Day 3  Flight, Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hll, Punta Carola
We begin this day with a flight to San Cristobal Island, with its dramatic landscapes and pristine shores. After settling into our accommodation, we commence with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center, learning about the islands' ancient origins and their ongoing role in ecological research and conservation. Then we ascend Tijeretas Hill, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the island. Next up, Punta Carola's sandy shores provide an idyllic evening retreat, with possible sightings of sea lions and marine iguanas. 

Day 5  Lobos Island, Manglesito Beach
Today we embark on a journey to Lobos Island, named after its impressive colony of sea lions. We’ll have the chance to hike the island's trails while observing its diverse and exotic birdlife. We’ll experience the beauty of the island's rich marine life as we snorkel the island’s pristine waters. We conclude our visit at Manglesito Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or do more snorkeling.

Miconia Hotel (2 nights)

Day 5  Floreana Island Excursion
On this morning a speedboat transfers us to Floreana Island where a world of contrasts awaits. We’ll visit black sand beaches and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon our trusty craft will speed us to Isabela Island, the largest and most dramatic of the Galapagos.

Day 6  Sierra Negra Volcano, Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Isabela Island's Sierra Negra Volcano looms on the horizon, its immense caldera promising an otherworldly experience. We’ll hike through lush highland vegetation to the rim, where we are rewarded with panoramic views of the crater. We conclude our day with a visit to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center where we will see the iconic giant tortoises, symbols of the archipelago's conservation efforts.

Day 7  Los Tuneles
Another boat journey transports us to Los Tuneles, a maze of naturally formed lava tunnels and arches. Potential snorkeling encounters beneath these geological wonders include seahorses, reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon you are free to relax or enjoy the beautiful beach and have some time on your own during the sunset.

San Vicente Hotel (3 nights)

Day 9 Darwin Research Station
This morning we will transfer to Santa Cruz Island. After settling into our hotel, we'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. This facility provides insight into the ongoing conservation of the Galapagos and the opportunity to see giant tortoises again.

Day 10 Tortuga Bay, El Chato Reserve

A morning hike takes us to beautiful Tortuga Bay where we can watch the daily procession of marine iguanas making their way to the salty waters. Our afternoon pursuit is the El Chato Reserve, where we hope to see tortoises in the wild. We will also explore a series of lava tunnels before returning to town for a free evening.

Day 11  Full day island tour
Today we will explore one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Our choice will be determined by weather conditions, seasonal opportunities, and what we have already seen in the islands. Options include:

• Seymour Island
  Seymour is home to many different species of birds and animals. It is a good place to spot frigates, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals. In the afternoon we’ll sail to Bachas’ beach, a nesting area for sea turtles.

• Santa Fe Island
  Highlights include a beautiful bay where we can snorkel with eagle rays, sting rays, sea turtles, and lots of fish. Santa Fe is known for its large colony of sea lions and there are several excellent hikes available.

• South Plaza Island
  South Plaza boasts one of the most concentrated wildlife environments in the Galapagos. Encounters might include sea lions, iguanas, swallow-tail gulls, frigates, pelicans, and other tropical bird species. We will sail to Punta Carrion for more snorkeling.

• Bartolome Island
  Bartolome is the most recognizable and photographed island in the archipelago thanks to its distinctive pinnacle rock. We’ll hike along a wood trail to the top of this once-active volcano, observing the different lava formations on the way, for a fantastic panoramic view. Later, we’ll take a zodiac in search of Galapagos penguins, and then disembark on the beach for some snorkeling. This is a great place to see white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, many fish, and maybe swim alongside sea lions.

Fernandina Hotel (3 nights)

Day 11  Flight Quito
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to the Baltra airport for our flight back to Quito (scheduled arrival time: 16:15). We'll gather for a final Happy Hour to reminisce about our adventure together.

Wyndham Airport Hotel (1 night)

Day 12 Tour ends after breakfast