Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Galapagos Islands Extension Dates: Any days you would like!
Pricing: Please contact us for a custom quote.
Explore one of the most famous and amazing spots in South America on our intimate and innovative Galapagos Islands extension! Located off the coast of Ecuador, the incredible Galapagos Islands are one of the few remaining spots on earth where natural habits remain virtually unchanged for thousands of years. With wildlife found nowhere else, sea currents that bring rich and diverse sea life to the archipelago, incredible beaches and transparent waters, the Galapagos Islands are a dream come true for nature lovers. Our Galapagos Island extension combines incredible snorkeling opportunities, scenic hikes, and time to relax on the beach and explore on your own.
This Galapagos tour is an excellent opportunity to unwind after an adventure through Peru and Bolivia, or a stand alone, once-in-a-lifetime experience! You can learn more about each island in our About the Galapagos Islands blog.
After a short flight from Ecuador´s mainland, arrive in the renowned Galapagos Islands, home to unique and diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, world-class snorkeling, and stunning volcanic landscapes. From the airport, check into your seaside hotel, then make your way to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will have the unforgettable opportunity to observe the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. You´ll have the late afternoon free to relax or enjoy an optional activity.
Early morning departure for Bartolome Island, home to some of the best views of the archipelago and the famous Pinnacle Rock. We begin with a scenic hike, to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views, interesting lava formations, and the island´s landmark Pinnacle Rock. Next, enjoy snorkeling and swimming in calm, crystal clear waters just off the beach. Bartolome´s waters are home to sea lions, sea turtles, reef sharks, penguins, and a variety of reef fish. Evening return to your comfortable Santa Cruz hotel.
*The Bartolome Island visit can be substituted for a day trip to South Plaza, North Seymour or Santa Fe Island, if you prefer.
After breakfast, depart for an amazing 4D/3N stay on Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. The island remains volcanically active, and offers a wide range of wildlife spotting activities, both on land and by sea. Arrive mid-morning, and get settled in your charming hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy fine snorkeling in Concha Perla. Swim with sea lions, colorful varieties of fish and, with luck, sea turtles and rays.
After breakfasts, get ready to visit to Tintoreras Islet. Make our way to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats (12 passenger capacity). After a short ride (approx. 20 min.) we will arrive at Tintoreras Islet. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white-tipped fins Tintorera Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island. Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close-up with them. After a hike around the islet, get back on the boat and cool off by snorkeling in the waters nearby. Swimming next to multicolor fish, starfish, sea urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions is a major highlight in this excursion. After a fascinating experience we will return to the hotel for lunch.
After breakfast, get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike. Travel approximately 45 minutes by truck to begin the 12 km hike (approx. 4 hours). The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will then reach Volcan Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of the islands.
Afternoon departure for Santa Cruz Island, where you´ll spend the night in advance of a morning return flight to mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil).
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Baltra Airport for your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil A visit to the breathtaking Twin Craters on the way out may be possible, depending on your departure time.
