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San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

Price 5 Days
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San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

per person

The Enchanted Archipelago is renowned as an iconic tourist destination – and with good reason. It features some of the world’s most unique and endemic wildlife species, wonderful beaches that continually rank among the world’s best.

The Archipelago is a group of 19 islands, 13 large and 6 small, and dozens of islets and rocks that cover an area of over 17,000 square miles. Its closest point to the mainland is off 600 miles from the West coast of Ecuador in South America.

The government of Ecuador designated part of the Galapagos a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, and in 1959 the sanctuary became the Galapagos National Park. In 1978 the islands were designated a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, and in 1986 the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was created to protect the surrounding waters. The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island promotes scientific studies and protects the indigenous vegetation and animal life of the Galapagos.

  • Departure
    Quito / Guayaquil
  • Dress Code
    Comfortable clothing for warm and temperate weather.
  • Included
    Accommondation
    Certified English/Spanish Guide
    Entrance Fees and Permition
    Meal Plan According to Itinerary
    Transportation
  • Not Included
    International Flights
    Personal Expenses
    Tips for Guides and Crew members
1
DAY 1: TRANSFER IN – INTERPRETATION CENTER – MANN BEACH

INTERPRETATION CENTER: The tour offered by the facilities of the Interpretation Center takes us through the history of the Islands, in their natural, human and conservation contexts. The Natural History Room explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origin of the islands, their remoteness from the mainland, their marine currents, their special climate, the arrival of different species, their establishment, among others.

The Human History Room narrates chronologically the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of Galapagos. PLAYA MANN is a white sand beach formed by the fragmentation of shells; the clarity of its waters allows the practice of snorkeling. Due to the proximity to the town center, this place is for recreational use and is also a place where it is possible to enjoy the best sunsets. There are activities such as: Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, photography.

Accommondation: San Cristobal    

Meal Plan: - / BL / D

2
DAY 2: TIJERETAS HILL – LOBERIA BEACH

CERRO TIJERETAS: It is located a short distance from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Near this site operated La Predial, which was a fishing company and was present on this island between 1952 and 1960. The hill is frequently visited by frigates, hence its name. Here it is possible to see the magnificent and large frigates on the same hill. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them. The activities that are carried out are: Hiking, snorkeling, photography and filming. LOBERIA: The beach is 10 minutes from San Cristobal airport. It is a coral sand beach with sea lions. The Loberia is a piece of coast that has been named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand.

Despite being outside the boundaries of the National Park area, due to its great importance, the Park staff is responsible for its maintenance and care. In addition to sea lions, you can observe birds such as the canary maria, frigates and several species of finches. On the rocks, you will find large Galapagos marine iguanas, unique in the world.

Accommondation: San Cristobal    

Meal Plan:B/L/D

3
DAY 3: FERRY TO SANTA CRUZ – PM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, is an opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. Their work is vitally important in protecting the pristine habitat of the Galapagos National Park. Where we can observe giant tortoises endemic to the island, land iguanas, finches, on the trails, and visit the VAN STRAELEN INTERPRETATION CENTER, a space to learn about Galapagos sharks, mangroves, marine currents and invasive marine species.

Accommondation: Santa Cruz  

Meal Plan:B/L/D

4
DAY 4: TORTUGA BAY O ALEMANES Y GRIETAS – PM: PARTE ALTA + GEMELOS

TORTUGA BAY is among the 25 best beaches in the world. We will make a walk of approximately 45 minutes to the Beach. It is a beach of approximately 2 km in length, white sand formed by fish bones and white coral; considered a sanctuary for iguanas, sea turtles and other species where you can swim and perform activities such as swimming, beach games.

PARTE ALTA + GEMELOS. This tour covers the main attractions of the northern part of Santa Cruz Island where we will visit RANCHO PRIMICIA or CHATO II, in this spectacular place we can find the turtles in their natural state. We will continue to THE LAVA TUNNELS of volcanic formation, we will walk inland at a distance of approximately 100 m, and our guide will give an explanation about the types of volcanic eruptions that formed the islands.

