Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)<\/strong>
Isabela Island, shaped like a seahorse, is the largest in the archipelago and one of the youngest and most volcanically active. This morning, you’ll visit Punta Vicente Roca, a dramatic bay formed by two coves that offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Gal\u00e1pagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts cold, nutrient-rich waters attract abundant marine life\u2014keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, penguins, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive and fascinating sunfish (Mola mola).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Punta Espinosa (Fernandina)<\/strong>
In the afternoon, you\u2019ll cross the Bol\u00edvar Channel to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the entire archipelago\u2014free of invasive species and home to an untouched ecosystem. From Punta Espinosa, you’ll disembark to explore a landscape dominated by La Cumbre volcano and vast lava fields stretching to the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour walk will take you past colonies of marine iguanas, groups of sea lions, and one of the area\u2019s highlights: the nesting site of the flightless cormorant, one of the Gal\u00e1pagos\u2019 most remarkable birds. This is also an ideal spot for sighting the Gal\u00e1pagos hawk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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DAY 10:<\/strong> Isabela Island<\/span><\/div>\n
ISABELA ISLAND (TAGUS COVE \u2013 URBINA BAY)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTagus Cove \u2013 History Carved in Stone<\/strong>
The morning begins with a visit to Tagus Cove, a historic natural anchorage on the western coast of Isabela. Here, you\u2019ll see centuries-old graffiti carved into the rocks by whalers and pirates dating back to the 1800s, including inscriptions from 1836. The contrast between these human traces and the pristine nature surrounding them offers a striking reflection on the passage of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll take a 2 km hike through lava fields and unique volcanic terrain to reach the mysterious Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake possibly formed by a massive wave following a volcanic eruption. From above, enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes that shape this young and dynamic island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Urbina Bay \u2013 The Power of the Earth<\/strong>
In the afternoon, you\u2019ll land at Urbina Bay, a fascinating site that emerged in 1954 when a sudden uplift of the sea floor thrust the coral reef upward, creating an entirely new shoreline. Today, this remarkable geological event supports an extraordinary array of biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn land, you may spot both marine and land iguanas, and with luck, some giant tortoises. In the water, rays and sea turtles glide near the shore, while flightless cormorants and pelicans rest on the rocks\u2014all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alcedo Volcano.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
DAY 11:<\/strong> Elizabeth Bay<\/span><\/div>\n
ISABELA ISLAND (ELIZABETH BAY \u2013 PUNTA MORENO)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nElizabeth Bay \u2013 Life Among the Mangroves<\/strong>
This morning, you\u2019ll explore remote Elizabeth Bay, one of the most pristine and biodiverse areas of the island, accessible only by boat. Aboard a traditional panga, you\u2019ll drift gently through red mangroves, observing the extraordinary wildlife that thrives in these calm, shallow waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep an eye out for green sea turtles, golden rays, Gal\u00e1pagos penguins, brown pelicans, and the iconic blue-footed boobies. With a bit of luck, you might even spot humpback whales surfacing in the distance. This is one of the best opportunities to connect with the Gal\u00e1pagos marine life in its purest form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Punta Moreno \u2013 Surreal Landscapes<\/strong>
In the afternoon, you\u2019ll disembark at Punta Moreno, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a dramatic, almost lunar landscape. As you walk over the dark volcanic terrain, you\u2019ll encounter natural tidal pools of crystal-clear water that serve as oases for unexpected wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn these brackish lagoons, you may spot pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. Look closely and you might also find white-tipped reef sharks or marine turtles gliding between the lava rock formations. It\u2019s a landscape where fire and water have come together to create an otherworldly and utterly unique ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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DAY 12:<\/strong> Santa Cruz Island<\/span><\/div>\n
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (CHARLES DARWIN STATION \u2013 HIGHLANDS)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCharles Darwin Research Station \u2013 Conservation in Action<\/strong>
Begin your day with a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, part of the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station\u2014epicenter of Gal\u00e1pagos conservation efforts. Here, you\u2019ll observe giant tortoises at every stage of life, from tiny hatchlings just a few centimeters long to fully grown adults over a meter in length.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSeveral tortoise subspecies live in this protected environment, some so accustomed to visitors that they\u2019ll curiously approach. The young are carefully nurtured until they\u2019re ready to be released into the wild\u2014a moving insight into the island\u2019s ongoing efforts to preserve its unique natural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlands \u2013 A Verdant and Volcanic World<\/strong>
In the afternoon, you\u2019ll head into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, a dramatic contrast to the island\u2019s coastal landscapes. Walk among rolling green hills, fern-covered forests, volcanic craters, and abundant wildlife. This is one of the few places where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat\u2014an unforgettable sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe experience continues below ground as you explore the island\u2019s lava tunnels\u2014vast volcanic formations stretching over a kilometer beneath the surface. Equipped with a flashlight and guided by an expert, you\u2019ll walk through these surreal passageways, witnessing the living geological history of the Gal\u00e1pagos.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
DAY 13:<\/strong> Santa Fe Island<\/span><\/div>\n
PLAZA SUR & SANTA FE ISLAND<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlaza Sur \u2013 Color and Life on the Cliffs<\/strong>
In the morning, explore Plaza Sur Island, a small island elevated by volcanic activity, with slopes covered by opuntia cacti and a seasonal carpet of Sesuvium plants that shift from green and yellow during the rainy season to deep red in the dry season.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe island hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Gal\u00e1pagos and a unique population of land iguanas, whose yellow and reddish hues blend with the arid landscape. From the cliffs, enjoy spectacular ocean views and watch seabirds such as swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santa Fe Island \u2013 Cactus Forests and Turquoise Waters<\/strong>
In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island (Barrington), one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, formed by volcanic uplift. The excursion begins in a calm bay with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling alongside sea lions, rays, and turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo trails offer different perspectives: one ascends to a cliffside viewpoint with panoramic views of the bay; the other leads from a white sandy beach into a forest of giant cacti, home to the endemic Santa Fe land iguana species.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
DIA 14: Isla Espa\u00f1ola<\/span><\/div>\n
ESPA\u00d1OLA ISLAND (PUNTA SU\u00c1REZ \u2013 GARDNER BAY & OSBORN ISLET)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPunta Su\u00e1rez \u2013 A Sanctuary of Birds and Dramatic Landscapes<\/strong>
In the morning, you\u2019ll visit Punta Su\u00e1rez on the remote and spectacular Espa\u00f1ola Island, the southernmost island of the archipelago. This site hosts the largest colony of Gal\u00e1pagos albatrosses in the world, alongside an incredible variety of wildlife including mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies, red and green marine iguanas, hawks, and Darwin\u2019s finches.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou will walk along trails winding through sea cliffs where the albatrosses use air currents as their launch platform. One of the most impressive natural spectacles is the famous blowhole\u2014a rocky formation that shoots seawater high into the air, creating unique photo opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet \u2013 Relaxation and Marine Life<\/strong>
In the afternoon, you\u2019ll arrive at Gardner Bay on the island\u2019s eastern coast. This white sandy beach is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Gal\u00e1pagos, perfect for relaxing alongside a large colony of sea lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe turquoise waters around Gardner Bay, along with the rocky shores of nearby Osborn Islet, offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Swim among sea turtles, tropical fish, and, with some luck, spot rays or even reef sharks in a safe and pristine environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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DAY 15:<\/strong> Gal\u00e1pagos \u2013 Guayaquil<\/span><\/div>\n
SAN CRIST\u00d3BAL ISLAND \u2013 ECUADOR FLIGHT \u2013 INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn the morning, you will visit the Interpretation Center on San Crist\u00f3bal Island, an initiative donated by the Spanish government and inaugurated in 1998 by the then Prince of Spain. This center offers an in-depth look into the natural and human history of the archipelago, highlighting how harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is possible in this unique environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The visit continues to the Cerro Colorado Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, located in the southeast of the island, where Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoises live semi-freely in a carefully protected natural habitat. During the tour, you may observe endemic birds such as finches, warblers, and mockingbirds among lush native shrubs and trees. This is an exceptional opportunity to see the tortoises up close in their natural environment and learn about the conservation efforts that ensure their survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transfer to Airport<\/strong>
At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to San Crist\u00f3bal Airport to take your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival, a Peru VIP Travel representative will be waiting to assist you with international check-in procedures, ensuring a comfortable and smooth departure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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INCLUDES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Airport assistance.
All transfers.
International flight (LIM – UIO).<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Private and shared ground transportation as per program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vistadome Observatory train.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ocean Spray cruise (8 Days \/ 7 Nights).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bilingual local guides (Spanish\/English).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meals: 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 7 nights accommodation (double occupancy).<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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NOT INCLUDED<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Excursions not indicated in the program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Travel insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tips for guides, drivers, porters, waiters, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Any item not specifically detailed in our program.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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RECOMMENDATIONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Bring your original passport with an expiration date of at least 7 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Travel insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hat and sunglasses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personal medications and\/or toiletries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Camera or video camera.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep small denomination bills and coins in soles or dollars handy.T.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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