Day 1 – Welcome to Galapagos

Upon arrival to the Enchanted Islands, you meet your driver at the airport exit and start your journey from the airport on Baltra Island to the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Keep your eyes open, as you might already spot Galapagos finches and land iguanas on Baltra Island.

First, you take a bus from the airport to the Itabaca Channel that separates the two islands. You cross the channel by ferry. During the short navigation from Baltra to Santa Cruz, you have the chance to observe sea birds fishing.

Then your driver takes you from the north coast of Santa Cruz Island to the town of Puerto Ayora in the south. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes and leads through the island’s lush highlands.

Your driver drops you at your hotel that is located at walking distance to the port, the main avenue and many restaurants. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the interpretation center and the breeding center for giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Station. Alternatively, you could spend some time at the nearby beach “Playa de los Alemanes” and the natural pool “Las Grietas”.

Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 2 – Boat tour to North Seymour Island

After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and drive to the north coast of Santa Cruz Island where you board the motor yacht to start today’s boat tour. After a one-hour navigation, you disembark at the uninhabited island North Seymour. North Seymour is home to many sea birds including the endemic swallow-tailed gulls and one of the largest colonies of blue-footed boobies.

Together with the group and a Galapagos national park guide, you explore the island by foot. A trail leads from the rocky shore to the arid inland where shrubs dominate the landscape. In this area, you have good chances to spot frigate birds with their red pouches inflated and Galapagos land iguanas. Towards the end of the hike, you reach a sandy area where sea lions like to gather. This is a great spot to observe the behavior of these curious mammals.

You get back on board and enjoy lunch while the yacht navigates to Bachas Beach at the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, you disembark at the beach and the guide explains the peculiar origin of this site’s name. During the hike along the white-sand beach, you can observe different sea birds and maybe a few marine iguanas. Finally, you reach a small lagoon where you can spot flamingos and ducks if you are lucky. It is also possible to go snorkeling from the landing beach. When snorkeling, you can observe different fish and maybe some rays and turtles.

After the visit you return to the yacht and navigate to Itabaca Channel from where you drive back to town. You will be back at your hotel at approximately 4:30 PM.

Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 3 – Giant Tortoises in Their Natural Habitat

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to a ranch in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You go on a self-guided hike through the lush highland. As the ground is often muddy, rubber boots will be provided for you. At the ranch, you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and take pictures with these iconic Galapagos animals. It is often possible to spot the giant tortoises taking a mud bath. Apart from the tortoises, you can also see different birds like ducks, waders and Darwin finches.

Travelers who are not claustrophobic enjoy a walk through the impressive lava tunnel at the ranch. You meet with your driver again and before returning to your hotel, you make a quick stop at the Twin Craters to take pictures. This remarkable geological formation is locally known as Los Gemelos.

The driver drops you at the hotel and you can enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the paradisiac beach at Tortuga Bay. The hike to the beach takes approximately 45 minutes and leads through an arid forest. On the way, you can stop at Laguna de las Ninfas, a small brackish lagoon surrounded by three types of mangroves. If you do not want to hike to the beach, you can take a water taxi from the port to the bay.

Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 4 – Good-Bye Galapagos

If your flight schedule permits it, you can stroll through Puerto Ayora and buy Galapagos souvenirs after breakfast. At a convenient time (3 hours before flight departure), your driver picks you up from your hotel and accompanies you to Baltra airport.