Santa Cruz Y San Cristobal Ecuador

Day 1: Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will go through the National Park control to pay the park entrance fee. After completing the procedures and collecting luggage, a team member will meet you at the airport exit. Together with the guide, you will board the "Lobito" bus to reach the Itabaca Channel. From there, a barge will take you to Santa Cruz Island, and the assigned transport will take you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. Check-in at the hotel (room delivery times depend on hotel policies). Lunch. At the time indicated by the guide, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. During the tour, you can get close to tortoises in their enclosures and see giant cactus forests where various land birds live. Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Day 2: Tortuga Bay and Bay Tour

A 45-minute walk through lush vegetation and fascinating land birds will lead you to one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Galapagos and Ecuador. Here, you will find large black marine iguanas strolling along the soft sand and dunes, making it a great spot for surfing. Return to the hotel for lunch. At the agreed time, you will embark on the Bay Tour, visiting 5 different sites around Academy Bay. The tour includes: Shark Channel: A lookout where you can often spot whitetip reef sharks, conditions permitting.Canal del Amor (Love Channel): Known for its turquoise waters, filled with zapayas, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.Playa de los Perros (Dog Beach): Home to some of the island’s largest marine iguanas.Las Grietas: A fascinating site with deep volcanic fissures filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming or snorkeling to observe tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. End your tour with a refreshing dip in turquoise waters, exploring the vibrant marine life. Lunch, free afternoon, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 3: Cerro Tijeretas, Interpretation Center, Playa Mann

Take the ferry from Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal and check in at the hotel. After lunch, head to Cerro Tijeretas, located near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, once home to a fishing society (La Predial) between 1952 and 1960. The hill is frequented by frigatebirds, giving it its name. This is an excellent place to see magnificent frigatebirds and learn to distinguish their features. Activities include hiking, snorkeling, photography, and filming.

Next, visit the Interpretation Center to explore the islands’ history through natural, human, and conservation contexts. The Natural History Room explains volcanic origins, ocean currents, and species colonization. The Human History Room presents significant events related to discovery and colonization. End the day with a refreshing swim at Playa Mann. Return to the hotel for accommodation.

Day 4: Laguna El Junco – Galapaguera – Puerto Chino

After breakfast, visit Laguna El Junco in the highlands of San Cristóbal, the only freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos Islands. This site offers stunning scenery and, on clear days, panoramic views of almost the entire island. Continue to Galapaguera, a breeding center for giant tortoises, and then proceed to Puerto Chino Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the waves. Return to the hotel for accommodation.

Day 5: San Cristóbal

Depending on your flight time, the guide will assign a pickup time from your hotel for transfer to the airport.