Visiting 2 Islands
Islands
Snorkelling
Includes
Every Day
Departures
Soft Adventure
Trip Style

5 – Day  Galapagos Island Hopping tours Magic of Isabela


This 5-day Magic of Isabela Galapagos island hopping tours is a land-based tour focusing on Isabela Island, the “Lost Paradise” of the Galapagos, while also visiting Santa Cruz Island. This all-inclusive travel interary will take you through the most incredible habitats in the Galapagos, from the awesome moon-like volcanic landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano to the home of the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of Santa Cruz.

Along the way you will encounter the unique wildlife that make the Galapagos such a magical and unforgettable place. Choose from a comfortable selection of hotel classes and discover Galapagos Islands accompanied by our bilingual naturalist guides.

Start Date: Every day.
Visiting: Isabela & Santa Cruz. 

Activities:   Short hikes, snorkelling, navigating, and wildlife viewing.
Trip Style:  Soft adventure.
Wildlife to See: Galapagos Pinguins, Galapagos Sea Lions, Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Blue-Footed Boobies, Flamingos, Frigate Birds, Pelicans, Darwin´s Finches, Galapagos Fly-Catchers, Galapagos Mockingbirds, and more.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Am: Arrive in Baltra Island Airport (GPS) – Pm: Transfer to Isabela Island
Day 2: Isabela Island: Am: Sierra Negra Volcano hike or Am: Tunnels of Cabo Rosa (extra cost).
Day 3: Isabela Island: Am: Tintoreras islet – Pm: Humedales Complex.
Day 4: Isabela Island: Am: Speedboat to Santa Cruz – Pm: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station.
Day 5: Am: Transfer out to Baltra Island airport (GPS).

For the complete itinerary click on the tab Itinerary above .


Essential Trip Information

 
Important Remarks
DEPARTURE LOCATION Baltra Island Airport. (GPS)
RETURN LOCATION Baltra Island Airport. (GPS)
DEPARTURE TIME You must arrive before 11:00 AM. *Ask for more details.
RETURN TIME Approximately after 11:00 AM. *Ask for more details.
WEAR Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
INCLUDED  Accommodation in selected hotels (double rooms).
 All meals in Galapagos (breakfast – lunch – dinner).
 All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos during the program.
 Excursions and visits during the program.
 Bilingual naturalist guides for each island and all activities. 
 Snorkeling Equipment (mask, fins, tube).
 Transfer Puerto Ayora – Isabela – Puerto Ayora by Public speedboat.
 Transfer Baltra – Puerto Ayora – Baltra (by truck or by bus depending on group size)
NOT INCLUDED  Air Ticket.
Galapagos National Park Entry Fee – $200.00 US per person.
 Isabela Dock Fee – $10.00 US per person.
 Migratory Control Card – $20.00 US per person.
 Transportation Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel – USD 5 p.p. (subject to change).
 Transportation Itabaca Channel – Baltra Airport – USD 5 p.p. (subject to change).
 Cost of the transfer between the hotels and the restaurants designated for the meals in each island.
 Water taxi from dock to speedboat (depending on the tide) – $ 1.00 US per person per ride.
 Soft-drinks and alcoholic beverages.

 Tips

NOTE: Magic of Isabela itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park dispositions or to circumstances  beyond our control (force majeure).

GENERAL CONDITIONS

  • Child 2-12 years 10% discount over 2-4 pax rate (Econ. Tourist, T. Superior) sharing room with their parents.
  • Children in First Class – No discount apply
  • Rates do not include IVA
  • Any pax on single room we apply 15% more of the 2 pax rate, if is a group charge the 15% more of group rate. EXEPT FIRTS CLASS
Day 1

Arrive in Baltra - Tranfer to Isabela Island

You can arrive to the Galapagos Islands only by flight either from Quito or Guayaquil (air ticket not included). An English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the Baltra Island airport. He will then take you to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch. 

Afterwards, the guide will lead you to the Public speedboat towards Isabela Island. (departs at 14:00) for a two and a half hours ride. At the Isabela Island dock, one of our representatives will pick you up to transfer you to the hotel of your choice. On the way to the hotel you will be given instructions for dinner and other activities for the day and the following days.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

 

Day 2

Isabela Island: (Sierra Negra Volcano OR Tuneles).

OPTION 1: Sierra Negra Volcano

Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike (comfortable clothes, walking shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended). Make sure your camera is stored in waterproof bags, wear some sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! Yourself will prepare your box lunch at the hotel with the foodstuff of your choice. We will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (approx. 4 hours).

The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. (There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost, if interested please let us know beforehand). Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will then reach Volcan Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of the islands.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace and discover the wonders this natural paradise has to offer.

