The Tour of the Archipelago
Everything you need to know about your trip through the archipelago. What you're going to see, where you're going to see it, and when to see it best
Where you're Going
The trip starts by getting off the plane at Isla Seymour, the sister island of Santa Cruz, the first island. As part of Day 1 of the trip, you will drive to Puerto Ayora, the major town, and visit the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, which is home to numerous tortoises and finches. Day 2 takes you to Tortuga Bay, a long sandy beach, a resting spot for many marine iguanas. At the end of Day 2, you will take a boat ride to Puerto Villamil.
After touching down on Isabela there will be a short break before you will go snorkeling at Los Tuneles to see the Galapagos Penguin on Day 3. Day 4 takes you up for a 16 km hike around Sierra Negra, which is populated with a multitude of Lava Lizards. The final trip on this island on Day 5 is to see the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, looking at the difference of tortoises and the genetically unique flamingoes.
Leaving at the end of Day 5 by plane, you will touch down on the final island, Isla San Cristobal. Planned on Day 6 is a short walk to Muelle Tijeretas to view the Magnificent Frigatebirds. The last day, Day 7 is spent leisurely walking around Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, looking at the Sea Lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs which populate the coastline. Finally on Day 8 you head home, leaving from the aiport.
Isla Santa Cruz
The central island in the archipelago. Chosen since it is one of most developed, with plenty of restaurants to eat at and with excellent choices for accommodation. Other reasons include the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, with many tortoises and different species moving around or resting in the mud, and a large marine iguana colony with hundreds of the reptiles.
Isla Isabela
Isla Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago. It was chosen as the second island to visit due to the unique opportunity to hike up the large caldera, while looking out for brightly coloured lava lizards, with different colourations from other islands. Another good reason is to go swimming with the Galapagos penguins in Los Tuneles, a large system of collapsed and flooded lava tunnels. The final reason is the Tortoise Breeding Centre, made for supporting the tortoise population, and as a nice side bonus, flamingoes enjoy foraging and resting in the lakes outside.
Isla San Cristobal
As the final island to visit on your journey, San Cristobal was the natural choice. The bustling town is the perfect place to recuperate after the busy few days. While on the island you can go for a short trek to Muelle Tijeretas to watch Magnificent Frigatebirds fly along the cliffs and trees. Then, just before you finish the trip, go for a stroll down the coast watching Sally Lightfoot Crabs run across the rocks and watch Galapagos Sea Lions frolic in the shallows. Then it's time to head home, leaving from the San Cristobal Airport.