5 DAY MULTISPORT ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

Day 1: Baltra airport - Santa Cruz - Isabela

Welcome to the Galapagos Islands! Upon arrival you will be picked up from Baltra airport and you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora. From the airport we first take a shuttle transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A short ferry ride will get you to the other side of the channel. From here you continue by private transportation to Puerto Ayora, from where you will take a public speedboat to Isabela Island at 2 PM. The boat ride will take about 2.5 hours and can be bumpy, depending on the weather and time of the year. You will be picked up from the pier of Isabela and taken to your hotel. After checking in you can visit the Flamingo Lagoon on your own. The Flamingo Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the grand majority of flamingos. Overnight at the Isabela Beach House or similar.
Meals included: -

Day 2: Isabela

Today we are going to do a snorkeling tour at the Cabo Rosa Lava Tunnels. The tour begins by taking a 45 minute speedboat ride to the western side of Puerto Villamil to one of the most astonishing snorkeling locations in the Galapagos Islands: Los Tuneles. A series of lava flows have created hundreds of arches and tunnels, both above and below the water. The striking geological formations are outdone only by the extraordinary collection of creatures that call this place home. The water is cool and still and an astonishing array of marine life is visible from above as you walk across the lava arches and bridges or from below as you snorkel in this unique habitat. The tour takes about 5 to 6 hours. First we will do a small hike along the lava formations; during the walk it is possible to see rays and sea turtles on the surface and you can observe different species of birds such as: blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and pelicans. Afterwards we go snorkeling; here you can see sea turtles, sharks, rays, seahorses, schools of fish and Galapagos penguins! In the afternoon we are going to do an exciting activity: rappelling into the Trillizos volcano in the highlands of Isabela! We start with a walk through the flora and fauna of Isabela and then we will rappel down for about 150 meters in harness inside the interior of a large lava tunnel. You will see minerals and the amazing environment gives a good understanding of the formation of the island. Overnight at the Isabela Beach House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 3: Isabela

In the morning you will go by bike, on your own, to the tortoise breeding center, the wetlands and the Wall of Tears, which is the most important historical site of Isabela, located at approx. 8 km from the town. From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation. Close to the Wall of Tears there is an observation tower where you can enjoy a view over the volcanic landscape of Isabela and its shore. On your way you can stop at Playita del Amor and El Estero, a small beach where you can see three types of mangroves, penguins, marine iguanas and blue footed boobies. During your bike ride you will likely see giant tortoises in the wild. You can also visit the Tortoise Breeding Center “Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan” in Puerto Villamil where you can see baby tortoises and learn about the important Galapagos Islands breeding program. In the afternoon we are going to the Tintoreras Islet by kayak. We begin in the bay of Puerto Villamil and paddle out to Tintoreras Islet. The instructor will explain the entire route, instructions and recommendations before starting the excursion. Around the Tintoreras Islet you will be able to appreciate different animals as you paddle such as sea birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, rays and penguins. It is also possible to take a break from the kayaking and snorkel around Tintoreras and swim with the marine animals. Overnight at the Isabela Beach House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Isabela

After breakfast we start our hiking tour to the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the five volcanoes on the island of Isabela, and this volcano has the second largest volcanic crater in the world. During the Sierra Negra Volcano Tour you hike to the edge of the crater and then trek across a landscape of lava fields. The Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, with the last eruption in 2018. Though you won't see any lava flowing, you will have the opportunity to explore thermal vents and other fascinating geologic features. The views from this spot are among the most breathtaking of Isabela and on clear afternoons you can observe the northern volcanoes on Isabela and Fernandina. During this hike you won´t see any animals, the real focus is the geology of the Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes. Please note this is a 3-4 hour hike and bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a rain jacket/windbreaker. The rest of the afternoon you have free time to enjoy the beautiful beach in Isabela or you can go snorkeling in the Concha de Perla Lagoon, which is located at approx. 15 minutes walking from town. The last part of the walk to this snorkeling site consists of a wooden walkway where sea lions like to take a rest. Overnight at the Isabela Beach House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 5: Isabela - Santa Cruz - Baltra airport

At 6 AM you will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival a driver will pick you up from the pier and you will be transferred to Baltra airport. You will be accompanied until check-in at the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast