5 days
from $5,590
La Pinta – Eastern
Highlights
South Plaza's white sandy beachers & ocean views
Yellowish Iguanas photo opportunity at Santa Fe
See all 3 species of boobies at San Cristobal
Snorkel at Española's Gardner Bay along unique marine life
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Summary
Day
overnight & activities
1
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|South PlazaIsland
2
Santa FeIsland|San CristobalIsland|Colorado Hill
3
San CristobalIsland|Punta Pitt|Witch Hill
4
EspañolaIsland|Punta Suarez|Gardner Bay
5
Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr|BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Monday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|South PlazaIsland
Welcome upon arrival to the Galapagos Island's Baltra Airport and transfer to the ship.
South Plaza Island, a masterpiece of evolution. Its dramatic cliffs, sculpted by wind and waves, create a stunning backdrop for a vibrant ecosystem. Land iguanas, unique to South Plaza, bask in the sun amidst carpets of vibrant succulents. The island's exceptional birdlife includes swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and the iconic blue-footed boobies engaging in their intricate courtship dance. Sea lions laze on the rocky shores, while the striking contrast between the turquoise waters and the island's reddish-brown terrain creates a breathtaking visual.
activities
:
Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Tuesday)
Santa FeIsland|San CristobalIsland|Colorado Hill
Santa Fe Island, with its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. Its turquoise waters and sandy shores create a serene ambiance, providing an ideal spot for snorkeling with playful sea lions and encountering marine life. The endemic Santa Fe land iguana, characterized by its pale coloration and distinct features, roams freely. The island's towering Opuntia cacti and endemic Palo Santo trees showcase its unique flora. Santa Fe is a living testament to the Galápagos' ongoing ecological conservation, inviting visitors to connect with its natural wonders in a profound and responsible way.
San Cristóbal Island, a cornerstone of the Galápagos archipelago, showcases captivating landscapes and unique biodiversity. Its diverse habitats, from arid zones to lush highlands, house a variety of iconic species, such as giant tortoises, frigate-birds, and blue-footed boobies. The island's historic significance resonates through sites like Cerro Tijeretas, where Darwin first stepped ashore in the Galápagos. The island offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vibrant capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover its pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, and the Galápagos National Park Interpretation Center, providing insights into the archipelago's natural and human history.
Colorado Hill is a testament to the Galapagos' diverse landscapes. As you ascend, the terrain transforms from arid coastal plains to lush highlands. The panoramic view unveils a mesmerizing blend of blue ocean, greenery, and striking volcanic formations. The hill's unique geological features and vibrant flora provide a glimpse into the archipelago's natural evolution. An encounter with marine iguanas basking on the rocky shores and frigate-birds soaring above is a symbol to the island's rich biodiversity.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Wednesday)
San CristobalIsland|Punta Pitt|Witch Hill
Punta Pitt, a striking promontory on San Cristóbal, is renowned for its unique features and diverse wildlife. Its rust-hued cliffs, formed by ancient lava flows, provide a dramatic backdrop to the rich ecosystem. This site is the only place where all three species of boobies - blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca - nest together. The trail leading to the viewpoint allows visitors to witness these impressive avian displays, as well as the vibrant hues of marine iguanas and sea lions that thrive in its surroundings.
Witch Hill, or "Cerro Brujo" as it's known locally, is a renowned site for its captivating natural beauty and ecological significance. The hill itself is an eroded tuff cone, offering insights into the island's volcanic origins. At its base, pristine white sandy beaches stretch out, flanked by crystal-clear waters rich in marine life. The surrounding area serves as a habitat for various species, including blue-footed boobies and frigate-birds. Moreover, its coastal lagoon is a sanctuary for migratory birds.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Thursday)
EspañolaIsland|Punta Suarez|Gardner Bay
Española Island, the oldest of the Galápagos, exudes raw beauty and unique wildlife. Its untamed landscapes feature towering cliffs, pounding surf, and pristine beaches. Home to the world's only waved albatross colony, the island offers an astonishing display of these magnificent birds engaging in elaborate courtship dances. The endemic Hood mockingbird and Española lava lizard are equally captivating. Gardner Bay boasts a powdery white beach frequented by sea lions and marine iguanas. Punta Suarez offers dramatic blowholes and nesting seabirds. Española's isolation has nurtured a distinctive environment, making it a vital haven for endemic species and a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Punta Suarez is a captivating natural spectacle. This rocky point showcases the island's rugged charm with its towering cliffs and tumultuous waves crashing against the shore. The area hosts the world's only waved albatross colony, where these magnificent birds engage in intricate mating rituals. Visitors witness blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls nesting on the cliffs. The dramatic blowholes create a stunning water display, while the endemic Española marine iguanas add to the island's unique allure.
Gardner Bay offers a pristine sandy beach embraced by turquoise waters. This tranquil haven is a hub of marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling with playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and graceful sea turtles. The beach serves as a nesting site for green sea turtles, and the shoreline is dotted with curious Galapagos sea lions. Visitors often encounter endemic mockingbirds and lava lizards. The striking combination of white sands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife showcases the Galapagos' unique charm, making Gardner Bay a serene and enchanting destination.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Friday)
Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr|BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, established in 2004, is a vital conservation facility on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Dedicated to the preservation of native species, it plays a crucial role in breeding and rearing Galápagos giant tortoises before releasing them into the wild. Visitors can observe various tortoise species at different life stages, gain insights into ongoing conservation efforts, and learn about the center's role in ensuring the survival of these iconic creatures and maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the Galápagos Islands.
After a heartfelt farewell from the ship's captain and crew, we will make our way to Baltra's airport, the final stop before our flight to the mainland. If time permits, you can extend your adventure to Ecuador's unique destinations or even Peru's Machu Picchu. Our team will be glad to recommend extension alternatives before or after your Galapagos experience.
meals
:
Breakfast
end of the itinerary
Important: Daily activities description subject to change
Pricing Details
Rates shown are per person based on standard double room or cabin occupancy.
Prices in US$ and valid through December 31, 2024
Single occupancy subject to single supplement .
Credit card payments subject to 3% processing fee.
What is Included
Hotels as shown or similar
All meals as shown
Airport transfers as shown
Professional bilingual guides
Excursions as part of a group
Gratuities except to guides
Additional Budget Considerations
International flights
Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos roundtrip flights (est. $500)
Galapagos park fee and Tourist Card ($120)