Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN CRISTOBAL – CERRO TIJERETAS & INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Early departure from Quito to San Cristóbal Island (SCY). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where you will have time to settle in, change clothes, and prepare for the afternoon activities. Lunch is included before beginning your first exploration of the island.
In the afternoon, visit Cerro Tijeretas, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island. From this hilltop lookout you can enjoy beautiful views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean. The area is also an excellent place to observe wildlife, including frigatebirds soaring overhead, the Galápagos Rail, the endemic San Cristóbal Mockingbird, and other species typical of the dry coastal ecosystem. Frigatebirds are often seen bathing or resting in the surrounding trees, offering wonderful opportunities for observation.
You will also visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, opened in 1998 as part of an environmental education initiative. The center features informative exhibits on the Natural History, Human History, and conservation efforts of the islands, providing an excellent introduction to the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos and the ongoing work to protect them through carefully managed tourism and conservation programs.
Please note that the order of the afternoon visits may vary depending on local conditions. Overnight at Casa Opuntia Hotel (https://www.facebook.com/CasaOpuntia/) or similar (standard room). (L, D)
DAY 2: FULL-DAY WILDLIFE EXCURSION
Today you will embark on a full-day yacht excursion to one of the remarkable visitor sites departing from San Cristóbal Island. The exact destination will depend on yacht availability and national park scheduling, but possible options include Española Island, Punta Pitt, or Kicker Rock.
Option 1: Española Island
If conditions allow, today’s excursion may take you to Española Island, one of the oldest and most wildlife-rich islands in the archipelago. The island is famous for its large seabird colonies and spectacular coastal landscapes.
During the guided walk you may encounter a variety of iconic species. Birdlife is especially remarkable here, with possible sightings including the Waved Albatross (present seasonally during the breeding period, mainly from April to December), Española Mockingbird, Galápagos Dove, Red-billed Tropicbird, Galápagos Shearwater, Galápagos Petrel, as well as Darwin’s finches such as the Grey Warbler-Finch and the Española Cactus-Finch.
Other wildlife commonly seen on the island includes Marine Iguana, and brightly colored Sally Lightfoot Crab along the rocky shoreline.
Snorkeling offers the opportunity to observe tropical fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions in the crystal-clear waters.
Option 2: Punta Pitt
Another possible destination is Punta Pitt, located on the northeastern side of San Cristóbal Island. This unique site is one of the few places in the Galápagos where all three species of boobies can be observed in the same area.
During the hike through volcanic terrain and coastal cliffs, you may encounter seabirds such as the Blue-footed Booby, Redfooted Booby, and Nazca Booby, as well as Frigatebird, Galápagos Dove, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
The surrounding cliffs and shoreline are also home to Marine Iguana and Galápagos Sea Lion.
Snorkeling in the nearby bay may reveal schools of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and occasionally reef sharks.
Option 3: Kicker Rock
If the excursion takes place at Kicker Rock, one of the most iconic rock formations in the archipelago, the day will focus on marine wildlife and seabirds around this dramatic volcanic formation rising from the ocean.
While navigating around the towering cliffs you may observe seabirds such as the Red-billed Tropicbird, Nazca Booby, Bluefooted Booby, Brown Pelican, and Frigatebird nesting on the cliffs.
Snorkeling between the towering rock walls offers some of the best underwater encounters in the Galápagos. Possible sightings include Galápagos Sea Lion, Green Sea Turtle, Galápagos Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, rays, and colorful reef fish.
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After a full day exploring the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of the Galápagos, return to San Cristóbal in the afternoon.
Overnight at Casa Opuntia Hotel (https://www.facebook.com/CasaOpuntia/) or similar (standard room). (B, L, D)
DAY 3: SAN CRISTOBAL TO ISABELA – WETLANDS, FLAMINGO LAGOON & TINTORERAS BAY TOUR
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your inter-island flight from San Cristóbal Island to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. After breakfast, take your short flight to Puerto Villamil, a peaceful seaside town located on the southern coast of the island. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Isamar where you will leave your luggage before beginning the day’s activities.
day’s activities.
The morning begins with a visit to the wetlands surrounding Puerto Villamil, an important network of coastal lagoons, mangroves, and brackish water ecosystems that attract a remarkable variety of birdlife. This area offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography as you explore trails near the lagoons and along the shoreline. Target species in the wetlands may include the elegant Galápagos Flamingo, the secretive Paint-billed Crake, Galápagos Rail, Galápagos Mockingbird, and Common Cactus-Finch. Along the coastal edges it is also common to see Marine Iguana basking on lava rocks and Galápagos Sea Lion resting along the sandy beaches.
