Galapagos Tour: Darwin's Footprints

• Galapagos Tour package to Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
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Visit the Galapagos Islands, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, spectacularly located along the equator nearly 620 miles (1,000km) off the coast of Ecuador.

On this Galapagos tour, you will visit two of the most fascinating islands of the Galapagos, Santa Cruz and Isabela. Experience the diverse ecosystems of these volcanic Galapagos Islands while spending your evenings in secure and comfortable hotels. Perfect for those who don’t want to get sea sick! This Galapagos itinerary minimizes the time spent traveling between islands so that you can spend more time exploring the fascinating wonders of the islands. It also includes some unscheduled free time so that you can enjoy the islands at your own pace. 

The adventure begins on Santa Cruz, the most central island, where you can admire stunning lava tubes, take in the beautiful views, and walk among giant Galapagos tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Your next stop is Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, which was formed by the lava flows of six volcanoes, five of which are still active. This land-based Galapagos tour gives you a chance to explore the two islands in depth while snorkeling in turquoise-water coves, hiking amidst iguanas and colonies of sea birds, and kayaking through gorgeous seas alongside sea turtles and tropical fish, and exploring some of the most unique treasures of the Galapagos.

Day 1 : Arrival to Santa Cruz
Day 2 : Santa Cruz Island & Transfer to Isabela Island
Day 3 : Isabela Island
Day 4 : Isabela Island & Transfer to Santa Cruz Island
Day 5 : Departure from Santa Cruz

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Day 1: Arrival to Santa Cruz

• Upon arrival to Baltra Airport, you’ll be transferred across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island and the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge, a top Galapagos hotel in Puerto Ayora.
• In the afternoon, the adventure starts with a short, easy hike to Los Gemelos, twin collapsed lava chambers that speak to the powerful geologic forces that have shaped this remarkable environment. Your expert naturalist guide will fill you in on the island’s natural history and point out interesting flora and fauna.
• From the highlands, a transfer by bus gets you to the Galapagos Tortoise Reserve. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk among these gentle giants.
• The afternoon concludes with a lesson for beginning or inexperienced snorkelers (expert snorkelers have free time, followed by dinner and a restful night at Aventura Lodge.

Day 2: Santa Cruz Island & Transfer to Isabela Island

• Sea kayaking and snorkeling are the highlights of the morning. You’ll be transferred to Itabaca Channel that separates Santa Cruz from Baltra Island. Board the kayaks and enjoy the stunning scenery of shore cliffs populated by sea birds such as brown pelicans, blue footed boobies, frigate birds, and more. In the water, you can spot sea lions, green sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.
• After lunch back at the lodge, you’ll be transferred to your Galapagos hotel on Isabela Island, the Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with lectures from your naturalist guide and independent exploration of the islands.

Day 3: Isabela Island

• Be sure to fuel up at breakfast – this morning you hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, which boasts an active crater measuring 10 kilometers (4 miles) across, the second largest caldera on the planet. You’ll walk for about 6 km along the border of the crater and hearty travelers can take a second, 1 hour walk across sloping lava fields to Volcan Chico for spectacular views of the island
• In the afternoon, your Galapagos land tour continues to Campo Duro, a local organic farm where you’ll enjoy a homemade meal prepared by the owners. You’ll also have the wonderful opportunity to hang out with the giant tortoises that live on the property.
• The day ends with a walk through mangrove forests and snorkeling at Concha Perla, a clear water bay populated by sea lions, green turtles, and more tropical fish that you can count. You can also walk to town to explore daily life in a Galapagos Island town.

Day 4: Isabela Island & Transfer to Santa Cruz Island

• After breakfast, you’ll board a small boat and head to Las Tintoras, stopping along the way to view the shared nesting site of blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. Disembark and walk through lava fields, host to colonies of marine iguanas, and then to a small canal where white-tipped reef sharks like to rest. Characterized by black lava fields, deep green sea, and distant volcano peaks, this Galapagos travel adventure is one you won’t soon forget. You’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the shallow bay.
• Transfer back to Santa Cruz in the afternoon, which features a guided tour to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can learn more about the preservation and conservation of the exceptional Galapagos Islands environment.

Day 5: Departure from Santa Cruz

• After breakfast in your Galapagos lodge, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or on to the next exciting Ecuador travel destination.

  *6- and 8-day Darwin’s Footprints itineraries are also available. Contact a Travel Advisor for more information.

	Single	Double
4 days/3 nights	$1,839 €1,398 £1,153	$0 €0 £0

	Single	Double
4 days/3 nights	$1,839 €1,398 £1,153	$0 €0 £0

Galapagos Hotels

Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge

Avenida Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Built in 1995, this lodge boasts a unique architectural design which blends perfectly with the nearby mangrove forest and seafront. Guests will feel as if they are still in the forest itself when entering the open air lobby which feels like a mere extension of the hotel's scenic grounds. Observe the incredible ecosystem of the mangrove forest and enjoy spectacular views of Puerto Ayora's bay from the hotel's common areas, or your hotel room if you choose to stay in a suite. The lodge is equipped with modern amenities for guests' comfort while the immaculate rooms and inviting social areas provide a pleasant atmosphere to rest after a long day exploring the island's many wonders. With its delicious Japanese and Galapagos fusion food, the Red Mangrove restaurant is a favorite among locals who come for the cuisine and exceptional atmosphere. Rated the number one hotel in Puerto Ayora on Tripadvisor, this lodge and its phenomenal staff truly provide a memorable Galapagos experience.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service

Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge Photos & Info »

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Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge

Avenida Conocarpus, Puerto General Villamil, Isabela

Isabela Lodge is located right on the seafront in Puerto Villamil, the island's main town. The truly magical setting will leave guests with a feeling of utmost serenity and tranquility. The lodge's friendly staff is committed to making your stay on Isabela Island as comfortable as possible, going the extra mile to ensure that all your expectations are not only met, but exceeded. The large and comfortable wooden deck stands directly on the beach allowing guests to enjoy the best of views. The roof top terrace is also a perfect spot to delight in the outstanding panoramas, unobstructed as far as the eye can see.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service

Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge Photos & Info »

See all Galapagos Hotels

• 2 nights on Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora) and 2 nights on Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil) in comfortable lodges based on US standards
• All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All meals & soft drinks
• All snorkeling gear and equipment except dive computers

Not included:

• Airfare to/from Galapagos
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee
• Alcoholic beverages