Galapagos Island Hopping In Latin America Adventure Travel

Day 1: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos

This is the first Day of your Latin America adventure travel in Galapagos! Today you’ll be reaching to the San Cristobal, Galapagos archipelago’s Easternmost island. Administratively it’s the part of Ecuador, San Cristobal Canton. When you are in the Galapagos Islands, you will definitely love starting your adventure of 8 Days from the Interpretation Center. Today, after you’ll settle down in your hotel you can spend the day exploring the surroundings or just relax at the Hotel before your Tour Guide meet you at the Lobby at 6:30 pm for the Orientation meeting and briefing before the starting of the tour. During this meeting, you can clarify everything as you might be concerned or interested to know about the tour overall.

The next thing to do will be trailing through the Frigate Bird Hill. You will get to see your first frigate birds. You will be amazed to learn here that Frigate birds can stay aloft for many weeks. And, it will be a wonderful experience for you to experience such charming wildlife just after a few years of arriving in this incredible part of Earth. We can also assist you in planning a full day Frigate Bird Hill trip if you let us know in advance.

Day 2: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos

Today starts with a short boat ride to Leon Dormido or Isla Lobos for approximately 45 mins. Along the way view the rich marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way, we might be able to locate nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. There is also the opportunity to swim/snorkel with playful young sea lions. While you snorkel keep an eye out below for manta rays, sea turtles, and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. This snorkeling is in open sea, and occasionally the currents can be quite strong so it's really important you are an expert swimmer for this activity. If you need any clarification, please talk to your tour leader. We will provide a packed box of lunch on board the boat! Unfortunately, eating on the beach is against the rule of National Park. After launch, we will head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the beautiful Islands' and the maintenance projects which aims to preserve the unique Galapagos wildlife. Next, we will head to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), which is situated two kilometers from the Interpretation Center, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It's quite a climb to reach the top, but well worth the marvelous views of the bay. From here you can also view Kicker Rock, an eroded volcanic formation protruding from the sea which has become a symbol of the island. We'll come back to town in the late afternoon or early evening.

Day 3: Isla Floreana/Isla Isabela, Galapagos

Wake up early today for a morning boat ride towards Floreana Island. It will take about 2.5 hours. Along the way keep your eyes out for wildlife such as whales and dolphins. On arrival to the island, snorkel in the crystal blue waters and then get a break for lunch. Afterward head to a black sand beach which belongs to the Witmers, decedents of some of the first immigrants on the Galapagos. The town here, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an attractive history that involves deaths, disappearances, and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and proceed to Isabela Island which is approximately 2 hours away from Isabela Port. It's a short drive of approximately 15 minutes to the hotel where we will spend the night

Day 4: Isla Isabela, Galapagos

Start your day on Isla Isabela with a short bus ride for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Here you'll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. Afterward, we will make our way to a brackish lagoon where we will be able to see flamingos. In the afternoon after an informational visit, board a small panga for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. On our way, we will cruise along the coastline in the hope to locate blue-footed boobies and the famed Galapagos penguin whose home is the western part of the archipelago. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this lonely islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a tranquil inlet with colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is visited by green sea turtles that like to relax on the calm, sandy bottom. Late afternoon, come back to town and search of your own sandy resting spot to enjoy your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most impressive of all the islands.

Day 5: Isla Isabela, Galapagos

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano which takes approximately 45 minutes by bus. This is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. If weather permits, take a challenging hike of around 17 kilometers up the rocky mountain, which takes between five and six hours. After the hike, make head back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to wind up with a book or take a dive in the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. As recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please be prepared to take your plastic rubbish with you.

Day 6: Isla Isabela  to Isla Santa Cruz

Today you will begin the day with a kayak around Isabela before shifting by private speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz. Once you reach Santa Cruz you will head to a restaurant that offers a traditional Ecuadorian lunch package, simply referred to as ‘Menu’. Usually, this includes a fresh juice, basic entree (usually a soup) and the main meal. These lunch deals are very famous throughout Ecuador so it’s a great way to eat like a local. In the afternoon have free time to further explore the town or go on an optional tour to the Charles Darwin Research Centre.

Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos

In the afternoon visit the higher part of the islands to see the giant tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. Afterward, head to a locally owned Sugar cane farm. Here the farmers will show you how the sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol. Along the way, keep an eye out for sea turtles, eagle rays, and blue-footed boobies. Later return to Puerto Ayora. Tonight, enjoy your last group dinner.

Day 8 - Departure

Today is the last day of your Latin America adventure travel in Galapagos. We will transfer you to the airport for your home flight or you can continue the journey with us.