7-DAYS | ISLAND-HOPPING TOUR
3 MAIN ISLANDS
SANTA CRUZ
ISABELA
SAN CRISTOBAL
1
ST
DAY
QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (Santa Cruz: Tortoise Reserve)
In the morning, you will be transferred to Quito/Guayaquil Airport. Having paid the migration card (INGALA) ($20/pers.), you will make the necessary arrangements (with our assistance) to board your about-3,5-hour flight to Galapagos (-1h). Flight scale, in Guayaquil (if you flight from Quito). Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will have to pay the entrance established by the Galapagos Authorities ($100/pers.)*
After a collective bus 15-minute transfer (only vehicle authorized on this part of the archipelago) you will cross the Itabaca canal by collective boat (5 min). Finally, private transfer to the Santa Cruz island heights (approximately 20 min). You will go to a Giant Land Tortoise Reserve. You will observe this emblematic species in their natural habitat. You may also see some mountain birds, such as egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers. Lunch (included).
Descent to the port of Puerto Ayora. Installation in your charming hotel.
Meals Included: Lunch
Note: As off August 1, 2024, the Galápagos Entrance is to double (Adult : $200 or Children under 12 years old : $100), and the INGALA migration card is to increase ($30/p.p).)
2
ND
DAY
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (North Seymour & Bachas beach)
This morning, you will be transferred by a collective bus (40-minute, max 20 people) to the Itabaca Canal, where you will board a boat with your group. This day will be devoted to visiting Seymour Island (nesting site). There is a trail of 1,2 km on Seymour which allows you to see the colonies of blue-legged boobies as well as the magnificent frigate birds up close. Depending on the time, you could observe the famous male frigates inflate their red frills while the blue-legged boobies flap their wings giving a shrill cry during courtship. This time of seduction is incredibly beautiful and impressive! You can also see land iguanas, found only on a few islands of the archipelago. Lunch on board (included). After some more time of navigation, you will reach the magnificent Bachas beach where you can swim. You will certainly see sea turtles, which occasionally lay their eggs, as well as flamingos basking in the calm waters. Return to the port in the afternoon. Overnight in your charming hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Lunch
Note: this day can be replaced by a visit to Bartolome Island, Santa Fe, Plazas, or Floreana depending on the authorizations of the Galapagos National Park.
3
TH
DAY
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND (Sierra Negra & Chico volcanoes)
Early in the morning (around 6h) you will take a speedboat to Isabela Island -about 2,5 hours transfer-. On arrival at Isabela, and having paid the entrance ($10 per person), your driver will be expecting you on the pier. Transfer to the hotel where you will drop off your suitcases. Then, you will continue today’s adventure to reach the Isabela Island heights where you will begin a 16 km hike (about 5/6 hours) on the slopes of Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes which last eruption dates from 2018. Isabela is the largest island of the archipelago and the one with the most volcanic eruptions in recent years. With spectacular lunar landscapes, you will walk on a “as far as the eye can see” lava desert where only a few cacti get to grow back. Picnic lunch on the way. (included)
This is one of the loveliest trails in the archipelago, it’s not difficult but long. The first part you will go up to the overlook point (this might be the most difficult stage) you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the calderas which stretches over 10km in diameter, this place is truly awe-inspiring! The second stage is the tour around the caldera. After this wonderful excursion you will re-join the Isabella port in the afternoon. Free time! You will be able to enjoy the beautiful Puerto Villamil beach where marine iguanas stroll around.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Picnic Lunch
Note: you will not have access to your room upon arrival in the morning. We must therefore be patient and take advantage of visiting the island while waiting. You can leave your suitcases in the hotel.
4
TH
DAY
ISABELA ISLAND (Cabo Rosa Tunnels)
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to try on your snorkeling equipment. Then you will be transferred to the port to meet your guide and get on board a small ferry boat. Emerging and submerged lava tubes that “like a snake” wave on the sea surface! In Cabo Rosa you will observe extraordinary landscapes drawn by rock formations, worthy of Julio Verne books. After that, you will have a swimming time. With fins, mask and, snorkel you will enjoy the extraordinary seabed while swimming among sea turtles, white tip sharks. You will also have the chance to see seahorses! Return on boat for lunch onboard. (included) This is one of the most beautiful places in the archipelago. Galapagos penguins and blue footed boobies can be observed. Cabo Rosa tunnels will dazzle you! Return to the port and free time to enjoy this beautiful wild island and your hotel facilities. Indeed Isabela island is the perfect place to unwind and disconnect. It’s wild and quiet atmosphere offers the ideal setting for relaxation. Dinner in Puerto Villamil (not included) and overnight on this magical island.
Meals Included: Lunch
Note: Depending on water temperature. We recommend the use of a long-sleeve wetsuit to better enjoy the activity. You can take yours, if not, let us know in advance.
