GALAPAGOS BY LAND

Board a morning flight to the enchanted Galapagos Islands.

Note: Flights depart from Quito and Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador and take approximately 2-3 hours in duration. A minimum of one night in either Quito or Guayaquil is needed before flying to the Galapagos.

On arrival at Baltra island in the Galapagos, you will pick-up your luggage and check-in for your connecting flight to Isabela Island. The flight takes around 30-minutes and is on light aircraft, with wonderful views of the ocean below. On arrival you will be met and driven into the highlands of the island, where you will be glamping (a more luxurious version of camping) for the next three nights. Over the following days you have a variety of activities included, showcasing the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Isabela. You will have the opportunity to walk along the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkel with reef sharks and playful sea lions at the Tintoreras islets and discover the historical significance of the island at the ‘Wall of Tears’ – a wall built by prisoners when the island was once a penal colony. Between activities you can explore the small town of Puerto Villamil, take a swim in the sea or relax with a glass of wine at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Stay: Three nights at Scalesia Lodge including all meals and private guided activities (boat trips are shared though).

In the morning you will fly back to Baltra, where you will board a yacht taking you to North Seymour island. North Seymour is famous for its large colony of Blue-Footed Boobies, as well as sea lions, fur seals and frigate birds. After lunch on board the yacht you will be transferred to your hotel, which is beautifully positioned in its own secluded bay.

Over the following days you will explore some of the attractions on Santa Cruz island, including searching for giant tortoises in the highlands of island and the Charles Darwin Research Centre. One day is spent discovering nearby Santa Fé island, which is home to the archipelago’s top predator, the Galapagos Hawk. Stroll along the beaches and observe large colonies of sea lions, before putting on your wetsuits and flippers for a snorkel. You will have time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest in the archipelago and an excellent place to pick-up souvenirs and see huge numbers of marine iguanas. You will be able to kayak and snorkel in the natural cove of Playa Mansa, where you might be lucky to see green sea turtles. When back at the hotel you can relax by the refreshing outdoor swimming pool and enjoy some delicious and refreshing food and drinks from the hotel’s chefs.

Stay: Four nights at Finch Bay including half-board and shared activities.

Today you will either fly back to mainland Ecuador and connect onto your international flight home or continue your itinerary (it’s even possible to join a Galapagos cruise starting from Baltra or Santa Cruz Islands).