Galápagos Islands 4 days

The primary airport serving the Galápagos Islands, located on Baltra Island. Upon arrival, you'll go through a tourist information control and then take a bus to the Itabaca Channel.

• Have your park entrance fee and transit control cards ready.

A narrow strait separating Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island. You will cross this channel via a short ferry ride to reach Santa Cruz Island.

The lush, green interior of Santa Cruz Island, a stark contrast to the volcanic coastlines. This area is famous for its wild giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat and lava tunnels.

• Wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
• Bring insect repellent.
• Consider a guided tour for better wildlife spotting.

A private reserve in the Santa Cruz Highlands where giant tortoises graze and wallow in muddy pools. It offers excellent opportunities for close-up photography of these ancient reptiles.

• Maintain a respectful distance from the tortoises.
• Look for lava tunnels nearby.

The largest town in the Galápagos, located on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island. It's the main hub for accommodation, dining, and services, with a lively waterfront.

A spectacular visitor site on Española Island, renowned for its abundant and fearless wildlife. You'll see waved albatrosses (seasonal), marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies.

• This is a full-day boat trip from Santa Cruz.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen; there's little shade.
• The blowhole is a highlight.

A beautiful white-sand beach on Española Island, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It's a popular spot for sea lions to lounge, and you can often see them playing in the water.

• Keep a safe distance from the sea lions.
• Snorkel gear is often included in boat tours.

A packed lunch or buffet is typically served aboard the day tour boat during the excursion to Española Island. Enjoy local or international cuisine while cruising between sites.

After returning from the day trip, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront in Puerto Ayora. Watch the sea lions and pelicans that frequent the fish market, and choose from various restaurants for dinner.

A flat, uplifted island famous for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Observe their mating dances and nesting behaviors, and look for land iguanas.

• This is another full-day boat trip from Santa Cruz.
• The frigatebirds inflate their red pouches during mating season.
• The trail is well-maintained but can be sandy.

Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, this is a nesting site for green sea turtles. The name 'Bachas' comes from the Spanish word for barges, remnants of a US military base from WWII.

• Look for flamingoes in the brackish lagoons behind the beach.
• It's a great spot for snorkeling.

Enjoy lunch provided on your day tour boat as you travel between North Seymour and Las Bachas. Meals typically include a variety of dishes to refuel for the afternoon's activities.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to learn about conservation efforts and see the famous giant tortoises, including the iconic Lonesome George (preserved). It's a key center for ecological research.

• Learn about the tortoise breeding programs.
• The exhibits offer insights into the islands' unique biodiversity.

A stunningly beautiful, long white-sand beach accessible by a pleasant 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora. The first part is Playa Brava, known for its strong currents, followed by Playa Mansa, a tranquil lagoon perfect for kayaking and swimming.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Kayaks can be rented at Playa Mansa.
• Look for marine iguanas and pelicans.

Take the ferry back across the Itabaca Channel from Santa Cruz Island to Baltra Island to catch your flight.

A short bus ride from the Itabaca Channel ferry terminal to Baltra Airport (GPS) for your departure.

Depart from the Galápagos Islands via Baltra Airport.