Experience Overview
Looking for more than a cruise to the islands? A week of touring the less-explored parts of the Galápagos Islands is the answer. We’ll start in Santa Cruz, then head to Floreana to stay on a part of the island that sees less visitors than the rest. From there it’s on to Isabela for a few days of hiking, snorkelling, and visiting the island’s main highlights. Top that off with a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano – the second-largest volcanic crater in the world – along with the Galápagos’ typical array of exotic wildlife and prepare to be amazed.
Highlights
- Hike up Sierra Negra Volcano – the second-largest volcanic crater in the world – and walk on the lava fields
- Observe flamingos at an isolated lagoon
- Be amazed at the unique wildlife of the Galápagos
- Enjoy a G Adventures-supported community guesthouse on Floreana.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2773
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private van, speedboat, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Budget
Supplier Code: SEIG
Starts: Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Finishes: Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Guesthouse, Floreana Island Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Visit to Las Grietas (Santa Cruz Island)
- Snorkelling at Loberia (Floreana Island)
- Flamingo Lagoon visit (Isabela Island)
- Sierra Negra volcano hike with lava fields visit (Isabela Island)
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit (Isabela Island)
- Tortuga Bay hike (Santa Cruz Island)
- Isabela Municipal Tax
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (4 nts), G Adventures-supported community guesthouse (2 nts).
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private van, speedboat, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority).
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2651 (CAD 379 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Ayora
Arrive in Baltra and make your way to the hotel in Santa Cruz. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area before an evening welcome meeting to become acquainted with the group.
As reaching the hotel in Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) from the Baltra airport can be tricky, exit the airport and head for the public bus to Itabaca Canal. From there, take a ferry across the canal to Santa Cruz Island. From the ferry terminal, opt to take a taxi or bus to Puerto Ayora, typically a 45-min ride.
Day 2: Puerto Ayora/Floreana Island
In the morning, walk to "Las Grietas" located across Academy Bay, walk through a rugged cactus forest on the way to this stunning lagoon. In the afternoon, hop on a speedboat to nearby Floreana Island. Stay in the G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eat meals in the community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.
Day 3: Floreana Island
Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach snorkelling or swimming. Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history.
Day 4: Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island. Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano and walk around the rim of the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago.
Hike to the summit to experience a bird's-eye view of this magical landscape of the surrounding volcanoes and islands.
Day 5: Isabela Island
Enjoy free time in the morning, opt to take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins. Later, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Explore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Day 6: Isabela Island/Puerto Ayora
Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Later, enjoy a walk to Tortuga Bay, opt for a kayak, surf lessons or swim in the turquoise water.
In the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.
Day 7: Puerto Ayora
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
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