Effort: Easy – Moderate

Activities: Hiking, Swimming, and Snorkeling

Lodging: Tourist Class Galapagos Hotels

 This hiking journey is a rich and intimate experience that will leave you enchanted. Going beyond traditional cruise programs, our Galapagos Island Hopping tour allow you to discover wonderful lava trails alive with birds, journey around the world´s second largest volcano caldera, stroll down white sand beaches filled with sea lions and marine iguanas and snorkel with sea turtles, rays, sharks and resplendent tropical fish. Our first rate bilingual guides will take you hiking, snorkeling and swimming to places that will exceed your wildest expectations. Our Galapagos Island Hopping is a fantastic journey for groups and families.

DAY 1 – HIKE, SWIM, AND SNORKEL SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

After a welcome lunch and orientation at our waterfront hotel, we head to San Cristobal´s interpretation center to learn about the fascinating natural, scientific, cultural and social history of the Galapagos Islands. We continue on a short hike up to Cerro de Las Tijeretas. Where we will learn about the native and endemic vegetation as well as the birds and lizards we are bound to see. Tijeretas offers not only the best snorkeling, but stunning views, this is the historic spot where Charles Darwin first landed in the Galapagos and a statue of him looks over the bay.

On our way back, we´ll pass by Punta Carola, where you´ll sunbathe next to sea lions and marine iguanas, swim, snorkel, and watch the surfers on this world-class wave break! We head back to our hotel, latter we can enjoy a night stroll down the boardwalk lined with hundreds of sea lions! (L)

DAY 2 – SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO AND ISLA LOBOS, HIKE EL JUNCO IN SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

This morning, we head to Leon Dormido, two breathtaking rock massifs jutting out from the sea. Above sea level, its rock walls are home to thousands of sea birds, and below to millions of fish. While snorkeling, you´ll see Galapagos sharks, spotted eagle rays, and golden rays, as well as multitudes of reef fish, starfish, clams, and marine invertebrates. You may even see hammerhead sharks! On the way back, we make another snorkel stop at Isla Lobos, full of tropical fish providing one of the best underwater sea lion and marine iguana encounters in the Galapagos!

In the afternoon, we take a short hike to an extinct volcano crater filled with the Galapagos´ only permanent freshwater lake. The lake itself is home to frigate birds, common gallinules, and white-cheeked pintail ducks, among others. After a morning under the sea and an afternoon in the highlands, spend a leisurely evening enjoying your last night on San Cristobal. (B, L)

DAY 3 –LONESOME GEORGE AND WILD TORTOISES

After an early breakfast, we take a fast boat to Santa Cruz Island. Remember to keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins! Upon arrival, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where a large conservation effort takes place. You´ll find land iguanas, endemic Galapagos plants, and giant tortoise subspecies from a number of different islands for scientific, educational, and conservation purposes. See evolution first hand by comparing the different shapes of the various giant tortoise subspecies from each island. We will also meet Lonesome George, the last remaining tortoise of the Pinta Island subspecies.

After lunch, we head to the highlands to find the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. We also encounter other highland wildlife such as finches, flycatchers, egrets, pintail ducks, and frigate birds. We will then explore the area´s lava tunnels. As we explore these underground formations, your guide will tell you stories about pirates hiding Inca gold in these volcanic caves. Enjoy a free evening to explore the many restaurant and nightlife options Galapagos´ largest town has to offer. (B, L)

DAY 4 – HIKE CERRO CROCKET AND TORTUGA BAY

Start out your morning with a hike to Santa Cruz´s incredible cloud forest. Our goal will be to summit the 864 meter Cerro Crocker, the highest point on the island. Once again we have a chance to view the giant tortoise in its natural habitat, as well as the resplendent red bird called the vermillion flycatcher. This hike also affords extraordinary views of the Media Luna crater. After a trail through endemic Miconia forest, we arrive at the summit with stunning views of the coastline.

