Laetitia word over this magnificent tour
After traveling across the islands in first person me and the ITK Voyage Ecuador agency team have selected for you the most sublime tours of interest currently available on the archipelago, to offer you this sublime “combination tour” in the Galapagos which will allow you to discover all the treasures from 2 of the main islands San Cristobal and Isabela.
The Galapagos Archipelago is full of impressive natural wonders, where you will encounter in complete privacy land and marine fauna unique in the world, as well as flora endemic to the region. There are many exceptional tours, and it can sometimes be difficult to identify the most interesting sites in the archipelago to make the most of them during your stay in Ecuador.
You will approach iconic species such as giant land turtles, blue-footed boobies, large frigates, land iguanas, galapagos penguins, cormorants, swimming with sea lions, land turtles, and marine iguanas! This Galapagos tour promises you to experience unforgettable moments in contact with one of the most magical biomes in the world.
This complete trip to the Galapagos will allow you to discover 6 islands in total, including Española, famous for the island endemic albatrosses. You will travel for 8 days through the Galapagos Islands, located 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, lost in the Pacific Ocean. Playgrounds of the famous English biologist Charles Darwin!
During the Island-hopping stage of your itinerary the nights will take place on dry land, in comfortable and pleasant hotels chosen according to your expectations and budget. You will particularly appreciate the unique atmosphere of each port city and will enjoy a great meeting with the local populations.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quito (or Guayaquil) > Baltra > Santa Cruz island (Charles Darwin Station) | Isabela Island (Moreno Point > Urbina Bay) | Fernandina Island (Espinoza Point) > Isabela Island (Tagus Cove) | Santiago Island (Puerto Egas > Espumilla > Buccaner Cove) |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
| Daphne Island > Baltra > San Cristobal Island | Day off (Optional: Española Island, Punta Pitt or Lobos Island) | San Cristobal island > Quito (or Guayaquil) |
Tour highlights :
– Superb semi-private tour in Galapagos.
– A fantastic cruise itinerary in combination with a land-based stage
– Visit 6 islands for 8 days!
– Cruise, hotels and services are carefully chosen by us. The service is perfect and the boutique hotels are ideally placed on every island where you stay.
Valid prices until December, 2023
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Quito (or Guayaquil) > Baltra > Santa Cruz
Transfer from Quito or Guayaquil airport depending on your previous night. Flight to Baltra island then transfer to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island). In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station then you will start your cruise journey.
Meal
LD
Visit
2H00
Hike
0H00
transport
FROM 2h30 TO 4h30
Day 2 : Isabela Island (Moreno Point > Urbina Bay)
In the morning you will go west to the coast of Isabela Island, through a trail of solidified lava you will get to the magnificent Moreno Point
In the afternoon you will head towards the Urbina Bay. This marvelous place was formed by lava flows from the seabed in 1954, you will enjoy a magnificent walk across incredible geological formations.
Meal
bld
Visit
5h00
Hike
2h30
navigation
2h30
Day 3 : Fernandina Island (Espinoza Point) > Isabela Island (Tagus Cove)
You will undertake the discovery of one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems since Fernandina Island has never been invaded by foreign species. Then, you will finish your day by discovering the Tagus Cove which is located on the west of Isabela Island. Early sailors often anchored and carved their float’s names on the rocks of this place. You will take a boat excursion near the cliffs where you will be able to observe Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, pelicans, and some bird species.
Meal
bld
Visit
6h00
Hike
2h00
navigation
2h30
Day 4 : Santiago Island (Puerto Egas > Espumilla Beach > Buccaneer Cove)
You will start the day by heading towards the James Bay, also known as Egas Port. This ideal snorkeling site is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and lava lizards. Then you will visit the Espumilla Beach which is a popular place for spotting sally light foot crabs and marine iguanas. Still on Santiago Island, you will subsequently visit the Buccaneer Cove which once was a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates used to anchor in the nowadays protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things.
Meal
bld
Visit
4h30
Hike
1h00
navigation
1h30
Day 5 : Daphne Islands > Baltra Island (Internal Flight) > San Cristobal
Located just 8km off the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor are two unique and dreamy rocky islands. Indeed, most tourists are restricted from visiting these islands, however, this is an excellent snorkeling and dive site. Transfer to the Baltra airport on time to take your flight to the San Cristobal Island where you will continue your adventure in a calmer pace.
Meal
b
Visit
2h00
Hike
0h45
transport
1h30 + 1h00 flight
Day 6 : San Cristobal ( 360º Tour)
This day will be devoted to snorkeling activities. Onboard a fishing boat, you will undertake a tour around San Cristobal Island -360º-. You will have the opportunity to make stops at famous sites of interest like: Rosa Blanca, Punta Pitt, Bahia Sardina, and Kicker Rock.
Meal
bl
Visit
4h30
Hike
0h00
navigation
3h30
Day 7 : San Cristobal (Day Off, Relax and enjoy at your pace)
You will enjoy a day off on San Cristobal Island. You will have the chance to take part in free activities or you can also book a visit with a guide (not included), below are the options:
– Española Island
– Punta Pitt (Hiking & Snorkelling)
– Lobos Island
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 8 : San Cristobal Island > Quito/ Guayaquil Airport
You will be transferred to the San Cristóbal airport on time to take your flight. It is possible to take some international flights directly from Guayaquil depending on the time.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h20 + 3h30 flight
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
– Galápagos : ground transport (private) ; tours & cruise (semi-private)*. Bilingual Spanish / English local naturalist guide.
* on day 5 your flight will be collective, max 7 people
– Physical: this cruise & island-hopping tour in the Galapagos requires special physical conditions. You will have slightly longer treks but they all are accessible to anyone who likes to walk.
– Technical: no technical level is necessary.
Clothing :
– light t-shirts
– light trousers
– shorts
– waterproof light jacket (k-way type)
– 1 or 2 fleeces for your evenings
– sunglasses
– cap
Additional :
– solar cream
– 1 suimsuit 2/3/4 mm for those who wish (possibility to rent it on site)
– 1 normal camera + waterproof
– binoculars
– snorkel equipment (if you wish)
Two possible options:
“Comfort” option: comfortable, charming 3 * accommodation, offering a service adapted to a European and American clientele and single rooms / cabins.
“Superior” option: superior type 4 * accommodation offering quality and personalized service. The bedrooms and/or cabins are spacious and tasteful.
=> the luxury option (4/5 *****) is also available on request.
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.