Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival at San Cristobal airport
After your arrival at San Cristóbal Island Airport, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you to join the Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by bus to the south east of the island. It was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds like the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher. On your visit to Colorado Hill, you will get to discover the amazing and emblematic Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the Tortoise breeding center, and maybe even get to see one hatch (seasonally)! In addition, you will get to see how much hard work is put into save the last local giants of San Cristobal.
At the afternoon transfer to the catamaran Archipel I.
Interpretations Zentrum, Insel San Cristóbal
Nachmittag: Das Interpretationszentrum wurde 1998 im Zuge des “Interpretation and Environment Education"-Projekts eröffnet. In diesem Rahmen können Besucher verschiedene Ausstellungen über die Naturgeschichte, die Menschheitsgeschichte und den Naturschutz des Galapagos Archipels besuchen. Die Naturschutzausstellung schildert die mittels kontrolliertem Tourismus sowie Geburtenkontrolle unternommenen Maßnahmen, die zum Schutz der wilden Tier- und Pflanzenarten eingeleitet wurden. Es erzählt darüber hinaus auch die Geschichte der ersten Siedler auf den Inseln. Das Interpretationszentrum verfügt außerdem über einen Außenbereich, audiovisuelle Medien sowie Konferenzräume. Es ist unweit vom Hafen entfernt und von dort gelangt man direkt auf den Weg zum Fregattvogelfelsen „Cerro Tijeretas“
Day 2
Santa Fé Island
Afternoon: Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than from a volcanic origin; this is why it is mostly flat. There are some theories that assure that this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many saltbushes can be seen, as well giant Prickly pear cactus. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.
South Plaza Island
Morning: South Plaza is located at the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found on other islands. There are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana; they are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tunas, their favorite food. Swallow Tailed Gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea birds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.
Day 3
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 kilometers in size and 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.
Islet Sombrero Chino
Afternoon: The small island gets its name from its shape because when you approach the island from the north, it looks like a traditional Chinese hat. The island is close to Santiago Island and the sea between the islands is well protected, allowing visitors to look deep into the blue water. On the island, there is the possibility to walk along a short path along the western coast and see the impressive landscape. There are volcanic rocks and residues of lava that once flowed here. The atmosphere and rocks of the island are reminiscent of what the Galapagos Islands once were. Sea lions and Galapagos penguins bask on the island's shores or seek refuge from the sun and cool off in the shade. In the island's skies, you might see a Galapagos hawk or two circling overhead. One of the main reasons to visit this island, however, is the sea that surrounds it. It is a fantastic place to snorkel and spot marine life such as sharks, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. As not all boats have permission to go to this island, it is well worth it.
Day 4
Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz
Morning: The Twin Craters are not craters at all, they were formed when underlying magma chambers collapsed and the earth caved in. This makes them no less impressive to see. They are easily accessible via a path from Puerto Ayora and offer a fantastic view. In addition to the avoidable craters, some of the endemic bird species also cavort here. The path leads you through the Scalesia forest, past Galapagos doves, Darwin's finches, Galapagos flycatchers, Galapagos owls and many other inhabitants of the air. And once you reach the crater rim, a view awaits you that you will never forget!
Departure from Baltra island
You will return to the harbor of Baltra. From there, transfer to Baltra Airport in time for your return flight to the mainland or continue with your planned route through the Galapagos.