OPTION 2: (Los Tuneles – extra cost)

There are two departure times for this tour, one at 08:00 am with return time at 13:00 pm approx., and one at 11:00 am, with return time at 16:00 pm. approx. The chosen departure time for your tour might vary; hence, you will be notified on the departure time for this day trip on the night before the tour.

Cabo Rosa aka. Los Tuneles is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in the archipelago. Continuous volcanic eruptions petrified into tunnel-like lava formations right in the middle of the sea, and crystal clear turquoise water allows an amazing view of marine vegetation and playful sea lions.

The tour begins early at 8:00am via speedboat and the first stop is a small islet in the middle of the ocean, home to pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Finados snorkeling site is the next stop, where you can swim next to sea turtles, Tintoreras sharks (endemic to the islands), trumpet fish and surgeonfish.

With some luck, eagle and golden rays will come to this site too. Getting to Los Tuneles will take around 1 ½ – 2 hrs. Once there, the speedboat will navigate through various spots in and around the Lava Tunnels. Here you get the chance to do some more snorkeling and enjoy some short walks while observing the landscape and wildlife inhabiting the area. A box lunch on board will be provided for this day. Dinner will be served at the local specified restaurant.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice

 

Day 3

Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet / Humedales Hike

After breakfasts, get ready to visit to Tintoreras Islet. Make our way to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats (12 passenger capacity). After a short ride (approx. 20 min.) we will arrive at Tintoreras Islet. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white-tipped fins Tintorera Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island. 

Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close-up with them. After a hike around the islet, get back on the boat and cool off by snorkeling in the waters nearby. Swimming next to multicolor fish, starfish, sea urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions is a major highlight in this excursion. After a fascinating experience we will return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela. Here you can observe a variety of species of giant tortoises. You will also hear how this center has successfully bred and raise the giant tortoises to preserve many endangered subspecies. Afterwards, we will visit the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas).

Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela Island was used as a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government, and the prisoners were obligated to build this wall out of the sharp and hard volcanic rocks. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high.  On the way back we will make a visit to a Lava Tunnel near the Wall- Visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor are also programmed. We will then return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

 

Day 4

Transfer to Santa Cruz Island: Highland (Tortoises) / Charles Darwin Station

Get ready to go to the dock (it is recommended to wake-up at 5:00 AM) to take the Public speedboat, which leaves at 7:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island (approx. 2 hr.). Upon arrival the guide will take you to eat breakfast.  After a short rest we will make our way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz.

Here you will have the unforgettable opportunity to observe the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. The Islands themselves were named after these species. You will also be able to observe the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. Afterwards we will return to Puerto Ayora. Dinner will be served local-style menu in the restaurant specified by the guide. 

In the afternoon, the guide will have specified the meeting time to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you can find a large variety of Giant Tortoise, one of each island in the archipelago. You will also learn about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the natural environment of the archipelago as a whole. After this, we will make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora.  Dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

 

Day 5

Transfer out Baltra

On the final day we recommend waking up at 6:00 am to get ready and have breakfast before the transfer out to Baltra Airport where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil The last visit to the Twin Craters on the way out will depend on the departure time of your flights and the general timings of the tour.

 

Note: Ask about rates with full meals or breakfast only.

NOTA: Hotels depend on availability, we cannot always use the hotels listed below, but they will always use hotels of the selected class.

First Class Hotels


La Casa De Marita 4

  • Sea View Suite Rooms
  • Standard Rooms with view of the main garden and annex area
  • Service – Wi Fi
  • Attention from 7AM to 9PM
  • We have ionized drinking water for the consumption of our guests
  • Free beach towel service
  • Safety box at reception
  • Private bathroom with Hot Water thanks to our solar panels
  • Air-conditioning
  • Mini Bar
  • Telephone with direct dialing, local, national and international.
  • Laundry service

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel Isabela

  • Access: Hydromassage, swimming pool, Wireless Internet in public areas.
  • American breakfast.
  • Cable service in room.
  • Luxury sea view.

  • Beautiful social areas with direct access to the sea.
  • 2 towers (the Main Tower – the Isla Sol Tower) and 31 rooms.
  • Rooms with television, cable, air conditioning, telephone, safe, bathroom and private balcony
  • Pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.
  • Beautiful social areas with direct access to the sea.
  • 2 towers (the Main Tower – the Isla Sol Tower) and 31 rooms.
  • Rooms with television, cable, air conditioning, telephone, safe, bathroom and private balcony.
  • Pool, jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.

