Galapagos Islands Cruise

Upon arrival to Quito International Airport, a private taxi will take you to your colonial hotel located within the historic district of old town Quito (approx. 1 hour).

Quito, Ecuador’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich culture and history. Sitting high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 9,350 feet, this once-ancient Incan city is now the country’s bustling epicenter, boasting 2.6 million people. With its well-preserved colonial center, tourists and locals alike enjoy roaming this city’s narrow streets for a mix of 16th-century historic attractions, modern-day shops and upscale restaurants. 

Welcome to the Galapagos! After your flight from Quito (approx. 2 hours — not included) and arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, take a transfer to Puerto Ayora where you will board your catamaran (and home for the next six days) for a cruise around Santa Cruz Island. Meet the crew and enjoy an afternoon lunch before visiting the famous Charles Darwin Station research center. Take a short hike around the private reserve to learn about Giant Tortoises, Opuntia cacti and native flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.

Return back to the boat for dinner, drinks and relaxation.

Board a panga boat for a transfer to the base of Dragon Hill, home to one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galapagos. Located on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island, hike around Dragon Hill’s “Whale Bay” cove to admire its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline. Continue hiking along the trail through desert-like landscapes, cacti forests and fragrant Palo Santo trees. Keep your eyes peeled for miniature dragons, or land iguanas, as you hike up to the hill’s rugged spire for spectacular views.

This evening, watch the sun set over the islands from the sun deck or hot tub.

Today, explore the Tintoreras and the Humedales (wetlands) on Isabela Island. Tintoreras, a small bay of calm and shallow waters, is perfect for viewing sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays.

The wetlands of Isabela are essential to the biological diversity of the Galapagos, serving as a home to several species that depend exclusively on this area to fulfill their life cycle. Hike the wetlands’ network of trails to discover four species of coastal mangroves and brackish water lagoons to view exotic bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, stilts, oystercatchers, ghost crabs, fiddler crabs and the abundant wildlife that roam the mangroves in search of food. Continue hiking the foot trails to the “Wall of Tears” historic site (built in the 1940s by WWII US prisoners) before returning back to the boat for the evening. 

Trek along Punta Moreno’s coastal trail located on the north coast of Isabela. Explore lush lagoons in the middle of black lava flows and view two of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos; the Sierra Negra and the Cerro Azul.

Journey west of Isabela to Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Enjoy roaming the island in search of corals, shells and more of the Alcedo Volcano’s famous exposed sea life.

Tonight, head back to the boat for a relaxing evening in the lounge.

Today, tour Punta Espinosa, a jagged peninsula of cracked and eroded lava whose name refers to the hundreds of spiny marine iguanas that drape its rocks. View flightless cormorants, penguins, sea lions, and waders thriving on the edge of the islands barren lava flow. Discover rare species of birdlife nesting in the mangroves, including yellow warblers, Darwin’s finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

After lunch, hike around Tagus Cove, located west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. Serving as a favorite place for pirates and whalers, explore a small cave to observe a tradition that has been maintained since the 1800’s: inscribing of the names of boats upon the walls. Head back to the boat for a delicious meal and recap of the day’s events.

Voyage to Puerto Egas, one of the most popular sites in the Galapagos Archipelago. This island remains one of the most fascinating places due to its long history of volcanic activity. Roam the beautiful black sand beaches to see sea lions, lizards, herons and other wildlife.

Rabida, also known as Jervis in honor of the British Admiral John Jervis, is located 5 km south of Santiago Island and is regarded as the “geographic center” of the Galapagos. With its high iron content in an area of only 3 miles, this small island’s brilliant red beaches and rough volcanic coastline are sure to be a highlight. Grab your camera for a hike around the island’s lagoon to view nesting blue-footed boobies and vibrant pink flamingos.

As the perfect conclusion to your Galapagos Island adventure, head back to Santa Cruz Island to snorkel and swim. Take a short walk along Las Bacha’s shore to view flamingos, migratory birds and the nesting sites of sea turtles among the island’s rich coastal vegetation. After a day in the sun, head back to the catamaran for a quick clean-up and transfer to Baltra Island for your return flight back to Quito.

Add on to your Galapagos adventure with a trip to the Amazon Rainforest for the ultimate wildlife experience. To add on another tour, or for more information, please contact us here at Macs Adventure and a specialist will be happy to assist you.