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Galapagos Island Hopping

Details Itineray Island hopping Tour

Día 1
Arrival in San Cristóbal, where we will visit the capital of the Province of Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo, with about 8000 residents maintaining one of the best examples of ecosystem management and protection of the surrounding area.
San Cristobal has 558 square kilometers of land area, of which 85% is included in Galapagos National Park and the remaining 15% belongs to rural zones and towns of the canton of San Cristobal.  The altitude of the island ranges from 0 to 700 meters, and the climate is generally warm with a cool breeze.
INTERPRETATION CENTER (visit and a short walk)
This center is dedicated helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the development and evolution of endemic and introduced species of the Galapagos.  This is the best place to clearly understand why and how the Galapagos islands and the species that call them home came to exist.
The different areas of the center were conceived to clearly communicate the messages of history and conservation they contain, all with the goal of communicating the unique importance of the Islands to the world.  The center consists of three independent buildings connected by gravel paths, with one dedicated to the natural history and geology of the islands, describing how the islands were formed over millions of years, and another about the Galapagos islands of today.
CERRO TIJERETAS (snorkeling and trekking)
Named for the motion of the tails of the frigate birds seen here, which when flying resembles a pair of scissors.  We will hike for about an hour, observing these magnificent birds and a variety of endemic insects with incredible forms and colors.  Arriving at the highest point of the island, we will have a view of Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos, among the best sites for diving and snorkeling in the Galapagos and one of the next places we will visit.
We will also visit the place where Charles Darwin first landed on the islands with a monument erected in his honor.  Afterward, we will arrive in the beautiful Wreck Bay, where colonies of sea lions and marine turtles will provide company for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean
Day 2
LAGUNA EL JUNCO (hiking, downhill mountain biking)
We start the day at this small lake, at 650 meters elevation. It is a good place to admire the changes in the vegetation that covers the islands resulting from visible changes in the soils. The area is home to plants from arid zones, such as the opuntia cactus and candelabra cactus, as well as from fertile zones, including large and robust varieties of ferns.
The lake formed inside of an inactive crater, and makes this the only island with a dependable supply of fresh water.  It fills during the rainy season, and the walls of the crater do not permit filtration of the water.  Its name, Junco, comes from an endemic aquatic plant that grows along the rim of the lake.
After our visit, we will ride mountain bikes downhill through the highlands of San Cristobal until we reach the Galapaguera.
GALAPAGUERA DE CERRO COLORADO (see the giant tortoises endemic to this island (geochelone elephantopus chatamience), hiking)
Constructed in 2002 with the goal of increasing the population of the endemic Giant Tortoise species of this island, this center is 12 hectares of dry forest land in the area of Cerro Verde.  The Galapaguera has a small interpretation center where you can learn about these reptiles and programs for their conservation and reproduction.
ISLA LOBOS (Snorkeling and panga ride)
This small islet is a nesting area for the Blue Footed Booby in certain seasons, although the best attraction is the opportunity to swim with plenty of sea lions. 
Isla Lobos is located off the northwest coast of San Cristobal, between Wreck Bay and Puerto Baquerizo.  Its name is certainly appropriate for the playful antics of the sea lions that can be seen here; one could call it a sea lion recreation center.
LEON DORMIDO (Snorkeling, panga ride)
When viewed from San Cristobal, this islet resembles the silhouette of a lion.  It consists of a large rock separated from a small islet by a canal, which can be navigated in a small boat.  This is an exceptional island to take photos, snorkel or dive. Many diverse marine species can be observed here, and depending on the season whales or dolphins  can be seen.  It is often the favorite place of tourists for its large population of the Galapagos Shark, which is frequently seen.  In the rocky underwater landscape, plenty of marine vegetation attracts a variety of colorful tropical fish, and iguanas and marine turtles can often be seen as well.  These impressive rocks are among the multiple natural monuments of the Galapagos Islands.
Day 3
FLOREANA is the oldest island of the archipelago, formed about 1.5 million years ago.  It isl located about 1000 km from the coast of mainland Ecuador.  About 173 square kilometers in area, 98% of its area is included in the Galapagos National Park.  The remaining 2% is populated and unprotected ( the highland areas). The environment of this island includes all four vegetation zones (coast, arid, transition and humid).  The species of giant tortoise native to the island is now extinct; numerous until the early 1800’s, it was exterminated by whalers and colonists.  Recently, 20 or 30 specimens of the Isabella giant tortoise have been introduced to the island.
