Galápagos Island Hopping Land-Only

From

CAD 2,719

Duration

7 days

Countries

Ecuador

Activity

moderate

Group size

Max 16

The adventure

Looking for more than a cruise to the islands? A week of touring the less-explored parts of the Galápagos Islands is the answer. We’ll start in Santa Cruz, then head to Floreana to stay on a part of the island that sees less visitors than the rest. From there it’s on to Isabela for a few days of hiking, snorkelling, and visiting the island’s main highlights. Top that off with a hike up Sierra Negra Volcano – the second-largest volcanic crater in the world – along with the Galápagos’ typical array of exotic wildlife and prepare to be amazed.

Arrive in Baltra and make your way to the hotel in Santa Cruz. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area before an evening welcome meeting to become acquainted with the group.

In the morning, walk to "Las Grietas" located across Academy Bay, walk through a rugged cactus forest on the way to this stunning lagoon. In the afternoon, hop on a speedboat to nearby Floreana Island. Stay in the G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eat meals in the community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.

Day by day

Your journey through

Ecuador

Day 1Arrive in Baltra and make your way…Puerto AyoraAs reaching the hotel in Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) from the Baltra airport can be tricky, exit the airport and head for the public bus to Itabaca Canal. From there, take a ferry across the canal to Santa Cruz Island. From the ferry terminal, opt to take a taxi or bus to Puerto Ayora, typically a 45-min ride.

Scenic view of a coastal town with numerous boats in the bay, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Puerto Ayora

As reaching the hotel in Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) from the Baltra airport can be tricky, exit the airport and head for the public bus to Itabaca Canal. From there, take a ferry across the canal to Santa Cruz Island. From the ferry terminal, opt to take a taxi or bus to Puerto Ayora, typically a 45-min ride.

Day 2In the morning

Day 3Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia

Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach time or swimming. Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history.

Day 4Travel to Isabela Island

Travel to Isabela Island. Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano and walk around the rim of the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago.

Day 5Enjoy free time in the morningExplore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.

Explore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.

Day 6Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz IslandIn the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.

In the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.

Day 7Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.

Depart at any time.