Galapagos multi-sport
DAY 1: Arrive Quito
Upon arrival in Quito (or Guayaquil), you'll be met by a member of our staff who escorts you to your hotel for your overnight stay, preparing for the trip ahead.
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Quito (no meals provided today)
DAY 2: Quito–San Cristobal Puerto Beach
In the morning, we fly from Quito (or Guayaquil) to San Cristobal.
San Cristobal or Chatham, the easternmost island in the Galapagos, is also one of the oldest. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part and rich vegetation in the southbound area characterize the island.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos and the Islands' second largest inhabited area, is home to one of the Islands' two main airports. It was originally established as a penal colony over a hundred years ago. Now a sleepy town overlooking the harbour, the capital is renown for its relaxed ambience. The beaches near the town are one of the few places throughout the Islands where visitors are allowed to camp.
After lunch we'll head to Puerto Chino, located 24.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This beach is an excellent place to enjoy the sun, pure white sand and sea birds before we head back to our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.... (B, lunch on the plane)
DAY 3: Kayaking along the coast / snorkelling
Early in the morning we'll head along the coast for a stint of kayaking. Although participants should ideally have some paddling experience, we begin with a practice session and safety instructions.
After lunch we take a motor boat to Isla Lobos (takes about an hour), a great place for snorkelling. Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island) is a seasonal nesting location for the blue footed booby, although the basalt island outcropping is named quite appropriately after the frolicking sea lions which are often found there, basking.
Then we return to our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (B, L)
DAY 4: Puerto Baquerizo - Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, we take a speedboat (or choose to fly, extra cost) to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. Puerto Ayora is the Island’s major port and economic centre, although it is not the capital.
Puerto Ayora is home to the Galapagos National Park Headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station – you can choose to visit the centre if you wish, or spend the afternoon exploring the town.
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Santa Cruz (B, L)
DAY 5: Full Day – Garrapatero
After breakfast we take a bus to the north of Santa Cruz. After crossing the highland farmlands and small villages we head to Garrapatero beach, where we'll get out, stretch the legs and have a stroll around.
El Garrapatero is a wide bay with multiple sandy beaches. Behind the beach is an area with a freshwater lake where you'll come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts and other shore birds.
We walk to the starting point for some snorkelling and explore the local marine life. Then, after a buffet box lunch, the afternoon is free to enjoy the beach, either swimming, beach combing, strolling, sunbathing, etc.
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Puerto Ayora (B,L)
DAY 6: Puerto Ayora – Isabela Island
In the morning we wake up and head to Tortuga Bay – named after the sea turtles which hang out around here.
Sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, flamingos and lava gulls are commonly found along the shores.
It takes around an hour to walk to the beach on a paved walkway. You'll be able to observe beautiful birds including the famous Galapagos finch along the way.
There are two beaches at Tortuga Bay; the main beach is used for surfing due to the sea's strong waves; if you prefer to swim or just relax you can head to the west side of the beach where the waters are calmer.
In the afternoon we take the motor boat (or choose to fly, extra cost) for the two-and-a-half hour sail to Isabela.
Isabela background
Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos—bigger than the rest combined. It is about 75 miles long and 50 miles at its widest point. The total land area measures 1,771 square miles - bigger than Rhode Island. It is comprised of five major volcanoes, two of which are still active.
These mountains were most likely separate at some point in the past, later fusing into a single mass. Cerro Azul most recently erupted in 1999 as Isabela continues to emerge from the earth. Wolf Volcano is the highest point throughout the Galapagos at present with an elevation of 5,600 feet.
Because it is relatively young, Isabela’s lava fields and surrounding soil do not have the varied vegetation zones of other islands. Despite this, the rich animal, bird, and marine life exists here. There are more wild tortoises here than on all of the other islands combined and they roam freely in the calderas of the volcanoes.
Upon arrival at Isabela, we'll check into our hotel. After lunch, our first stop is at the marshlands or humedales, where elevated walkways take us over tidal lagoons that house four mangrove species and provide habitat to flamingos and numerous migratory birds.
We then visit Estuary Beach, where freshwater artesian springs flow into the sea, providing a perfect opportunity to swim among the mangroves.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Isabela (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Isabela Hiking, Sierra Negra
After breakfast this morning we drive to the Isabela highlands for an entirely new view of Sierra Negra which last erupted on October 22nd, 2005, depositing a new and dramatic layer of lava.
This volcano’s caldera is the second largest in the world, with a diameter of approximately six and a half miles. On our hike, we’ll be able to spot a variety of birds, including finches and flycatchers as well as the Galapagos hawk.
From the caldera’s rim we hike to Chico Volcano to see fumaroles and unusual lava formations, a striking visual record in the islands’ geological history. From the highest vantage points, we enjoy views of Isabela’s numerous volcanoes and the nearby islands. Then we return to the starting point of our hike and drive to the town. If you wish you can then enjoy a stroll along the beach or a dip in the ocean before dinner.
Overnight stay at hotel in Isabela (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Tintoreras or (optional) Artisan Fishing
Tintoreras is a small island with some unique volcanic formations. On its western face a primitive species of lichen flourishes in the moisture brought by the prevailing wind.
Here we’ll find young marine iguanas and may even see white-tipped reef sharks.
In the quiet lagoon we'll see boobies and if we’re lucky enough we may spot the Galapagos Penguin. If conditions are right, we may have another chance to swim and snorkel with sea lions.
Those that wish to can go Artisan Fishing (extra cost) which combines Galapagos tradition with tourism. By engaging tourists in artisan fishing, fishermens' families can benefit from a regular income, which is often under threat as a result of excessive fishing and special regulations. You can with you the memory of a truly authentic fishing experience.
You get the chance to fish species such as tuna, cod, pargo and other non-endangered types just off the coast. What you catch (no more than two or three per person) you take back to a local fisherman's house to cook and eat for lunch.
The fishing activities will not harm endangered species, and will help reduce the problem of illegal shark fishing that is currently a concern in the Galapagos Islands by giving fishermen the chance to engage in tourism and support the local economy. The fish caught are for consumption purposes only for those on the trip, they are not sold afterwards.
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Isabela (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Isabela - Quito
After breakfast we take the motor boat (or take a flight, extra cost) back to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island in order to take our flight back from Baltra airport to Quito.
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Quito (B)
Day 10
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