Superior Tourist Class Hotels

  • Sea view rooms
  • Pool view rooms
  • Internet in the hotel facilities
  • Air Conditioning, Private Bathroom with Hot Water
  • Non-carbonated soft drinks (coffee, tea, water, juice)
  • Use of bicycles in your free time subject to availability – Coordinate at Reception
  • Bilingual professional hospitality team.
  • Free wireless internet in common areas.
  • Triple accommodation available on request.
  • Room rates include breakfast.
  • Private bathroom
  • Safe deposit box

  • Spa.
  • Wellness center.
  • Restaurant.
  • Hot tub, available for an additional cost.
  • The rooms offer views of the city and the sea through large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
  • Top quality mattresses and blackout curtains.
  • The private bathroom features a rain shower and free toiletries.
  • It has a TV with local channels, individually controlled air conditioning, a desk and a wake-up call service.
  • All rooms are non-smoking.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
  • The hotel restaurant is located next to the sea and offers a sushi menu or a selection of dishes that combine local flavors with fresh seafood.
  • Free WIFI in all facilities
  • Safe in each room.
  • Television with cable programming.
  • Multiple USB charger ports in each room.
  • Air conditioning and fan in all rooms.
  • Minibar (extra payment) with drinks and snacks available in all rooms.
  • Free luggage storage service.
  • Computer and printer for guest use in the lobby.
  • Purified water in rooms and purified water dispenser in cafeteria.
  • Beach towels.
  • Complimentary amenities: everything and beach/shopping bag.
  • Use of the terrace for guests with sea views, located 100 meters from the hotel

Tourist Class Hotels

  • 3 star hotel.
  • Capacity of 40 passengers.
  • Garden.
  • Hydromassage bathtub.
  • Terrace with jacuzzi in both towers and pool area.
  • Reading area.
  • Rest area with wifi.
  • Safe service at reception.
  • Rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water powered by solar energy.
  • Views of the Flamingos lagoon and the Sierra Negra volcano.
  • It is located on Isabela Island, 2 hours and 30 minutes by speedboat from Santa Cruz Island.
  • It is located on Isabela Island, 2 hours and 30 minutes by speedboat from Santa Cruz Island.
  • Free wireless internet in common areas.
  • Triple accommodation available on request.
  • Room rates include breakfast.
  • Private bathroom
  • Safe deposit box

  • 4 Standard Suite Rooms have a balcony with hammock, safe and A/C
  • 1 Standard Suite Room on the ground floor has a patio with hammock, safe and air conditioning.
  • Economy Double Room on the ground floor, safe and A/C.
  • Accommodation in a triple room is with a sofa bed.
  • Air-conditioning
  • Cable television
  • Secure security
  • WIFI
  • Hotel with the most diverse ecosystems in the city, a real connection with nature will be a priceless experience that you will not want to miss during your stay.
  • A beautiful pool and the largest jacuzzi in the Galapagos.
  • The best staff to assist you with your itineraries, tour recommendations and more, even before your arrival or when you start organizing your trip.
  • Located in a central location, away from the noise and traffic of the main street, but very close to all the tourist spots, main streets and the pier.

Economy Class Hotels

Hotel San Vicente En Galápagos

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Jacuzzi
  • Reading area
  • Rest area with wifi
  • Safe service with reception
  • Rooms with breakfast included
  • Rooms with air conditioning
  • Hot water based on solar energy
  • Free wifi in common areas.
  • Comfortable facilities and private bathroom.
  • Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.
  • Capacity for 40 people.
  • 4 minutes walk from the beach.
  • Seaview.
  • Private Balcony.
  • Air-conditioning.
  • Flat Screen TV.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Safe.
  • Subject to availability
   
  • Continental breakfast
  • Room cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Available a bottle with purified water suitable for drinking and oral hygiene.
  • High quality internet
  • Air-conditioning.
  • Pool.
Galapagos Island Hopping tours
Twins Galapagos - Tour View
Charles Darwin Station Galapagos - Tour View
Flamingos Lagoon Galapagos - Tour View
Tintoreras Galapagos - Tour View
Cabo Rosa Galapagos - Tour View
Volcan Sierra Negra Galapagos - Tour View
Isabela Island - Humedales
Isabela Island - Playa del Amor
Tintoreras Islet - Baby Iguanas
Tintoreras Islet Boat
Tintoreras Islet - Blue-Footed Boobies
Isabela Island - Flamingos Lagoon
Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station Beach
Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz
El Chato - Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Highlands - Turtle
Tintoreras Islet - Baby Sea Lion Lava Lizard
Sierra Negra Volcano Tour View

Please be aware that the prices vary consistently due to promotions and Galapagos last minute deals, so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below. After doing so, we will send you the absolute best prices for the dates that you indicate.

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