Galapagos Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary: The Galapagos Islands Adventure From Land To Sea

11 Day Eco-Adventure ~Quito to The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The following is a detailed itinerary which outlines most of the daily activities we are planning to offer during our Galapagos Adventure. The order in which we enjoy these experiences may change. As with any eco-adventure program, the itinerary is dependent upon weather conditions, wildlife activity, logistical considerations and the specific interests of the group.

Day One: Arrival to Quito, Ecuador

Our adventure begins with your arrival into Quito, Ecuador arriving anytime on November 3rd or early morning on November 4th, depending upon the airlines you choose to travel with. We have secured accommodations for two nights near the Quito International Airport, November 3rd and 4th. An airport shuttle will meet you outside of baggage claim and you will check into our hotel not far from the Quito Airport. After a well needed rest. we will gather on Day Two for our first meal together, lunch at 11:30am on November 4th (double occupancy accommodations included).

Day Two: Tour to the Center of the Earth~Quitos, Ecuador

This morning, you have the option of meeting us at 11:30am for a quick orientation to our day’s itinerary followed by lunch at our hotel. Afterwards, our local Ecuadorian guide will meet us for a tour of Quito. Traveling by van with our local guide, we will visit Mitad del Mundo translated in English as the “Middle of the World”. Here marks the equator allowing us the unique opportunity to stand in each hemisphere. The equator, an imaginary line slightly over a 1/2 mile in width, divides earth into two hemispheres. As the earth rotates on its axis, the parameters of the equator may shift but its significance is timeless. We will also visit some of the colorful markets of Quito before making our way back to our hotel for a comfortable rest before traveling to the Galapagos Islands (double occupancy accommodations, lunch and dinner included).

Day Three: Quito to Baltra Island~Onward to Santa Cruz Island

Our true Galapagos Islands adventure begins today as we fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra Island, a gateway to the outstanding Galapagos Marine Reserve, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our flight is approximately two hours in length giving us much of the day to explore our first island destination in this extraordinary archipelago 500 miles from mainland Ecuador. In 1959, the Galapagos National Park was established to protect 97% of island landmass equally 3000 square miles with 50,000 square miles of ocean surrounding an intricate maze of islands protected by the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

After gathering our luggage we will meet our licensed Galapagos guide who will brief us on our day’s activities. Transported by bus then ferry surrounded by blue ocean hues, we will make a short journey to Santa Cruz Island. Our first destination is El Chato Ecological Reserve, a giant tortoise nature reserve established to help protect and perpetuate these critically endangered reptiles. Wandering among these giants is truly an unforgettable and humbling experience. We will enjoy lunch in the highlands before making our way into Puerto Ayora, a bustling port town on Santa Cruz Island. Our afternoon will include an interpretive walk through the Charles Darwin Research Center as well as time devoted to site seeing, shopping and exploring the waterfront. After getting settled into our double occupancy rooms, we will have some down time before joining the group for dinner along the vibrant waterfront of Puerto Ayora (double occupancy accommodations and all meals provided).

Day Four: Onward to Isabela Island

This morning, we will catch the 7:00am ferry to the biological treasure of Isabela Island, the largest Island in the Galapagos archipelago. This extensive land mass was formed by the union of six shield volcanoes~ Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. The dramatic geologic formation of Isabela Island has created a distinctive sea horse shape, a species we hope to find while snorkeling. For the next 6 nights, the charming, quaint and comfortable Isabela Beach House will provide our home base, perfectly situation between town center and a favorite snorkeling spot. During free time, you may explore the small and charming town of Puerto Vilamil or grab a boogie board and play in surf that lines our waterfront hotel. This afternoon, we will have a check out snorkel at the Concha De Perla, a few minutes walk from our base. The protected bay is an ideal place to perhaps see several of the iconic Galapagos species such as the endemic marine iguanas, the Galapagos sea lions and a variety of endemic fish, corals and other marine invertebrates. (double occupancy accommodations and all meals provided from Day Four-Day Ten).

Day Five: Sea Safari to Los Tuneles Snorkel Hike Adventure ~Isabela Island

Today’s adventure takes us to a special geologic feature within Galapagos National Park, known as Los Tuneles. The endemic prickly pear and candelabra cactus flourish here perched on extensive lava flows and lave tubes now collapsed, creating a truly unique terrain to explore by foot. You may join the short hike or remain on board soaking in the stunning beauty created by the dark lava terrain surrounded by the shallow turquoise hued water. We will make several stops for snorkeling through a maze of volcanic archways and tunnels. During your guided snorkeling tour we may see schools of brightly hued parrotfish, white tipped sharks, spotted eagle rays and massive green sea turtles grazing on benthic algae. As always, we will keep a sharp eye out for the endemic Galapagos penguin that may be seen both above and below water using its wings to soar below us. As we debark from our boats today, join your Blue Water Ventures team for an optional snorkel within the sheltered lagoon near our hotel. Tonight, we will dine at one of the local restaurants in town, a true cultural experience.

