Depending on when your flight arrives, spend time exploring Quito, Ecuador's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the middle of the Andes and considered the cultural capital of South America, there are endless opportunities for day trips, including visiting Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Papallacta Hot Springs, and more.

Accommodations: Swissôtel Quito

In the morning, fly to San Cristobal airport in the Galapagos and then transfer to your hotel. After lunch, head to “La Loberia,” the home beach and nursery for the large Galapagos sea lions. Spot them launching over rocks or dozing in the sand. See yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin finches along the beach. In between the rocks you can find marine iguanas, another species which is only found in the Galapagos. You'll also have time to go for a refreshing swim, explore the waters with snorkel equipment, and enjoy the beach. The evening is free to explore the town of Puerto Moreno, where your hotel is located.

Accommodations: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Take a one-hour speed boat ride to Kicker Rock, where the two vertical walls form a channel perfect for marine life. Spend the afternoon snorkeling with turtles, rays, sea lions, and rainbow fish, before heading to Isla Lobos where you can view sea lions and marine iguanas.

Accommodations: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, take a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago and the place where most volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island is being formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but Ecuador are still active, making the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

In the afternoon, head out on a mountain bike to explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail, through an incredible ecosystem with a variety of wildlife. Start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks. This site dates back to when Isabela was used as a penal colony from 1946 to 1959, and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad due to the isolation they experienced. Explore pristine, white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and lagoons as you continue the ride along the coast. This area is filled with birdlife, including American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches, and many other shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas. After dinner, enjoy a breath-taking sunset at the beach of Puerto Villamil.

Accommodations: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

After driving from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, prepare for a hike into a young forest ecosystem and a world of recent geological history. The destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, over six miles across at its widest point. In the late afternoon, return to Puerto Villamil and go kayaking to view sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas in the area of Tintoreras.

Accommodations: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Today you'll explore the amazing lava formations created along the seashore of Isabela Island, a magical place that has been used by the staff of BBC and National Geographic for documentaries. The labyrinth of lava arches have formed amongst the crystal-clear water where you can find huge sea turtles (sometimes man-sized), eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and more. Turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles.” It is here where you'll have the best opportunity to snorkel with the local wildlife, including the curious Galapagos penguin. In the afternoon, you'll have time to relax and enjoy your last moments on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island.

Accommodations: Hotel Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Take a speed boat to Santa Cruz Island, where you can take a quick walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station. In the afternoon, head to “El Chato” Reserve in the highland of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos Tortoises. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful scenery with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! You'll also see other highland wildlife on this hike such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, and finches, and observe the frigate birds which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake.

Accommodations: Galapagos Inn La Casa de Judy or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you can experience the Galapagos at your own pace. You have the option of going on a self-guided exploration walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay (about 3.5 miles long), a beautiful white sand beach and nesting site for thousands of marine turtles. This beautiful place is perfect for swimming or snorkeling (or you can rent kayaks for $10).

Other optional activities are an extra cost and include a day excursion to Floreana Island or Bartolome Island or scuba diving.

Accommodations: Galapagos Inn La Casa de Judy or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Savor your last moments on the Galapagos Islands, transfer to the Baltra airport, and fly back to Quito.

Accommodations: Swissôtel Quito
Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy one final breakfast in Ecuador, say your farewells, and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast