Ecuador Travel - Sample Galapagos itinerary: Five days | galapagos

Galapagos

Sample Galapagos itinerary: Five days

Marine sea lions, Rabida Island.

1st day: Quito / Guayaquil – Galapagos (Baltra) –Santa Cruz Island

Flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos; arrival and transfer to boat.
Visit to Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island; walk to a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other bird species. Optional hike to the top of the hill, from which there is an excellent view of the bay and an iguana nesting site.

Pinnacle Rock, Bartolome Island.

2nd day: Rábida Island – Santiago Island

Santiago Island has outstanding white and black sand beaches. Visitors to this island can see the Galapagos fur seals, lava rocks, and volcanic lava landscapes. What is more, it is an excellent place to see various species of herons and marine iguanas, while watching small crabs run around. This is an excellent site to swim and dive to observe marine life.
Rábida Island, located further out to sea from San Salvador Island, has red beaches of volcanic origin and is frequented by sea lions. It is often considered to be the geographical center of the Galapagos due to its different volcanic rocks. Colonies of flamingos, brown pelicans, boobies, and nine species of Darwin finches can be seen here.

Galapagos penguins, Isabela Island.

3rd day: Isabela Island – Fernandina Island

Visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, the largest island of the archipelago and home to the largest population of giant turtles. Visitors can explore a cove by boat and see penguins, pelicans, and other marine birds.
On Fernandina Island, home to the largest colony of marine iguanas, a flat lava field serves as a nesting site for cormorants. Sea lions stretch out on the beaches next to natural pools, while Galapagos hawks keep a close eye on visitors.

Marine iguana, Turtle Bay, Santa Cruz Island.

4th day: Bartolomé Island – Santa Cruz Island

Visit Bartolomé, a small island characterized by its beautiful beaches and green mangroves in the lower part and its lunar landscapes of volcanic formations in the upper part. Climb up the wooden stairs that take you to the top, from where there is an impressive view of the islands, including Roca Pináculo, an eroded volcanic cone. Snorkel with penguins, marine turtles, and white fin sharks. Sail to Santa Cruz Island.

Galapagos cruise.

5th day: Galapagos (Baltra) – Quito / Guayaquil

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where national and international scientists carry out biological research and conservation projects. Here, you can also see giant tortoises and their one-year-old offspring. Transfer to airport to catch flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

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Summary

Blue footed boobie nesting.

Nature at its purest Galapagos is one of the most important national parks in the world. It has 13 main islands and dozens of islets and minor volcanic islands. This archipelago, 97% of which is protected by the government, is located almost 620 miles from the Ecuadorian coast and is characterized by its white-sand beaches, cactus forests, giant turtles, and colored birds – such as the blue-footed, redfooted and masked boobies, flamingos, and penguins. The Islands...

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Antisana volcano.

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