CUEVA DE LOS PIRATAS (Chiva ride - hiking - birdwatching)
Floreana is the richest of the islands in history and legends, perhaps because it was the first island to be populated.  At the end of the 18th century, a wooden barrel was placed on the island for mail; passing boats would stop to leave and pick up mail from the barrel (this is the place known as Post Office Bay; we will see a replica of this barrel).
One of those visitors was Patrik Watkins, who took possession of the island in 1807, lived there for a couple of years robbing whaling ships, then fled to the continent.  In 1832, Floreana was incorporated into Ecuadorian territory.  Shortly afterward, more people arrived, and mysterious disappearances, murders and poisonings began to occur.
Among the first families to colonize the islands were the Wittmer family, the Cruz family, the Valdizan family and a couple (Ritter - Strauch) together with the Baroness (a real Galapagos legend) who arrived with her lovers and disappeared without a trace.
This cave was used by Pirates and other visitors throughout the history of the islands.  We will walk through this history and the traces they left behind...and have a picnic lunch outside the cave.
BLACK SAND BEACH
After our lunch, we will visit this beautiful beach with black sand to take a rest.  Swimming is possible here, but the current can be strong so it is only recommended for experienced swimmers.  Marine turtles can often be seen in the area.
SNORKELING
Later, we visit one of the most exquisite marine areas of Galapagos, the bay located between the islets of Champion and Enderby. The calm waters and fertile shores here attract a variety of species to swim and feed in the area.  Marine turtles, tropical fish, and starfish can all be appreciated.   We will snorkel here for about an hour.
Day 4
ISABELA
The biggest of the Galapagos Islands with a land area of 4588 square kilometers, 60% of the total land area of the archipelago.  The population of Isabela is between 2200 and 2500 people, with 97% of the land area included in the Galapagos National Park.
Isabela has 6 volcanoes, and of those, 5 are active.  In and around the craters of two of these volcanoes live two distinct species of Galapagos tortoise. The landscape around these volcanoes makes Isabella a veritable paradise, and the vegetation here is something you will never forget.
Kilometers of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lakes with flamingoes, mangroves, and palm trees surround a tranquil and peaceful fishing town, Puerto Villamil.
VOLCAN SIERRA NEGRA (Trekking or horseback riding)
One of the largest active volcano craters in the world spanning about 10 km, it is a major attraction for all who visit Isabela. Sierra Negra has an altitude of almost 1500 meters.
We start our hike or horseback ride from the station Tomas de Berlanga to a place called La Bocanilla; from here we can see the east and west shores of the island, including Elizabeth and Cartago Bays, as well as some of the islets offshore.  On particularly clear days, the islands of Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Santiago, and Rábida can also be seen.
VOLCAN CHICO (Trekking)
After hiking or horseback riding for about two and a half hours to reach Sierra Negra, we hike for about 45 minutes to arrive at an opening in the crater wall of Sierra Negra where another eruption took place.  This area is called Volcan Chico, but it is part of Sierra Negra. Here you can sense the consequences of the last eruption of Sierra Negra on the 22nd of October 2005; incredible landscapes provide a vivid illustration of the process of eruption and indicate the speed of the lava flows and the rapid rate of solidification of the material. We descend by horseback (or hiking) to Tomas de Berlanga.
CENTRO DE CRIANZA DE TORTUGAS GALAPAGOS (Breeding center for the Galapagos Tortoise, geochelone elephantopus vicina)
We travel by bus to the breeding center, passing through different ecosystems including lakes, mangroves, dry forests and lava fields.  Arriving at the breeding center, we will see tortoises of all ages, and learn about the process of breeding in captivity to help recover the wild populations of these incredible reptiles.  There is a visitor center here and an artisan shop where you can purchase products made by local communities.
BEACH
In the afternoon, we will have some time to relax on a beautiful white sand beach in Puerto Villamil, and the option of playing games on the beach (frisbee/volleyball/soccer).
Day5
HUMEDALES (Wetlands, Hiking). The beautiful landscape along this route offers one of the richest displays of the flora of the Galapagos archipelago. Thanks to its diversity of soils, Isabella is perhaps the only place in the world where 4 species of mangroves can be seen (red, white, black and button), not individually but growing together, each species practically growing because of another.
This hike allows us to see another contrast--life in totally arid zones of volcanic rock, where plants such as escobilla (brush) and palo santo (Incense tree, Lignum-vitae) grow, and in more fertile areas, large carob trees flourish.  Prickly Pear and Candelabra cactus are common in the area as well.  We will learn about the formation and growth of these plants in these areas.
We should also see a young Galapagos tortoise on our walk which was released in the area from the breeding center.  Other animals we might see include finches, marine iguanas, boobies, flamingoes, the common morhen, the white-cheeked pintail, and the black-necked stilt.
