Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Quito, one of South America’s most attractive cities, sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres with views across Volcan Pichincha. Transfer to your hotel, and attend a welcome meeting with your tour leader and group at 2pm – please have your insurance details and next of kin information to hand.
Your adventure will begin with a city tour around the cities beautiful Colonial buildings and cosy Old Town. There will be some time at leisure in the evening to further experience this city.
Day 2
San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
Early this morning, you will take a 1-hour transfer to Quito Airport for your 3.5hr flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Upon arrival, head through immigrations and pick up your luggage, before taking a 15-minute transfer from the airport to your hotel. Have a little break and freshen up after the flight, before travelling to La Loberia for a wonderful snorkelling excursion with the sea lions and maybe even sea turtles. Continue back to town, and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 3
San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
Today will begin with a short 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido or Isla Lobos, with a chance to see the Galapagos’ abundant marine life along the way, including blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a snorkelling excursion in the open sea, keeping an eye-out for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark; spend some time soaking up the sublime beach scenery before enjoying lunch on-board the boat.
Later, you will head to the Interpretation Centre, where you will learn about the Galapagos Islands’ history and wildlife conservation projects. Then, make your way to Frigatebird Hill and slowly climb to the top – from here, you can take in phenomenal views across the bay, kicker rock and an eroded volcanic formation. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon / early evening.
*Please Note: today’s snorkel will be in the open sea, and currents can be strong at times, so it’s particularly important that you are a confident swimmer for this activity.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 4
Florena Island – Isabela Island, Galapagos
Take a picturesque, early-morning boat ride to Florena Island today, taking around 2.5hrs. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for dolphin and whale sightings. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a snorkel in the azure, crystalline waters before lunch. Afterwards, venture to the island’s black sand beach, and spend a little time exploring the mysterious town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue to Isabela Island, taking around 2 hours – from Isabela Port, take a short transfer to your hotel for the night.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 5
Isabela Island, Galapagos
After breakfast, your day will begin with a short bus ride to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you’ll observe a thousand of these magnificent creatures in all stages of development, training for life on their own. You’ll then make a visit to a brackish lagoon to view a flock of flamingos.
In the afternoon, you’ll board a small pangas to Tintoreras or Shark Alley, looking out for the famous Galapagos Penguin and Blue-Footed Boobies along the way. On arrival, hop off and take a short walk around the isolated islet, which is a popular marine iguana nesting site. Take the chance to snorkel in an amazing inlet, thriving with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes; this area is also frequented by green sea turtles, which like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
In the late afternoon, return to town to enjoy the magnificent Isabela sunset, which is said to be the most beautiful of all the islands.
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Isabela Island, Galapagos
Start your final full day on Isabela Island with an excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second-largest crater in the world. Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17km hike up the rocky mountain, which should take between 5 and 6 hours. Spend some time soaking up the rewarding and magnificent panoramas from the top, before making your way back to town in the late afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the silky sands of the beach with a good book and the chance to witness a second sunset on the island.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Please Note: During the rainy season, this hiking route can become quite muddy – please ensure you wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes today, and come prepared with a hat, sunscreen and water too. You can hire gumboots locally, at an additional cost, if you wish to do so.
Day 7
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Enjoy a picturesque morning kayak around Isabela, before transferring to Santa Cruz Island via private speedboat. Upon arrival, you’ll head to a wonderful local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have free time to further explore the town, or head out on an optional excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Centre (free entry).
Breakfast included.
Day 8
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Today you'll visit the higher parts of the island to observe giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. Afterwards, you’ll visit a locally-owned Sugar Cane Farm, where farmers will present to you the process of how sugar cane is processed to make alcohol – while here, take the opportunity to try some too.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 9
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos – Quito
Say goodbye to the Galapagos today as you board a flight back to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. Tonight, you may like to head out for a final group dinner to celebrate your incredible adventure.
Breakfast included.
Day 10
Quito
Your adventure will draw to an end this morning after breakfast; there are no activities scheduled for today, so you can depart at any time. If you have some free time, or would like to book an additional night in Quito, we recommend exploring the stunning churches, vibrant markets, wonderful culinary scene and incredible surrounding landscapes of the city.
Breakfast included.