Day Six: Sierra Negra Volcano Hike and Highlands~Isabela Island

Today we will explore the highlands of Isabela Island, our destination is the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano. Traveling by vehicles for several hours provides a truly unique view of life’s daily rhythms as we shift between different ecological zones within the island’s interior. Sierra Negra Volcano is massive, measuring six miles across from north to south and more than five miles from east to west. Guided by our local naturalist, we will hike to the edge of the largest caldera found in the Galapagos archipelago. Our hike will begin at approximately 2000 feet elevation and gradually ascend to the summit at 3280 feet with the option for a shorter hike. Hiking along the massive volcanic rim, we will learn about both the geologic and cultural history of the region as we slowly hike for several hours. We hope to catch a glimpse of the brilliantly hued vermillion flycatcher that nests in the highlands. Our lunch today will be at a local farm followed by a visit to a near by coffee plantation where crops flourish in the rich Galapagos soil. Before returning to the coast, we’ll have a chance to converse with the local coffee framers as we sip their special home grown brew.

Day Seven: Sea Safari to Cormorant Beach~Isabela Island

This morning we will travel by boat appreciating the absolutely stunning beauty of Isabela Island’s rugged western coast. Our destination today is what’s locally known as Cormorant Beach, home to the endemic flight-less cormorant. As we snorkel today we hope to catch a glimpse of these fascinating sea birds whose wings are stunted and bones act as a ballast as they sink below the water’s surface in pursuit of their aquatic prey. While snorkeling in this protective cove. we may also see marine iguanas sliding across the surface or diving below, curious Galapagos sea lions as well as Galapagos penguins. As we travel by boat today 2-3 hours each way, we will scan the water for pelagic species such as giant manta rays, porpoising dolphins including orcas or a variety of baleen filtering feeding whales. If energy permits this afternoon, take a beach stroll or swim in front of our guesthouse gathering at a local pub for a well deserved libation.

Day Eight: Tortoises~Flamingos~Culture of Isabela Island

This morning we will offer a leisurely walk to a nearby lagoon to observe and photograph pink flamingos, land iguanas, basking sea lions and other local wildlife we may encounter. Our day will include visiting the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center allowing us to see recently hatched giant tortoises as we learn more about local conservation efforts. Our pace will be a bit slower today with plenty of afternoon options including snorkeling, boogie boarding, beach combing, shopping or exploring town. We plan to offer several cultural activities while on Isabela Island such as the preparation and tasting of ceviche or perhaps a school visit. Tonight we will head back into town for another dining experience allowing us to sample local seafood recipes. Vegetarian options are always available.

Day Nine: Las Tintoeras Snorkeling~Hiking ~Kayaking~Isabela Island

After breakfast, we plan to take a short boat ride across the southern portion of Puerto Villamil Bay to access the intriguing Las Tintoreras Islet. We will embark on a short walk across the lava, an area where some have described as an eerie moon scape terrain, where marine iguanas are known to nest among the rocky crevices. While nesting occurs in June, the area still offers excellent opportunities to photograph these iconic reptiles in a unique habitat. Small pools form among the rocky ledges providing a hideaway for black tip sharks and green sea turtles. Hunting along the pools, we may also see blue footed boobies, a variety of herons and other sea birds foraging in the shallows. After hiking, if marine conditions permit we will offer another guided snorkeling experience where we hope to find the elusive sea horse. Our day will also include kayaking from the harbor using stable sit on top kayaks as we explore nooks, crannies and natural wonders of Isabela Island.

Day Ten: Isabella to Baltra Island

We have an early departure today as we make our way by ferry boat back to Santa Cruz Island and onward to the international airport on Baltra Island. Time permitting, we have planned a last hike through a Scalesia Forest, known as the giant daisy trees of the Galapagos sharing the same family that sunflowers and daisies belong too, Asteraceae. Our hike will give us a final chance to see some of the classic bird species of the Galapagos National Park such as Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, short eared owls and perhaps the vibrant vermillion flycatcher. An easy walking trail leads us to the rim of Twin Craters, two massive pits that formed when magma chambers collapsed during a volcanic eruption. This afternoon, we depart for Quito with overnight accommodations planned not far from the international airport (final hotel, breakfast and dinner included, lunch or snacks on your own at the airport).

Day Eleven: Homeward Bound

As people may travel on different schedules today we will end our program at our hotel accommodations near the Quito International Airport. Airport shuttles may be arranged after breakfast or lunch (breakfast and meals while traveling will be on your own today). At the airport we will say our final farewells.