Day 1
Welcome to Quito.
Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Considered the Cultural Capital of South America, the city lies on the equator, nestled in a valley at the base of the Pichincha volcano.
Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Quito’s old town and its surroundings. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you organise a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. This briefing will cover all details of your adventure and address any questions you may have. The first day is dedicated to acclimatisation and information.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: None
Day 2
Flight to the Galapagos Islands and Santa Cruz Island
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz Island, crossing the narrow Itabaca Channel by ferry. We’ll continue by car to our first stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. Here, you’ll visit a private ranch and enjoy lunch before embarking on a walk in search of the tortoises. You’ll also visit lava tubes, formed by the cooling of lava flows. After the tour, you’ll continue by private vehicle to your hotel, where your local guide will greet you and explain the following day's itinerary. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: La Isla or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Academy Bay and Snorkelling
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack everything you need for the trip; optional snorkelling equipment will be provided free of charge. The tour includes a boat ride to Academy Bay, where you can swim and snorkel with exotic fish, marine life, and the famous sea lions—curious creatures that love to swim alongside you. You'll also have the chance to observe the blue-footed boobies. Afterward, hike to a nearby viewpoint for the chance to spot white-tipped reef sharks swimming below. Finish with a walk along Playa de los Perros, where many sea iguanas bask in the sun. The towering cacti, vivid red rocks, and sparkling turquoise ocean provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Accommodation: La Isla or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Charles Darwin Research Station and San Cristobal Island
In the morning, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the endemic species of the Galapagos and the ongoing conservation efforts. In the afternoon, we’ll travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island, where we’ll check into our hotel.
Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Isla Lobos and San Cristobal
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to a dock for a short boat ride to Isla Lobos. Even before you step onto the island, you'll likely spot many marine animals. Upon arrival, a guided tour will offer the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions, and sometimes sharks, all of which inhabit the island and its surrounding waters. The island's white coral beaches are perfect for walking, relaxing, and swimming before we return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Departure to Quito
Enjoy some free time in the morning before transferring to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you'll have the evening at leisure to unwind before your departure.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Farewell
Today, your trip concludes with your international departure. Take with you the memories and photos of this unforgettable journey, and leave a piece of your heart behind—you'll want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanting land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!
Meals included: Breakfast
