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8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

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8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

8 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Sierra Negra, Aeropuerto de General Villamil, Tortuga Bay

Tour operator:

Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Tour code:

8DGIHSCI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-70

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Private Available:

From:

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Tour Overview

There are destinations that remain forever in the heart, famous for their culture, for their people, for their biodiversity. Places that awaken your senses with colors, smells and flavors, peculiar cities full of music, nightlife and Ecuador that has it all. This small country is located in South America, right in the Middle of the World, It has a privileged location surrounded by the four worlds Costa, Sierra, Amazonia and Region Insular Ecuador is a place of historical and cultural richness, has beautiful landscapes, beaches, waterfalls, majestic active volcanoes, snowfalls, jungles and Enchanted Islands with friendly multi-ethnic and multicultural people that will make your visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights

Explore the Coastal Marvels at Tortuga Bay and Bay Tour
Conquer Sierra Negra through Trekking to the Caldera
Unforgettable day trip to uninhabited island, unique wildlife and scenery.
Encounter Humboldt Penguins on Isabela Island

Places You'll See

8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping In Santa Cruz And Isabela

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome To Galapagos: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

Location: Galápagos Ecologic Airport

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Welcome to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island! After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.

You will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) with our first stop at a local farm in the highlands where there are dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will and enjoy a delicious lunch, to then continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into nature. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

Day 2 : Exploring An Uninhabited Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.

Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour where you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the waters around.

Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.

Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience.

In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

Day 3 : Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon At Leisure In Santa Cruz

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.

• You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería named for the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.

• Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies, you’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.

• Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.

• Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, which are two large cliffs separate filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below.

In the afternoon you will return to the dock and return to your hotel, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon strolling and exploring Puerto Ayora on your own.

Day 4 : Speedboat To Isabela Island & Wildlife On Las Tintoreras Islet

Location: Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Isabela Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your morning with a public speed boat trip to Isabela Island, a 2-hour trip. After arriving, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.

After lunch, join a group tour for a visit to the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling. See Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows.

Afterward, snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. The evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island.

Day 5 : Hiking The Sierra Negra Volcano

Location: Isabela Island, Sierra Negra, Isabela Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda.

Our adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, we will prepare our backpacks and start our walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes.

You'll do a six-hour roundtrip hike to its summit, from where you'll get to see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes in Isabela and Fernandina Islands.

During your climb, make sure to be on the lookout for the unique vegetation that inhabits the area.

Your finishing point is the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, this volcano is still active. Once at the edge of the crater, you will have spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes that surround it. The circumference of the crater is huge, with a diameter of almost 10 km along with its widest point.

You'll have some free time after you get back to Isabela Island. If you still have energy, you can head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.

OPTION 1: NORTH SEYMOUR
We will leave from the Itabaca channel towards North Seymour. North Seymour is a small island with endemic populations of flora and fauna species like the royal frigate and the blue-footed booby. If we are lucky, we will observe the interesting mating rituals of these
species; the frigate puffs up its red jacket at its throat, and the blue-footed booby performs a kind of unique dance. North Seymour also has a thriving colony of land iguanas and sea lions near the coast.
We will walk along different trails for 1 hour and 30 minutes and will admire the wildlife. Later we will enjoy a box lunch. After lunch, we will have the option to practice snorkeling. We will swim near hammerhead sharks, turtles and a wide variety of reef fish.

OPTION 2: SOUTH PLAZAS
We will go to the Itabaca channel towards Plazas Sur. Our navigation will last approximately 2 hours. When we disembark, we will be able to observe one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. Throughout our hike, we will encounter land iguanas and birds as blue-footed boobies, forked nesting gulls, frigates, and pelicans. As a curious date, the vegetation on the island changes its color according to the season; it is dark green in the rainy season and orange or purple in the dry season.
OPTION 3: BARTOLOME
We will navigate from Itabaca Channel to Bartolome. Once in Bartolome, we will walk along a volcanic path of lunar appearance until we reach the highest part of the island to observe the landscape that includes Santiago Island, the immense ocean and the white sand beach. During our tour, it is possible to find penguins, sea lions, white tip sharks, a great variety of reef fish and sea turtles. Return to our hotel in Santa Cruz.

Day 6 : Free Time In Isabela Island

Location: Aeropuerto de General Villamil

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Box lunch

Have fun with an exciting free day on Isabela Island. Rent a bike and visit the famous Wall of Tears, built with the forced labor of prisoners at the island's former penal colony. Then, ride to different viewpoints on the island.

