Hike and snorkel this ecological gem with the comfort of a land-based trip.
Eco-adventure in Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are unmatched as a nature destination. As the place that inspired Charles Darwin into developing the theory of evolution, the history of the islands alone is worth the trip. Visitors today can still hike among giant tortoises, snorkel and kayak with sea lions, sharks, and penguins, and view the finches that compelled Darwin to think about how such unique species came into being, because most of the islands and surrounding ocean are protected as a national park.
Days 1-2, Quito-Galapagos flight, hike with giant tortoises Meet in Quito and transfer to the Dann Carlton Hotel in Quito’s business district • Morning flight to the island of Baltra, then short boat and van ride to and across Santa Cruz • Hike through El Chato tortoise reserve with giant tortoises that weigh over 600 pounds • Overnight at the Red-Footed Booby Hotel in Puerto Ayora, the main town on the island
Days 3-4, Darwin Research Station, private boat to Floreana, snorkel Devils Crown and Post Office Bay Morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the Galapagos• Private boat to snorkel at Champion Island and Devils Crown off Floreana • Lunch on board, then afternoon visit to Post Office Bay • Two nights at Hotel Wittmer in Puerto Velasco Ibarra, run by descendants of one of the original island settlers • Visit to inland highlands to see lava fins
Days 5-6, Private boat to Isabela Island, snorkeling, Sierra Negra crater Transfer by private boat to Isabela • Hike to volcano field of Sierra Negra • Hike the Sendero Tintoreras • Snorkel lava tunnels • Two nights at La Casa Marita in Puerto Villamil
Days 7-8, Flight to Quito, colonial city tour Flight from Isabela to Baltra, and on to Guayaquil and Quito • Afternoon visit to historic colonial Quito • Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel • Next morning transfer to Tocumen International Airport for flights home
Lodging highlights
The Dann Carlton in Quito, where we’ll stay on our first and last nights, is a very modern hotel often used by business travelers. It is a short drive to and from the airport and is located in the middle of the business district.
The Red-Footed Booby, our home for our one night in Puerto Ayora, is a simple, clean, and airy hotel in the middle of town. It provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and the dock from where we will leave the next morning. Rooms have air conditioning and private hot water bath.
On Isla Floreana we stay at Hotel Wittmer, a new hotel located on the edge of the tiny town of Puerto Vilasca Ibara. The hotel is on a black sand beach; all rooms have a beautiful view of the ocean and sunset. Rooms have private hot water bath, ceiling fans, and ocean breezes.
Hotel Albemarle is our home for our two nights on Isla Isabela. Located in the town of Puerto Villamil, Hotel Albermarle is on the beach, with some ocean view rooms. Rooms have private hot water bath and air conditioning.
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