Day 1: Guayaquil
Arrival in Guayaquil. Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel. Free day. Accommodation.
Day 2: Guayaquil – Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for a flight (not included) to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, our guides will meet the passengers, collect their luggage, and accompany them to the hotel. Check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Interpretation Center of the National Park. The Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galápagos Archipelago, is a must-visit destination for nature and conservation lovers. This iconic research and education center offers visitors a unique experience, where science, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism come together to create an unforgettable impact. The Charles Darwin Research Station is not only a fascinating place to learn about the natural history of the Galápagos but also an opportunity to directly support the conservation of this fragile ecosystem. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.
Day 3: Highlands / Bay Tour
This tour covers the main attractions of the northern part of Santa Cruz Island, starting with a visit to Rancho Primicias or El Chato, where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will then continue to the lava tunnels, a volcanic formation where we will walk approximately 100 meters inside, while our guide explains the different types of volcanic eruptions that shaped the islands. Next, we will visit Los Gemelos (The Twins), two craters formed when the islands were still active with high volcanic activity. These large sinkholes are surrounded by lush green vegetation, and the viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Millions of years ago, lava once flowed through this area. Return to the hotel, lunch, and in the afternoon, we will take the Bay Tour, which explores five different sites around Academy Bay in Santa Cruz. The first stop is Playa de los Perros (Dog Beach), a small beach 10 minutes from Puerto Ayora, home to a colony of marine iguanas. Next, we visit Lover’s Tunnels and Tintoreras Tunnels, excellent sites for snorkeling and observing blue-footed boobies nesting on the rocks. At Playa de los Perros, visitors can take a walk among the rocks and Opuntia cacti, while observing large groups of marine iguanas and sea turtles feeding along the shore. The last stop is Las Grietas, a stunning brackish water lagoon with fresh, crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.
Day 4: Garrapatero Beach
Garrapatero Beach is a 3 km stretch of beautiful golden sand on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Even better, this spot is so secluded that you’ll often have it all to yourself during the week. Of course, you’ll be sharing the beach with sea lions, flamingos, and blue-footed boobies, but that’s part of its unique charm. Garrapatero Beach is an excellent place for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing under the sunny sky. If you have half a day or more free on Santa Cruz Island, a trip to El Garrapatero is highly recommended.
Day 5: Guayaquil City Tour
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit Seminario Park, also popularly known as Iguana Park, due to the reptiles that inhabit it. The park has a natural charm, with trees and an artificial pond where golden fish swim. We will then head to the Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by a visit to the Moorish Tower, also known as the Public Clock Tower. Later in the afternoon, we will enjoy a 2-hour catamaran tour along the Guayas River, passing by iconic landmarks such as: Puerto Santa Ana
Malecón 2000, La Perla, Guayaquil’s City Hall, This is a unique opportunity to appreciate the city from a completely new perspective.
Day 6: Guayaquil
Breakfast and free time until transfer to the airport.
