EcuadorGalápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
Arrive to Galapagos before 11:00am and transfer across Santa Cruz Island to the town of Puerto Ayora. Meet the group at the hotel at 1:00pm for a guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Brisas del Pacifico
Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above.
Boat
Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.
Sierra Negra Volcano Hike
Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. The volcano last erupted in June 2018, making it the most recent eruption of the Galápagos. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way).
Accommodation
Hotel Iguana
Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day on Isabela Island to lounge on the beach or try out some of the many optional activities available in the area.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Hotel Iguana
This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.
Concha de Perla snorkelling
Visit the calm bay of Concha de Perla for a snorkelling experience. Snorkel alongside up to 20 different species of bird as well as tropical fish, sea lions, and maybe even penguins.
Boat
Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Hotel Brisas del Pacifico
Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a local place to watch the sunset. Later, choose to get your dance on!
Interpretation Center Visit
Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
Tijeretas Snorkelling Excursion
Enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Tijeretas, which happens to be one of the best places to search for underwater life in the Galapagos. As you move through the water be on the lookout for sea lions, rays, and marine iguanas, and sea turtles.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out - San Cristóbal Island
Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the fun and lively atmosphere of San Cristóbal Island.
Boat
Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.
Accommodation
Casa de Laura Hotel
The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Casa de Laura Hotel
Depart at any time.