POZA DE FLAMINGOES
A short walk to visit this place where flocks of flamingoes can nearly always be seen.
LAS TINTORERAS (panga ride, snorkeling, hiking)
This small islet, not far from Puerto Villamil, is named for its small bay filled with transparent and tranquil waters where the white tipped shark, known as the “tintorera”, come to rest.  These sharks are carnivores, but are not aggressive towards man.  We will view these animals here from a close viewpoint, then later we will be able to snorkel in another area where the sharks can be seen in their natural habitat.
Frequently sea lions can be seen relaxing on a small white sand beach nearby, which is also a breeding area for the marine iguana.
Recently, a few colonies of Galapagos penguins have located here; this is the second smallest species of penguin in the world measuring only up to 35 cm. in height.  The climate in this area is favorable to their feeding and reproduction, and these amazing birds can often be seen here.
Day 6
SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz Island, also known as Indefatigable, is located near the center of the archipelago.  Its land area is about 985 square kilometers, and it is the island with the largest human population in the Galapagos--about 15,000 residents.  90% of this island is included in the Galapagos National Park.
The coastal areas include several beautiful beaches and bays with marine turtles and birds.  From the coast, one can travel through several different vegetation zones and territories of the Galapagos tortoise to Cerro Crocker (870 m), with its amazing views.
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
We will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which has been working to help in the recovery of native Galapagos species in danger of extinction and in programs to eradicate introduced species.  The station has also collaborated in the training of Galapagos guides and scientists involved in tourism, and has worked to develop environmental education for the population of the islands.  It operates stations on Isabela and San Cristobal islands in addition to Santa Cruz, and coordinates its activities with Galapagos National Park, making it a model of cooperative work between a private and public institution with the common goal of preserving and protecting the ecosystems of the islands.
The visitors center here offers an excellent insight into the work of the Station, as well as the history and challenges faced in the islands today.
LAVA TUNNELS (trekking, adventure)
A walk around these enormous lava tunnels provides further insight into the formation of these incredible islands.  Formed by the solidification of the surface of a lava flow, the insides of these formations are hollow due to the continuing flow of hot lava on the inside of the tunnels when the outer shell had solidified.
North of Puerto Ayora, a place called Rancho Las Primicias has a small partially collapsed lava tunnel just a few meters off of the road.  Surrounded by native vegetation of the arid zone, this place offers the chance to see a lava tunnel surrounded by native flora and fauna of the area.
Return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy a good lunch, and leave for Bahia Tortuga.
TORTUGA BAY (Kayaking, beach)
This is one of the most extensive white sand beaches of the islands, a great place to swim, kayak or just walk on the beach.  We walk through a diverse forest for about 45 minutes, where a variety of species can be observed, then spend about 45 minutes in our sea kayaks.  Marine iguanas, sharks and marine turtles can all be seen here along with watching a variety of marine birds.
After our kayaking, we can walk about 2.5 km to a small, calm beach surrounded by mangroves, including an area of dunes perfect for the breeding of sea turtles.
Day 7
NORTH SEYMOUR (Snorkeling, bird watching, trekking)
A small island with a similar appearance to the islands of Baltra or South Seymour, including vegetation characteristic of the arid zones of the islands, such as the Galapagos prickly pear, incense tree, and salt bushes.
We will walk about 2 km along the rocky coast, observing nests of the blue-footed Boobies and the Magnificent Frigatebirds.  These birds have an interesting relationship, sharing the nesting areas with each other.
BACHAS (Beach and bird watching)
After walking about 10 minutes northward, we arrive at a long beach where marine turtles nest, and where we must walk carefully to avoid disturbing the nests.  A tranquil beach with crystalline waters, we take a break to relax and watch migratory birds and occasionally flamingoes in the area.
Day 8
We start early in the morning, have breakfast and then make our way toward the Baltra airport.
LOS GEMELOS
Sunken craters formed by a series of eruptions when the islands were still active.  These craters are the only area of the island with Escalecia forests.
In this area, the Galapagos finches and the beautiful Vermillion Flycatcher can frequently be seen.
BALTRA AIRPORT
Where you will have to board your flight to leave the islands...all good things must come to an end.
But the airport itself has a history.  In 1914, the island was occupied by the US as a military base to protect against the entry of foreign forces to the western coastal areas of America, and more specifically, as a strategic point to protect the Panama canal.  Later, it was used by the Ecuadorian military before being converted to a civilian airport.

Galápagos Hopping Island Tour $1220 for 8 Days

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