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

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6 – Day Magic of Isabela Galapagos Tour Packages


Our six-day Magic of Isabela Galapagos Tour Packages program focuses on Isabela Island, the “Lost Paradise” of the Galapagos, while also visiting Santa Cruz Island. You will travel by land and in small boats through the most incredible habitats found in the Galapagos Islands.  

Travel to the awesome moonlike volcanic landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano and the natural habitat of the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Get close with the unique wildlife that makes the Galapagos such a magical and unforgettable place.

Choose from a comfortable selection of hotel classes and discover Galapagos accompanied with 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: Am: Kayaks in Puerto Villamil – Pm: Campo Duro, Cueva Sucre.
Day 5: Isabela Island: Am: Speedboat to Santa Cruz – Pm: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station.
Day 6: 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 – $100.00 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).

Day 1

Arrive in Baltra - Tranfer to Isabela Island: Flamingos Lagoon

 

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 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 Is. (departs at 14:00) for a two and a half hours ride. After arriving at Isabela and after a brief rest at the hotel, we head to the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos. Dinner will be served at the local restaurant specified by the guide.

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.

Once we get back to the hotel we will take a short break to rest. In the afternoon, get to do some fine snorkeling in Concha Perla. Swim with sea lions, colorful varieties of fish and, with luck, sea turtles and rays. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant indicated by the guide.

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

Isabela Island: Kayaking at Puerto Villamil Bay / Highlands

 

After breakfast and depending on the tide, we will make our way to the dock and prepare for the kayaking excursion. After listening to the instructions and safety precautions, and once equipped with lifejackets and oars, we will begin rowing towards along all the seas of Puerto Villamil bay and reaching Tintoreras Islet where we will be able to observe a variety of fauna from our kayaks, including Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, and Marine Iguanas. We will make our way up to El Faro before heading back to shore (appx. 2 hours). After this we will return for a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon you will visit the Highlands of Isabela, specifically Campo Duro inhabited by approx. 42 Giant Galapagos Tortoises in a semi-natural protected environment. On the way back we will visit the Mirador del Mango, La Cueva de Sucre, and then return to the hotel to rest before eating dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Accommodations in the hotel class of your choice.

 

Day 5

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 6

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 Island 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: Hotels depend on availability, we may not always use hotels listed below, but we will always stick to the class you selected.

First Class Hotels

[foogallery id=”1791″]

On-site water purification plant
Wireless internet
Air-conditioning and hot water
Located on a pristine white-sand beach
Large double glass doors in every room with spectacular ocean views
Most luxurious hotel in Isabela

[foogallery id=”1818″]

Swimming pool and jacuzzi on terrace
Air-conditioning and hot water
Wireless internet
Located new Charles Darwin Research Station
Completely remodeled in 2006
Private bathroom

Tourist Superior Hotels

[foogallery id=”1800″]

Air-conditioning and hot water
Wireless internet
BBQ area
Rooftop jacuzzi and terrace
Located next to Flamingo Lagoon
Private bathroom

[foogallery id=”1854″]

Swimming pool and jacuzzi
Air-conditioning and hot water
Internet
Relaxing garden
Private bathroom

Tourist Class Hotels

[foogallery id=”1807″]

Air-Conditioning and hot water
Private bathroom
Wireless Internet
Jacuzzi
Located 3 blocks from the pristine white sand beach

[foogallery id=”1854″]

Swimming pool and jacuzzi
Air-conditioning and hot water
Internet
Relaxing garden
Private bathroom

Economy Class Hotels

[foogallery id=”1814″]

Private rooms
Private bathrooms
Clean and comfortable
Located near the beach

[foogallery id=”1861″]

Private rooms
Private bathrooms
Hot water and air-conditioning
Centrally located with a charming garden area

Galapagos Tour Packages Trip
Kayaking in Puerto Villamil Galapagos - Tour View
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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