Galapagos Island Hopping 7D/6N

(San Cristóbal & Santa Cruz & Isabela Island)

Island hopping is the perfect way to explore these enchanted islands, spending quality time in three main towns, taking part in daily excursions and participating in adventure sports. Based in a hotel on one of three islands, you will have a unique and relaxing experience in the bio diverse Galapagos environments, with unique geology, plants and wildlife. This program allows for hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more! You will have the option of various classes of hotel to suit your budget, all close to gorgeous white sand beaches.

Day 01:

After a flight of 2-3 hours we arrive at the airport on San Cristobal Island, where we meet our guides and transfer in private vehicles to our hotel located 10 minutes from the airport. Shortly after, we head to the Interpretation Center, where we are introduced to the history of the islands, their conservation, and natural/inhabited states. Then we visit Tijeretas Hill, which provides visitors with an impressive view of the bay from one side, and the town from the other. This area is also great for observing magnificent frigate birds and a diverse array of flora. Finally, we visit Playa Mann, a beautiful white sand beach, with perfect clear waters.

Day 02:

After breakfast, we leave in private transportation towards the community of El Progreso, where the first residents of the Islands arrived. We visit the sugar factory, which was once worked by inmates. Then El Junco lake, a freshwater lagoon 700m above sea level – unique even in this diverse archipelago. Here, there is an amazing landscape where you can enjoy many typical Galapagos birds, such as gulls, blue and red-footed boobies, and Galapagos finches. We will also visit La Galapaguera, a reserve and breeding center for the famous Giant Tortoises, and their babies. We have lunch back at the hotel, and later in the afternoon head to La Loberia beach where we observe a large colony of sea lions, birds and of course enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel. You can also go hiking on a trail with many blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles.

Day 03:

After breakfast we board a public boat for Santa Cruz Island. Arriving at the port we meet our guide and travel in private vehicle to the Twins (“Gemelos”). These are deep crater-like holes created by the collapse of giant volcanic magma chambers. Afterwards, we continue to one of the ranches in the highland area with abundant green vegetation, where we can observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Another attraction here is an excursion through the lava tunnel. Lunch will be served here. Finally we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, founded in 1959, which carries out educational and developmental projects in support of the National Park Service, such as conservation and sustainable management of flora and fauna. Their aim is to preserve this natural habitat in every aspect, allowing visitors to appreciate the original ecosystems.

Day 04:

Today we have the option of excursions to other islands, including hiking, snorkeling, swimming or just relaxation. The tours to all islands listed below are subject to availability:

Bartolome Island: Home of the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Climbing to the top of this island rewards visitors with panoramic views of varied lava formations, volcanic peaks and surreal landscapes. Bartolome also provides the opportunity to swim with the unique Galapagos penguins.
Santa Fe Island: Land iguanas here can grow over five feet long, and the Opuntia cactus, a favorite food of the land iguana, grows up to 33 feet high! Manta rays and sea turtles are abundant in these parts.
South Plazas: This small, steep-cliffed island was formed by uplifted lava and is full of Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies, and colorful yellow and red land iguanas.
Seymour: This tiny island is also packed with sea lions, and one of the most popular breeding grounds for seabirds. A large colony of frigate birds nest here, and you’re guaranteed to see a few males proudly displaying their inflated red pouches to impress a mate.

Day 05:

After breakfast, a wonderful experience is in store. We board a public yacht to the largest island of all, Isabela, where we transfer to the hotel and leave our baggage.

The Wetlands, located just outside of Puerto Villamil, consist of lagoons where a number of flamingos live among swamps and mangroves. A variety of unique bird species, such as common stilts, gallinules and white-cheeked pintails also inhabit the area. The Wall of Tears (“Muro de Lagrimas”) was a penal colony built by prisoners, now a historical site. Finally we head back to the town and visit the Tortoise Breeding Station, created to protect animals in their first years of life from threats of foreign species, such as pigs and donkeys. In the afternoon we visit Tintoreras, home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are frequented by Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, sea lions and harmless white-tipped reef sharks circling the lava canals.

Day 06:

After breakfast, we prepare for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike by putting on comfortable walking shoes and possibly a rain jacket, ensuring our cameras are stored in waterproof bags, with sunscreen, hats, water and a boxed lunch from the hotel. We then travel some 45 minutes by truck or bus to the start point of the 12 km hike (approx. 3 hours). The hike is long but fairly easy, without steep climbs or descents. There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost, so please let us know beforehand. Sierra Negra Volcano boasts the second-largest crater in the world, measuring 6 miles in diameter, and 300 feet deep. We will also visit Volcan Chico, which provides a spectacular view of the incredible moonlike terrain. Once we return to the hotel, we have a free afternoon to rest at the beautiful Puerto Villamil beach, or visit Concha Perla to go snorkelling (Optional with extra cost).

Day 07:

The final day on Isabela Island is an early start, to transfer from Isabela to Puerto Ayora. We will take the public speedboat, leaving from the dock at 6:00 am (subject to change), and arriving in Puerto Ayora approximately 2.5 hours later, depending on sea conditions. We then take private transportation to Baltra airport, to board a plane returning to Quito or Guayaquil.

The package includes:

Hotels of preferred class, in STANDARD double room with breakfast
English-speaking guide for excursions at each island
Private transfer by car on the islands mentioned
Daily breakfast and lunch menu, or boxed lunch (Half board)
Ticket for public boats to travel between islands
Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, tube) for Loberia at San Cristobal and Tintoreras at Isabela
Shared tour at Isabela to visit Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Flamingo Lake, Sierra Negra Volcano and Tintoreras
Shared tour on other islands with English-speaking guide and lunch on board
Baltra ferry ticket

The package does not include:

Galapagos return/round trip flights
Galapagos entrance fee: 100 usd p.p.
Transit card of Ingala: 20 usd p.p.
Isabela Dock Fee 5 usd p.p.
Snorkel activity at Concha Perla or Isabela Island
Dinners menu (Optional Surcharge, Transfers to restaurant and return trips not included)
Water taxi from dock to speedboat at each Island 5 usd approx. p.p.
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips