Galapagos Land Tour: Santa Cruz & Isabela

After arriving at Baltra Airport we take a bus, short ferry ride and then a hike to the Highlands of the island.

Here, we visit the Primicias Ranch where we will be bushwalking and looking for some Giant Galapagos tortoises.

After a walk, we visit the lava tunnels and have lunch in a typical farm restaurant.

We continue down to Puerto Ayora where we tour the important Charles Darwin Research Station, and visit some of the largest Galapagos tortoises and land iguana breeding centres.

The local guide will give us a detailed explanation about the islands’ evolution.

Drop off at your hotel, evening free to explore the town and eat in one of the local restaurants.

In the morning we take a tour around the bay of Santa Cruz, and get into the water for the first time – a great experience in Galapagos.

We start at Punta Estrada, a small gulf of calm waters, and a place where you can see Terns, Boobies, Frigates and sea lions. We jump into the water here, for our first snorkel of the trip.

Having swam with (hopefully) sharks, fish, sea lions and turtles, we visit the Sharks’ Channel. This was formed by magmatic chamber swellings. From the viewpoint you can see the port and the upper part of the Santa Cruz.

Next, we hike 15 minutes to a beach, to an area called The Channel of Love, another fissure formed by magma – very scenic.

Finally, we head towards to Las Grietas, where we can enjoy some snorkelling. We then walk back to the boat and then return to Puerto Ayora.

Lunch in Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, a speed boat takes us to Isabela, one of the most beautiful islands in the Archipelago.

After a cruise of 2 ½ hours we reach this corner of paradise where a local transfer takes us to our hotel to relax.

Evening free to explore the small town and restaurants.

Ferry Speed Boat Crossings: 

Residents and tourists alike use this method of shared transport regularly between the main inhabited islands. Out on the open ocean, this is your best chance to see whales and dolphins. Each crossing takes about 2 hours. Less time if the sea is calm, more time if the sea is rough. Boats are usually 30-35 feet long and hold 20-30 passengers. If you’re prone to seasickness or not sure, bring some seasickness pills just in case.

Today we walk through the Wetlands and drive to visit the Wall of Tears.

This historical place was built by the prisoners of Ecuador’s first jail – your guide will explain more about its history.

On our way back we stop at the Orchilla Viewpoint. From the top you can see the entire coastal wetland system including Poza de los Diablos, Puerto Villamil, the beaches, the volcanoes and the islets to the south-east of Isabela. It’s a great location for a panoramic photo on clear days.

Next we visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre where you can observe tortoises of all ages and sizes. We also learn about the breeding and farming of giant tortoises and see all the work that is being done to help recover the wild populations of these species.

Return to the hotel.

After breakfast we transfer to the port to start a kayak tour of the bay at Puerto Villamil.

There is a lot to see here, mangroves, penguins, turtles and reef sharks to name but a few.

After this you have your lunch and in the afternoon we jump into the water for some snorkelling fun at Concha Perla. Keep your eyes peels for rays, sharks, turtles and more in this beautiful little bay.

Return to the hotel, evening free.

Lace up your hiking boots, we’re heading up a volcano. Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005.  A short uphill hike takes us to the perimeter of the caldera.

Once we reach the rim, we’ll have a nine kilometre view that stretches across one the most active calderas in the world.  We continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Chico volcano to a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela.  With a hearty sense of accomplishment, we make our way back to town.

Return and lunch in a local farm where we can also watch Isabela Giant Tortoises ambling slowly around.

In the afternoon return to Puerto Villamil and our hotel, free evening.

Volcano hike notes: You walk 2-4 hours with frequent rest stops and a lunch break. From the National Park checkpoint, there’s about a 45-minute walk uphill to the rim of the volcano. The trail around the rim has only slight up and downs with a few short steep inclines. The lava fields of Volcan Chico are uneven and rocky in areas.

The path in and out is dirt: if it’s been raining, it could be muddy. There’s one proper bathroom at the beginning of the trail. The majority of walking is on level terrain. If you have weak ankles, use athletic braces and wear hiking boots. If you have knee trouble, bring a hiking pole or two. This is a non-technical hike.

Breakfast at the hotel and then we visit Tintoreras.

This tour consists in three activities: snorkel, trekking and a Panga ride.

We start with the Panga ride which lasts 40 minutes during which we can see penguins and Blue-Footed Boobies.

Next, we disembark in the islet and continue walking for around 40 minutes on the lava and beaches we find. Hopefully, we can see marine iguanas, sea lions and sharks. Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as ‘Las Tintoreras’ is one of their main breeding sites.

A colony of white-tip reef sharks can often be seen resting in a lava canal.

We finish this tour with a snorkel so you can have a close encounter with marine fauna, and be able to see sea lions, sharks and turtles.

Return to Puerto Villamil and free afternoon to rest, or enjoy the beach. Evening free.

Prepare yourself for one of the best days of this trip!

After sailing for 45 minutes from Puerto Villamil, we reach Cape Rosa on the western side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful and amazing places nature has bestowed upon humankind.

Here we can walk over the connected lava tunnels surrounded by the crystal sea waters. From the surface, you may be able to see dozens of turtles, penguins and rays. You can also snorkel or simply swim along with this rich marine fauna.

As we sail to and from Isabela, we might be able to see manta rays of different sizes, a truly unique experience. And if it is their mating season, we can watch them floating upside down on the surface, perfect for having their pictures taken.

Return to the hotel.

The afternoon is yours to explore the island, relax on the beach or perhaps play volleyball with the locals.

We have an early departure on the public speed boat back to Puerto Ayora.

We take a bus across Santa Cruz Island to Baltra Airport for our flights to the mainland.

Inter-island flights

Those who want can take an inter-island flight in a 5-9 capacity plane (extra cost).

The flight from Isabela to Baltra airport is 30 minutes and connects with flights to the mianland (no Isabela-Baltra flights on Sundays).

This service is optional and is charged extra and should be reserved at least 48 hours in advance.

These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.

Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.

Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.

In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.

The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.

In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife

There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.

Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.

The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.

Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.

Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.

General weather information

The warm season (Jan-Jun)

• Calm, clear warm waters, great for snorkelling, often without a wetsuit.
• Great weather, with February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
• Occasional heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons.

Sea temperatures:  22-25°C / 72-77°F

Land temperatures:  21-32°C / 72-90°F

The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)

• It’s a great time for marine life in the cooler seas. Snorkellers may want a wetsuit.
• August and September the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy.
• There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures:  15-22°C / 60-72°F

Land temperatures:  18-24°C / 65-75°F

Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month

Before you fly from Quito or Guayaquil airport, you need to pay USD 20pp for a transit control card. Some cruises pre-pay this and include it in your trip cost.

On arrival in the Galapagos, you will be asked by a representative of the Galapagos National Park to pay the Park fee in cash (currently US$ 100 per person, USD 50 per person for under 12s).

The dock tax is US$5 on Isabela Island, and the airport tax is US$15 for flights between islands.

All National Park fees subject to change without prior notice.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Galapagos – general advice

Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.

One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).

You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere in island hotels.

Pack something warm and windproof for being the inter-island speedboats – and a waterproof for the Highlands.

Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like.

Do take a hat!

Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.

Galapagos – detailed kit list

• First aid kit – aspirin, imodium, sun tan lotion (facter 50 recommended), sunburn cream, lip salve, throat lozenges, insect repellent, etc.
• Earplugs, if you sleep lightly.
• Sun glasses and sun hat.
• Snorkelling equipment is provided on every tour, but it may suit you better to take equipment in your size that you know will fit you. Even if you have not snorkelled before, DO have a go – under water Galapagos is a very special experience. Try it first of all from the beach, to get the hang of breathing through gritted teeth, then take the plunge!
• Towel, for the beach.
• Money belt.
• Passport, with at least 6 months remaining from date of return from Ecuador.
• US Dollars cash and mixed denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• Visa/MasterCard, Cash card.
• Personal & Medical insurance.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!). You may want to take an underwater camera for snorkelling.
• Camera charger
• Binoculars
• Small backpack – to keep your sun cream, water, shirt etc in when you are on shore/activity.
• Small plastic water bottle, 1-2 litres, depending on how much you drink.
• Biodegradable (v. high factor, 50+ recommended) and lip salve.
• Toiletries (featuring biodegradable soap).
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand wash cream
• Travel alarm clock.
• Sewing kit.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.

The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.

Please try to minimise your impact by:

• Bringing a water bottle to refill, rather than using a new bottle each time.
• Recycling your rubbish where possible, not leaving any rubbish behind.
• Taking batteries back home with you – they cannot be recycled properly in Ecuador.
• Saving water where possible.
• Leave toiletries that contain microbeads at home
• Saving energy by switching your lights off when you leave the room. Electricity on the islands comes from a generator, fuelled by petrol. For this same reason, please think about whether you really need to use your air conditioning.

Quito

Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.

You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.

Guayaquil

Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.

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