5 Days | Galapagos Islands Travel

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

Afterwards, we will take a short rest before making 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 see the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. After this incredible encounter with the Giant Tortoises, we will return to Puerto Ayora. Dinner will be served local-style menu in the specified restaurant.  

Accommodations in Santa Cruz Island in the hotel class of your choice.

NOTE: You may choose ONE of these navigable sites.

Depending on the dates and/or navigable site chosen, pick-up from the hotel will be early in the morning (either 5 or 8 AM) to take you to the small vessel (16 passenger capacity) at the embarkation point (either Puerto Ayora dock or Itabaca Channel). The destination will be to any of these islands, all of these sites are inhabited and offer a unique close-up with wildlife and endemic vegetation. 

The destination can be Santa Fe, South Plazas, North Seymour or Bartolomé. The activities will include hiking, snorkeling, swimming and breathtaking sightseeing. After land and sea excursions, we will return back to the hotel in Santa Cruz where you can relax and later on have dinner at the restaurant specified by the guide.

Important note: You may choose ONE of the navigable sites above. However, the visits to these are established by the Galapagos National Park and are subject to availability. Let us know what site you like better. We will advise on availability and arrange your trip as best as possible. In case none of the sites are available, an alternative itinerary will be used and a discount applied.

Accommodations in Santa Cruz Island in the hotel class of your choice 

The guide will have specified the hour to meet to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. After breakfast we will head to this spot. The Station is populated by a variety of Giant Tortoise representing their fellow specie, one of each island in the archipelago. Here you can 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 we will make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora and then eat lunch. Return to the hotel to rest before heading for lunch at a local specified restaurant. 

After lunch we will begin the journey from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island at 2:00pm (subject to change) via public speedboat (approx. travel time 2 ½ to 3 hrs.) A guide will be waiting for you in Puerto Villamil and then lead you to check in at the hotel. 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 Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

OPTION 1: 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: Trekking to Sulphur mines (extra cost – please ask us for more info) 

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

At the time indicated, we’ll pick you up from your hotel on Isabela Island to kick off this sulfur mines tour. Let’s go, adventurers!

After a 45-minute journey, we’ll have arrived at our destination, on the outskirts of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Did you know that it’s 1,124 metres (3,687 feet) above sea level? We’ll explore the western side of the Sierra Negra basin in the direction of the famous Isabela Island sulfur mines.

Once here, we’ll become immersed in the natural beauty of the island with a walk around the basin of the Sierra Negra Volcano.

• We’ll explore different hiking routes that will take us to the marvellous sulfur mines.
• We’ll see fields filled with yellow rocks, created thanks to the cooling of gases.
• We’ll head on a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) walking route, crossing a steep cliff as we admire the cone and its vents.

The best bit awaits, next to the entrance to the Sierra Negra crater, with stunning panoramic views and the opportunity to witness even more sulfur vents. Don’t forget your camera!

Before ending the tour to the sulfur mines, we’ll make a stop to get our energy back. We’ll enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch of a sandwich, juice and fresh fruit.

4-5 hours later, we’ll return to your hotel on Isabela Island.

OPTION 3: (extra cost – please ask us for more info) 

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 Isabela Island in the hotel class of your choice.

On the final day we recommend waking up at 5:00 am to have enough time to get ready for the transfer-out from Isabela to Puerto Ayora. We will take the public speedboat, which leaves from the dock at 6:00 am (subject to change), and arrive in Puerto Ayora (approx. 2 ½ hrs. depending on the tide). We will eat breakfast there, and then depart for Baltra where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil