At a glance: From the airport, head directly to the highlands of Santa Cruz to explore sink-holes and giant tortoise reserves.

Arrival at Baltra airport
Car transfer to dock on Baltra Island (10 mins)
Boat ride to Santa Cruz (5 mins)
Car transfer to Twin Craters, Los Gemelos (20 mins)
Car transfer to a tortoise reserve (10 mins)
Lunch
Car transfer to Galapagos Safari Camp (15 mins)
Evening at camp Level of Privacy: Private (private car transfers, private guide)

Your Galapagos adventure begins with a meeting at the airport with your bilingual naturalist guide. To make the most of your day, you'll visit several sites in the highlands en route to Galapagos Safari Camp, while your luggage is transported directly to the camp. After leaving the airport, you'll be driven to a small dock on Baltra Island (watch for land iguanas!). Here, you'll board a boat to cross the Canal Itabaca, the narrow waterway separating Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island. Once across, a private car will take you on a 30-minute journey through diverse vegetation zones to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. The first destination is Los Gemelos (The Twins), two enormous volcanic sinkholes (the larger one is 2,300 feet deep and almost 1,300 feet wide). During a brief hike around the edge, your guide will identify birds of the endemic Scalesia forest, such as Galapagos doves and eight species of Galapagos finches. From Los Gemelos, you'll proceed to a giant tortoise reserve. Here, you'll discover how the physiology of these ancient reptiles varies depending on the island they inhabit. There are currently 12 species of giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands, with two native to Santa Cruz. Your tour of the reserve includes a leisurely trail where you can get within a few meters of these iconic Galapagos creatures. Also, keep an eye out for short-eared owls, which can sometimes be seen in the trees. The reserve also features a network of underground lava tubes, created centuries ago when lava flows cooled on the surface but continued to flow beneath, leaving behind cave-like tunnels. Some of these tunnels on Santa Cruz extend for miles and are believed to have been used by pirates as hiding places or storage areas. Descend into the spacious tubes with your guide for an introduction to the islands' formation. To fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands and its wildlife, understanding the archipelago's geology and volcanic history is essential. For some, the experience might be slightly intimidating in areas where the tubes narrow, but it's a rewarding exploration of the island's geological past. After a lunch stop, the group heads back to the camp. Enjoy a swim in the pool alongside the finches, or a hot shower in your tent before relaxing on our Viewpoint with a sunset cocktail. Conclude the day with a four-course dinner under the stars.

Key Experiences:

Explore the endemic Scalesia forest that line The Twin sink-holes
Encounter the flagship giant Galapagos tortoises
Discover ancient, underground lava tubes and learn about the islands’ volcanic history.
Unwind back at camp, enjoying uninterrupted views of the highland forests and the shimmering blues of the Pacific Ocean, without another human in sight.

Wildlife often seen on this tour:

Yellow warbler
Galapagos Barn owl
Galapagos dove
Galapagos flycatcher
Giant tortoise
Galapagos finch
Galapagos Mockingbirds

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