Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival at San Cristóbal Island
After arrival in the San Cristóbal airport, you will be transferred with the help of the Elite staff to your first experience, La Galapaguera Tortoise Breeding Centre
El Junco Lagoon, San Cristóbal island
Afternoon: El Junco Lagoon is one of the few permanent sources of fresh water in Galapagos. It escapes evaporation thanks to its altitude - about 700 metres above sea level in the humid highlands of San Cristóbal. It takes 45 minutes by bus from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The name comes from the many sage or "junco" plants around the lagoon. El Junco covers about 60,000 square metres and holds about 30 million litres of fresh water. The lagoon was created because the collapsed cone of a long-extinct volcano was located at this site. The only source of water here is rain, and so the depth of the lake changes throughout the year, but it has never dried up since time immemorial. Scientists even suspect that the lagoon may have remained filled (with fresh water) since the end of the last ice age. On the way to the lagoon, you will ascend through different vegetation zones before reaching this wonderful viewpoint. This viewpoint is not only excellent for taking in the beautiful scenery, but also very good for spotting a variety of bird species, including rare mockingbirds, Bahama ducks and even Galapagos frigatebirds that come here to bathe their feathers in fresh water. The lagoon is surrounded by tree ferns and miconia bushes.
Day 2
North Seymour island
Morning: The small island of North Seymour is one of the most diverse islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It is only about two square kilometres in size and is above all known for the intensive courtship rituals of many magnificent frigatebirds, taking place here during mating season. The island is also home to large colonies of land iguanas, marine iguanas, and sea lions. The characteristic bush landscape features diverse species of animals amongst the aromatic endemic balsa trees.
Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz island
Afternoon: Dragon Mountain represents a great success in the history of the maintenance and protection of the nature of the Galapagos Islands. By 1975, almost all the land lizards of Dragon Mountain were extinct, as introduced dogs hunted them and drastically decimated the numbers. With the Galapagos breeding program, the population could be increased again and already in 1991, the last captive-born land lizard was released into the wild. Since then, the breeding stations have been controlling populations and trying to restore and support the species' population as best they can. But not only the mountain has a lot to offer, already the coast is impressive! The rocky beach is a beautiful place to get to know the underwater world and see rays, sharks, and green sea turtles. At the foot of the mountain, you will pass two saltwater lagoons where you may see a flamingo or two, and you may also encounter Darwin's finches and mockingbirds during the short hike up.
Day 3
Sierra Negra, Isabela island
Morning: Sierra Negra is the third highest volcano on Isabela Island and the fifth highest in the Galapagos. (1124 m). It erupted a total of 7 times in the 20th century, most recently in October 2005. It is the only volcano on Isabela whose crater region is open to tourism. A half-day hike through the cloud forests brings you to a viewpoint on the rim of the crater and offers fantastic views into the caldera (clear weather required, although unpredictable; thanks to prevailing winds, most clouds dissipate at the viewpoint). The caldera measures about 7 x 9 km and is the largest in the archipelago. A somewhat muddy path along the rim takes you through an evergreen cloud forest that exists only in the highlands of the main islands. The dense and rich vegetation includes ferns, tree ferns and endemic scalesias, laden with epiphytes such as lichens, orchids, and bromeliads. The mist and drizzle - frequent in the cool Garúa season (June-December) - adds to the mysterious atmosphere. Along the way, you may also spot striking songbirds such as the vermilion finch, the golden warbler, and the woodpecker finch (among six other species of Darwin's finches); this species hammers branches like a woodpecker and uses twigs as tools to catch insects!
Tortoise breeding center, Isabela island
Afternoon: After a short walk from the port town of Puerto Villamil, you will reach the Arnaldo Tupiza Interpretation and Breeding Center for Tortoises. A wooden walkway leads to the center and through the impressive surrounding wetlands, which are a wonder in themselves. At the center, you can see five different species of tortoises! They are all endemic to Isabela Island, but various influences, such as volcanic eruptions and imported animals, have destroyed their natural habitat. Here at the turtle breeding center, the eggs are protected and incubated in warmth, while the adult turtles spend their time outside on the huge property. This program was created to increase the turtle population again, as they are an important part of the island's ecology.
Day 4
Punta Moreno, Isabela island
Morning: Punta Moreno is a rugged young lava bay. At first it appears to be a lifeless landscape, however as you walk over the cooled lava, you'll see new green areas and lagoons hosting a wide variety of birds. Marine iguanas and lava lizards are usually found in the lagoons you'll often meet flamingos foraging here for their favourite meal. While the sharp rocks make this hike a little tricky, its path itself is easy enough to be enjoyed by everyone and provides an unforgettable landscape set against a backdrop of the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. We recommend bringing plenty of water during this visit, as the lava field reflects the sun making the temperature higher than average. Don't forget to apply sunscreen!