You will visit Flamingo Lagoon, one of the most important feeding and breeding sites for flamingos in the Galápagos. These shallow coastal lagoons provide ideal habitat for the Galápagos Flamingo, which feed on shrimp and small crustaceans that give them their distinctive pink coloration.
The excursion continues to the Arnaldo Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, located about 1.2 km from Puerto Villamil. The trail leading to the center passes through mangroves, wetlands, lava fields, and dry forest habitats. At the breeding center you will observe several populations of the iconic Galápagos Giant Tortoise, originating from different regions of Isabela including Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra volcanoes. This conservation facility plays a key role in protecting and restoring tortoise populations across the island.
After lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to a scenic Bay Tour to the nearby islets of Las Tintoreras, located just a short tenminute boat ride from the main pier of Puerto Villamil. These small volcanic islets are famous for their dramatic lava formations and exceptional concentration of wildlife. During the boat ride you may see Galápagos Sea Lion swimming and playing in the water, and occasionally the endemic Galápagos Penguin along the rocky shoreline. Once on the island, a short walk across the lava landscape reveals large colonies of Marine Iguana, which gather on the warm black rocks. The highlight
of the visit is a narrow lava channel where Whitetip Reef Shark, locally known as “tintoreras,” can often be seen resting in the calm, clear waters that give the islets their name. Seabirds commonly observed in the area include the Brown Pelican and other coastal species. Marine life in the surrounding waters may also include Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Mobula Ray, and
Golden Cownose Ray, making this bay one of the most dynamic coastal ecosystems around Isabela. Accommodation at Isamar Hotel (https://isamarhotelgalapagos.com/), garden view room. (B, L, D)
Note:
Shared inter-island flight from San Cristóbal to Isabela (approximately 30 minutes). Maximum luggage allowance is 35 lbs (16 kg) per person. The entrance fee to Isabela Island is included.
DAY 4: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO EXCURSION
Today you will explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the highlands of Isabela Island with a guided excursion to the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano. This region offers a fascinating combination of geology, panoramic views, and opportunities to observe wildlife adapted to the island’s highland ecosystems.
Isabela Island was formed by the merging lava flows of several shield volcanoes, creating the largest landmass in the Galápagos archipelago. Among them, Sierra Negra stands out for having one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, measuring approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) in diameter. Although it rises to about 1,200 meters above sea level, its immense crater and surrounding landscapes make it one of the most spectacular volcanic sites in the islands.
The excursion begins with a drive from Puerto Villamil to the highlands, where the hike starts. Accompanied by your guide, you will walk across a fascinating terrain of volcanic formations, lava fields, and highland vegetation. The total hike covers approximately 8 kilometers, with the first section gradually ascending toward the rim of the caldera.
Along the trail there are good opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Target bird species may include the striking Vermilion Flycatcher, the Galápagos Mockingbird, Large Ground Finch, and the agile Galápagos Martin often seen flying over the open landscapes. With some luck, you may also encounter the Short-eared Owl, which occasionally hunts in the highland grasslands of Isabela. Other wildlife that may be observed along the trail includes Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Galápagos Lava Lizard, and various endemic plants adapted to the volcanic soils.
Galápagos Lava Lizard, and various endemic plants adapted to the volcanic soils.
From the rim of the caldera you will enjoy impressive panoramic views across the vast volcanic crater and the surrounding landscapes that stretch across the island. After time to appreciate the scenery and wildlife, lunch will be served during the excursion before beginning the return journey.
In the early afternoon, return to Puerto Villamil and the coast. Accommodation at Isamar Hotel (https://isamarhotelgalapagos.com/), garden view room. (B, L, D)
Note: Please remember to bring sun protection such as a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as the sun’s rays can be very strong in the open volcanic landscapes.
DAY 5: ISABELA TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – VISIT TO THE HIGHLANDS
Early this morning, transfer to the main pier in Puerto Villamil for the speedboat ferry to Santa Cruz Island, departing around 06:00 AM. After a scenic navigation across the Bolivar Channel, you will arrive at Puerto Ayora at approximately 08:00 AM. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel to leave your luggage.
Santa Cruz is considered the geographic and tourism center of the Galápagos archipelago. Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, serves as a gateway for many island-hopping explorations and is home to a vibrant community, charming hotels, restaurants, and the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.
