CLASSIC GALAPAGOS I 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS | FROM $3929

Quito – Aeropuerto Baltra - Navigation to Isabela island 

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our naturalist staff will welcome you. Immediately afterwards, we will take the airport shuttle bus for an approximately 10-minute transfer to the Itabaca Channel.

From there, we will board a ferry (small boat) to cross to Santa Cruz Island. Then, with our private vehicle, we will travel approximately 42 km to Puerto Ayora and arrive at the passenger dock, where we will take a water taxi with a cost of $0.50 per person. This will take us to the speedboat that will navigate to Isabela Island.

The navigation to Isabela Island takes approximately 2 hours aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at Isabela Island, we will again take water taxis (cost: $1 per person) to reach the passenger dock. At the dock, an entrance fee of $10 per person must be paid. Afterwards, we will proceed to the luggage collection area to receive our bags and then continue to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Iguana or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Visit to the Flamingos - Interpretation Center -  Wetlands - Tintoreras

Breakfast at the hotel. At 07:00 we will depart for our first visit to the Flamingo Lagoon, a semi-natural formation that originated from old quarries. Here it is possible to admire the emblematic flamingos, migratory birds that display a reddish color as adults, while chicks are completely white. Their color gradually changes due to their diet.

We will also visit the Tortoise Breeding Center. Afterwards, our excursion continues along a network of trails that includes several sites such as Playa del Amor (Love Beach), El Túnel del Estero, and Cerro Orchilla, a viewpoint that can be reached by climbing a staircase. From this point, you will enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the town of Puerto Villamil. All these sites together create a spectacular natural landscape.

The trail continues until reaching the Wall of Tears, an important historical monument linked to the time when a penal colony existed on Isabela Island. After World War II, when the American military forces left the island, the Ecuadorian government decided to establish a penal colony there to house some of the country’s most dangerous prisoners. The abandoned military facilities were used as a prison.

In 1946, prisoners were forced to build a massive wall made of volcanic rocks as punishment. Every day, they had to carry heavy stones for long distances under the intense sun, often poorly fed and dehydrated. Many prisoners died due to exhaustion, accidents, and the harsh conditions. Over time, this tragic history gave the structure its name: the Wall of Tears, symbolizing the suffering and deaths that occurred there. According to local legends, some believe the spirits of those prisoners still wander the area at night. Lunch.

In the afternoon, we will visit Tintoreras Islet, where we will enjoy snorkeling. During the activity it is possible to observe white-tip reef sharks, a large colony of marine iguanas, young sea lions, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

During a walk around the islet, we may also see blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. Occasionally, it is also possible to spot Galápagos penguins.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Iguana or similar in double occupancy, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Navigation to Tunnels - Cabo Rosa – Return to Santa Cruz

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure at 07:30 a.m. to Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa) aboard a fiberglass speedboat. This site is considered one of the best places for snorkeling, especially in the area known as El Finado, thanks to its calm and crystal-clear waters.

Its main attraction is the spectacular geological formations created by ancient lava flows, which have formed numerous arches and tunnels both above and below the water. These formations provide shelter for a wide variety of marine species from the Galápagos Islands, such as colorful fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, white-tip reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and possibly seahorses.

Box lunch on board.

After snorkeling, we will take a walk over the lava tunnels to observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, pelicans, herons, and frigatebirds.

Return to the port.

At 14:10, departure from the hotel to the passenger dock, where we will take a water taxi (cost: $1 per person) to reach the speedboat that will take us to Santa Cruz Island. The navigation takes approximately 2 hours aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, we will again take a water taxi (cost: $0.50 per person) to reach the passenger dock. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Leon Marino or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Snorkeling at Tintoreras

Option 1: Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay

Hotel pickup from 6:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to reach the Itabaca Channel, where we will board our yacht to Bartolomé Island. Breakfast will be served on board.

We will make a dry landing and climb a rustic staircase to the summit, where one can enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the Galápagos, featuring two beautiful bays and fascinating lava formations and volcanic cones. Here stands the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a world-renowned symbol of the archipelago.

Next, we will go snorkeling, with the chance to see penguins, sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, and more. Lunch will be served on board.

Afterwards, we will visit Sullivan Bay, known for its impressive lava formations. During the cruise, it is possible to spot dolphins and whales. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Option 2: North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach

Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup from 7:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to the Itabaca Channel to board the yacht to North Seymour Island.

We will make a dry landing to explore one of the largest bird colonies in the Galápagos. Here you can see blue-footed boobies performing their mating dances and the colorful magnificent frigatebirds.

Lunch on board. Then, snorkeling with the possibility of observing sea turtles, Galápagos sharks, and sea lions. The tour concludes at Bachas Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy the sun and the sea. Dolphins and whales may also be seen during the cruise. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Option 3: South Plaza Island and Punta Carrión

Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup from 7:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to the Itabaca Channel, where we will board the yacht to South Plaza Island.

