7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1 : Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to the HOTEL QUITO. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Depart Quito – Santa Cruz
Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight to Galapagos. Arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer by ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min ride). Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will visit a Giant Tortoise Reserve and take an easy hike to observe to Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Transfer to CASA NATURA hotel and check in. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where you'll learn firsthand of the conservation and research efforts in the Galapagos Islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.(B)

Day 3: Sailing Tour
Breakfast. Transfer to the port to take boat for a tour of Seymour or Plazas Island.
North Seymour Island: Here we will visit a circular trail leading through some of the largest and most active seabirds breeding colonies in the islands. Magnificent frigate birds and blue footed boobies are the main attractions.(B)

Day 4: Sailing Tour
Plazas: These two small islands are just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. A dry landing on a jetty brings you to an opuntia cactus forest where there are many land iguanas. A one km trail circuit leads visitors through sea lion colonies and along a cliff top walk where swallow –tailed gulls and other species nest.
Transfer to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner in Puerto Ayora and overnight. (B, L)

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island / Tortuga Bay
After breakfast, we will visit Tortuga Bay. We will take a one hour walk west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path. The path is good for bird watching; it is easy to spot several species of finches as you walk along the path. The white sand beach is considered by many the nicest of the archipelago. Its name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species can be found, including pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas. Lunch in Puerto Ayora. Afternoon in the beach and free time. (B, L)

Day 6: Santa Cruz – Quito
Breakfast and Transfer out Baltra’s airport. Stop by the highlands for a visit to the Gemelos, two collapsed craters that serve as a reminder of the volcanic origins of the archipelago. Fly black to the mainland and arrive in Quito. Transfer to your hotel and rest of day at leisure (B)

Day 7: Depart Quito to North America
Depart Quito for North America this morning. Arrive home with fond memories of your natural encounters in the Galapagos. (B)