Journeys: Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Step into the dense heritage of Ecuador's capital with a morning walk through Quito's historic heart, marveling at the intricate details of La Compañía de Jesús and the colonial architecture of San Francisco Plaza. Savor the complex flavors of pure Andean cacao during a curated chocolate tasting, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit the Intiñan Museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.

Stop at the 'middle of the Earth' to set foot on both sides of the equator and see the Quitsato sundial.

Depart your hotel for the scenic drive to Mariscal Sucre International Airport, leaving the high Andean capital behind as you prepare to board your flight west to the legendary Galápagos Islands.

Fly from Ecuador's capital to Baltra Island as the Pacific Ocean unfolds beneath you.

Following a short transfer and a scenic ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel, board a private vehicle on the northern shores of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a relaxing journey across the island' taking in the striking volcanic scenery before stopping for lunch.

Delight in a locally sourced lunch at a highland organic farm, followed by an insightful walk among the native Scalesia and pineapple crops to learn about the region's unique botany and historic coffee cultivation. Contribute to the preservation of this delicate ecosystem by joining your fellow travelers to plant a native tree, then celebrate the afternoon by savoring a freshly brewed cup of the estate's exquisite coffee.

After lunch, continue driving to the southern edge of Santa Cruz Island, to the town of Puerto Ayora.

Drive north from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel where the boat awaits for today's adventure.

Cast off from the Itabaca Channel and navigate to one of the archipelago’s pristine uninhabited islands like Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe. Disembark with your naturalist guide and explore on foot to observe the unique endemic wildlife and dramatic geology up close before lunch back on board the boat. Next, slip into the water for a spectacular snorkeling session among gliding rays, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish before cruising back to Santa Cruz. *Please note that the exact sites visited are determined by the Galapagos National Park's allotments for each day and are subject to change at their discretion.

Drive back to Puerto Ayora following a full day of exploration and adventure.

As dusk approaches, the evening is yours to enjoy. Stroll the lively waterfront of Puerto Ayora, seek out a charming local restaurant for dinner, or simply relax at your hotel after a day of discovery.

Accompanied by the songs of Darwin's finches and towering cacti, walk the forested pathway to Tortuga Bay, where plunging seabirds and sunbathing marine iguanas share an expansive stretch of magnificent white sand. Just beyond lies Playa Mansa, a serene, mangrove-fringed cove that invites you to swim through calm waters inhabited by gliding rays and passing sea turtles.

Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

Navigate the open waters to the easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristóbal.

Trace the fascinating evolution of the islands at the Interpretation Center before following a scenic uphill path to the sweeping coastal overlooks of Tijeretas. Marvel at the frigatebirds flying above while observing marine iguanas and sea lions resting along the rugged shoreline.

Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the town, walk along the seaside malecón, relax in a cafe or laze by the pool at the hotel.

The day is yours to explore, offering the perfect opportunity to relax in town, unwind on the beach, or arrange an optional excursion to Kicker Rock or La Lobería.

Board your return flight from San Cristóbal to mainland Ecuador, where your extraordinary Galápagos expedition comes to a close as you touch down in Quito.