We arrive at Baltra, the small island that used to be an American militar base until the end of the Second World War. From the airport we take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where we head by ferry for the other side of the Island Santa Cruz.

With a surface of 986 km2, Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago. Colonized since the 1920’s, Puerto Ayora, the populated part of the island, is the most important harbor of the Archipelago. With altitudes reaching 864 m this island comprises all plant zones, ranging from coast to pampas. The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Station are also located in Santa Cruz.

From Puerto Ayora you go by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz while observing the enormous change of vegetation that ranges from dry areas full of cacti to rainforest and fern zones. The green landscape of this area is a welcome contrast with the more arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands.

During a short stop you have the opportunity to take pictures of the Twin Craters. Located one in front of the other on both sides of the road connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the Twin Craters are a magnificent site. They were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, which signals at the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure. The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia Trees, which make the site a beautiful green landscape.

You will visit the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit. Taking a short walk you can also observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.

Enjoy lunch in a typical Hacienda.

After our check-in in the Hotel Lobo de Mar we’ll continue directly to the Charles Darwin Station. Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will have the opportunity to see how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction of brought in animals is very important for the natural balance of the archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with their work at Galapagos.
Dinner and overnight at GRAND HOTEL LOBO DEL MAR.

Breakfast Excursion to North Seymour, a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Blue Footed Boobies are found on the flat area near the coast of this island (they nest from May to November). Continuing the trail to the interior, one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Magnificent Frigatebirds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a great show of acrobatic flight, namely a Frigatebird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigatebird the food. Lunch on board. In the afternoon we will visit Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn't on you! Plaza also boasts excellent examples of typical Galapaganean flora such as the towering cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails. Dinner and overnight at GRAND HOTEL LOBO DEL MAR.

Breakfast Bartolome, a tiny island of just 1.2 km2, offers the visitor one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative character¬istic of Bartolome. The climb to the 114 m high peak, is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit, there is a spectacular view of the surroundings. Bartolome is also a must for the visitor interested in geology. Penguins are common in the bay area. Lunch on board. Relax on the beach while probably being accompanied by Galapagos penguins. The island has two visitors’ sites. At the first one, you may swim and snorkel around the Pinnacle Rock, where the smallest species of penguins are usually seen, or walk to the other side of the island to see white-tipped Reef Sharks which patrol close to shore. This beach is closed from about January to March because of the nesting turtles. Dinner and overnight at GRAND HOTEL LOBO DEL MAR.

Breakfast Transfer to the Baltra Airport and flight to Isabella by small plane, alternatively (depending on number of passengers boat transfer from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island). Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 4,588 sqkm2. Composed by six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass, it also has the highest point of the islands: The Wolf Volcano is 1,700 m high and the equatorial-line runs straight through its massive crater. Lunch at Hotel Casa de Marita. After lunch we visit the impresive rock formation called Tintoreras. During a short walk, we observe sharks swimming between the rocks. The beach of La Loberia is a favorite gathering place for sea lions. They frolic and leap there. As it is an open area, you may explore the beach and its surroundings on your own. Dinner and overnight at HOTEL CASA DE MARITA.

Breakfast Transfer to the Baltra Airport and flight to Isabella by small plane, alternatively (depending on number of passengers boat transfer from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island). Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 4,588 sqkm2. Composed by six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass, it also has the highest point of the islands: The Wolf Volcano is 1,700 m high and the equatorial-line runs straight through its massive crater. Lunch at Hotel Casa de Marita. After lunch we visit the impresive rock formation called Tintoreras. During a short walk, we observe sharks swimming between the rocks. The beach of La Loberia is a favorite gathering place for sea lions. They frolic and leap there. As it is an open area, you may explore the beach and its surroundings on your own. Dinner and overnight at HOTEL CASA DE MARITA.

Breakfast Transfer (by boat or by air) back to Baltra airport to take the flight to Guayaquil or Quito. END OF OUR SERVICES

Minimum 4 passengers.
Price per person: $1465.00 USD based in double occupancy

Excursions on Day 2 and 3 are on Seat-in Basis with English speaking local guides. The itinerary may change, especially on Day 2 and 3 depending on the number of passengers.

Additional Costs: Flight to / from Galapagos depends on season and routing
National Park Entrance Fee $150.00 USD (subject to increase)

Package rate included: - 5 overnights in middle-class-hotel on Galapagos islands - Fullboard (without beverages) - Daily excursions - English speaking local guides - Transfers by boat or plane Baltra – Isabela – Balta

General Conditions:

Rates are per person in USD.

All transfers and excursions are with ENGLISH local speaking guide.

Excursions on Day 2 and 3 are on Seat-in Basis with English speaking local guides.
The itinerary may change, especially on Day 2 and 3 depending on the number of passengers.

Included in our rates are taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge at the hotels as well as the mandatory luggage handling fees at the airports and the hotels.

Not included are airfares, airport-taxes, personal expenses, extras at the hotels and tips.

South American Tours is not responsible for visa and vaccination regulations.

Our general terms and conditions apply.


Cancellations:
Up to 65 days prior to arrival no cancellation fee
From 64 to 31 days prior to arrival 50% cancellation fee
From 30 to 00 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee


Sample airfares (at the time of publishing):