Guayaquil and Galapagos combined with Santa Cruz 6 days

Day 1: Guayaquil

Arrival in Guayaquil. Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel. 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. 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 – Full Day at Isabela Island

In the morning, transfer to the pier to board a ferry to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago. While walking through the town, you will visit the Flamingo Lagoon, home to these colorful birds known for their vibrant plumage and distinctive nasal calls. The lagoons surrounding Puerto Villamil were formed by erosion processes and lava subsidence in the southern part of the island, creating the most representative coastal-marine wetland ecosystem in the Galápagos. These wetlands are transition zones between the ocean and the land and are remarkable examples of highly adapted ecosystems. In the afternoon, visit Las Tintoreras, where you will take a boat ride around the islet to observe penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and other marine wildlife that may be present during the excursion. Afterwards, arrival at Tintoreras Islet for an approximately 45-minute walk, where you can observe colonies of marine iguanas, the shark channel where whitetip reef sharks (“tintoreras”) can be seen resting from above, and finally the sea lion beach. The excursion concludes with a snorkeling activity, where you may encounter sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, a variety of fish, sea urchins, and starfish. Return by ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

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.

Day 6: Guayaquil

Breakfast and free time until transfer to the airport.