After a dry landing, we will walk across the island to observe one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. During the tour, we may see land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrids, as well as birds such as blue-footed and masked boobies, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans.

South Plaza Island is also notable for its extraordinary flora, including giant cacti, which change color from intense green to shades of orange and purple depending on the season. Lunch will be served on board, followed by snorkeling at Punta Carrión. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Leon Marino or similar in double occupancy, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Navigable tour to North Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, Plaza Sur Island, or Santa Fe Island

Option 1: Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay

Hotel pickup from 6:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to reach the Itabaca Channel, where we will board our yacht to Bartolomé Island. Breakfast will be served on board.

We will make a dry landing and climb a rustic staircase to the summit, where one can enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the Galápagos, featuring two beautiful bays and fascinating lava formations and volcanic cones. Here stands the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a world-renowned symbol of the archipelago.

Next, we will go snorkeling, with the chance to see penguins, sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, and more. Lunch will be served on board.

Afterwards, we will visit Sullivan Bay, known for its impressive lava formations. During the cruise, it is possible to spot dolphins and whales. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Option 2: North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach

Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup from 7:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to the Itabaca Channel to board the yacht to North Seymour Island.

We will make a dry landing to explore one of the largest bird colonies in the Galápagos. Here you can see blue-footed boobies performing their mating dances and the colorful magnificent frigatebirds.

Lunch on board. Then, snorkeling with the possibility of observing sea turtles, Galápagos sharks, and sea lions. The tour concludes at Bachas Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy the sun and the sea. Dolphins and whales may also be seen during the cruise. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Option 3: South Plaza Island and Punta Carrión

Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup from 7:00 a.m. (approx. 45 min.) to the Itabaca Channel, where we will board the yacht to South Plaza Island.

After a dry landing, we will walk across the island to observe one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. During the tour, we may see land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrids, as well as birds such as blue-footed and masked boobies, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans.

South Plaza Island is also notable for its extraordinary flora, including giant cacti, which change color from intense green to shades of orange and purple depending on the season. Lunch will be served on board, followed by snorkeling at Punta Carrión. Return to Puerto Ayora at 5:00 p.m. and transfer to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Leon Marino or similar in double occupancy, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Ferry to San Cristóbal Island  - Visit to the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill

Departure at 06:10 a.m. from the hotel to the passenger dock, where we will take a water taxi (cost: $0.50 per person) to reach the speedboat. We will then navigate to San Cristóbal Island, with an approximate travel time of 2 hours, aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Island, we will again take water taxis (cost: $0.50 per person) to reach the passenger dock. Afterwards, we will transfer to the hotel to leave our luggage and immediately begin our program with a visit to the Interpretation Center, where we will learn about the evolution and history of the islands and the unique wildlife that inhabits them.

Afterwards, we will walk along an ecological trail for approximately 20 minutes until reaching Tijeretas Hill. During the walk, we will observe endemic plants, a small colony of frigatebirds (both adults and juveniles), finches, and mockingbirds. We will also enjoy beautiful panoramic views from several viewpoints, see the statue of the scientist Charles Darwin, and visit a small bay where you may observe and swim alongside sea lions, tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles.

Later, we will walk to Punta Carola Beach to enjoy one of the island’s natural wonders: its beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxing and swimming. This beach is also well known for its large waves and is popular among surfers.

Return to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Dejavu or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner

Navigation to Leon Dormido .

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure at 09:00 a.m. to Kicker Rock (León Dormido) aboard a fiberglass boat. This is considered one of the best places in the Galápagos for snorkeling. During the activity, it is possible to observe blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and Galápagos sharks, as well as eagle rays, sea turtles, and a great variety of tropical fish.

You will also admire the impressive Kicker Rock (León Dormido) rising dramatically from the ocean to a height of approximately 500 feet. Its shape resembles a giant sleeping lion, which is how it received its name. The rock formations are remnants of vertical tuff stone formations and provide an important nesting and resting site for various species of seabirds.

Lunch on board.

Afterwards, we will head to a nearby beach where you can relax, sunbathe, swim, or simply walk along the shore.

16:30 – Return to the port and transfer to the hotel.

Included: Accommodation at Hotel Dejavu or similar in double occupancy, breakfast and lunch

Not included: dinner.

Santa Cruz - Transfer out – Quito

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and the last photos taken of the sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for one more free night before saying goodbye.

Included: Accommodation at Swissotel Quito or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Departure

Today our journey will end, and you will have your international departures. Take your memories and photographs with you and leave a piece of your heart, as you will soon want to return to Ecuador to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “bon voyage”!

Included: breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.