10-DAY GALAPAGOS CLASSIC ISLAND HOPPING

10-DAY GALAPAGOS CLASSIC ISLAND HOPPING

10 DAYS

FROM $3.891

Trip type

Deep cultural and more relax soft adventure journeys focused in delivering once in a life time autentic experiences in our destinations. we create meaninful connectios with local people and fantastic encounter with wildlife in nature.
Classic

Activity Level

Activities may include visit sites and easy hikes; and some days the dailys activities such as kayaking, biking, snorkeling or short hikes; 1 to 2 hours, will required more physical demand. Voyagers should be in good health wear comfortable walking shoes to endure standing for extended periods of time.
Light moderate

Service Level

Comfortable and appropriate accommodations, mostly local-won and with big personality, and mix of public and private transport especially with sea, train and flights.
Standard

Small Group Departure

Max. 16 / Av. 10
Or call +001 305 2805599

TRIP OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of three of the best Galapagos Islands with an entertaining island-hopping experience that will bring you close to giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, penguins and more, while you enjoy the unique volcanic landscapes of the islands and relax on the white sand beaches. It is a trip of a lifetime to experience the very best of this natural and cultural paradise!

Unique Experiences:

  • Snorkel with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions and hummer head sharks at Kicker Rock, the best site in the Galpagos islands.
  • Kayak with penguins and eagle rays at Tintoreras islet.

TRIP ACTIVITIES

Canyoning
Culture
Fishing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Wildlife

Discover the wonders of three of the best Galapagos Islands with an entertaining island-hopping experience that will bring you close to giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, penguins and more, while you enjoy the unique volcanic landscapes of the islands and relax on the white sand beaches. It is a trip of a lifetime to experience the very best of this natural and cultural paradise!

Unique Experiences:

  • Snorkel with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions and hummer head sharks at Kicker Rock, the best site in the Galpagos islands.
  • Kayak with penguins and eagle rays at Tintoreras islet.
Canyoning
Culture
Fishing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Wildlife
Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city in America was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Adventure Journeys can help you to organize a day trip. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: none.

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. We boarded a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once we arrive, we will have a transfer to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and a short briefing about the next few days, before the adventure begins.

In the afternoon we will head to “La Loberia”, which is both home beach and nursery for large Galapagos sea lions. We can spot them launching over rocks or just lazy dozing in the sand. We also get to see yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin finches along the beach. In between the rocks we can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. We will also have the time to go for a refreshing swim, explore the waters with our snorkel equipment and enjoy the beach.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning, we will take a speed boat to Kicker Rock, also known as the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido) because of its resemblance. This site is located off the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 feet above the ocean, form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight due to the many tropicbirds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky in this area. Beneath the sea, the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish, such as rainbow fish, and sharks, like hammerhead-, reef- and white tip sharks. After lunch, we visited Cerro Brujo, this island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome us to their home with open fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

In the morning, we will take a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago and the place where the most volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island is formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf, five of them still active, and therefore the island is one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

In the afternoon, we explore the incredible ecosystem and wildlife of the island, enjoying great views of flamingos and marine iguanas in the salt water lagoons, white sand beaches and mangrove forests. This area is filled with birdlife, including American oystercatchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas.

One of the highlights of today is the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where we will see the giant tortoises in the various stages of development, from eggs to small hatchlings, to juveniles to sub adults. We will also visit the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks. This site dates back to the ’50s, when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad, because of the isolation they experienced.

After dinner we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.

Accommodation: Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. We will have a fantastic snorkeling experience in its turquoise, crystalline waters, inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions.

Later, we will take a walk to explore the islet beaches, surrounded by mangroves. This is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Accommodation:  Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Today, we explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the Volcanic Island along the seashore. This magical place has been used by the staff of BBC /National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches inside the breakers with crystal clear water full of huge sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white tipped reef sharks and more. Turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Over here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.

After the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at “Concha de Perla” or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island.

Accommodation: Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz and will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with all kinds of exotic fish and marine life, as well as the famous sea lions; they are very curious animals and like to swim next to you underwater. Here you can also see the sought after blue-footed boobies. Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint, and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk along the Playa de los Perros, where many sea iguanas are found basking in the sun. The enormous cacti, the deep, red color of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean make for great photo opportunities.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we will have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel  or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!

Meals included: Breakfast.

What’s Included?

  • Transportation: Airfare Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip, airport transfers (national flights), one way flight San Cristobal-Isabela, sea transportation Santa Cruz – Isabela islands, private and comfortable land and sea transportation.
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy:  5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in Galapagos.
  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
  • Activities: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla de los Lobos, tortoise breeding center and flamingo lagoon in Isabela Island, snorkeling in Tintoreras and Lava Tunnels, Wall of Tears, Charles Darwin Research Station, hiking in Santa Cruz highlands.
  • Gear: snorkeling mask and fins, life vest.
  • Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park.

What is not included?

  • My Own Room supplement $ 560.
  • International flights.
  • Airport transfer (international flights).
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary – estimated budget USD $320.
  • INGALA transit card: USD $20 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • Galapagos National Park fee: USD $100 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • Galapagos National Park fee: USD $100 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • USD $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change).
  • Wetsuit for rent: USD $10.
  • Tips.
Please select listing to show.