Today’s excursion takes you into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, an area characterized by cooler temperatures, diverse vegetation zones, and abundant wildlife. The first stop will be the impressive Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), two large volcanic sinkholes formed thousands of years ago when underground magma chambers collapsed. These forested craters are surrounded by humid highland vegetation and provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Target bird species in this area may include the endemic Galápagos Flycatcher, Small Ground Finch, Galápagos Dove, and the distinctive Galápagos Mockingbird. With some luck, you may also observe the elusive Paint-billed Crake in the dense vegetation.
The tour continues to a private reserve such as Primicias Ranch, where you will have the opportunity to observe the iconic Galápagos Giant Tortoise roaming freely in their natural highland habitat. These remarkable reptiles can often be seen grazing in open fields or resting in muddy pools. Your guide will share insights into their behavior, diet, reproduction, and their importance in the ecological history of the Galápagos Islands.
Another highlight of the visit is the exploration of one of the island’s fascinating Galápagos Lava Tunnels, formed when the outer surface of flowing lava cooled and hardened while molten lava continued to flow beneath it. Walking through these underground formations offers a unique perspective on the volcanic processes that shaped the archipelago.
During the highlands excursion you may also encounter other wildlife such as Galápagos Lava Lizard, various endemic plants, and occasionally Galápagos Land Iguana in drier areas.
After exploring the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Santa Cruz, return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon. Overnight at Santa Fe Hotel (https://hotel.santafegalapagos.com.ec/) or similar. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 & 7: DAY TOUR TO THE NEAREST ISLANDS
A day tour will be confirmed according to availability to one of the following islands: North Seymour, Bartolome or South Plaza.
North Seymour Island
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Itabaca Channel to board a yacht for a shared excursion with a certified naturalist guide to North Seymour Island, one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the Galápagos archipelago. The one-hour navigation north of Santa Cruz Island offers excellent opportunities to observe pelagic bird species such as Galápagos Shearwaters and Brown Noddies gliding effortlessly over the open ocean.
Upon landing, you will begin a guided walk along established trails through a landscape characterized by Palo Santo forests, salt-tolerant shrubs, and open coastal terrain. This island is internationally recognized for its exceptional seabird diversity and accessibility, allowing close observation of several iconic and endemic species in their natural breeding habitat.
One of the main highlights is the opportunity to observe nesting colonies of the Blue-footed Booby. Depending on the season, you may witness their remarkable courtship displays, in which males perform elaborate dances to attract mates. These ground-nesting seabirds are highly adapted to the island’s arid environment and coastal feeding zones.
North Seymour is also one of the most important nesting sites for both species of frigatebirds found in the Galápagos: the Great Frigatebird and the Magnificent Frigatebird. Males, particularly during the breeding season, inflate their bright red gular pouches in an extraordinary display to attract females. These large seabirds are frequently seen soaring overhead, using thermal currents as they patrol the coastline.
Along the rocky shores and coastal cliffs, you may observe the elegant Swallow-tailed Gull, a truly unique species as the world’s only nocturnal gull. This endemic bird nests on cliff ledges and is specially adapted for nighttime feeding at sea. Additional coastal and shoreline species often present include the Lava Gull, one of the rarest gulls in the world, as well as Brown Pelicans and Yellow-crowned Night Herons.
After exploring North Seymour, you will return by boat to Santa Cruz Island and continue to Las Bachas Beach, where a coastal walk provides further birdwatching opportunities. The nearby coastal lagoon often attracts shorebirds such as Blacknecked Stilts, Whimbrels, and White-cheeked Pintails, as well as occasional sightings of American Flamingos feeding in the shallow brackish waters. The surrounding mangroves and sandy shoreline provide important feeding and resting habitats for migratory and resident bird species.
This full-day excursion offers an exceptional opportunity to observe a rich diversity of seabirds and coastal birds, many of them endemic to the Galápagos, in one of the archipelago’s most important breeding and nesting environments. You will return to your hotel in the afternoon, after an unforgettable day immersed in the extraordinary avian diversity of the Galápagos Islands.
South Plaza Island
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Itabaca Channel to board a yacht for a shared excursion with a certified naturalist guide.
The day begins with a short navigation to Punta Carrión, located at the entrance of the channel on the northeastern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This rocky coastal site, influenced by nutrient-rich ocean currents, creates ideal feeding conditions for a variety of seabirds. From the boat and along the shoreline, you may observe several characteristic coastal and pelagic bird species, including the Blue-footed Booby, often seen plunge-diving into the sea in search of fish. Both the Great Frigatebird and the Magnificent Frigatebird are commonly seen soaring overhead, skillfully using air currents while scanning the ocean surface. Brown Pelicans are frequently observed gliding along the coastline or diving for prey, while coastal rocks provide resting sites for shorebirds adapted to this dynamic marine environment.
