Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Today marks the start of your journey. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel and prepare for the thrilling Galapagos Islands adventures that begin tomorrow.

Note: For late-night arrivals, we will book the convenient Wyndham Airport Hotel. If you arrive earlier in the day and have time to explore, we will book the Dann Carlton Hotel in Quito’s Old Town. Both options ensure a seamless start to your adventure!

Overnight: Quito

Today, your Galapagos adventure begins as you meet your guide and travel to the pristine and protected Galapagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife. After a 2 hour flight, you’ll enjoy lunch before embarking on a hike through the coastal dry forest of San Cristobal Island, where you’ll encounter a variety of unique plants and animals that thrive in this rare ecosystem.

The hike concludes at Tijeretas, named for the frigate birds often seen soaring overhead with their striking red throat pouches. This incredible introduction to the Galapagos offers intimate wildlife encounters, and you’ll even have the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters before returning to the hotel. In the evening, your guide will recommend the best local spots for dinner as you prepare for more thrilling wildlife adventures ahead!

Meals: breakfast
Distance/Elevation: 2 mi / 3 km each way
Highlights: San Cristobal hiking and Galapagos eco education
Overnight: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

In the morning, we embark on a boat journey to Kicker Rock, a protected natural monument off the coast of San Cristóbal. This striking formation features two towering rock walls separated by a narrow channel navigable only by small boats. Above the water, the sky comes alive with a dazzling array of tropical birds, including frigate birds and the iconic blue-footed boobies. Beneath the surface, the crystal-clear waters unveil a mesmerizing underwater paradise brimming with life—vivid rainbow fish, majestic sharks, including hammerheads and white-tip reef sharks, and a multitude of endemic marine species, all combining to create an awe-inspiring experience.

After this incredible wildlife adventure, we’ll pause for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach before heading back to the hotel, reflecting on the extraordinary encounters of the day.

Meals: breakfast & lunch
Distance: 2 snorkels, each 1 hour
Highlights: Kicker Rock snorkel
Overnight: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

This morning, we’ll take a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest and most geologically fascinating island in the Galapagos archipelago. Renowned for its volcanic activity, Isabela was formed by six massive shield volcanoes. Remarkably, five of these volcanoes are still active, making the island one of the most volcanically active places on the planet!

As we travel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales, which are often spotted between July and October, adding to the wildlife excitement. The waters surrounding the island teem with marine life, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary biodiversity that makes the Galapagos a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Prepare for an unforgettable introduction to Isabela’s dynamic landscapes and its unique natural wonders!

In the afternoon we will explore the beautiful coastline by bike. Taking an exclusive trail through an incredible ecosystem, we will enjoy a wide variety of wildlife including flamingos, marine iguanas and giant tortoises. We start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built of lava rock. As we continue our ride along the coast, we will explore pristine, white sandy beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. This area is filled with a plethora of bird life, including American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many other shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas. Before dinner we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.

Meals: breakfast
Biking Distance: 10 mi / 16 km, +200 ft, ~3 hrs
Highlights: biking Isabela
Overnight: Puerto Villamil

Today, we’ll explore Los Tuneles, a stunning network of lava formations shaped by the island’s last volcanic eruption. Featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, this labyrinth of crystal-clear waterways and lava arches is home to incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, and reef sharks. Watch as turtles navigate their “highways” from mangroves to the open sea. Snorkeling here offers unforgettable close encounters with these creatures and playful Galapagos penguins darting through the water. Optional activities include snorkeling at Concha de Perla, surfing lessons, biking trails, or relaxing on Isabela Island’s pristine white-sand beaches.

You won’t want to miss the nearby giant tortoise breeding center, a walkable attraction where you can observe these iconic animals up close and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Today’s adventures promise extraordinary wildlife experiences, both on land and sea!

Meals: breakfast
Snorkeling time: 2 times, 1 hr each
Highlights: Los Tuneles snorkeling & penguins
Overnight: Puerto Villamil

Today begins with a scenic drive from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, where we’ll prepare for an invigorating hike into a young forest ecosystem, a vibrant landscape shaped by recent geological activity. Our goal is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, one of the most remarkable volcanic features in the Galapagos. This active volcano, last erupting in June 2018, boasts a massive, lava-filled caldera stretching over six miles at its widest point. As we explore the crater’s circumference, we’ll be surrounded by stunning vistas and the unique environment formed by millennia of volcanic activity. For those with extra energy, we can continue hiking to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater featuring puffing fumaroles and striking, colorful lava formations that highlight the dramatic forces that created the islands.

In the afternoon, our adventure takes us to Tintoreras Islet by kayak, just a short distance from Puerto Villamil. This wildlife-rich haven is home to white-tipped reef sharks, playful sea lions, graceful marine turtles, and the charismatic Galapagos Penguins. Its turquoise, crystalline waters provide unforgettable wildlife encounters. The islet’s mangrove-surrounded beach is one of the few places where marine iguanas successfully reproduce, offering a rare glimpse of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. This extraordinary day combines geological exploration with unparalleled opportunities to connect with the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos!

Note: The hike can be 3 miles, 7 miles, or 10 miles roundtrip; it all depends on your group.

Meals: breakfast & lunch
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs roundtrip for 7 mi option, +950 ft
Hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi, (or 16 km / 10 mi- optional to Volcan Chico)
Kayaking time: 2 hrs
Snorkeling time: 1 hr
Overnight: Puerto Villamil

Begin your day with a scenic crossing from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island, keeping watch for dolphins and whales that frequent the area from July to October. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before heading to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub of conservation and education. Here, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the many endemic species of the Galapagos, their unique adaptations, and the critical efforts to preserve this extraordinary ecosystem.

In the afternoon, venture to the El Chato Reserve in Santa Cruz’s lush highlands, where you’ll encounter the famous Galapagos tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Walking among these majestic giants is a truly unforgettable experience, offering close and intimate wildlife moments. The reserve’s diverse landscape is also home to other remarkable species, including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds, which gather at a freshwater lake to cleanse the salt from their feathers.

Conclude your day by returning to Puerto Ayora, the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz Island, where you can unwind and enjoy the charm of Galapagos’ most populous town.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: walking – 2 times, less than two miles, once in AM and once in PM
Highlights: Galapagos tortoises
Overnight: Puerto Ayora

Today is a free day and no activities are planned. The day is yours to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Galapagos. After the many thrilling adventures of the tour, this is the perfect opportunity to relax on the beach or partake in optional activities, such as a self-guided hike or a serene snorkeling session in the vibrant waters.

In the evening, treat yourself to a refreshing beverage as you watch the magnificent Galapagonian sunset, a breathtaking sight that reflects the magic of this incredible destination. This idyllic setting is a favorite among our guests, and many request to add an extra day here to truly savor the peace and charm of the islands—a wonderful way to conclude your adventure!

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Puerto Ayora

Today marks the end of your incredible Galapagos adventure. You’ll take a 2-hour flight back to Quito, where you’ll connect to your international flight, which should be scheduled for 5:00 PM or later.

If your flight departs late at night, we can arrange a memorable group dinner to celebrate the journey or provide an additional hotel night for your convenience (supplemental fee applies). This thoughtful farewell ensures a smooth and enjoyable conclusion to an unforgettable experience. Let us know how we can make your departure as seamless as possible!

Meals: breakfast