Galápagos - Wildlife and Scenic Wonders (Southern Route)

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Upon your arrival in Ecuador's captivating capital, Quito—nestled at 2,800 meters above sea level at the base of the majestic Pichincha Volcano—you'll be warmly greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, with free time to explore the vibrant city and its rich culture on your own.

Day 2: Quito City Tour

Experience the wonders of Quito, home to South America's largest historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through iconic landmarks like the majestic Basilica del Voto Nacional, the stunning San Francisco Church, and the intricate La Compañía. Plus, this tour includes a visit to the Middle of the World, where you can defy the laws of physics and stand on the equator itself. Discover the rich history and unique charm of Quito while enjoying these unforgettable experiences

Day 3: Arrival at Baltra and Bachas Beach

You will embark on your Galapagos adventure with a flight to Baltra airport, where our National Park naturalist guide will warmly welcome you. Bachas Beach, named from the remnants of two WWII barges, offers an intriguing glimpse into history as you explore the iron skeletons still visible in the white sand. From November to May, this beach becomes a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, and the nearby saltwater lagoons frequently host vibrant flamingoes, herons, and other aquatic birds.

Snorkeling: After your walk, dive into the clear waters to swim or snorkel from the beach, teeming with common Galapagos fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and rays.

Highlights: Experience the beauty of American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, sandpipers, lava gulls, and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island - Birth of Volcanic Islands

Embark on a captivating hike that unveils the fascinating birth of the Galapagos Islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava flows, offering you countless opportunities to marvel at the intricate textures unique to these rare volcanic formations. Though the landscape may initially appear barren, a closer look reveals thriving pioneer plants, agile lava lizards, and an array of small birds. Along the shore, you'll encounter charming penguins, majestic pelicans, and curious oystercatchers.

Enjoy breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, situated on the island's northern side, adjacent to a stunning peach-colored sand beach. The hike to Bartolome's summit is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas of lunar-like landscapes scattered with volcanic cones. From this vantage point, you'll see multiple islands, Sullivan Bay, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock.

Snorkeling: Bartolome is celebrated as one of the Galapagos' most iconic spots, and it's one of the few places where you can observe penguins without venturing to the remote western regions of Isabela and Fernandina.

Highlights: Witness Galapagos penguins, dramatic volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle Rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, and sharks.

Day 5: Highlands and Charles Darwin Station

Whether you start your journey from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a scenic bus ride will transport you to the lush highlands of the Galapagos. Along the way, you’ll stop at a reserve to explore the verdant highland forests and search for the magnificent Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. These gentle giants, some weighing over 300 kg (600 pounds), can often be seen grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. The highlands are also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a variety of finches, flycatchers, and water birds that are rarely found in the lowlands. Depending on your itinerary, you may also explore a lava tunnel and learn about the fascinating geological history shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park. During your visit, you’ll learn about their vital conservation projects, including efforts to protect native species and eliminate invasive ones. One of their most significant achievements is the captive breeding program for giant tortoises. The tour mostly takes place outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest filled with giant cacti and a variety of fascinating native plants. This area is also ideal for spotting endemic Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, lava tunnels, mockingbirds, flycatchers, and yellow warblers.

Day 6: Exploring Floreana Island

Located on the northern shore of Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant is renowned for its striking coastal lagoon teeming with American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds. The area features a pristine white sand beach, an essential nesting site for green sea turtles where rays and reef sharks can also be spotted. Recently, a small colony of blue-footed boobies has begun breeding near the trail, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching and observing endemic plants.

Snorkeling at Devil’s Crown: Adjacent to Floreana Island, Devil’s Crown is a heavily eroded volcanic cone and is considered one of the premier snorkeling locations in the archipelago. The currents funnel plankton through the Crown, attracting large schools of snapper, Creole fish, parrotfish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays, offering an incredible underwater spectacle.

Floreana Island is also known for its intriguing history involving early German settlers and the enigmatic baroness in the late 1920s and 1930s, filled with tales of assassinations, disappearances, and unsolved mysteries.

Post Office Bay: Historically, this bay served as a freshwater stop for whalers and other seafarers. Over 200 years ago, a makeshift postal system was established here using a barrel for leaving and picking up messages. This unique system is still operational, allowing visitors to send postcards from the Galapagos to the outside world.

Snorkeling at Post Office Bay: The snorkeling here is exceptional, with abundant sea turtles, rays, diverse fish species, and, with a bit of luck, sightings of Galapagos penguins.

Day 7: Exploring Española Island

Suarez Point: This rocky trail offers one of the most spectacular nature walks in the Galapagos Islands. From the moment you set foot on the island, you'll be greeted by an incredible diversity of wildlife. Sea lions and marine iguanas will be the first to welcome you, followed by large colonies of seabirds, including Nazca and Blue-footed boobies, gulls, and tropicbirds. At the end of the trail, you'll visit a colony of waved albatrosses (April to January), the largest birds in the islands, known for their powerful flight and elaborate courtship displays. Waved albatrosses only nest on Española, making this the only place where you can see them up close.

Gardner Beach, with its fine coral sand and turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful and interesting beaches to visit in the Galapagos. Here, you can walk along the beach and learn about the biology of sea lions and other endemic species, such as the Española mockingbird, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.

Snorkeling: Gardner Bay offers several excellent snorkeling spots where you can swim with sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and a wide variety of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, and surgeonfish. This area provides an unforgettable underwater experience.

Highlights: Coral sand beach, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas.

Day 8: Interpretation Center & Return to Quito

Located on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo, this center offers a captivating journey through the history of human presence in the Galapagos. From the early Spanish explorers to modern times, including the notable visit of Charles Darwin, this permanent exhibition vividly illustrates the challenges and triumphs of the first settlers as they endeavored to survive the harsh environment of the Galapagos. This engaging display provides a profound understanding of the islands' historical significance and the enduring spirit of those who shaped their legacy.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito and onward journey.

Highlights: Endemic plants, exhibition on human history.

Important Information

Your return flight will go to Quito.

Quito’s altitude is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience mild altitude sickness during your stay.

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions.

Excursions and activities are subject to change.

Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included).

Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise.

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore.

Escorted landings with small panga boats.

Inquire about exploring Ecuador mainland.