Caroline and Fabricio say "I Do"
Galapagos Trip!
Day #1: Fly to Puerto Ayora
Welcome to Baltra! Our guides will be waiting for you at the airport, and a fantastic trip takes you to the Highlands of Santa Cruz –this is the best place to see the Giant Tortoise up close in the wild. You will wander the trails while your guide will explain some interesting facts about these gentle giants. There is also a lava tunnel that you can explore. After this activity, you will visit the incredible Tortuga Bay. You can visit the Playa Brava where the waves and currents are strong, but right at the beach you can observe marine iguanas and other wildlife. You can also visit the Playa Manso, which is laid in a tranquil cove surrounded by mangrove trees. This is a great place for snorkeling and swimming with a good chance of seeing the white tipped reef shark. It is also possible to rent kayaks here to discover the mangroves and beautiful tranquil Tortuga Bay.
Day #2: Puerto Ayora
Today you have the opportunity to discover one of the uninhabited islands on a boat excursion. The exact destination depends upon daily availability, but will be one of the following options: 1. Bartolome: the site of the iconic Galapagos landscape of Pinnacle Rock, where you can take the perfect photo. After the land visit, you´ll have time to explore the amazing underwater wildlife while snorkeling. 2. North Seymour: One of the best islands for Galapagos birdlife, where you can see Frigate Birds, swallow tailed gulls and the famous Blue Footed Boobies who nest here. 3. South Plazas: This small but scenic island has a fantastic concentration of wildlife, from Sea Lions to Land Iguanas and many bird species 4. Santa Fe: A very diverse island with a beautiful white sand beach where Sea Lions bask in the sun. Santa Fe is also considered one of the best snorkeling sites in Galapagos where sharks are often seen!
Day #3: San Cristobal Island
Your guided tour begins with a visit to El Junco Lake, which is a beautiful lake in the highlands with 360 degree view over the whole island of San Cristobal. Next stop is the Galapaguera Tortoise Breeding Center where young tortoises are cared for until they are big enough to be released into the national park. The trip ends with another highlight, the secluded Puerto Chino beach. On the rocks you can often find Blue Footed Boobies, as well as Sea Lions on the sand. There is free time to relax at the beach, or go for a swim or snorkel.
Day #4: San Cristobal Island
Today you´ll go on a fun snorkeling trip to the famous Kicker Rock. In the morning we sail to the Kicker Rock for about an hour and a half. The Kicker Rock is an ancient volcanic rock which was shaped by erosion throughout thousands of years. Between these rocks there is a beautiful channel which is great for snorkeling. Under water, you can see hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and schools of tropical fish. The Kicker Rock tour also includes a visit to one of the secluded white sand beaches north on the island of San Cristobal. One of the following beaches is visited: Manglecito, Puerto Grande, or Cerro Brujo. On the beach the guide will take you on a short walk, and if time allows you can go for a swim or do some snorkeling.
Day #5: End of Itinerary
After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at your hotel for a 10 minute transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. *Flights from Galapagos typically arrive in Quito between 4-6PM. It is crucial to arrange our international flights back to the USA later in the evening. This will give plenty of time to account of any potential delays.