Our naturalist led land-based tour introduces us to the many unique wonders of Coastal Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with penguins, kayak with marine turtles, explore Isabela, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz Islands, and return every evening to comfortable charming land-based accommodations.

An ideal choice for those who crave a variety of nature walks, snorkeling, sea kayaking, overland expeditions, and small-boat excursions, Explorer's Galapagos offers a diverse and active discovery of these far-flung islands, with the comfort of charming, land-based accommodations each night. This unique journey seeks to mitigate our impact on the islands by allowing our small groups to visit off-the-beaten-path areas in an environmentally-friendly manner. Each day, we leave well-worn routes behind to enjoy the tranquility of walking and paddling our way through the less-visited corners of this island paradise.

Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2: Led by our naturalist guide, explore Cerro Blanco Protected Forest, home to 213 species of birds. After lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, we will visit Parque Seminario, or Parque de las Iguanas, a natural habitat for numerous iguana species. We will continue to explore this coastal town with a walk on  Malecón 2000, and perhaps a visit to the restored neighborhood of Las Peñas

Day 3-7: Fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. Spend the next five days exploring several Islands, each with its own special highlights: beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and kayaking, volcanoes, marine iguanas, penguins, the Santa Cruz Tortoise, Blue-footed Boobies, and other delights.

Day 8: Visit the capital of San Cristobal Island, Puerto Baquerizo, before flying back to Guayaquil.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport, or join us on a Latin American trip extension. 

A non-profit association dedicated to the complete and lasting protection of the Galapagos Islands. Their mission is to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless world heritage that will provide enjoyment, education, adventure, and inspiration to present and future generations of travelers. If you travel to the Galapagos the most important decision you make is the choice of a responsible travel company. By choosing an IGTOA member you will travel with a knowledgeable and responsible tour operator that supports sustainable ecotourism.

THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS' ADVANTAGE

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
   
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
   
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
   
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
   
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips.
   
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small.
   
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly

Most Convenient Airport:
Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, Guayaquil (Airport Code GYE)

Meeting Time and Place:
You will be met at the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil by a Boundless Journeys representative upon the arrival of your flight on the first day of the trip (Day 1). Please look for a sign with your name on it, or that of Boundless Journeys. Most flights from the U.S. arrive into Guayaquil in the late afternoon or evening. You will be transferred to our first hotel where you will be met in the lobby by your Boundless Journeys guide(s) at 8:30 a.m. on the following morning (Day 2).

Departure Time and Place: 
Depart from the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil at your leisure on Day 9 of the tour.  Airport transport will be provided.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Explorer’s Galapagos is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks on this trip average 2-4 hours per day and allow for plenty of time to study, enjoy, and photograph the flora and fauna. Please note, the 7 hour hike on Day 5 to Sierra Negra is an optional, moderate, uphill climb suitable for all ages. You may choose instead to take a one-hour roundtrip hike to the rim of the caldera.

The Galapagos Islands are ideal for healthy, active people of all ages looking to enjoy nature up close. While a trip to the islands can be fairly easy when it comes to activity, a basic level of fitness is in order. Even though our walks are evenly paced in gorgeous settings, you can expect some long walks in warm weather.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (walking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs.  

Weather
Though Ecuador is named for being on the equator, it encompasses the mighty mountains of the Andes, the tropical rainforests of the Amazon, and the pleasant marine climate found in the Galapagos, making for a wide range of temperatures and climates.  We begin and end the trip in Ecuador’s major port, Guayaquil. Average year round temperatures for Guayaquil are in the 80's during the daytime and in the 70's in the evening.

The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt Current and the warm El Niño current. November through March is the warmest time of year, with highs in the upper 80's. Although the islands receive slightly more rainfall during this time, the lower elevations of the islands, where you will spend almost your entire trip, typically offer blue skies and sunshine with occasional haze.  The sea is at its warmest and is usually calmer at this time of year. Average temperatures for the Galapagos Islands range from the upper 70's in July and November to the high 80's in March and April. Evening temperatures range from high 60's in July and November to the mid-70's in March and April.

Average surface water temperatures for the Galapagos Islands range from the low 70's during July and November to the high 70's in March and April.

You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.

When to Go
The mainland of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands can be enjoyed at any time of the year, with each season offering certain benefits. The best time to visit is up to your individual preference. There are two seasons in the Galapagos: the warm season (November-March), and the cool season (April-October). If you prefer warmer days, higher ocean temperatures, and calmer seas, then you may want to consider a departure during the warm season. In addition to abundant wildlife, the warm season offers calm clear waters great for snorkeling. It is also a good time to view the green sea turtles that come to the islands to breed.

