Galapagos on your own | 7D

7 Days - 6 Nights
TYPOLOGIES

7 Days|6 Nights

DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

San Cristóbal + Santa Cruz + Isabela

Explore the Galapagos islands with this 7 day program which includes the visit to the three major islands: San Cristobal, Isbela and Santa Cruz. Enjoy of panoramic views of the islands when flying by light aircrafts with capacity between 4 and 9 passengers and discover the unique fauna and flora of this archipelago located at 1000 approximately from mainland Ecuador.

Highlights of the Program:

Select the date that you want to travel to Galapagos

Enjoy your stay in the islands at the hotel of your preference

Travel from one island to the other by light aircrafts

Puerto Baquerizo, Puerto Villamil & Puerto Ayora main cities o each island

Taste the local seafood of Galapagos

Tour map

Day by Day

DAY 1: From Guayaquil or Quito flight to San Cristobal

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

The tours prepared for this afternoon are: Interpretation Center: This center takes us through the history of the Islands, in their natural, human and conservation contexts. The Natural History Room explains the volcanic origin of the islands, the marine currents, the weather, and the arrival of different species. The Human History Room tells chronologically the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of Galapagos. Tijeretas: This hill is called Tijeretas because this is the name that is commonly given to frigate birds. It is one of the few places where you can see two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony. It is located a short distance from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the entrance is on the same way that leads to Playa Mann. There are three viewpoints from where you can observe beautiful landscapes and the Leon Dormido Rock. You will also be able to enjoy snorkeling in a small cove. Note: Please book first flight available to San Cristobal Airport, in order to be able to comply with the programmed activities for the day.

DAY 2: A day to visit Española Island also called Hood

Full day navigation excursion to Española Island which is the southernmost island of the Archipelago and due to its geographical isolation has a high index of endemic species unique to this island in particular. As soon as you disembark usually you will encounter colonies of sea lions, a few steps inland, already allow you to see colonies of marine iguanas, one of the most colorful and fantastic species, endemic exclusively to this island, as well as colonies of blue-footed boobies and their slightly larger cousins, the white boobies of Nazca. Depending on the time of the year, you can observe (and photograph), at a short distance, the curious dances of courtship of these seabirds, nests under construction, nests with eggs or newborn chicks, as well as some juveniles trying to fly. Among the sparse vegetation of dry climate, there are three species of the famous Darwin's finches, as well as the curious and equally endemic Galápagos pigeons.

DAY 3: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – Puerto Villamil – Island

Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport to take flight to Puerto Villamil located at Isbela Island. Fly on board a small plane with capacity between 4 and 9 passengers. The approximate flying time is of 45 minutes.

Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island (AM)

Upon arrival to Puerto Villamil transfer from the airport to the hotel to leave your luggage and continue with the excursions planned for today. Tintoreras: located at 10 minutes boat ride from Puerto Villamil. This a small islet with a beautiful bay of turquoise waters, where you will observe sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays. There is a crevice of clear waters, which is connected to the bay; in this crevice, it is possible to see reef sharks and fishes, the excursion also includes walking along a lava trail, where you will spot marine iguanas in the rocks or under mangroves.

Puerto Villamil- Isabela Island (PM)

Wet lands (Muro de Lagrimas): It is a historic complex of 5 Kms. Inheritance of the Penal Colony that was installed on this Island in 1946. The trail we will find natural pools, mangroves and beaches surrounded by beautiful landscapes, as well as different types of birds, especially the flamingos. The tour begins with a visit to the Giant Turtle Breeding Center, then continue to Muro de Lagrimas (Prisoner's prison), some small lava tunnels and a flamingo lagoon. In the estuary we can admire an arm of the sea that makes its way among adult mangrove trees that in turn end up on a small beach, forming an intimate landscape to rest and protect from the sun's rays. Note: The excursions are offered sharing basis; however, it could be offered on private basis as well.

