Galapagos Island Hopping 5D/4N

(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 will reach the Enchanted Island of Galapagos. At Baltra airport we will meet the guide and transportation in order to go ahead to visit the Twins “Gemelos” not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and 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 02:

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 03:

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 04:

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 05:

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 mentioned based in STANDARD double room with breakfast
English speaking guide for excursion only at each island
Private transfer base on car on the islands mentioned
Daily breakfast and lunch menu or box lunch (Half board)
Ticket for public boat to travel between the Island
Snorkeling Equipment (mask, fins, tube) for Tintoreras at Isabela
Shared tour at Isabela to visit Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Flamingos lake, Sierra Negra Volcano and Tintoreras
Shared tour to the Island with English guide, lunch on board and visits
Baltra ferry ticket

The package does not include:

Galapagos return/round trip flights
Galapagos entrance fee: 100 usd p.p.
Transit card of Ingala:
Isabela Dock Fee
Snorkel activity at Concha Perla, 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