Itinerary

1. Day 01: Welcome to Ecuador!

   • No scheduled activities are planned for your first day, allowing you to explore Quito at your own pace. 
   • Wander through the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit local markets and museums to get a feel for the city’s vibrant culture. If you’d like a deeper experience, guided city tours are available at an additional cost and offer insights into Quito’s rich history and architecture.
   • Please join us for a welcome meeting at 18:00 in the hotel lobby in the evening. This will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers and review the itinerary and essential details for the days ahead.

   Meals included: None

2. Day 02: Expedition Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Local Cooking Experience

   • Your Galápagos adventure begins with a morning flight to San Cristóbal Island and a transfer to your hotel. 
   • After a relaxing lunch, we head to Playa de Oro, where your expedition kayak journey starts. While the waters around the Galápagos can be turbulent during much of the year, your sturdy expedition kayaks are designed to navigate these conditions smoothly, allowing you to explore the rugged coastal beauty and observe marine wildlife.
   • Upon reaching Darwin Bay, you'll dive into the clear waters for a thrilling snorkelling experience, swimming alongside sea turtles, sea lions, and a colourful array of marine species.
   • The day concludes with a unique dinner experience at a local fisherman's home. His wife will guide you through a ceviche cooking class, using the freshest fish her husband catches. Enjoy the meal at a specially arranged table, offering an authentic taste of Galápagos culture.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

3. Day 03: Highland Biking Adventure, Tortoise Conservation, and Relaxation at Puerto Chino Beach

   • Start your day with a scenic bike ride across the diverse landscapes of San Cristóbal Island. First, we'll visit El Junco, a freshwater lagoon in the highlands, for a refreshing hike around the lake, surrounded by lush vegetation. Afterwards, we’ll continue with an off-road biking adventure through the Río Verde region. This route offers the chance to spot various bird species as we cycle through the agricultural zones of San Cristóbal.
   • Our biking journey will lead us to the San Cristóbal Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll learn about the conservation efforts and the fascinating tortoises unique to this island. From there, we’ll continue cycling to the beautiful Puerto Chino beach for a relaxing end to the day.

   Lunch will be a homemade meal at a local countryside home, giving you a taste of the island’s rural life.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

4. Day 04: Flight to Isabela, Biking Adventure, and Surfing on World-Class Waves

   • After breakfast, we bid farewell to San Cristobal and hop on a short flight to the incredible Isabela Island, the Galapagos's largest and most volcanically active. 
   • Once we land, it’s time for an exciting bike ride through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes—white sand beaches, mangrove forests, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube cave. Keep your eyes open for giant tortoises and flamingos as we pedal towards the historic Wall of Tears, a poignant reminder of Isabela’s past.
   • After refuelling with lunch, get ready for an exhilarating surf lesson. Depending on the tides, this activity can occur either in the morning or the afternoon. Isabela is a world-renowned surfing destination, offering the perfect waves for beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you're looking to catch some epic waves, the island’s beaches have you covered with beginner-friendly boards and professional-grade equipment.
   • As the day winds down, we’ll gather for an unforgettable dinner with your feet in the sand, the waves gently lapping nearby as you savour the flavours of the islands under the stars. It’s the perfect way to end the day on Puerto Villamil’s idyllic shore.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

5. Day 05: Hiking to Sierra Negra and the Sulfur Mines – A Journey Through Volcanic Wonders

   • Today, we venture into the rugged beauty of Isabela Island. 
   • Our journey begins with a drive up the slopes of the majestic Sierra Negra volcano. From here, we continue on foot, hiking through ancient volcanic landscapes with stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and the vast ocean below.
   • At the summit, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring Sierra Negra caldera, the second-largest active caldera in the world, stretching over six miles. For those with extra energy, we’ll continue our hike to the sulfur mines, where you’ll witness the unique sulfur deposits and learn about their geological significance, adding an extra layer of exploration to this already spectacular day.
   • For lunch, we’ll visit a local country house, where a family dedicated to conserving natural areas for tortoises will welcome us. 
   • Enjoy a home-cooked meal in this peaceful setting before we head back to the lowlands for a relaxing afternoon on Isabela’s perfect beaches, soaking up the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

6. Day 06: Exploring Isla Tortuga – Sailing, Experiential Fishing, and Snorkeling

   • Today, we set sail for the breathtaking Isla Tortuga, a remote and pristine location offering stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The journey begins with scenic navigation across the turquoise waters, where you'll have the chance to spot marine birds, dolphins, and other sea creatures.
   • Upon arrival at Isla Tortuga, we’ll dive into a unique experiential fishing adventure, where you’ll learn traditional fishing techniques from local fishermen. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with the maritime culture of the islands, and with any luck, you’ll catch your fish!
   • After the fishing experience, prepare for a refreshing snorkelling session in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Isla Tortuga. Swim alongside various marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions.
   • Following a day of exploration, fishing, and snorkelling, we return to the boat for a relaxing journey back to Isabela, where you can unwind after an action-packed day.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

7. Day 07: Crossing to Santa Cruz and Discovering the Heart of Galápagos Conservation

   • We begin the day with a public boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast upon arrival. 
   • Our first stop is the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station, the birthplace of conservation in the Galápagos. You’ll explore the island’s conservation efforts and meet the famous tortoises central to these initiatives.
   • Afterwards, we venture into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz for a delicious lunch in a welcoming, nature-filled setting. 
   • From there, we’ll explore El Chato Lagoon, home to the largest congregation of Galápagos tortoises, offering an up-close experience with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
   • As the day winds down, we return to our hotel. We gather for a special farewell dinner in the evening, celebrating our final night in the magical Galápagos Islands.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

8. Day 08: Transfer to Baltra Airport and Flight to Quito

   • After breakfast, we transfer to Baltra Island for your return flight to the mainland. 
   • Upon arrival in Quito, our team will provide a private transfer to your choice of accommodations—either a hotel in the capital or one closer to the airport. This flexibility allows you to explore Quito at your own pace, or, if you prefer, you can contact us for additional services and tours across continental Ecuador.

9. Day 09: Time to say, Goodbye!

   • Our services conclude today, but if you wish to extend your stay, we would be delighted to assist with additional travel arrangements. We recommend pairing this Andean adventure with an Ecuador Mainland, where unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes await. 
   • Alternatively, consider extending your journey to other destinations in Latin America, such as the ancient ruins of Peru, the vibrant cities of Colombia, or the natural wonders of Chile and Argentina.
   • Safe travels, whether you’re heading home or continuing your adventure!

   Meals included: Breakfast.