BACK TO ARCHIPELL I
BOOKING ENQUIRY

Itinerary A5

Length 5 days

Departs on Thursday from Baltra Island Airport
Ends on Monday at Baltra Island Airport

Visitor Sites
Click on each site for more information
  • Day 1 AM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  • Day 1 PM Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    62%
    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Scalesia forest
    • check Vermillion flycatcher
    Site Rating 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

    Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
    Overall Rating: 62%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 2 AM Isabela Island, Tintorera Isabela Island, Tintorera
    64%
    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Rays
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sharks
    Site Rating 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Overall Rating: 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Isabela Island, Tintorera

    Isabela Island, Tintorera
    Overall Rating: 64%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  • Day 2 PM Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre account_balance
    50%
    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre
    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre

    There is a 1.6km (1 mile) interpretive trail that leads from town, goes past the lagoons, and ends at the Tortoise Center.  This well laid-out breeding centre, with plenty of shade, houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela.  Landing:  N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Site Rating 50%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre

    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 50%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    There is a 1.6km (1 mile) interpretive trail that leads from town, goes past the lagoons, and ends at the Tortoise Center.  This well laid-out breeding centre, with plenty of shade, houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela.  Landing:  N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre

    Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 50%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    There is a 1.6km (1 mile) interpretive trail that leads from town, goes past the lagoons, and ends at the Tortoise Center.  This well laid-out breeding centre, with plenty of shade, houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela.  Landing:  N/A.  Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 3 AM Isabela Island, Punta Moreno Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    60%
    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flamingo
    Site Rating 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

    Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
    Overall Rating: 60%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 3 PM Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    71%
    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea turtles
    • check Sharks
    • check Rays
    Site Rating 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

    Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
    Overall Rating: 71%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 4 AM Isabela Island, Tagus Cove Isabela Island, Tagus Cove account_balance
    70%
    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Overall Rating: 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

    Isabela Island, Tagus Cove
    Overall Rating: 70%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

  • Day 4 PM Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    90%
    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Galapagos hawk
    • check Galapagos penguin
    • check Sea lions
    Site Rating 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

    Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
    Overall Rating: 90%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 5 AM Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    57%
    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flamingo
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Overall Rating: 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

    Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
    Overall Rating: 57%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

  • Day 5 AM Baltra Island Airport Baltra Island Airport account_balance
    28%
    Baltra Island Airport
    Baltra Island Airport

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

    Baltra Island Airport

    Baltra Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 28%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance

Itinerary Rating
Combined score of all sites visited
Rating: 66%
public Iconic species
pets Biodiversity
photo Striking vistas
beach_access Beach quality
pool Snorkeling quality

Wildlife Sightings
  • check Flamingo
  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Rays
  • check Scalesia forest
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles
  • check Sharks
  • check Vermillion flycatcher