5
TH
DAY
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (Inter- island flight & Free Time)
Enjoy your morning and take advantage of some free time to stroll around and explore on your own, while surrounded by Isabela’s calm and isolated setting. Around noon, after a short transfer (10 minutes), you will take your inter-island flight heading to San Cristobal island. If the weather is clear, the view from above, is magnificent! Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, your driver will be waiting for you. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Lunch (not included). You will have free time to visit one of the accessible and free sites, as “optional” we recommend: Interpretation Center (visit: 2h – walk: 45’): created with assistance of the Spanish government, this center will provide you a good introduction of the human and natural history of the Galápagos islands. It’s also easy to reach Las Tijeretas Hill from here. Lobería (visit: 2h30 – walk: 2h): these mangrove beaches will allow you to observe impressive wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. You will gradually climb the cliff overlooking the beach, from where you will have a superb view of the ocean. A taxi is needed to get there. Las Tijeretas Hill (visit: 1h30’ – walk: 1h): visit the Tijeretas Hill and Darwin Bay, where the naturalist landed during his visit to the Galápagos aboard the famous Beagle! Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Dinner (not included).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Note: this day, before checking in your hotel, you will go to the local agency offices to try on your next day’s snorkeling equipment.
6
TH
DAY
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (360º Tour)
This day will be devoted to snorkeling activities. Onboard a fishing boat, you will undertake a tour around San Cristobal Island -360º-. You will have the opportunity to make stops at famous sites of interest. After 2 hours of navigation, you will get to Rosa Blanca, an enchanting beach where you will do your first snorkel immersion in the blue-turquoise waters where whitetip reef sharks live. You will observe lots of them along with sea lions, marine turtles, and rays. After that, you will do a second stop near the Punta Pitt site where the red-footed boobies will fly around you. This time, you will remain onboard and try your hand at fishing! The reward is to taste your catch in the evening -prepared by one of the restaurants in the port Lunch onboard and navigate to another fantastic white-sand beach of crystal-clear water, the Sardina Bay. A moment of relaxation - swimming, snorkeling, rest, or a short walk in the surroundings. Subsequently, you will head to the renowned Kicker Rock site. Famous for being an ideal spot for observing hammerhead sharks. This will be your last snorkel immersion. Before jumping into the water, you will pass by Wizard Hill, here you will see blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Return to the port and to your hotel. Time to relax, have dinner (not included) and overnight surrounded by the soothing sound of ocean waves.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Lunch onboard
7
TH
DAY
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND > Quito or Guayaquil
After breakfast, you will have time to rest, take some pictures, or even have a walk before spending time getting ready for your flight back to Quito (or Guayaquil). You will be transferred to the San Cristóbal airport on time to take your flight. Flight time will be around 3h30 to get to Quito Airport (1h50 to Guayaquil). Lunch at the airport (not included). Arriving in Quito (+1h) in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel (not included).
End of Services.
Note: depending on your international return flight schedule, you might be able to catch it this same day. This can only be made from Guayaquil Airport.
RATES PER PERSON
«Superior» First Class 3/4****: Charming and comfortable accommodation. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service, spacious and tasteful rooms.
| GROUP | LOW SEASON
|
High Season (February, July, and from December 16th through January 5th.) |
|---|---|---|
|
2 people
(Rate per person) |
$2.952 | $3.064 |
|
3-4 people
(Rate per person) |
$2.810 | $2.988 |
|
5-6 people
(Rate per person) |
$2.786 | $2.967 |
|
7-8 people
(Rate per person) |
$2.748 | $2.933 |
|
9-10 people
(Rate per person) |
$2.723 | $2.905 |
- Galápagos airfare (Quito or Guayaquil - Galápagos / Galápagos - Quito or Guayaquil)
- Transfer (Hotel - Quito / Guayaquil Airport) and assistance to board your flight to Galápagos (on Day 1).
- All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees. On mainland as well as in Galápagos.
- Guides as indicated in the in the “Guides & Drivers” part, their costs and fees.
- Inter-island flight on Day 5 (Isabela > San Cristóbal)
- Accommodation as indicated in the program; In a double basis (subject to availability).
- All meals as indicated in the program.
- All breakfasts from day 2 - 4 Lunches - No Dinners
- Soft drinks (water, coffee and tea)
- Visits included in the program.
- Entrances Fees to sites specified in the program (excluding entrance Fee to Galápagos National Park).
- Snorkeling equipment & short-sleeve wetsuit.
- International flights.
- Entrance to the Galápagos National Park (Adult : $100 or Children under 12 years old : $50). Entrance is to double (Adult : $200 or Children under 12 years old : $100) from August 1, 2024.
- INGALA migration card, necessary for the Galápagos ($20/pp.) INGALA is to increase ($30/pp.) from August 1, 2024.
- Individual equipment (except snorkeling equipment).
- Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost.
- Wetsuit ($5p.p per day)
- Soda & alcoholic drinks.
- Not indicated meals.
- Tips.
- Transfers: transfers and visits time are provided as indicative.
- Meals: estimated between $5 (economic) and $50 (gourmet) per meal (not included) per person.
- Tips: we recommend between $10 and $20per work day for a guide, and between $5 and $10 per work day for a driver.
- Our guides: our Ecuadorian guides are all licensed (postgraduate training) and speak English. They have a very good knowledge of the country, which they will be happy to share with you. According to your desires and preferences, we can provide specialists guides (cultural, natural, trek, andinism,…).
- Our drivers: we only count on Spanish-speaking drivers with great expertise in their work and knowledge of the country. With great freedom, you will be able to visit the places on your own, while having the constant assistance of your driver.
- PASSPORT: When you enter Ecuadorian territory, your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months.
