Visiting the Galapagos archipelago is always a privilege and a joy, even more so on this island hopping Galapagos adventure tour. Not only does this week-long trip take in the natural wonders of four central/western islands (Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Floreana and Isabela), but affords you enough time on each to get to know them and their wildlife intimately, with stays at the Magic Galapagos Tented Camp, Floreana Lava Lodge, and Isamar Hotel. Along the way, you’re in the safe hands of expert naturalist guides who ensure that nothing is missed, and the experiences are varied: snorkeling, kayaking, remote walking trails, volcanoes, and first-hand encounters with native Galapagos species. You are also treated to some of the most memorable sunsets, extreme landscapes and pristine beaches across the whole archipelago, making this Galapagos active tour just too good to miss.
DAY;
1
ARRIVAL ON BALTRA ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Your Galapagos active adventure begins as soon as you arrive in the archipelago. Start by transiting through a VIP lounge within Baltra Island Airport, the guides assisting with any luggage, before taking to a stand-up paddle board or canoe, crossing the crystalline Itabaca Channel; a popular waterway separating the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. With luck, you may spot the famous Blue-footed Boobies, Reef Sharks, Pelicans and maybe even a Sea Lion colony. Upon landing, your next stop is a private reserve which surrounds the rustic Magic Galapagos Tented Camp, just outside the national park itself and home for the next two nights. Here, strap on your walking boots and hit the trails, searching for resident Giant Tortoises before nightfall, when starlit skies come blissfully into view.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Magic Galapagos Tented Camp or Similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
2
BARTOLOME ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Today, embark on a grand tour of Bartolome Island; its lookout spots and rugged coastline. First, having crossed the Itabaca Channel and moored up, take to the island’s wooden walkways and begin your ascent to one of the best viewpoints in the Galapagos, affording 360-degree panoramas of the wider archipelago. This then makes a subsequent Zodiac boat ride all the more enjoyable, as you glide past families of Galapagos Penguins, Herons and Hawks, before passing the golden beaches of Pinnacle Rock, home to a large Sea Lion Colony. The waters also teem with marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, which you get to do just off the adjacent ancient lava fields of Sullivan Bay; one of the real-life Galapagos highlights.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Magic Galapagos Tented Camp or Similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
3
Floreana Island
An early start and scenic speedboat navigation is well worth it this morning, departing Magic Galapagos Camp in the direction of Floreana Island; the least populated of all the Galapagos. On arrival, check into Lava Lodge and either walk, kayak or paddle-board to nearby Black Beach, strolling the sands, maybe working up an appetite with some snorkeling or paying a visit to the hidden caves once used by 19th century pirates. Lunch at a local restaurant is a just reward, before visiting Sea Lions at La Loberia. This white sand bay is a good opportunity to paddle, kayak or snorkel once more, on the lookout for tropical fish and Sea Turtles. As the sun begins to set, journey back to the lodge for a meal under the stars, anticipating more Galapagos active adventures tomorrow.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Floreana Lava Lodge or similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
4
FLOREANA ISLAND
Today is best spent exploring the many hidden treasures of Floreana and learning of its folkloric tales in the company of an expert guide. Wander remote wildlife trails, seeking out birdlife and endemic plant species, hearing plenty of myth and hearsay surrounding the history of Floreana Island, which only adds to its allure. Make for the Floreana Highlands and Asilo de la Paz or ‘Peace Haven’, a scenic spot surrounded by Scalesia Trees and Giant Galapagos Tortoises–who prefer the highland conditions–as well as Frigate Birds and an endemic snail population. After lunch, the afternoon can be spent completely at leisure, either returning to La Loberia, finding your own secluded spot, visiting the Galapagos’ first ever post office or simply unwinding at the lodge.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Floreana Lava Lodge or Similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
5
Isabela Island
Today is best spent exploring the many hidden treasures of Floreana and learning of its folkloric tales in the company of an expert guide. Wander remote wildlife trails, seeking out birdlife and endemic plant species, hearing plenty of myth and hearsay surrounding the history of Floreana Island, which only adds to its allure. Make for the Floreana Highlands and Asilo de la Paz or ‘Peace Haven’, a scenic spot surrounded by Scalesia Trees and Giant Galapagos Tortoises–who prefer the highland conditions–as well as Frigate Birds and an endemic snail population. After lunch, the afternoon can be spent completely at leisure, either returning to La Loberia, finding your own secluded spot, visiting the Galapagos’ first ever post office or simply unwinding at the lodge.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Floreana Lava Lodge or Similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
6
Isabela Island
Hiking the trails which crisscross Isabela is one of the best ways to uncover the island’s many natural treasures. Set off after breakfast and head in the direction of Sierra Negra Volcano, an otherworldly terrain of undulating lava fields and scorched soil leading to the second largest volcanic crater on earth, a full six miles wide. Along the way, you might spot Lizards, Hawks and Finches. Next, it’s onwards to Volcan Chico. The lunar-like landscapes continue as you hike, with jagged, red-hued rock formations lining the way; a truly atmospheric Galapagos experience. On arrival at Volcan Chico, stop for a picnic ‘like no other’ with Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands all visible as you eat, before one final stop on the golden sand beaches of Puerto Villamil; a just reward.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Isamar Hotel or Similar
Meals B,L,D
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B