6 Days | San Cristobal Galapagos & Santa Cruz Hotel Based Tour

Arrive by plane to Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil (air ticket not included). Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport on San Cristobal Galapagos Island where the tour will begin. After checking-in at the hotel and eating lunch in a local restaurant head to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center where our guide will explain how the Galapagos Islands were formed, the evolution of species, the migration of the animals, and the human settlements within the Galapagos.

After visiting the Interpretation Center, we will make our way to “Cerro Tijeretas”, or “Frigate Hill”. Here you can do some snorkeling to see colorful fish species, starfish, sea urchins, or to simply enjoy the crystal clear waters. The afternoon continues with a visit to Playa Carola, where you will have time to enjoy the beautiful beach before returning to the hotel.

Meals included: Lunch. 

Accommodation: In San Cristobal Island in the hotel class of your choice

This site is also knows as Sleeping Lion or “León Dormido”. Getting to this spot takes 1 hr navigation. The first stop will be right before Kicker Rock (going down of Cerro Tijeretas) for some fine swimming and snorkeling. Kicker Rock itself is considered one of the most outstanding snorkeling sites in the Galapagos. The excursion consists of two snorkeling immersions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon after lunch. A Box Lunch will be served in the boat, as these parts of the islands are inhabited. Afterwards, we will make our way towards a deserted beach to observe wildlife and relax. We will head back to the boat and return to San Cristobal. Return time to Puerto Baquerizo is scheduled around 4pm. 

Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch. 

Accommodation: In San Cristobal Island in the hotel class of your choice

After breakfast the day begins with a short bus or truck ride (depending on the size of the tour group) to visit the Highlands of  San Cristobal Galapagos island. Along the way we will make a stop at the Mirador de la Soledad where you may enjoy a magnificent view of the island. Afterwards we will make our way to the Laguna del Junco, the only freshwater lagoon in San Cristobal, and also where frigate birds come to wash their wings. We will then make a short stop at Playa de Puerto Chino before eating a lunch in the Highlands. On the way back you will pass by the spot where the island‘s locals cultivate their food and the famous Galapagos Coffee. We will then arrive at the hotel to rest and eat dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

In the afternoon get ready for an excursion to La Lobería. You will drive northwest of downtown Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and arrive on a scenic sea lion-laden beach. This is a great spot for catching sight of the island’s playful local residents aside from wild iguanas, lava lizards, yellow warblers and frigates, among other fascinating creatures. After a walk in the beach, get ready with the snorkel equipment to submerge in the color-filled waters of the area to swim alongside Galapagos turtles, sea lions and colorful fish. 

Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch. 

Accommodation: In San Cristobal Island in the hotel class of your choice

At 6:00 a.m. get ready to go to the dock (wake-up at 5:00 AM). We will take the Public speedboat, which leaves at 7:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora (2 hour estimated travel time). Upon arrival and after breakfast, the guide will have indicated the hour to meet to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to a large a variety of Giant Tortoise representing of each island in the archipelago. We will also listen about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the environment of the archipelago as a whole. After this, make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora and then eat lunch.

 In the afternoon we make our way to the Highlands of  Santa Cruz. Here you may observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment, which also known as Galapagos, and from where the name of the Islands derive. Also catch sight of the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. After this encounter with the Giant Tortoises, return to Puerto Ayora to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

In your last day you will get a FREE DAY to explore Puerto Ayora in you own. You can spend a day at the white-sand beach at Tortuga Bay go for a day-tour or simply relax in the town. Or ask for our navigable Galapagos day trips with extra cost. 

Meals included: Breakfast

On the final day we recommend waking up early to have enough time to get ready for the transfer-out from Puerto Ayora to Baltra where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil

Meals included: Breakfast

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change due to operational matters, Galapagos National Park dispositions or circumstances  beyond our control (force majeure).