Picture sunset cocktails, snorkelling with wildlife, kayaking in turquoise waters off of pristine beaches and spending time tucked away in a boutique hotel overlooking some of the most impressive scenery in all of the Galápagos Islands. The perfect balance of activities, wildlife and free time, this eight-day adventure is packed full of the essential highlights and local flavours of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. Stay active in the water and on land with snorkelling excursions and walks along diverse coastal terrain. Savour deliciously fresh cuisine and have lunch at a private reserve featuring giant tortoises in the wild. You’ll learn how important this fascinating, diverse, remote span of islands is to the world, all while hitting the reset button during a tropical island getaway.
Day 1: Quito: Gateway to the Galápagos IslandsGaze out at the rolling countryside and mountain peaks as you approach Quito, dreaming of the faraway Galápagos Islands that are almost within your reach. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air as you step out of the plane, knowing that soon enough you will be in the equatorial warmth at sea level. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to prepare for one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet—the Galápagos Islands.
Day 2: Isabela Island: Welcome to the GalápagosThe journey is part of the adventure today as you make your way 1000 km from Ecuador's mainland to the Galápagos Islands. Home to creatures found nowhere else in the world, the surrounding marine reserve is a showcase of evolution and a true testament to the melting pot of species found in the islands, both on shore and in the water.
Day 3: Isabela Island: Los Túneles SnorkellingYou will see firsthand today how unbelievable the wildlife is in the Galápagos Islands, both beneath the water and on land. Strap on the mask to snorkel and swim though the calm, clear and shallow water at Los Túneles—a unique geological site formed by a series of lava flows that created various arcs and tunnels above and below the water.
Day 4: Isabela Island: Your OMG DayToday you will be able to explore more of Isabela Island on your terms with the choice of two activities. Stick to the land and hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of five active ones located on Isabela Island, and rising to an altitude of 1124m. If you are looking for more snorkelling, take to the water and head to Las Tintoreras, an islet to the south of Puerto Villamil that forms part of the national park of the Galápagos Islands. The area is known for the reef sharks that can be seen swimming with fish and other marine life when the tide is low.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortuga BaySwap islands today and travel to the second largest—Santa Cruz—located in the centre of the archipelago, where you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station responsible for many of the studies conducted on the islands about the fascinating and prehistoric land tortoises. Enjoy lunch before walking to Tortuga Bay. Here, spend time at the beach named for its black sea turtles that nest there, and bask in the sun along this inviting stretch of white sand. Travel back to town by speed boat and cap the day off with a signature cocktail-making experience during sunset.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island: Life in the Islands and KayakingTravel to the highlands to a private ranch to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit some lava tunnels. After lunch, stop by a working sugar cane mill where you can learn about the different distilling processes and techniques before heading to Garrapatero beach for some kayaking, tidal pool gazing or wildlife spotting in the lagoon. This evening, it's time to say good-bye to the mighty Galapagos and there's no better way than with an optional dinner all together as a group.
Day 7: Quito: Back to the MainlandWhile it’s time to bid the islands farewell, there’s no doubt your days here will be remembered. Incredible up-close encounters with animals and immersion into ecosystems that remain largely unchanged in a pristine slice of paradise will remain etched in your memory forever.
Day 8: QuitoToday your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.
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