5-Day Galapagos Nature Adventure from San Cristóbal to Santa Cruz

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore San Cristóbal Island's scenic Interpretation Center and hike Las Tijeretas Hill
• 02 Encounter playful sea lions and vibrant marine life at Lobos Island
• 03 Wander through Santa Cruz's lush highlands, observing giant tortoises
• 04 Learn about ongoing conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station

Embark on an exploration of the enchanting Galapagos Islands, beginning on San Cristóbal Island at the Interpretation Center and Las Tijeretas Hill. Discover Lobos Island's vibrant marine life, then continue to Santa Cruz's highlands, where giant tortoises roam, and the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation work comes to life. Explore uninhabited islands such as South Plaza, Bartolomé, and North Seymour for a glimpse of the archipelago's untouched natural habitats. Conclude your adventure with a transfer to Baltra Airport, leaving behind cherished memories of the Galapagos.

Explore South Plaza, Bartolomé, and North Seymour, among the uninhabited Galapagos islands, for a chance to see the archipelago's untouched natural habitats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival on San Cristóbal and Visit to Las Tijeretas

• Welcome to the beautiful Galapagos Islands!
• After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you will head to the Interpretation Center, which is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats, and conservation efforts.
• You will also visit Las Tijeretas Hill, within walking distance of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
• It takes its name from the many frigates, or "tijeretas," that inhabit and nest in this area.

2

Day 02

Snorkeling and Wildlife at Lobos Island

• In the morning, you will visit Isla Lobos.
• The name of this island means "Sea Lion Island."
• This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities, as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

3

Day 03

Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station

• On the way to Puerto Ayora, stop at a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises.
• Wander around on your own to appreciate these majestic creatures.
• Then, enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination.
• In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
• Witness firsthand the work of international scientists who come to the Galapagos to carry out environmental projects.
• Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galapagos tortoises are bred and cared for.

4

Day 04

Uninhabited Galapagos Island Exploration

• Explore South Plaza, Bartolomé, and North Seymour, among the uninhabited Galapagos islands, for a chance to see the archipelago's untouched natural habitats.
• After a boat ride, hike with your guide to see more wildlife and relax on the beach, with a break on deck for lunch.
• At the end of your tour, return to Puerto Ayora.

5

Day 05

Departure Transfer to Baltra Airport

• If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final stroll through Puerto Ayora.
• At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross by ferry.
• For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and onward connection.
• Safe travels!

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Tourist-class accommodations (4 nights)
• English- and Spanish-speaking national guide
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All transfers according to the program

What's Not Included

• National Park entrance fee (US$100 per person until 31st July 2023, then USD 200) - Galapagos
• Galapagos Migration Card TCT
• Optional excursions
• Personal expenses such as tips
• Alcoholic drinks
• Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program
• Travel insurance

What to bring

• Travel documents (passport, etc.)
• Day pack (or fanny pack)
• Duffle bag, suitcase, or backpack
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good traction
• Teva-style sandals
• Swimming suit
• Light to medium fleece jacket
• Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeve shirt or blouse
• Lightweight full-length pants or trousers, either synthetic or cotton
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Socks
• Regular underwear
• Toiletries
• First aid kit and medication

Know before you go

• Do not step on coral. Always pay attention to your feet and fins, if used.
• Avoid stirring up sediment.
• Do not touch or chase marine life.
• Do not feed the fauna.
• Do not throw garbage into the sea.
• Do not buy handicrafts made from coral or marine life.
• Do not support fishing for sharks or other animals protected by law.
• No harpooning.
• Do not anchor on coral reefs.
• Do not collect marine life, dead or alive.
• Do not wear gloves, as this encourages divers to touch or pick up corals or marine life.
• Wear a lifejacket on the surface.
• Use mooring buoys.
• Report environmental violations.
• Participate in conservation projects.
• If anyone in the group, or even the guide, does not respect these rules, correct them and report them to the organizers.
• Use "reef safe" sun protection, such as sunscreen marked as such, or wear rash vests or similar.
• Use environmentally friendly insect repellent and completely avoid aerosols. We recommend using cream-based repellents or other alternatives.
• You will be able to enjoy viewpoints along the route from where you can observe the passage of whales, mainly between June and October.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

San Cristóbal Airport, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador

Tour start

San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.