Your guided Galapagos Islands tour begins in Quito, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is viewed as the Cultural Capital of South America and is situated on the equator in a valley in the lower regions of the Pichincha Volcano. Depending on your arrival time, you can either explore the city and the old town of Quito or get a guided day tour. At night, one of the head guides will meet you at the reception for a briefing.

Today you begin your epic journey to the remote Galapagos. Get up early for a morning flight to the island of Baltra. Then, travel to Puerto Ayora, the biggest town in the Galapagos Islands. After that, enjoy a boat crossing to the biggest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela Island. During the island crossing, watch out for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once in Puerto Villamil, check-in at your oceanfront hotel.

Your guided tour of the Galapagos goes underwater today with incredible snorkeling in underwater lava formations. Snorkel through this labyrinth of lava arches in pristine, clear water. You’ll get the chance to spot wildlife like sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more. If you’re lucky, you will see the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. After the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities like snorkeling at “Concha de Perla,” taking surfing lessons, biking, or just relaxing on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We highly recommend you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance of the hotel.

Begin today with a drive from Puerto Villamil and hike into a young forest ecosystem. The goal of this 9.6km hike is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018. From the rim of Sierra Negra, enjoy outstanding views and explore the stunning massive, lava-filled crater. In the afternoon, kayak to the spectacular Tintoreras Islet for a snorkeling adventure. The beautifully clear waters here are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. A nearby beach is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Depart Isabela and head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During the island crossing, you will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales. Once you arrive on Santa Cruz, visit the Research Station to learn more about the history and natural history of the Galapagos. In the afternoon, head to the ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. You will have the opportunity to trek through El Chato’s beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants. You will also be able to spot highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds.

The trip ends today, though many guests stay on to explore Quito and other amazing parts of Ecuador.