Day 1: Guayaquil or Quito – Baltra Island – Transfer to Santa Cruz/ Charles Darwin Research Station
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you must go through the Galapagos National Park checkpoint and pay the entrance fee (not included). The cost varies depending on nationality.
- Ecuadorians and legal residents: USD 30.00
- Foreign tourists from the Andean Community of Nations and Mercosur: USD 100.00
- Foreign tourists of other nationalities: USD 200.00
- Seniors and children pay 50% of each of the aforementioned values.
After collecting your luggage, you will be met by 593 Mastravel staff, who will assist you with the payment of the ECOGAL or "Lobito" transportation fee (USD 5.00, not included), which is mandatory for using the official airport bus. Accompanied by your guide, we will board the bus to the Itabaca Channel, cross by barge to Santa Cruz Island, and continue by private transport to your hotel in Puerto Ayora
Check-in at the hotel (schedule subject to each establishment's policies).
In the afternoon, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research center managed by the Charles Darwin Foundation. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises up close in their breeding enclosures, as well as walk through forests of giant cacti, the natural habitat of various land birds. Return to the hotel.
Day 2: Tortuga Bay Beach / Highlands: Twin Craters, Private Ranch and Lava Tunnels
After breakfast, we'll begin our excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach, one of the most renowned natural paradises in the Galápagos. The cobblestone path leading to the beach offers the opportunity to observe endemic species such as lava lizards, finches, and giant cacti.
Upon arriving at Playa Brava, we'll continue walking to Playa Mansa, a stretch of calm waters where you can swim and relax. Kayaks are available for rent here (not included). We recommend bringing your swimsuit, water, a trash bag, and a light snack. After enjoying the beach, we'll return to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Upper Part of Santa Cruz, making stops at three iconic sites:
- Private Ranch: Where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat
- Lava Tunnels: Underground formations created by the passage of volcanic flows, offering a unique tour.
- Twin Craters: Two large volcanic depressions surrounded by a lush forest of scale trees, mosses, and orchids. Return to the hotel
Day 3: Speedboat to San Cristóbal´s island / Interpretation Center, Cerro Tijeretas and Playa Mann
It is recommended to arrange a packed breakfast with the hotel, as departure will be early in the morning. At approximately 6:00 AM, we will head to the dock to board the boat to Santa Cruz Island (approximately a 2.5-hour boat ride). Upon arrival, there will be a brief check by the National Park (dock usage fee USD 1, not included), and a guide will transfer you to your assigned hotel for check-in.
At the time indicated by the guide, we will depart for our first visit: the Interpretation Center, which showcases the history of the islands within their natural, human, and conservation contexts. The Natural History Room explains aspects such as the volcanic origin of the islands, their distance from the mainland, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of species, and their establishment.
We will continue along the Cerro Tijeretas trail, where "La Predial," a fishing company, operated from 1952 to 1960. The viewpoints offer panoramic views of the island's north coast, León Dormido, Cerro Mundo, and Cerro Tijeretas. Here, both species of frigatebirds can be observed nesting in the same colony, and a statue of Charles Darwin commemorates his visit to San Cristóbal.
Later, we'll visit Playa Mann, a white sand beach formed from fragmented shells, whose clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Its proximity to the town center makes it a popular recreational spot and ideal for enjoying spectacular sunsets. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 4: La Lobería Beach
After breakfast, we'll travel to Playa La Lobería, a coral sand beach named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. It's a
popular spot for surfing. During the tour, you'll see mangroves, coastal vegetation, and wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and
finches.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – Return to Guayaquil or Quito
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, the guide will assign you a pick-up time from
your hotel to transfer you to the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno airport.
End of services.
