Adventure from Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela

P.M Upon reaching Baltra Island's airport, our guide will greet you and organize your transportation to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos Archipelago, situated on Santa Cruz Island. En route, we'll use a local ferry to traverse the scenic Itabaca Channel, which divides Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands. After crossing the channel, our private transport will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where our initial visit will commence. On a private farm, we will enjoy a pleasant walk in a stunning natural setting, where we'll have lunch before embarking on our first incredible Galapagos experience, observing the giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. During our walk, we'll be amazed to see the Giant Tortoises, which are very sensitive and generally retreat into their shells as soon as they notice you approaching. It's crucial not to disturb, touch, or feed these magnificent creatures. In the area, we may also spot various species of highland Galapagos birds, including the small Galapagos Rail, and with a bit of luck, perhaps see the less common Vegetarian Finch and the unique Vermilion Flycatcher. Transfer to the hotel in Puerto Ayora and leisure time.

In the morning, following an early meal at the hotel, our day begins with a hike toward the Pacific Ocean's edge, leading to Tortuga Bay, one of the Galapagos' most stunning beaches. After a walk lasting roughly 40 minutes to an hour, we'll reach this idyllic location. Its soft coral sands and lovely views create a memorable experience for visitors. The beach's initial section has strong waves, making swimming inadvisable, but a westward walk will lead us to a lovely bay with tranquil waters. Here, we can view marine iguana colonies, blue-footed boobies, and various marine birds, alongside mangroves, cacti forests, and distinctive coastal flora.

We'll have time to appreciate the beach before heading back to town. Lunch will be unscheduled (on your own) along with time to relax.

In the afternoon, we'll take a walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center to discover the Galapagos National Park's efforts, see various tortoise species, and spot some land iguanas. Inside the center, we will enter a climate-controlled space where we can see the preserved body of Lonesome George, the famous tortoise, now on display in the Galapagos. Subsequently, we will explore the small museum at the renowned Charles Darwin Station. Following this enjoyable walk, you will have some free time before we have a pleasant dinner at the hotel eatery.

Later in the afternoon, our guide will meet you at the hotel. After a brief walk, you'll be at the Puerto Ayora pier, where a local water taxi will transport us to the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht. We'll sail to Pto. Villamil on Isabela Island. During the three-hour trip, there are excellent opportunities to spot sea turtles, manta rays, different kinds of sea birds, and possibly whales. We will also take a detour to the "4 Hermanos" islets, where we can marvel at the impressive rock formations emerging from the sea. Afterward, we'll proceed to Pto. Villamil, a picturesque town on Isabela Island. Upon arriving at the bay, a local water taxi will take us to the pier, where local transportation will take us to the Iguana Crossing Hotel for the night. You'll have free time to enjoy the beach and have dinner independently.

A.M. Today, we will depart early (6 a.m.) for a full day of exploration, beginning with a 2.5-hour boat trip on the first-class Galapagos Element Wind speed Yacht to the historical Floreana Island, where the small village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra is located. With some luck, we might spot sea turtles, stingrays, various seabirds, and possibly dolphins during the voyage.

Upon reaching Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a local water taxi will take us from the yacht to the town's pier, where we'll likely see sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun!

A local bus known as a "Chiva" will then transport us on a 30-minute journey up to the highlands of Floreana Island. The Chiva will travel along a dirt road surrounded by the typical dry vegetation of the coastal zone, which will gradually transform into lush, green vegetation as we ascend. In this area, we'll also find farms cultivating bananas, coffee, cacao, and other tropical plants.

Our brief journey will conclude at the "pampada," from which we'll begin a walk to observe the area's unique flora. We may encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, which are sensitive and shy, and will immediately withdraw into their shells if approached. It is crucial not to touch or feed these amazing creatures.

Our walk will continue to a rocky area at the base of the hill, where we'll find the "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historical site where the German Wittmer family settled after arriving on Floreana in 1932. Here, we will explore the caves they used as their initial home before relocating to what is now Puerto Velasco Ibarra. The Asilo de la Paz exudes tranquility, with a landscape of vibrant greenery and, weather permitting, stunning views of the surrounding hills and possibly the Pacific Ocean.

Following this visit, we'll return to town for an early lunch at a local restaurant.

P.M. After a brief rest, we will set sail for Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour boat ride, there are excellent opportunities to observe sea turtles, manta rays, various seabirds, dolphins, and perhaps whales (from June to September).

Upon arrival at Puerto Villamil's bay, a local water taxi will take us to the pier, where local transportation will escort us to the Iguana Crossing Hotel for the night. Enjoy free time at the beach. Dinner is at your leisure.

In the morning, after eating breakfast, our guide will escort you to the dock. From there, a local boat will transport you to "Las Tintoreras," a picturesque location. During our walk, we'll see colonies of marine iguanas and sea lions. A key highlight is the chance to view White-tipped sharks, called "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow channels. The area is also ideal for snorkeling, possibly alongside sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. Afterward, we'll return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, starting from the hotel, we'll take a walk on a maintained path leading to the "Humedales" (wetlands). During our hike, you'll be impressed by the stunning scenery of lagoons with four species of lush mangroves and local trees. In the lagoons, we might see flamingos and migratory birds like the Galapagos Gull (Creagrus furcatus) and Blue-winged Teal, among others.

The walk concludes at Isabela’s Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Center, where our guide will explain the National Park's conservation efforts. Here, you'll observe Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. Following this, transport will take us back to the hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon open for you to enjoy the lovely beach.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be transported to the Puerto Villamil pier to board the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht for a 3-hour journey to Puerto Ayora, where we anticipate arriving around 10:30 a.m. During the voyage, keep an eye out for marine turtles, stingrays, and various kinds of seabirds. Upon reaching Puerto Ayora, our guide will take you to the hotel to check in, and you will then have some free time for lunch (at your own expense).

At 2 p.m., you will board a smaller vessel for a 3-hour Bay Tour of the coastal regions near Puerto Ayora. The tour commences with a trip to "Camaño" Islet, where we can see a group of lively sea lions and possibly spot blue-footed and masked boobies on the rocky terrain. The tour proceeds with a brief trip to "Germans bay," a beautiful location where we will get off the boat and begin a walk on a path that leads us to the "Love Channel," where, if we are fortunate, we will observe some white-tipped sharks relaxing in the lava canals.

We then continue our walk to "Playa de Los Perros." The area is stunning, with dry forest leading to the rocky ocean shore, where we will discover a small group of marine iguanas. Although the beach is not ideal for swimming, the scenery is breathtaking. Our final stop will be "Las Grietas," a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation and prepare for a farewell dinner at a pleasant local restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel, a 30-minute bus ride will transport you to the Santa Cruz highlands. Our first stop will be at "The Twins" (Los Gemelos) Craters, a natural formation located on the way to the Itabaca Canal. These formations are actually sinkholes, not impact or volcanic craters. They were formed when the roofs of empty magma chambers collapsed due to tectonic shifts and erosion.

The climate around "Los Gemelos" differs from other areas of the island. It features scalesia forests (Scalesia pedunculata) and is home to bromeliads, orchids, mosses, lichens, and various birds. Here, you can spot the vermillion flycatcher, different types of Darwin's finches, and possibly short-eared owls.

We'll then proceed to the Itabaca Canal. After crossing it, a public airport bus will take you to the airport, where our guide will help you with the airline check-in process. Enjoy your flight back to the mainland (Guayaquil or Quito).