Galapagos Adventure and Wildlife Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome Meeting in Quito

Today you are free to explore Quito on your own, as your tour officially starts in the evening with your welcome meeting. During the meeting, you’ll meet your guide and other group members and learn all about the adventure you’re about to embark on!
Overnight Location: Swissotel or similar
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Giant Tortoises and Local Brews

The day begins with a smooth transfer to the airport for the flight to Baltra (not included), followed by a warm welcome from a National Park–certified Naturalist Guide. A combined road-and-ferry journey to Santa Cruz Island sets the tone for the adventure ahead, introducing the landscapes and rhythms of the Galápagos.

In the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, the experience unfolds with lunch at El Chato Reserve and a memorable walk among wild giant tortoises in their natural environment. Birdlife flourishes throughout the area, and a guided exploration of ancient lava tunnels adds a dramatic geological element to the visit. A stop at a family-run craft brewery rounds out the highlands experience with local flavors and a look at sustainable brewing practices.

The day concludes in Puerto Ayora with free time to enjoy cafés, artisan shops, or waterfront dining. After sunset, the town’s docks offer a magical spectacle as blacktip sharks, rays, and other marine creatures glide through the illuminated waters—a perfect finale to a full and immersive day in the Galápagos.
Overnight Location: Hotel La Isla or similar, Santa Cruz
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3 Bay Exploration and Island Hopping to Isabela

The morning begins with a scenic bay tour showcasing coastal wildlife and dramatic lava formations, followed by a refreshing swim at Las Grietas’ crystal-clear channels. Snorkeling in the bay adds excitement, with chances to spot colorful fish, rays, sharks, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Back in Puerto Ayora, free time allows for a relaxed lunch at one of several recommended restaurants featuring fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views. In the afternoon, a water taxi carries the group to Isabela Island, where pristine landscapes provide refuge for marine iguanas, flamingos, giant tortoises, and the rare Galápagos penguins.

Upon arrival in Isabela, a representative assists with hotel transfer and dinner suggestions, leaving the rest of the evening free to enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere. A beach stroll or a sunset over the Pacific offers a perfect close to the day’s adventures.
Overnight Location: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Island Adventure: Biking and Marine Life

The day begins with a scenic biking adventure along Isabela Island’s exclusive trails, revealing diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Highlights include the vibrant Wetlands, where lagoons, mangroves, and swamps provide habitat for flamingos, herons, finches, and many other tropical birds. Along the way, meaningful stops—such as the historic Wall of Tears—offer insight into both the island’s natural richness and its complex human history.

The route continues to Playa del Amor, known for dramatic black lava formations and the island’s largest population of marine iguanas. A visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center further enriches the experience, showcasing essential conservation efforts that support the recovery of giant tortoise populations through every stage of life, from fragile hatchlings to fully grown adults.

In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to Tintoreras Islet, a volcanic landscape surrounded by crystal-clear waters. A memorable snorkeling excursion reveals abundant marine life, including Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, colorful fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tip reef sharks. For those staying above the surface, the striking contrast of black rock, turquoise sea, and thriving wildlife offers unforgettable views and exceptional photographic opportunities.
Overnight Location: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 Trek to the Sierra Negra Volcano

The day begins with a journey into the highlands of Isabela Island for a trek to the magnificent Sierra Negra Volcano, home to one of the world’s largest calderas. This remarkable formation stretches nearly six miles across and offers sweeping views that showcase the volcanic character of the region.

The hike follows the rim of the caldera, revealing fresh volcanic material from the 2018 eruption and providing expansive vistas that, on clear days, extend to remote areas such as Elizabeth Bay. Along the trail, sightings of native species—including the Galápagos hawk, finches, and vermilion flycatchers—add vibrant moments of wildlife observation.

After returning from the highlands, the remainder of the day invites relaxation with a peaceful sunset by the shore or further exploration at nearby beaches such as Concha Perla. Calm waters and tranquil scenery create an ideal setting to close a day filled with discovery and connection to Isabela’s natural wonders.
Overnight Location: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast and box lunch

Day 6 Discovering the Wonders of Los Tuneles and El Finado

The day begins with an unforgettable journey to Los Tuneles, one of the most iconic snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. Ancient lava flows created natural arches, tunnels, and lagoons both above and below water, forming a maze-like landscape teeming with marine life. Boats glide through the volcanic formations, while rocky paths allow exploration of arches where blue-footed boobies can be seen performing their captivating courtship dances.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters reveals an underwater paradise. White-tip reef sharks rest in shaded tunnels, sea turtles glide gracefully, eagle rays sweep across sandy seabeds, and schools of colorful reef fish dart among the rocks. Playful sea lions often swim alongside, creating unforgettable, interactive encounters in a sheltered and serene environment.

After lunch on board, the adventure continues to El Finado, a secluded snorkeling site once used by local fishermen. Here, manta rays and stingrays glide through calm waters, octopuses blend with rocky seabeds, and starfish in vivid colors decorate the ocean floor. For those who prefer to stay dry, dramatic volcanic landscapes and turquoise waters provide breathtaking views from the boat.

As the sun sets, the day concludes with a relaxing Ecuadorian wine-tasting social hour, offering a moment to reflect and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Isabela. The evening ends with a delicious dinner at a charming local eatery, providing a perfect close to a day filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery.
Overnight Location: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 Kayak with Penguins, Fly to San Cristóbal

After an early breakfast, a thrilling kayaking excursion awaits, navigating small islets shaped by jagged volcanic rock and narrow underwater canyons teeming with marine life. Paddling in the open Pacific, dramatic volcanic landscapes frame encounters with playful Galapagos penguins, diving blue-footed boobies, and curious sea lions. The serene waters and close wildlife encounters make this a truly magical and unforgettable adventure.

Following the morning adventure, there is time for check-out and lunch before a scenic island hopper flight to San Cristóbal (included in tour price), the easternmost island of the Galápagos, formed by several extinct volcanoes. Upon arrival, a representative assists with transfer and hotel check-in, after which free time is available to relax or explore the island’s beaches, streets, and natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Overnight Location: Hotel Seaside or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Snorkeling Kicker Rock and Island Life

The day begins with an exciting boat journey across sapphire-blue waters to Kicker Rock, an iconic volcanic formation rising 500 feet above the ocean. This dramatic landmark provides a stunning backdrop and some of the best wildlife sightings in the Galapagos.

Snorkeling in the channel at Kicker Rock offers an unforgettable underwater experience, with encounters including white-tip reef sharks, rays, playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish. Two opportunities to explore these waters reveal the rich marine biodiversity that makes the Galapagos world-renowned for snorkeling.

Afterward, the group relaxes on a pristine white-sand beach and enjoys a freshly prepared lunch on board. In the afternoon, a cultural visit to a local fisherman’s home provides a hands-on Ecuadorian cooking class, sharing traditional recipes and stories about island life. The day concludes with free time to stroll through town and soak in the tranquil evening atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Hotel Seaside or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 Return to Quito

After a leisurely final breakfast in the Galapagos, a transfer will bring the group to San Cristobal Island Airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador (not included), which may include a brief stop in Guayaquil and takes approximately 2–3 hours. Upon arrival in Quito, a team will provide a warm welcome and assist with transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable return to the city.
Overnight Location: Swissotel or Similar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Tour Ends

Your tour is complete after you’ve checked out of your hotel this morning. It’s time to continue to your next destination or start the journey home!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast