Galapagos Wildlife Discovery 6 Days

Today we will explore the north coast, we may visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site will depend on the week day and Galapagos National Park regulations. On our exploration trip we will make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and nazca boobies. Here we’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground. While snorkeling, we will see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to our hoteo for a relaxing evening. (B, L, D)

The next stop in our journey is Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos, which is still growing due to its six active shield volcanoes. Isabela is one of the planet’s true volcanic hot spots. After a short small aircraft flight, we settle into our hotel.

Our hike takes us along immaculate beaches, into an alluring poison apple forest and a lava tube cave, and through brooding mangroves and brackish lagoons. As we pass through these varied ecosystems, we’ll see lots of giant tortoises, flamingos, and other birds.

After lunch, we delve into Tintoreras, a group of lava islands that conceal many tiny coves and hidden beaches. Tintoreras is full of life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and the endemic Galapagos penguin. (B, L, D)

Today we drive into the highlands, gaining over 1000 meters of elevation as we climb up the flanks of Volcan Sierra Negra. On the way up, the elevation provides striking views of the volcanoes and sea around us. But the best views are waiting for us at the top! Once the road ends, we walk a bit further to reach the rim of Volcan Sierra Negra. This is the second largest active caldera on the planet, and it seems to go on forever.

We’ll walk part of the rim of this enormous, six-mile-wide crater, and if we’re feeling energetic, we can continue our hike on to the caldera of Volcan Chico. This secondary vent has a surreal landscape, with spectacular lava formations painted in yellow hues by sulfur deposits and fumaroles wafting volcanic gases. After an unforgettable day in this otherworldly terrain, we return to paradise to enjoy our last evening in Puerto Villamil, hanging out on the picture-perfect beaches or meandering through the lazy streets. (B, L, D)

A speedboat or internal flight takes us onward to Santa Cruz Island. After checking in, we head to the highlands, this time to El Chato, home to scores of Galapagos giant tortoises. The sensation of walking amongst these ancient creatures, which can live to over 175 years old, is indescribable. The giant tortoises share their habitat with pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vibrant vermillion flycatcher.

Our next stop is a group of cavernous lava tunnels frequented by the pirates that once roamed the Galapagos and, according to legend, a perfect hiding spot for their plundered Inca gold. We then carry on to Los Gemelos, a pair of massive volcanic sinkholes at the high point of the island. We explore the surrounding forest of endemic Scalesia trees covered in ferns and epiphytes, home to the beautiful but shy short-eared owl. This quiet highland forest exudes a still, spooky feeling.

If there is enough time we may visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where local scientists rear endemic plants and animals for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. We’ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the future of the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

Finally, it’s time bid a fond farewell as we transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland. (B).