Cool season departures are typically characterized by slightly less rainfall, cooler daytime temperatures, and fewer visitors. The cool season is the best time of year to view baby sea lions, courting albatrosses, dancing Blue-footed Boobies, whales, and dolphins. No matter when you visit, there is always much to see.

Packing Restrictions
For inter-island flights the baggage allowance is 35 lbs. per person. This includes your carry on luggage.  You may leave luggage at the Hotel Hilton Colon in Guayaquil, and take a small duffle bag to the Islands.  We encourage you to pack essentials on our list, and little else (see page 14 of your itinerary for details).  Dress is casual and the weather is typically conducive to shorts, a bathing suit, and a t-shirt.  Please call us at 1-800-941-8010 with any questions.  

Inter-Island Transport
Day 3: Fly from Guayaquil to Baltra Island (30 min.). Transfer by bus to the Canal de Itabaca. Ferry ride across the canal to Santa Cruz Island. Forty minute drive to the highlands.
Day 4: Travel by motor boat or plane (group size, itinerary, and water conditions determine our mode of transport) from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island.
Day 7: Fly from Isabela Island to San Cristobal Island (45 min.), then motor boat to Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos.
Day 8: Fly from San Cristobal to Guayaquil (1 hour 40 min.).

Overview:  Eight nights in comfortable and charming hotels, all private baths.

Nights 1, 2 & 8: Hotel Hilton Colon
Guayaquil, Ecuador

A five-star hotel located five minutes from the airport. Enjoy the health club and spa, an outdoor pool, and a variety of restaurants. 

Night 3:  Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

One of the best hotels in Santa Cruz with beautiful rooms, excellent breakfasts, and personalized service. Located in front of the main pier, and a five minute walk to German’s Beach.

 
Nights 4, 5 & 6:  La Casa de Marita
Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Marita’s house is a first class hotel from which you can enjoy the natural charms of Isabela Island. It is located in the white sands of Puerto Villamil, offering incomparable views of the colorful beaches of the Galapagos Islands.

Night 7:  Casa Opuntia
San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

A first-class hotel located in a beautiful waterfront property on San Cristobal Island. The hotel has been recently refurbished and named after the endemic ‘’Opunti’’ cacti featured in the gardens of the Mediterranean style property.

DAY 1 
Arrival in Ecuador

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s biggest city and a major port, you will be met by a representative of Boundless Journeys who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to the hotel for your overnight stay.  As most flights from the U.S. arrive late in the evening, we will meet as a group the morning of Day 2, before our trip to Cerro Blanco.
Hotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil

DAY 2
Cerro Blanco Protected Forest; Parque de las Iguanas; Malecón 2000; Las Peñas neighborhood.

Morning hike – easy to moderate, 2 hours; afternoon walk – easy, 1-2 hours.

This morning’s excursion brings us to Cerro Blanco Protected Forest, located 40 minutes west of Guayaquil. The rich fauna of the Cerro Blanco Protected Forest includes 54 species of mammals such as pumas, guanta (a large rodent), wild pigs, and howler monkeys.

One of the main characteristics of this forest is its diversity of bird species. BirdLife International named it the second most important bird area of Ecuador after the cloud forest of Mindo. It is home to 213 species of birds such as the Red-lored Parrot, an endemic species that changes its habitat every night, and the Great Green Macaw, a symbol of the reserve as well as an endangered species.

Led by our naturalist guide, we will explore trails deep in the forest, traverse over mountain streams, and enjoy the unique sounds and sights of this ecological reserve.

After lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, we will visit Parque Seminario, or Parque de las Iguanas, a natural habitat for numerous iguana species. We will continue to explore this coastal town with a walk on Malecón 2000. This lovely riverfront promenade, flanking the western side of the Guayas River, is the crown jewel of Guayaquil. We will take in many important historical sites including the Morisca Tower, the famous monument of the four elements of the planet, the governing and municipality buidlings, and the La Rotonda monument, which reminds the viewer of the encounter between the liberators San Martin and Simón Bolívar in 1822. You then have some time to visit the garden area of the Malecón in which many tropical plants can be seen.

If time permits, we will conclude our day with a visit to Las Peñas, a restored neighborhood with art galleries, cafés, and shops which were once the houses of great writers and poets. Here we have the option to climb 500 stairs to the top of Santa Ana Hill and enjoy a wonderful view over the city.
Hotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil

DAY 3
Guayaquil – Santa Cruz Island

Morning hike – easy, 1-2 hours;
Afternoon kayak – easy, 2 hours

In the morning we fly from Guayaquil to Baltra Island. A short ferry ride takes us to Santa Cruz Island, where we then journey to the highlands.

Our first stop is the El Chato Reserve - the natural habitat of the Santa Cruz Tortoise, the largest in the Galapagos. The most recognized symbol of the Galapagos, the tortoise weighs over 500 lbs. and may have a shell measuring almost five feet wide. While we seek out these lumbering giants, we also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes.

