Galapagos on your own | 5D

5 Days - 4 Nights
TYPOLOGIES

5 Days|4 Nights

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Santa Cruz & San Cristóbal

Visit the Galapagos Islands and discover the wonders of this unique ecosystem, enjoy your stay at the hotel of your preference in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands including the most interesting visits on both islands as well as in the nearby islands; travel from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz on board a public boat that connects both islands or take a light aircraft and appreciate the Galapagos Islands from the air.

Highlights of the program

Stay at the hotel of your preference

Choose when to travel (the program runs every day of the week)

Discover San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands

Enjoy the local Galapagos seafood

Visit the famous Charles Darwin Station in Santa Cruz Island

Tour map

Day by Day

DAY 1: Guayaquil or Quito

Fight from Guayaquil or Quito to the Galápagos Islands, upon arrival to San Cristobal Airport and comply with airport arrival procedures: Ingala Migration card (TCT Card), payment of entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (Authorities require this payment in cash USD DOLLARS), collect your luggage and go outside the arrival lounge where the guide will be waiting to provide the transfers to the hotel to leave your luggage and continue with the excursion scheduled.

In San Cristobal

Once you have left the luggage at the hotel continue with the schedule excursion that could be: The Galapaguera Breeding Center: Located at Cerro Colorado, this Breeding Center was built to improve the population of tortoises in this island. The visitor´s center shows important information on the tortoises and its natural history; there are, as well, trails where you can observe endemic flora of the island or El Junco lagoon: It is a lagoon located inside the small crater of an extinct small volcano. The name of the lagoon comes from a type of plant, which is very common in the surrounding area. Frigate birds are often seen here washing the salt from their feathers, as well as white- cheeked pintails and common gallinules. Note: Please book the first flight available to San Cristobal Airport, in order to be able to comply with the programmed activities for the day.

DAY 2: San Cristóbal Island

After breakfast, full day excursion or navigation tour to either Isla Lobos & Ochoa Beach or Kicker Rock. (Transfers to/from the meeting point to take this excursion not included; however, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a small town where everything is nearby and easy to find).

Ochoa Beach

This an amazing coral beach located 30 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Village, colonies of sea lions, phantom crabs, blue footed boobies, frigates and other species are commonly seen in this area, its calm waters permit to practice snorkeling and observe rays, turtles and tropical fish.

Isla Lobos

A small islet separated from the coast by a channel; in this island you will be able to observe marine iguanas, lava lizards, seagulls, and several species of shore birds.

Kicker Rock

This is a remain of an ancient volcanic lava cone, which has been eroded by the ocean. It is formed by two vertical rock walls, which rise 500 ft. above the sea level and form a navigable channel; the cliffs are home to many boobies, frigates and tropic birds. This place is also known as Leon Dormido or Sleeping Lion, because at the distance, you can see it is shaped as a giant sleeping lion. Note: Excursions are subject to availability and to the operation dates, previously approved by the Galapagos National Park authorities. Excursions are provided on sharing basis.

DAY 3: San Cristóbal to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island

Morning at leisure in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to explore this small but picturesque town at your own pace or enjoy some time free at the hotel. Around midday please be at the pier to embark on the public boat to travel from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal island to Puerto Ayora located at Santa Cruz island. (The boat ride takes approximately 2h30 hours).

Puerto Ayora- Santa Cruz Island

Arrival to Puerto Ayora mid-afternoon and transfer to the selected hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town at your own pace or enjoy the hotel facilities. We suggest visiting the Charles Darwin Research station to learn about the giant turtles of Galapagos. Note: If you prefer to travel on a light aircraft (capacity 4 to 9 passengers) this is also possible, the flight will go from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal Island to Baltra airport (the flight takes approximately 45 minutes) upon arrival a transfer from the airport in Baltra to Puerto Ayora located in Santa Cruz Island will be provided (the transfer takes approximately 90 minutes)

DAY 4: Puerto Ayora/Santa Cruz

Day at Leisure to explore the town on your own or choose an optional excursion: half day or full day excursion, according to your interests. Optional excursions please inquire which are available.

DAY 5: Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) – Mainland

Morning transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport for flight back to mainland Ecuador (Guayaquil or Quito)