A group of over 50 islands and rocks where nature has evolved as plants and animals have adapted to their surroundings in complete isolation. Uninhabited by humans and large predators until the 16th century, the islands created a pure environment for natural development. Galapagos has fascinated explorers and scientists throughout time, starting with Charles Darwin, who was astonished by the uniqueness of its species and their marked differences from island to island. His observations lead him to conceive his masterpiece: The Origin of Species, a book that would change the concepts of science forever.
The Galapagos may well be the only place on Earth where the wildlife is not afraid of humans. This can lead to some once-in-a-lifetime encounters with some fascinating animals: marine and land iguanas, sea lions, 16 species of whales, seven species of dolphins, 12 species of sharks, rays, sea turtles, penguins, blue-footed, boobies, frigate birds and, of course, the giant Galapagos Tortoise. Nowadays, visitors from all over the world come to what is probably the most spectacular and pristine national Park in the World, to admire its natural wealth. Naturalist guides lead groups through the park and explain about the fascinating geological and natural history. Galapagos represents the perfect balance of nature. To witness Galapagos’ treasures, to walk on the marked paths is by itself one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences. Still, the archipelago’s generosity embraces many other options to thoroughly enjoy the visits. There is always the possibility for great hikes, sea kayaking, snorkeling, scuba-diving, mountain biking and even horseback riding. Nothing compares to the feeling of closeness to nature offered by these experiences.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
The flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at the Galapagos, our guide will meet you and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbour. Motorized rafts will transport you to your luxury ship and the crew will welcome you onboard. After lunch, you embark on our first visit of the trip, to the beautiful Plaza Island.
These are two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape in which the fauna and flora of Galápagos are enhanced. Moreover, despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. It is possible to guarantee the observation of land iguanas that often are in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually swallow –tailed gulls, which seen along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. The principal attraction of Plazas is the land iguanas, the sea lions and the swallow – tailed gulls. Also we can see yellow – tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.
Day 2
This morning, you will visit San Cristobal Island and its Interpretation Centre, which gives an excellent introduction to the Galapagos Islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. It is located in the outskirts of the small city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos Province.
We continue with a trip to the Tijeretas Hill, where visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the white beaches on one side and the roofs of Puerto Baquerizo on the other. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds, giving it its name. Here it is possible to see Magnificent Frigate birds and Great Frigate birds in the same colony which makes it the perfect place to compare and learn how to distinguish them.
In the afternoon, we visit Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Islet). This small islet, located only an hour by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is separated from the main Island by a narrow stretch of calm water. Upon its rocky shores blue-footed boobies nest and sea lions rest. The atmosphere here is one of tranquility and primitive beauty, which makes it a very typical Galapagos environment.
Day 3
We commence our day with a visit to Española Island and Gardner Bay. Located on the northeastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and an opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystalline waters of the ocean.
After lunch, we continue to Punta Suarez. This rocky point of land sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galápagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.
Day 4
Today we visit Floreana Island and Cormorant Point, which probably offers one of the largest and the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. It is situated between two tuff cones that give the area a special atmosphere. This is a unique zone due to the high percentage of endemism of the plant species. Two very distinct beaches characterize this island: the ‘Green beach’ (due to high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the ‘Flour sand beach’ made up of coral.
In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Post Office Bay. This site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed here in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship and it has been used since then by sailors and tourists as a post office. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was also the landing area for some of the first colonists.
Day 5
Today we visit Santa Cruz Island and the Charles Darwin Station. Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out.
As we embark on a visit to this island, the trail to the highlands passes through the agricultural zone. With clear weather, this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round.
Day 6
This morning, we visit Chinese hat, which is a small Island just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island and it’s less than a quarter of one sq km in size. It is a fairly recent volcanic cone, which accounts for its descriptive name. The hat shape is best appreciated from the northside of the island. Opposite Sombrero Chino, on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, Galapagos penguins are often seen.
A 400m trail goes around the cove and through a sea lion colony - while marine iguanas cover the landscape. The volcanic scenery is attractive, and there are good views of the cone. There are snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the cove.
The wet landing on the dark sands of Puerto Egas on James Bay (Santiago Island) leads to one of the more rewarding visits in the Galapagos. First, a trail leads inland to the remains of a salt mining operation, one of several largely unsuccessful attempts to commercialize the Galapagos. Some groups will make the 1 hour round trip to the Sugarloaf Volcano (about 1000 ft elevation). But the real highlight of this visit is Fur Seal Grotto, where one can get very close views of both fur seals and sea lions in a series of rocky pools. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seal, once thought to be on the verge of extinction.
Day 7
Our visit to the Bahia Sullivan on Santiago Island provides a unique opportunity to view a recent lava flow of approximately 100 years old. The East Side of James Island is known to have barren volcanic landscapes, dominated by black lava flows of very young age. On the surface of the lava is possible to observe trees that were carried down by the flow of the fresh lava.
We then continue with a visit to Bartholomew Island, a small barren island, located across Sullivan Bay, off James Island. Here visitors can experience two very different landscapes. It is possible to climb to the summit of the island, from where one can observe a variety of volcanic formations, spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. This moon-like landscape provides the most scenic panorama in the archipelago. While on the other side, one can swim and snorkel from a beautiful beach or walk across the isthmus to another beach that faces south, where swimming is prohibited.& Multi–coloured fish and occasionally penguins may be seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartholomew’s landscape.
Day 8
We conclude our trip to this amazing archipelago with a visit to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Here two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War.
We then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.