Urbina Bay, Isabela island
Afternoon: On the east coast of Isabela Island lies Urbina Bay, one of the youngest bays in the Galapagos. Formed in 1954, by an upwelling of the coast and was pushed up 5 meters. This brought a variety of corals to the surface, which can now be admired. However, this view will not last long as the air is destroying the coral reef. After a wet landing in the bay, you will go on a 3.5-kilometre march into the interior of the island. Here, you have a high probability of seeing giant tortoises and land iguanas, which are only found in the Galapagos Islands. As the trail leads back to the coast, you will encounter flightless cormorant colonies. The bay offers a fantastic place to snorkel and see Galapagos sea lizards feeding underwater.
Day 5
Punta Espinoza, Fernandina island
Morning: As one of the youngest islands, formed around 700,000 years ago, Fernandina is also the only island that has not been colonised by mammals or other species apart from endemic ones, making it one of the few untouched ecosystems in the world. The volcano “La Cumbre” last erupted in 2005 and dominates the landscape with lava fields stretching to the ocean. The highlight of the island is the nesting site of the unique flightless cormorant. In addition, here in the north of the island, you have the chance to see Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and some Galapagos penguins. With a little luck, you may also see a Galapagos hawk circling above your head in the sky.
Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela island
Afternoon: The sea-horse-shaped island of Isabela is the largest of the archipelago and the most volcanically active. Punta Vicente Roca is considered one of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands with high cliffs and tuffstone giving this area a majestic feel. While you explore the two coves and the large bay with spectacular sea life, keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the weird and wonderful mola-mola, also known as sunfish. In good condition, Punta Vicente Roca is considered one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos.
Day 6
Rábida island
Morning: The small island has only one access point for visitors, located on the east coast. The red beach, the lagoon near the coast and the 1.1-kilometre-long circular walk on the island are breathtaking. The red colour of the rock and beach is due to the porous ferruginous volcanic rock and various environmental factors such as rain, saltwater and the coastal winds. Along with the highest concentration of volcanic features and the environmental factors that act as oxidants, the red colour of the island is created. After a wet landing, you can see sea lions and marine lizards relaxing on the Galapagos red beach. Just past the beach is one of the nesting sites for pelicans, which use the island's plants for shelter. It is one of the best places to see pelicans and sometimes a flamingo or two is spotted. The path of the island leads through opuntias, and a variety of birds can be seen here such as Darwin's finches, Galapagos doves or Galapagos mockingbirds. After the short walk, you can dive and swim in the bay, the clear water offers a good view of the underwater world.
Bartolomé island
Afternoon: One of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Galapagos Islands, Bartolomé is known for its double beach. The popular photo motif can be admired from a platform that can be reached via a path from the beach. The path leads upwards for just under a kilometre with many erected wooden steps, but rest assured that the climb is worth it. From here, you not only have a great view of the double beach, but also of Pinnacle Rock, which rises 120 metres into the air. You can also see Sullivan Bay, the small island of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor. On your way back, observe the different rock formations formed by the lava, such as tufa cones or various rocks. The island is also a good example of how the environment adapts to its circumstances. Look out for the plants that grow here, they may look like they have no leaves, but on closer inspection you can see little white hair that reflect the light so that the plant can store water. On the beach you then have the opportunity to snorkel in underwater caves and meet sharks, rays and tropical fish. With a bit of luck, you might even see a penguin or two swimming by.
Day 7
Kicker Rock, San Cristóbal island
Morning: The famous Kicker Rock is one of the most famous features of the Galapagos Islands. This small island shape was formed from two large lava rocks that look like a sleeping lion when viewed from the south. Hence the Spanish name "León Dormido" literally the sleeping lion. As you cruise around the islands on board, the naturalist guides will point out the various birds that inhabit the island. Among them are Nazca boobies, frigate birds or even swallow-tailed gulls. And if conditions permit, you will experience one of the most magnificent sunsets in the archipelago.
Cerro Colorado, San Cristóbal island
Afternoon: Opened in 2003, at the beginning the centre could only be reached on foot from the coast, but today it can be reached by road from the streets of the harbour town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The journey takes about 1 hour and takes you across the island. Also known as Cerro Colorado (coloured hill), it offers an informative visitor centre that explains more about the origin and development of the Galapagos giant tortoises. The breeding station also displays measures taken to protect the endangered species from habitat destruction and introduced species. The baby tortoises and young animals at the station are released back into their natural habitat when they are about 4 months old. The larger giant tortoises can then be observed from a short hiking trail.
Day 8
Interpretation Center, San Cristóbal island
Morning: The National Park Interpretation Center, located on San Cristóbal, was built in collaboration with the Spanish Science Center. The tour offered by the Center for Interpretation's facilities offers a good overview of the Galapagos Islands. The tour takes us through the history of the islands in the context of nature, humankind, and conservation. It also tells the story of the first settlers on the islands.
Conclude in San Cristóbal
The cruise will conclude in the harbour of San Cristóbal. From there, transfer to Baltra Airport in time for your return flight to the mainland, or continue with your planned route through the Galapagos.