Treasure of Galapagos Itinerary

Itinerary B

Day 1: Upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport, travellers pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. PM - Colorado Hill (San Cristobal) In the afternoon, we will visit the Colorado Hill Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre, San Cristobal, located approximately 40-minutes away by bus. The centre includes a large corral, a visitors centre, breeding centre and an interpretive trail. Along this trail it is possible to see different species of native and endemic flora and fauna, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches, and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Day 2: Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. In the afternoon, we will head to Suarez Point - a rocky piece of land sustaining one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos.

Day 3: This morning we will visit Post Office Bay and Baroness lookout, Floreana. Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. The letters found inside the barrel would be picked up and delivered by sailors returning home. There was no postage fee, and, surprisingly, this mailbox and its honour system are still in use today. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance are the ruins of what is known as her house. 

In the afternoon we will explore Cormorant Point on Champion Islet, Floreana. This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. 

Day 4: After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters of Santa Fe, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant prickly pear cactus. Santa Fe is also home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land Iguanas of the islands. 

A visit to Santa Cruz in the afternoon also offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca. Several farms serve food and allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. The pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, vermilion flycatchers, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes can be seen. 

Day 5: The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher. After visiting the Twin Craters, you will be assisted back to the airport.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.