Experience the Galápagos Islands in depth on this 6-day program combining nature, adventure, and flexibility. Journey through volcanic highlands, wetlands, and pristine beaches while encountering the region’s iconic wildlife. With guided tours and free days to explore on your own, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking both discovery and relaxation in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Santa Cruz Island: the vibrant heart of the Galápagos, home to the bustling town of Puerto Ayora and stunning landscapes of lava fields, highlands, and pristine beaches. Encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and enjoy snorkeling or wildlife spotting along the coast.
Tintoreras Islet: just off the coast of Isabela Island, a volcanic formation known for its calm turquoise waters and remarkable wildlife.
Isabela Island: the largest of the Galápagos, a wild paradise shaped by six majestic volcanoes and dramatic lava landscapes. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, from giant tortoises roaming the highlands to penguins, marine iguanas, and sea turtles along its unspoiled coasts.
Day 1: ARRIVAL GALAPAGOS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Our staff will meet you at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil and assist with the Galápagos travel requirements, including migration procedures and the special luggage inspection. We will also help with airline check-in until you pass through security to your boarding gate (flight is not included). Your Galápagos National Park entrance fee has been pre-paid for your convenience. Please remember, fruits, vegetables, and seeds are not allowed in your luggage due to the islands’ strict biosecurity regulations.
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a guide will be waiting to welcome you. You will board a bus followed by a short ferry ride to cross from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island, a large island known for its diverse climates, ecosystems, and contrasting landscapes. En route, we will stop in the lush highlands to visit a ranch where giant tortoises roam freely in the wild. You will also have the chance to explore an impressive lava tunnel. Lunch will be served at the ranch before we continue to Puerto Ayora by private land transportation, where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 2: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND: WETLANDS & TINTORERAS FROM SANTA CRUZ
Breakfast at the hotel. Our staff will pick you up and escort you to the pier to board a speedboat to Isabela Island (approx. 2-hour ride). Upon arrival, you will be met by our local guide and taken on a small boat excursion to Tintoreras Islet. This tour includes a guided walk where you can observe marine iguanas and, in a natural lava channel, spot white-tip reef sharks resting. Penguins are also frequently seen in this area. You will then enjoy a snorkeling session, with the chance to encounter sea turtles, colorful fish, and other marine life. After returning to the port, lunch will be served, followed by a short visit to the Flamingo Lagoon and part of the wetlands.
Overnight in Isabela Island.
Day 3: ISABELA ISLAND: SIERRA NEGRA & CONCHA DE PERLA
Breakfast at the hotel. Today's tour is led by a private guide, allowing you to go at your own pace and truly appreciate the volcano without any rush. From the hotel, you will head to the highlands to a place called El Cura, the starting point of the hike. In total, you will walk approximately 8 km to reach Chico Volcano, and the same distance back.
The first stop is Sierra Negra, where, from the viewpoint, you can admire this active volcano and its immense crater. Then you will continue to Volcán Chico, walking over lava fields with breathtaking ocean views. After the hike, you will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at a nearby farm. Later, you will return to the port and prepare for the last visit of the day: Concha de Perla, a small lagoon sheltered from the ocean. Snorkeling here is incredible, you may encounter sea lions, turtles, and a wide variety of fish. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Isabela Island.
Day 4: ISABELA ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the pier, where we will assist you in boarding the boat to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival around 08:30, you will be taken for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards, your chauffeur will drive you to the Itabaca Channel (45 km), which you will cross by boat (approximately 10 minutes). Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 5: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos at your own pace. You may also choose from our range of optional activities (available at an additional cost).
Half-Day Tortuga Bay Private Tour with lunch (Start time 8:00 am, duration 5 hrs): Depart from your hotel with a certified naturalist guide and take a taxi to the entrance of Tortuga Bay Beach. From there, enjoy a 3 km walk along a scenic trail surrounded by giant endemic cacti known as Opuntia. Tortuga Bay is divided into two sections, with the far end of the beach being the only area recommended for swimming. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot marine iguanas basking in the sun, and occasionally, juvenile sharks near the shore. After the visit, return to the hotel along the same trail. Lunch will be served following the tour.
Full-Day Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay Tour with lunch (Start time 8:00 am, duration 8hrs): Your certified naturalist guide will pick you up for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where scientists work to study and preserve the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Here, you will also follow the “Tortoise Route” and see the remains of the legendary Lonesome George, the last known individual of his species. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, continue to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. To reach it, enjoy a scenic 3 km walk (each way) through a forest of giant Opuntia cacti, home to a variety of native wildlife.
Important: Minimum 2 passengers required for both excursions. Price and availability for 1 passenger are on request.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 6: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Three hours before your flight, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the Itabaca Channel, located approximately 45 km from the port. Cross the channel by boat (10 minutes) and continue by bus (approximately 15 minutes) to Baltra Airport. Our driver will assist you until the luggage check-in.