DAY 4: Sierra Negra Volcano (AM)

After breakfast we will depart on board a vehicle, whose ascent to the interior of the island lasts approximately 35 minutes to the place called El Cura. From this place, we will start a hike through a mountainous area with a path in good conditions. We will make an easy ascent of approximately 40 minutes to reach the first sight of the imposing Sierra Negra Crater. For approximately 45 minutes, we will walk along the edge of the crater to take photographs and live an unrepeatable experience. PM: Free time to explore Puerto Villamil at your pace or relax at your hotel.

Note:

The excursion requires to be in good physical condition. Take good trekking shoes, a raincoat for the rainy season, protection against sunlight, and enough water.

DAY 5: Puerto Villamil – Baltra airport- Transfer to Puerto Ayora

Morning transfer from hotel to airport in Puerto Villamil to board flight to Baltra airport, which is the closest airport to Puerto Ayora located in Santa Cruz Island. Fly on board a small plane with capacity for 9 persons. Approximate flying time 45 minutes. Arrival to Baltra airport and transfer to Itabaca Channel to board the public ferry and cross to the north part of Santa Cruz Island and transfer to Puerto Ayora, visiting on the way an Ecological Reserve, where you will be able to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

DAY 6: Full day navigation tour (shared services)

Breakfast and transfer to the dock to take a full day navigation tour to one of the following Islands: Plazas, North Seymour, Santa Fe, Pinzon or Bartolomé

Plazas

One of the main characteristics of this island is its unusual fauna and vegetation which includes: a colony of Galapagos land iguanas found over parts of the small island; the Opuntia Cacti and the colorful Sesuvium plants. The sheer cliffs of the southern shore are an unparalleled bird observatory and the perfect habitat for several sea-birds, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls and the very colorful red-billed tropic birds.

North Seymour

Flatter than other islands, North Seymour is one of the few islands uplifted by underground seismic activity. This Island is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies nesting on the flat rocky areas near the coast. Visitors will find one of the largest colonies of Magnificent Frigate birds. During the mating season, an explosion of bright red pouches inflated by male frigates to attract females provides some of the most spectacular sights in the Galápagos.

Santa Fe (Barrington Island)

Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful bays of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. It boasts a turquoise-color cove protected by a narrow peninsula that extends along the northern shore. The sandy beaches are often covered with colonies of Galapagos sea-lions. A marked rocky trail leads to the interior and cliff side areas where the Santa Fe endemic species of land iguana can be found within a very picturesque forest of Opuntia or prickly-pear Cacti.

Bartolome (Bartholomew)

Famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is one of the most representative geological and photogenic landmarks of the Galapagos and home of a colony of the Galápagos Penguins, one of the smallest species of penguin in the world and the only one found north of the Equator. The visit to Bartolome includes a climb to the highest point of the island for spectacular views of the surrounding lava scenery, an area often referred as the Galapagos “moonscape”.

Pinzon

It is an uninhabited island with an area of 18 km² and a maximum altitude of 458 meters. It has no visitor or tourist sites, as it is mainly a diving or snorkeling site, offering opportunities to observe the beautiful wildlife and allowing to have a closer look of the marine life. Pinzon is home to giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, dolphins, eels, eagle rays, dolphins and even lobster, among other endemic species.

Note

The itineraries and visits to the different islands are subject to availability and to the operation dates which are previously approved by the Galapagos National Park authorities. The island to be visited will be confirmed one week in advance to your arrival date or as soon as the confirmation is available. This Navigation tour is provided on sharing basis and do not include transfers to/from hotel to dock or meeting point as the distance from the hotel to the embarkation site is short and easy to find. Our personnel will contact passengers the night before to give the details and times for next day´s excursion. If you require a transfer, please request it at an additional cost.

DAY 7: Puerto Ayora-Baltra-Mainland Ecuador

According to your flight transfer to Baltra Airport to take flight back to the continent to Quito or Guayaquil.