Accommondation: Santa Cruz  

Meal Plan:B/L/D

5
DÍA 5: TRANSFER OUT

Breakfast, departure from the hotel and transport to Baltra airport.

Meal Plan: B / - / -

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TRAVELING TO GALAPAGOS  

Many visitors will travel to Galapagos by air from mainland Ecuador. Flights depart daily from the principal cities of Guayaquil or Quito (direct or via Guayaquil). Airfares are similar between the companies, but you may get lucky and find a promotional offer. In general, you should expect to pay between $380 and $560 for a round-trip ticket. Non-residents cannot buy a one-way ticket to Galapagos.

There are two main airports in Galapagos, one on Baltra Island and the other on San Cristóbal. At the airport in mainland Ecuador before checking in, you will be required to have your bags inspected by the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency quarantine staff and obtain a mandatory $20 tourist transit card. Upon arrival in Galapagos, you will have to pay an entrance fee in cash to the Galapagos National Park (currently $100 for non-Ecuadorian adults and $50 for children). Returning to the US or other international destination from Galapagos generally requires an overnight stay in either Quito or Guayaquil.

WEATHER  

Because of the Island’s location on the equator, the air and water temperatures remain relatively stable all year long.

From December through May, the water temperature (avg. 76°F/25°C) and air temperature (avg. low/high 72-86°F/22-30°C) are slightly warmer. Seas tend to be calmer. Rainfalls are common for a short period of time each day, but the remainder of the day tends to be very sunny resulting in high humidity. Flowers come into bloom and vegetation is more colorful. This is a good time to observe birds mating or sea turtles nesting on the beaches.

From June through November, the Humboldt Current brings colder water (avg. 72°F/22°C) and cooler land temperatures (avg. low/high 66-79°F/19-26°C) It also brings nutrient-rich water that attracts fish and sea birds: albatross arrive on Española and penguins are easier to encounter. This is the mating season for blue-footed boobies. During this time of year clouds fill the sky and a misty rain called Garua is common. Winds tend to be stronger and seas a bit rougher. The abundant marine life makes this the preferred time of year for experienced divers.

CRUISES VS. HOTELS AND DAY TRIPS  

One can visit Galapagos on a live-aboard experience lasting from 4 days/3 nights to 12 days/11 nights. Boats range from 12–110 passengers and are divided into four categories of service: economy, tourist, first class, and luxury. Cruise itineraries take advantage of night hours to travel long distances between islands in order to arrive at the next visitor site refreshed and ready to explore. Groups of 12 or more might want to consider chartering an entire boat.

Another option, which is becoming more popular, is to stay ashore in a hotel on one of the larger populated islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela) and take day trips to nearby uninhabited islands. While this option can be more economical and provides an interesting perspective for travelers, the range of islands that can be visited is limited by distance. Also, there are several animal species that likely will not be encountered on day trips.

Island-hopping tours, designed to experience Galapagos without having to be onboard for the entire trip, are becoming more popular. You can take a speed boat or public transportation between inhabited islands, staying overnight at hotels and exploring local sites and enjoying activities near the towns. Island-hopping is mainly based from San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, with lodging also available on the less populated islands of Floreana and Isabela.

VISITOR SITES AND GUIDES  

Ninety-five percent of the land area of Galapagos is designated as protected by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), and tourists are permitted to explore specific visitor sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides. The GNPD coordinates group visits to these 60+ sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions. Different sites are known for their specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, plovers, turnstones, and whimbrels, are commonly seen at most locations.

Each visitor site has a marked trail, most of which are less than a mile long — often passing over rough lava or uneven boulders. Some sites have “wet landings” (visitors wade to shore from rafts or dinghies) and others have “dry landings” (passengers step foot directly onto dry land).

DIVING IN GALAPAGOS  

Galapagos is a world-class destination for scuba divers because of the abundance of sharks, sea lions, fur seals, marine turtles, rays, mantas, marine iguanas, and reef fishes. The GNPD has granted permission to a select number of tour providers. If you plan to dive on your trip, we will be glad to help you discover this natural wonders.