After lunch, we take a 30-45 minute hike to Tortuga Bay. The trail crosses through unique dry forest habitat and is home to many finches, doves, mockingbirds, and pelicans. Your jaw will drop once you arrive at this gorgeous beach. Here, you share the azure waters and white sand with marine iguanas and sea turtles. After a relaxing afternoon on the beach, return to Puerto Ayora for your final evening in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

DAY 5 – HIKE THE COASTLINE AND EXPLORE ISLETS

After breakfast, we take a speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago. Formed by 6 shield volcanoes, 5 of which are still active, Isabela is one of the Hottest volcanic spots on earth.

We arrive and start out hike along a sandy beach, continuing onto mangroves, ava tunnels, a shady and wonderful smelling poison apple forest before we finally cut away from the coastline to enter the territory of hundreds of Galapagos tortoises. We climb up to a stunning lookout point before continuing on to the Wall of Tears – a historic site that dates back to when Isabela was used as a penal colony. The prisoners built the wall with lava blocks and had no other purpose than to keep them distracted from the madness of isolation. Along the way, we lookout for the mangrove finch (endemic to Isabela Island), flamingos, herons, American oyster catchers, and other shore birds.

In the afternoon, we explore wildlife among the bay´s many small islets. The key species we search for here are white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins. After a long day, enjoy your evening in the lazy beach town of Puerto Villamil, with a  laid-back atmosphere of carefree people and sandy streets. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 – VOLCANO CRATER HIKE

Prepare yourself for a walk into a world of recent geological history. Hike through the highlands while taking in the gorgeous vistas until you arrive at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, an active caldera which last erupted in October of 2005. We hike along the rim of this colossal 6×5 mile-wide (9×8 km) lava-filled crater before continuing into the caldera of Volcan Chico.

Once there you will explore surreal lava formations and puffing fumaroles, along with the endless hues of reds, blacks, oranges, and yellows that make up this otherworldly landscape. In the late afternoon, we return to the coast to catch our last sunset over the Galapagos sands and seas. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 – ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT

In the morning, we transfer to Baltra airport and back to the continent. (B)

Included: Lodging in tourist superior hotels; all meals as described (dinner is only included on Isabela Island); professional bilingual Galapagos naturalist and hiking guide; snorkeling gear; all sea and land transportation.
Not included: Flights to and from Galapagos; entrance fee to Galapagos National Park: USD 100 p/p (subject to change); Galapagos transit card: USD 10 (subject to change); meals not mentioned above; guide tips; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips or gratuities; personal expenses
Note: This itinerary may change without notice due to weather conditions, seasonal changes, and adjustments to Galapagos National Park policy.

KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION

BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2 boat crossings of 2-3 hrs each

SEASON: Year-round

ALTITUDE: 0 – 3,700 ft (1,124 meters) above sea level

AVERAGE TEMPERTATURES: Dec. – May: 80 – 90ºF (25 – 30ºC);
June – Sept.: 60 – 70ºF (15 – 20ºC);  Oct. – Nov.: 70 – 80ºF (15º -25ºC)

WATER TEMPERATURE: Due to the convergence of several ocean currents, Galapagos’ seas are a unique mix of cold and warm water. Temperatures range from 65ºF to 85ºF.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: Non-cotton trekking gear, water sandals, hiking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, flashlight, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray

• Meet giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, land and marine iguanas, sea lions and other incredible Galapagos wildlife
• Snorkel with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish!
• Explore endemic miconia and scalesia forests.
• Meet Lonesome George – the last remaining tortoise of the Pinta Island subspecies.
• Encounter many of the Galapagos finch and mockingbird subspecies that helped spark Darwin´s theory of evolution!
• Hike the rim of Volcan Sierra Negra, the second largest volcano caldera in the world.
• Rest your legs on paradisiacal beaches.
• Experience the islands in a more intimate way with this small land-based program.
• The best naturalist bilingual guides will lead you through every step of your Island hopping journey.

Galapagos Island Hopping – 2012 Departures

April 22 to28

May 10 to 16

June 6 to 12

June 18 to 24

July 15 to 21

August 04 to 10

September 3 to 9

October 2 to 8

November 6 to 12

November 20 to 26

December 25 to 31