If you prefer to spend the day on the water, Concha Perla (near Puerto Villamil) offers lots of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing on the beach.

For a quiet day of relaxation, stick around the hotel, and enjoy the island's tranquility.

Day 7 : Speedboat To Santa Cruz Island And Kayaking Tortuga Bay

Location: Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Box lunch

Early in the morning, you will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island.

We have reserved kayaks for you at Tortuga Bay. A 45-minute hike will lead you to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. When you are done kayaking, you may stay for sunbathing or snorkeling. Late afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 : Transfer To Airport On Baltra Island

Location: Galápagos Ecologic Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some free time this morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora.

Your driver will transfer you to the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. For the last part of your trip to the airport, you'll take the public shuttle bus to the terminal and check-in for your flight. Farewell Galapagos!

What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation
Fully Guided

English-speaking guides
Meals

Meals according to the itinerary
Transport

Transfers according to the itinerary

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Galapagos Migration Card ($20 per person) - Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person)
Airport Transfers at Destination

International flights - Domestic flights
Insurance

Travel Insurance
Meals

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional

Optional Activities/Excursions

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Ecuador is a small country, in some Andean accommodations, there is no Wi-Fi, and in some others, the connection is not good. Only in the big cities, there is a good Wi-Fi connection.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can arrange any tour or additional service in Ecuador. (Except for activities regulated by low)
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, it is.
What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 16 people
What currencies are required for this tour?

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.

Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

The guide that will be with you in the different activities in the Galápagos Islands, according to the itinerary
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Very good physical condition is required, since you will be doing various activities that require you to be fit
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, there is a Supplement, it depends on the hotels and services. Request to our travel advisor this information.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Visa is not required to enter Ecuador.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, of course, at the time of the confirmation of the services you will know the name of the hotels that you will have throughout your trip.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, our guides speak English (we also have guides in other languages upon request.)
What is the tipping policy?

Tips are well regarded in the country, and depend on the degree of customer satisfaction.
Company Instant Book

We need to check on the availabilities first
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the transfers are included (upon request of our clients).
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, the entrance fees indicated in the itinerary are included.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, there is some free time to enjoy the places to visit.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

For this trip a minimum of 1 passengers is required but you need to pay an extra or you can choose share a room with another passenger.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, flights are not included in our rates. You can book on your own or request a quote from us.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

It depends on the amount of luggage your international flight permits.
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

If there is such a probability
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

The visa is not included in the services
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We can arrange it if you do it before the time limit of our cancellation policies, subject to availability.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No, it is not possible
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

For the past 12 years, Responsible Travel has specialized in creating wonderful memories with our professional and trustworthy providers in every corner of Ecuador. We also collaborate with native communities and local suppliers to ensure that the incoming that comes through responsible travel generates profits for minorities.I am delighted that you are planning to spend your holidays in Ecuador;
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

At your arrival, you must present a COVID-19 vaccinations certificate with at least two doses completed at least 14 days before arrival. This is the only vaccine the government asks as a requirement to enter the territory.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We operate a “single share” only in cruises options.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will receive an Invoice detailing our terms and conditions. a voucher of services that included all the reserved services.
How long has the tour company been trading?

For the past 12 years, we have been operating Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and recently South America destinations.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine United States of America

8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

23-Dec-2023

Had an amazing time in Ecuador and visiting the Galapagos. Alvaro planned an amazing itinerary for us, and we had a great balance of activities and rest

Jessica United States of America

8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

17-Jul-2023

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to our last day - everything was flawlessly planned and executed. Alvaro put together the perfect itinerary for us, and was always available during the course of the trip, and managed to change our plans at the last minute during our trip. All of our guides, drivers, tour operators, etc. were excellent - special mentions to Chris and Alejandro! Ecuador is a spectacular place to visit. I would highly recommend a trip - from the volcanos, cloud rainforest, jungle, Galapagos Islands, and the wonderful people. Thanks again Alvaro for planning such an epic visit!

Jessica United States of America

8 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

24-Sep-2023

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the area and history but also about current events and daily life. The food was delicious and healthy. In the Galapagos, we learned about wildlife and had many up-close experiences with the animals. We felt very welcomed everywhere we went, and we can’t wait to come back for another adventure in Ecuador!

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Dates & Availability

Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 30, 2024 - May 07, 2024

~~$2175~~ $1971 (USD)