The excursion continues with a scenic navigation of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes to South Plaza Island, located east of Santa Cruz Island. This small but remarkably rich island supports one of the highest concentrations of seabirds and endemic land birds in the archipelago. Its unique landscape, characterized by vibrant red sesuvium vegetation and towering Opuntia cacti, creates a striking and ecologically important habitat for numerous bird species.
As you explore the island’s trails, you will have excellent opportunities to observe several species of Darwin’s finches, including the Ground Finch and Cactus Finch, both endemic to the Galápagos and closely associated with the island’s arid vegetation zones. These species demonstrate remarkable evolutionary adaptations, particularly in beak structure and feeding strategies, and are frequently observed foraging among the cactus and low shrubs.
The island’s dramatic coastal cliffs provide critical nesting and roosting habitat for seabirds. One of the most notable species found here is the Swallow-tailed Gull, an endemic species and the only nocturnal gull in the world, often seen resting on cliff ledges. You may also observe the Nazca Booby nesting along the cliffs and coastal plateau. Their stark white plumage contrasts beautifully with the dark volcanic rock and vivid vegetation.
Additional species frequently observed include the Galápagos Dove, Yellow Warbler, and Galápagos Mockingbird, all endemic or near-endemic species well adapted to the island’s dry coastal ecosystem. The surrounding airspace is often filled with frigatebirds soaring effortlessly above the island, while boobies and pelicans patrol nearby waters in search of food.
This excursion offers exceptional opportunities to observe both endemic land birds and iconic seabirds within a compact area, providing insight into the ecological diversity and evolutionary uniqueness of the Galápagos Islands. After completing the guided walk and birding exploration, you will return by boat to Santa Cruz Island and transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon, concluding another rewarding day of birdwatching in this extraordinary archipelago.
Bartolome Island
The Day Tour to Bartolomé Island begins at the Itabaca Channel, followed by a scenic two-hour navigation northwest of Santa
Cruz Island. During the crossing, birdwatchers should keep their binoculars ready, as the surrounding waters often attract Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Shearwaters, and occasionally Red-billed Tropicbirds gliding gracefully above the ocean swells.
Upon arrival at Bartolomé Island, visitors are welcomed by one of the most iconic volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos. The island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic volcanic spire rising from the sea. A wooden boardwalk leads gradually to the summit of this extinct volcano, offering a comfortable climb through a stark yet fascinating volcanic terrain. Along the way, birdlife adapted to these arid environments may be observed, including Lava Gulls, Galápagos Hawks, and sometimes Darwin’s finches moving among the sparse vegetation.
From the summit, visitors enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the archipelago, overlooking Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island, and the surrounding volcanic islets. This elevated vantage point also offers excellent opportunities to observe seabirds soaring along the cliffs and coastal waters.
The excursion continues with a visit to Sullivan Bay, located on nearby Santiago Island, an area renowned for its striking lava fields formed by relatively recent volcanic eruptions. A guided walk across the dark pahoehoe lava reveals intricate textures and geological formations, illustrating the powerful volcanic processes that continue to shape the islands.
Despite its seemingly barren appearance, the site supports life specially adapted to these harsh conditions. Birdwatchers may encounter American Oystercatchers along the shoreline, and seabirds flying along the coast. The area is also home to lava lizards, one of the most common reptiles of the islands.
The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, where visitors may encounter Galápagos Penguins, sea turtles, rays, colorful reef fish, and occasionally white-tipped reef sharks. Penguins are sometimes seen perched on the rocks near Pinnacle Rock or darting through the water while feeding.
With its combination of spectacular volcanic landscapes, seabird activity, and unique marine life, this excursion provides a memorable experience for both nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking to appreciate the remarkable biodiversity and geological beauty of the Galápagos Islands.
Accommodations for days 6 & 7 at Santa Fe Hotel (https://hotel.santafegalapagos.com.ec/) or similar. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT
A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station offers an educational experience focused on conservation efforts and scientific research in the Galapagos Islands. Located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the station is dedicated to the study and research in the Galapagos Islands. Located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the station is dedicated to the study and preservation of the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago. One of the highlights of the visit is the «Tortoise Route,» where visitors can observe various species of giant tortoises in natural habitats or in breeding programs aimed at their conservation. These iconic reptiles play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Galapagos and have been central to Darwin’s research on evolution. Exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station provides insights into ongoing conservation projects, including efforts to protect endangered species and restore fragile ecosystems.
Enjoy your last look at the «enchanted islands,» a unique and wonderful paradise! You will then be escorted to the Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. (B)
