Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll arrive in Quito and have some free time to wander around the old town before settling in. The city's one of the best-preserved colonial areas in the Americas, so there's plenty to take in if you get there early enough. Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby at 6pm to go over the itinerary and answer any questions you might have about the week ahead.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to explore Quito's old town and surrounding area (please request in advance)
Landmarks Quito Old Town Pichincha Volcano 
- Day 2
Quito to Isabela Island
This morning you'll fly from Quito to Baltra, stopping in Guayaquil along the way (total flight time around 3 hours). From Baltra, you'll head to Puerto Ayora and then catch a speedboat to Isabela Island, which takes about 2 hours. Keep watch for whales and dolphins if you're traveling between July and October. If you tend toward seasickness, take your medication before boarding the speedboat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Baltra Airport Puerto Ayora Isabela Island Alcedo Volcano Cerro Azul Volcano Darwin Volcano Ecuador Volcano Sierra Negra Volcano Wolf Volcano 
- Day 3
Isabela Island
You'll get to see the lava formations and clear waters created by recent volcanic activity. Snorkeling here means swimming with turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, and those famous Gal\u00e1pagos penguins in the lava maze. After your main excursion, you have options for the rest of the day: snorkel at Concha de Perla, take a surfing lesson, bike around the island, or just relax on the white sand beaches. The giant tortoise hatchery is walking distance from your hotel if you want to check it out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Snorkeling in the lava tunnels
- Boat trip to the lava tubes (approximately 1 hour each way)
- Snorkeling (approximately 2 hours total)
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling at Concha de Perla
- Surfing lessons
- Biking
- Relax on Isabela's white sand beaches
- Visit to the giant tortoise hatchery
Landmarks Lava Tubes Concha de Perla - Day 4
Isabela Island
From Puerto Villamil, you'll drive to a trailhead and hike through a young forest to reach Sierra Negra crater, an active volcano that erupted back in 2018. The crater's six miles across at its widest point and offers great views from the rim. If you have the energy, there's the option to climb Chico Volcano for a second crater with smoking fumaroles and colorful lava. After the hike, you'll kayak out to Tintoreras Island in the afternoon to snorkel with whitetip reef sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trekking up to the active volcano Sierra Negra
- Snorkeling and kayaking in Tintoreras
Optional Activities
- Hike up Chico Volcano (additional crater hike if energy permits)
Landmarks Sierra Negra Crater Chico Volcano Tintoreras Island - Day 5
Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island
You'll take a morning boat from Isabela back to Santa Cruz, watching for whales and dolphins if it's July through October. After checking into your hotel, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about local species and what's being done for conservation. Later, you'll drive up into the highlands to El Chato reserve to walk among the famous giant tortoises. You'll also spot pintail ducks, herons, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds while you're there. Finish the day exploring Puerto Ayora, the most popular town in the islands.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Hike through Santa Cruz' highlands
Landmarks Charles Darwin Research Station El Chato Reserve Puerto Ayora - Day 6
Santa Cruz Island to Quito
Have your last breakfast while watching the sea lions and take final photos. Then you'll transfer to Baltra airport for your flights back to the mainland, with a recommended departure around noon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Baltra Airport - Day 7
Quito
Your time with us ends today. You'll head home with memories and photos from the islands. Hopefully this trip will bring you back to Ecuador soon to explore more of what the country has to offer. Buen viaje!
- Meals
- Breakfast
