Treasure of Galapagos Itinerary

Itinerary C

Day 1: Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will 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. In the afternoon, we will visit the Fausto Llerena breeding centre, Santa Cruz. The main attractions are the national park information centre, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Centre for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Day 2: This morning we will disembark to the appropriately named Eden Islet. On its coast you will observe land iguanas and sea lions soaking up the sun, as well as seabirds feeding in the nearby mangrove forests. It is a perfect location for swimming activities, as the clear and calm waters will allow you to snorkel along tropical fish, rays, and two species of sharks. Alternatively, a kayak ride would be a memorable experience. In the afternoon, we will head to Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz. The visitor site at Dragon Hill has been open for visits since 1993 and consists of a trail that leads to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach, frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and other species of birds. There is also a short walk to the hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.

Day 3: Hike, snorkel and kayak around Tintoreras - a collection of small islets off the coast of Isabela, named after the Spanish word for whitetip reef sharks due to the prevalence of this species in the shallow surrounding waters. In the afternoon, we will land in Puerto Villamil, to visit the Flamingos Lagoon before following a trail to The Wall of Tears which was built out of enormous blocks of lava by prisoners incarcerated on the island. There are a number of interesting sites along this route, such as the cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Playa del Amor and Pozas Verdes.

Day 4: This morning we will visit Punta Moreno, located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around these lakes and mangroves. The afternoon will be spent touring the cliffs of Tagus Cove in a zodiac, which will give visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake saltier than the sea. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Day 5: In the morning, we will dock at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina. Marine iguanas can be seen in large groups here, along with the flightless cormorant. Whilst having lunch we will cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point. Just around the corner the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers another impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, pufferfish and seahorses.

Day 6: This morning we will explore the black beach of Puerto Egas, located on Santiago Island. In the afternoon, you will get to witness the contrasting colour of Rábida Island - famous for the  red coloured rocks and sand. A short walk along a trail leads us to a coastal lagoon behind the beach where doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds can be seen. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.

Day 7: This morning will be spent at Las Bachas, Santa Cruz. These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel. You will then transfer out to Baltra Airport.

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