8-day to Follow in Darwin's Footsteps activenature
OVERVIEW
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Accommodation: 4 hotel nights in Santa Cruz Island and 3 in Isabela Island
Availability: All year round
Who is this tour for:
Ages 18-65: Ideal for active guests
Ages 65+: Recommended to bring and use walking sticks. Walks are not difficult but are long and slippery.
Nature
Active
Foodie
Culture
Relax
Discover the magic of the Galapagos, where every day brings a new adventure. Walk alongside giant tortoises, marvel at the courtship dance of blue-footed boobies, and snorkel among sea lions, reef sharks, and vibrant marine life. Explore stunning volcanic landscapes and hidden coves, guided by those who know the islands best. With every step, encounter unique wildlife and uncover the fascinating history of this one-of-a-kind destination, making each experience truly unforgettable.
Our adventure begins as we arrive in the Galápagos and transfer to our hotel on Santa Cruz Island. After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to the majestic Galapagos giant tortoise. We’ll learn about conservation efforts while observing these incredible creatures up close. Some are even comfortable enough to stretch their necks for a photo!
Day 2
Highlands, Lava Tunnels & Garrapatero
Breakfast, Lunch
We begin our day with a scenic drive to the lush highlands, where we visit a tortoise ranch to see these giants roaming in their natural habitat. Next, we explore the fascinating lava tunnels, walking through underground passages formed by ancient volcanic activity. After lunch, we visit a traditional trapiche farm to learn about sugarcane and cacao production before relaxing at El Garrapatero Beach, a serene spot with turquoise waters and diverse birdlife.
Days 3-4
Daily yacht tour to another island
Breakfast, Lunch
Over the next two days, we board a yacht for an unforgettable experience to one of the Galapagos’ uninhabited islands. Each site offers unique landscapes and wildlife encounters, from hiking among volcanic formations to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
We may spot sea lions, marine iguanas, and vibrant reef fish. After a full day of exploration, we will return to Puerto Ayora for the evening.
Day tour destinations (subject to availability):
Santa Fe Island:
Santa Fe boasts a picturesque bay with two trails: one leading to a cliffside viewpoint and the other through a prickly pear cactus forest. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, spot colorful fish, and swim with playful sea lions.
Bartholomew Island:
Hike to the top for breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock and the island’s volcanic landscape. Spot lava lizards and cacti along the way. Snorkel in turquoise waters and, with luck, encounter sea turtles, sea lions, vibrant fish, and even penguins.
South Plaza Island:
Walk past sea lions, land iguanas, and yellow-flowered prickly pear cacti. The cliffs offer views of swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds, and bull sea lions. Also, an amazing snorkeling where sea turtles, reef sharks, and fish await.
North Seymour Island:
Home to land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds with striking red pouches. Watch sea lions play in the waves. Snorkel and swim along sea lions and a variety of tropical fish.
Day 5
Isabela Island: Wetlands & Tintoreras
Breakfast, Lunch
We take an early public speedboat to Isabela Island, where we explore the Wetlands, a sanctuary for flamingos, herons, and other bird species. A scenic walk leads us to the Tortoise Breeding Center before we continue to the haunting Wall of Tears, a historical site built by former prisoners. In the afternoon, a shared boat tour to Tintoreras offers encounters with Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and white-tipped reef sharks in turquoise waters.
Day 6
Isabela Island: Cabo Rosa & Tunnels
Breakfast, Lunch Box
Today’s journey is a shared tour experience where a short yacht ride takes us to Cabo Rosa and its famous lava tunnels, a surreal marine paradise shaped by volcanic forces. Here, we snorkel among sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish, with a chance to spot eagle rays and playful sea lions. Above water, we admire blue-footed boobies and pelicans perched on the rugged lava formations. After an incredible day, we return to town to relax at our hotel.
Day 7
Sierra Negra Volcano & Concha de Perla
Breakfast, Lunch Box
We set out on a rewarding and intense hike to Sierra Negra, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. As we ascend, we pass through lush highland vegetation before reaching the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Volcano Chico, where we enjoy a picnic with panoramic coastal views. In the afternoon, we snorkel at Concha de Perla, a calm bay perfect for spotting sea turtles, sea lions, and vibrant marine life before returning to our hotel.
Day 8
Farewell Enchanted Islands
Breakfast
Early wake-up call to board the public speedboat from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island. Breakfast at a local venue and then transfer to the Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Galapagos Islands
Day 2: Highlands, Lava Tunnels & Garrapatero
Day 3: Daily yacht tour to another island
Day 5: Isabela Island: Wetlands & Tintoreras
Day 6: Isabela Island: Cabo Rosa & Tunnels
Day 7: Sierra Negra Volcano & Concha de Perla
Itinerary Map
1
Arrival in the Galapagos Islands
2
Highlands, Lava Tunnels & Garrapatero
3-4
Daily yacht tour to another island
5
Isabela Island: Wetlands & Tintoreras
6
Isabela Island: Cabo Rosa & Tunnels
7
Sierra Negra Volcano & Concha de Perla
8
Farewell Enchanted Islands
Availability: All year round
Price per person starting from:
US$3,503
Rates in US Dollars based on double accommodation (2 guests). Valid throughout 2025.
Snorkeling equipment (only in navigable tours: mask & tube)
Not Included
International and domestic flights
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $200 (Subject to change) per person
Migratory Control Card: $20.00 per person
Isabela local tax: $10 per person
Local water transportation: $6 per person
Wetsuit Rental
Alcoholic beverages and drinks outside of specified meals
Personal expenses, tips, and additional services
Video/camera fees where applicable
Optional/Extra Tours
Dinners and Meals not specified in the itinerary
Additional Information
The itinerary and order of visits are subject to change due to guests’ interests, time constraints, physical endurance, weather, municipal regulations, safety, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
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