ITINERARY

Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city in America was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Adventure Journeys can help you to organize a day trip. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.

Meals included: none.

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. We boarded a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once we arrive, we will have a transfer to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and a short briefing about the next few days, before the adventure begins.

In the afternoon we will head to “La Loberia”, which is both home beach and nursery for large Galapagos sea lions. We can spot them launching over rocks or just lazy dozing in the sand. We also get to see yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin finches along the beach. In between the rocks we can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. We will also have the time to go for a refreshing swim, explore the waters with our snorkel equipment and enjoy the beach.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning, we will take a speed boat to Kicker Rock, also known as the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido) because of its resemblance. This site is located off the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 feet above the ocean, form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight due to the many tropicbirds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky in this area. Beneath the sea, the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish, such as rainbow fish, and sharks, like hammerhead-, reef- and white tip sharks. After lunch, we visited Cerro Brujo, this island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome us to their home with open fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

In the morning, we will take a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago and the place where the most volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island is formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf, five of them still active, and therefore the island is one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

In the afternoon, we explore the incredible ecosystem and wildlife of the island, enjoying great views of flamingos and marine iguanas in the salt water lagoons, white sand beaches and mangrove forests. This area is filled with birdlife, including American oystercatchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas.

One of the highlights of today is the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where we will see the giant tortoises in the various stages of development, from eggs to small hatchlings, to juveniles to sub adults. We will also visit the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks. This site dates back to the ’50s, when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad, because of the isolation they experienced.

After dinner we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.

Accommodation: Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. We will have a fantastic snorkeling experience in its turquoise, crystalline waters, inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions.

Later, we will take a walk to explore the islet beaches, surrounded by mangroves. This is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Accommodation:  Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Today, we explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the Volcanic Island along the seashore. This magical place has been used by the staff of BBC /National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches inside the breakers with crystal clear water full of huge sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white tipped reef sharks and more. Turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Over here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.

After the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at “Concha de Perla” or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island.

Accommodation: Albemarle or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz and will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with all kinds of exotic fish and marine life, as well as the famous sea lions; they are very curious animals and like to swim next to you underwater. Here you can also see the sought after blue-footed boobies. Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint, and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk along the Playa de los Perros, where many sea iguanas are found basking in the sun. The enormous cacti, the deep, red color of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean make for great photo opportunities.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

In the morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we will have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel  or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!

Meals included: Breakfast.

PHOTOS FROM OUR GALLERY

What’s Included?

  • Transportation: Airfare Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip, airport transfers (national flights), one way flight San Cristobal-Isabela, sea transportation Santa Cruz – Isabela islands, private and comfortable land and sea transportation.
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy:  5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in Galapagos.
  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
  • Activities: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla de los Lobos, tortoise breeding center and flamingo lagoon in Isabela Island, snorkeling in Tintoreras and Lava Tunnels, Wall of Tears, Charles Darwin Research Station, hiking in Santa Cruz highlands.
  • Gear: snorkeling mask and fins, life vest.
  • Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park.

What is not included?

  • My Own Room supplement $ 560.
  • International flights.
  • Airport transfer (international flights).
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary – estimated budget USD $320.
  • INGALA transit card: USD $20 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • Galapagos National Park fee: USD $100 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • Galapagos National Park fee: USD $100 per person, cash only (subject to change).
  • USD $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change).
  • Wetsuit for rent: USD $10.
  • Tips.

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About YOUR ADVENTURE

TRIP DETAILS

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions, it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention of specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.

FLIGHT TIME: 2:45 hours each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers.  45 minutes from San Cristobal to Isabela. Small size aircraft. 9 passengers.

DRIVING TIME

  • 45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito.
  • 45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos.
  • 45 minutes each way to Sierra Negra

BOAT TRAVEL TIME

  • 2 hours from Isabela to Santa Cruz
  • 45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
  • 45 minutes each way - Kicker Rock

PROVINCE: Pichincha and Galapagos.

TERRITORY: Quito City and Galapagos Islands National Park.

KAYAKING TIME: 2 hours.

SNORKELING TIME: 1 – 2 hours a day.

BIKING TIME: 3 hours total.

HIKING TIME: Sierra Negra 5 hours total, el Chato Tortoises Reserve 1 hour total.

ALTITUDE: From sea level (most activities) to 1 200m (3,937 ft -Sierra Negra Volcano)

AVG. TEMP.: Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to Challenge. This program is located in The Galapagos Islands, includes multisport activities, long hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkeling almost every day, sea kayaking to view wildlife, and biking mostly on flat roads.

GEAR: Adventure and protective equipment, snorkeling mask, fins, life jackets, mountain bikes, helmets, kayaks and paddle.

ADVENTURE GEAR: Top of the line Bikes, TREK X caliber 9, 10 speed Shimano Deore, rock shock suspension, hydraulic brakes, 29 inches wheels, bontrager helmets.

ACCOMODATION: All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.

MEALS: Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure. Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy.

YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation.

In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.

SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.

HEALTH INFORMATION: Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.

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