We then explore lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations. These underground tunnels dug by hot lava twist, turn, and intertwine, providing an exciting opportunity to view the immense effect of volcanic activity. 
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, Santa Cruz Island

DAY 4 
Transfer to Isabela Island

Hike – easy, 4 hours

After a delicious breakfast at our inn, we take inter-island transportation to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago.   Isabela was formed by six volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of these volcanoes remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. This is a remarkably beautiful island and one of the youngest in the Galapagos.

Because it is relatively young, Isabela’s lava fields and surrounding soil do not have the varied vegetation zones of other islands. Despite this, the rich animal, bird, and marine life are beyond compare. There are more wild tortoises here, who roam freely in the calderas of the volcanoes, than on all of the other islands combined.

Upon arrival at Isabela, we check into our small and charming hotel.  After lunch, our first stop is at the marshlands or humedales, where elevated walkways take us over tidal lagoons that house four mangrove species and provide habitat to flamingos and numerous migratory birds.  We then visit Estuary Beach, where freshwater artesian springs flow into the sea, providing a perfect opportunity to swim amongst the mangroves.
La Casa de Marita, Isabela Island

DAY 5
Sierra Negra

Hike – moderate, 7 hours; or optional 1 hour walk to rim of the caldera.

Today we drive into Isabela’s highlands to prepare for a hike that will take us on trails across distinct and unusual terrain to arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. On a clear day, the beautiful view from the Sierra Negra can feel like a spiritual awakening. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005, and is also the second largest caldera in the world. As we hike around the rim of the crater, we will have a fantastic view of the 6 x 5 mile-wide lava-filled caldera, the other Isabela volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus beyond.

From here we have the option to continue our hike to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, or hike down from the caldera and visit with wild tortoises at Camp Duro, a private hacienda.

For those continuing on to Chico Volcano, we walk along a flat, rocky path by the border of the caldera, and enjoy views of Isabela’s numerous volcanoes and the nearby islands.
 
Once back at our island hotel, you may wish to conclude the day with a stroll along the beach or a dip in the ocean before dinner.
La Casa de Marita, Isabela Island

DAY 6
Loberia Chica and Tintoreras

Snorkel and island exploration – easy, mixed terrain.

This morning, we will snorkel at Loberia Chica, where we will have a great opportunity to see wildlife including penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and migratory birds.

After a picnic lunch, we visit the small island of Las Tintoreras (translating as white-tipped reef sharks). Tintoreras is situated to the south of Puerto Villamil and has a small bay of completely tranquil turquoise water. On its western face, a primitive species of lichen flourishes in the moisture brought by the prevailing wind. Here we will find young marine iguanas, white-tipped reef sharks, boobies, and quite possibly, the Galapagos Penguin.
La Casa de Marita, Isabela Island

DAY 7
Transport to San Cristobal Island; Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo – Isla Lobos

Walk along the shore, snorkel at Isla Lobos – easy, mixed terrain.

Early in the morning we fly to San Cristobal Island.  After a transfer to town, we travel by motorized boat to Kicker Rock, also known as the “Sleeping Lion” because of its resemblance. Kicker Rock, rising almost 500 feet from the ocean, is a volcanic tuff cone eroded by thousands of years of sea and wind forces. Waves have carved this volcanic structure, formed by two rocks side by side with vertical walls and a small channel in between. The rock is an important nesting place for tropical birds, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and frigate birds. Sea lions and fur sea lions may be observed as well. The surrounding waters are clear for underwater viewing of rock walls and marine life.

A boat ride along rocky shoreline brings us to Cerro Brujo’s white coraline beach with rewarding bird watching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island and are not seen elsewhere in the Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Flycatchers, and with luck, a Vermillion Flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked on, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos.

After lunch, we continue on to nearby Isla Lobos on the lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions. This is a fantastic snorkeling site where we are nearly guaranteed to enjoy one of the best sea lion encounters of our whole adventure.
Casa Opuntia, San Cristobal Island

DAY 8
Puerto Baquerizo; Travel to Guayaquil

After breakfast we take time to visit the capital of San Cristobal Island, Puerto Baquerizo. We will explore cafes and shops on the Malecon (Av. Charles Darwin) before taking a flight back to Guayaquil where we toast to the unique wonders of Ecuador at our farewell dinner.
Hotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil

DAY 9
Transfer home

Today, if you are not joining us on one of our Latin American trip extensions, you are transferred to the airport for your return flights home.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise. 

$3,895 per person

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All meals except one dinner
• All land and boat transportation during the tour
• Galapagos National Park fees and Transit Card
• All activities as noted in the itinerary