly from Quito to San Cristóbal Island and begin your Galápagos adventure at the Interpretation Center, where you'll learn about the islands' unique wildlife, geology, and conservation. Hike to Tijeretas Hill for spectacular coastal views before snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas at Carola Beach. Relax at your hotel after an exciting first day of exploration. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Fly from Quito to San Cristóbal Island and settle into your hotel. 

• Young explorers receive their expedition kits and begin their Galápagos adventure. 

• Visit the Galápagos Interpretation Center to discover the islands' incredible wildlife, geology, history, and conservation story.  

• Hike scenic lava trails to Tijeretas, spotting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, finches, and other native wildlife along the way.  

• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Carola Beach, where sea turtles, playful sea lions, and marine iguanas are often seen.  

• Relax on the beach as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.  

• After dinner, stroll the waterfront boardwalk and visit a nearby colony of Galápagos sea lions. 

Hotel: Galapagos Sunset (L, D)

Experience an unforgettable day exploring the pristine waters of San Cristóbal's northern coast by kayak and snorkel, encountering sea lions, reef fish, rays, and other incredible marine life along the way. Return to town for a relaxing evening after an exciting day on the water. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Kayak along the spectacular northern coastline of San Cristóbal Island, spotting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and sea turtles.  

• Visit either Kicker Rock (León Dormido) or Punta Pitt, depending on Galápagos National Park regulations.  

• Snorkel among playful sea lions, marine iguanas, colorful reef fish, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and harmless Galápagos sharks.  

• Keep an eye out for the elusive hammerhead shark, occasionally spotted in these nutrient-rich waters.  

• Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for dinner and a relaxing evening after an unforgettable day on the water. 

Hotel: Galapagos Sunset (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristóbal and take a quick small-plane ride to Isabela Island, where an exciting bike ride reveals volcanic landscapes, white sand beaches, mangrove forests, lava tunnels, and remarkable wildlife including giant tortoises and flamingos. In the afternoon, explore the hidden coves and marine life of Tintoreras before ending the day with a delicious dinner and an evening of stargazing under the Galápagos sky. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Fly to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos.  

• Bike through beaches, mangroves, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes.  

• Spot giant tortoises, flamingos, and other native wildlife along the way.  

• Explore Tintoreras Islets, home to Galápagos penguins and marine wildlife.  

• Enjoy an evening of guided stargazing beneath the Galápagos sky. 

 Hotel: Hotel Iguana Crossing (B, L, D)

Today we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before we journey into Isabela’s volcanic highlands for a hike along the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the world's largest active calderas, where dramatic lava fields and sweeping views reveal the island’s powerful geological history. After lunch, we’ll return to the coast to enjoy our final afternoon on Isabela with beach activities, time to relax by the sea, and a chance to soak up the island atmosphere. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Drive into Isabela’s highlands toward Sierra Negra Volcano.  

• Hike volcanic landscapes with sweeping views of craters, coast, and islands.  

• Reach the rim of Sierra Negra, with an optional extension to Volcán Chico.  

• Explore lava fields shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.  

• Enjoy lunch at a local tortoise reserve surrounded by giant tortoises.  

• Return to the coast for beach time, optional boogie boarding, and sand activities.  

• End the day relaxing into Isabela’s laid-back island atmosphere. 

Note: Hike is approximately 16 km / 10 miles total

 Hotel: Hotel Iguana Crossing (B, L, D)

Travel to Santa Cruz Island by speedboat or internal flight, keeping watch for whales and dolphins along the way, before heading into the highlands to encounter giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Later, explore ancient lava tunnels and the dramatic volcanic sinkholes of Los Gemelos, where endemic forests and remarkable birdlife reveal another side of the Galápagos landscape. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Travel by speedboat or short flight to Santa Cruz Island, with chances to spot whales and dolphins.  

• Visit El Chato in the highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.  

• Spot Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds, egrets, and vermillion flycatchers along the way. 

• Explore lava tunnels once used by pirates, rich with local legends and history.  

• Hike to Los Gemelos, twin volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest.  

• Watch for the elusive short-eared owl in the highland vegetation.  

• Arrive in Puerto Ayora for dinner and an overnight stay. 

Hotel: Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront (B, L, D)

Spend the morning exploring the beauty of Tortuga Bay, where a walk through the island’s dry forest leads to soft white sands, calm waters, and one of the Galápagos’ most iconic beaches. Later, indulge in a hands-on chocolate workshop and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before celebrating your final evening in the Galápagos. 

Highlights of the Day: 

• Visit Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos, with calm turquoise waters and white sand.  

• Hike through a unique dry forest to the beach, spotting native birds and island plant life.  

• Join a hands-on chocolate workshop and learn about fine aroma cacao and truffle making.  

• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation in the Galápagos.  

• See giant tortoises, land iguanas, and endemic species in conservation programs.  

• Return to the hotel for a final evening celebrating your Galápagos journey. 

Hotel: Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront or similar (B, L, D)

Transfer to Baltra Island for your return flight to the mainland and bid a fond farewell to the Galápagos.   

Hotel: Unconfirmed (B)

Morning Airport Transfer to Quito Airport for Flight Home