Depart USA for Ecuador
Upon arrival in Guayaquil Ecuador, we’ll be met and transferred to our hotel for the evening.
Guayaquil accommodations: Hotel Ramada

Fly to Galápagos
After breakfast at our hotel we’ll transfer to the airport and depart on our flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival in Baltra, we are met by our Naturalist Guide who will accompany us to a wonderful restaurant in the middle of the cloud forest where lunch is waiting. On our way to the restaurant we will stop to visit “Los Gemelos,” which are two pit craters located in the cloud forest. We will see the Scalecia forest, which is related to the sunflower, and we will see some of the famous Darwin finches and endemic plants of the area. Following lunch, we will go to our hotel, check in and do a quick snorkel practice in the hotel swimming pool. (B, L, D)
Galapagos accommodations: Hotel Fernandina

Darwin Center – Tortuga Bay
This morning we visit the Charles Darwin Station where we’ll learn about the different conservation programs the Galapagos National Park and Darwin Station are carrying out. We’ll also visit the tortoise breeding center where we’ll see baby tortoises before they are old enough to go back to their original island. Later this morning we’ll go to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Tortuga Bay. Along our walk through a magnificent cactus forest, our naturalist will point out many species of bird, including a few of the Darwin finches. We’ll enjoy the clear water, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing and relaxing, with lunch on the beach. Much Galapagos wildlife can be found here, such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, lava herons, pelicans and finches. (B, L, D)

Santa Cruz Highlands – Giant Tortoises – Farm Visit
Today we will explore the highlands of Santa Cruz. We travel by bus through private farmland to a place in the highlands where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. Santa Cruz has a population of about 2,000 giant tortoises. We’ll also see another natural wonder, a lava tube and we will walk underground for about 30 minutes to enjoy this geological formation. Our busy morning will end with a delicious lunch in the highlands.

After lunch we’ll stop at a local farm run by Adriano Cabrera, who is a true Galapagos farmer. Mr. Cabrera will share with us his vast knowledge as a long time farmer. We’ll see a small coffee, banana and sugar-cane plantation and many other interesting plants in the area. (B, L, D)

Bartolome Island
After some coffee at the hotel, we will travel by bus to the other side of the island where our boat will be waiting. Once onboard we will have breakfast as we navigate to Bartolome. This one hour and thirty minute navigation gives us a good chance to see the playful bottlenose dolphins, jumping rays and hopefully, bigger creatures.

Bartolome is one of the most beautiful places in the Galapagos. The island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, wonderful volcanic views, pioneer plants, the Galapagos penguins and of course a beautiful golden beach. After walking, we may go into the water to explore the diverse marine life and hopefully swim with penguins and many different fish. We return to the hotel smiling, happy, tired and ready for more adventure! (B, L, D)

Day at Leisure
Today is a day that you can do as little or as much as you want. If you’re looking for adventure, there is much to choose from. Go scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking in the harbor, biking and more. You could also spend your day at leisure, exploring the charming downtown of Puerto Ayora, shopping, or even get a massage. The choice is yours. (B)

North Seymour – Bachas
Following a delicious breakfast, we depart for North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach. North Seymour Island is the only place where we will see the male frigate bird showing his big red pouch. We’ll also see blue-footed boobies, gulls, marine iguanas and sea lions. After our adventure on shore, we’ll return to the boat, change clothes and go snorkeling to explore the marine life. We will see countless tropical fish and sometimes small sharks.

Following lunch, we navigate to Bachas Beach, a beautiful white coral beach located on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island. This is a sea turtle nesting site where we will also see a flamingo lagoon, mockingbirds, ghost crabs and pelicans. We will have time here for a second snorkel, or a stroll down this gorgeous beach and its crystal clear water. Tonight enjoy a farewell feast in town as we say goodbye to our Galapagos Naturalist Guide. (B, L, D)

Fly to Guayaquil
Following breakfast we will say goodbye to our new friends in the Galapagos Islands and return to the airport on Baltra for our flight to mainland Ecuador. Lunch is served aboard our flight to Guayaquil. After we claim our luggage, we’ll check back into our hotel.

This afternoon we’ll head out to see a little bit of downtown Guayaquil, including Santa Ana Hill and “Las Peñas”, one of the most traditional and bohemian neighborhoods in Guayaquil. (B, L, D)
Guayaquil accommodations: Hotel Ramada

Homeward Bound
We will transfer to the airport to check in for our international flight home. (B)