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BOOKING ENQUIRY

Itinerary B - NW

Length 8 days

Departs on Sunday from San Cristóbal Island Airport
Ends on Sunday at San Cristóbal Island Airport

Visitor Sites
Click on each site for more information
  • Day 1 AM San Cristóbal Island Airport San Cristóbal Island Airport
    10%
    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

    Site Rating 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

  • Day 1 PM San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
    61%
    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera

    Also known as the Cerro Colorado, the hike from the beach is long, about 5 Km (3 miles) one-way and may be hot.  It is important to note that the walk takes a minimum 3 1/2 hours roundtrip.  A great site for those wanting to stretch their legs.  Do bring water.  The hike takes you to an area renown for the numerous giant tortoises easily spotted in the wild.  There are goats in the interior and it is common to find their droppings along the way.   Landing:  Wet   Difficulty:  Difficult

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Giant tortoise in the wild
    Site Rating 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera

    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
    Overall Rating: 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Also known as the Cerro Colorado, the hike from the beach is long, about 5 Km (3 miles) one-way and may be hot.  It is important to note that the walk takes a minimum 3 1/2 hours roundtrip.  A great site for those wanting to stretch their legs.  Do bring water.  The hike takes you to an area renown for the numerous giant tortoises easily spotted in the wild.  There are goats in the interior and it is common to find their droppings along the way.   Landing:  Wet   Difficulty:  Difficult

    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera

    San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
    Overall Rating: 61%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Also known as the Cerro Colorado, the hike from the beach is long, about 5 Km (3 miles) one-way and may be hot.  It is important to note that the walk takes a minimum 3 1/2 hours roundtrip.  A great site for those wanting to stretch their legs.  Do bring water.  The hike takes you to an area renown for the numerous giant tortoises easily spotted in the wild.  There are goats in the interior and it is common to find their droppings along the way.   Landing:  Wet   Difficulty:  Difficult

  • Day 2 AM Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    76%
    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Nazca booby
    • check Red-footed booby
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Overall Rating: 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

    Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
    Overall Rating: 76%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

  • Day 2 PM Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    84%
    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Red-footed booby
    • check Fur seals
    • check Nazca booby
    Site Rating 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Overall Rating: 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

    Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
    Overall Rating: 84%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

  • Day 3 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 3 PM Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    54%
    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    • check Rays
    • check Sharks
    • check Land Iguana
    • check Flamingo
    Site Rating 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Overall Rating: 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

    Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
    Overall Rating: 54%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry

  • Day 4 AM Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
    86%
    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca

    Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay that is well protected from ocean swells. This is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliffs or to explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies perch along the sheer walls, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. One of the top rated snorkeling spots in Galapagos. Landing: None: Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Rays
    • check Red-billed tropicbirds
    • check Sea lions
    • check Sea turtles
    Site Rating 86%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca

    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
    Overall Rating: 86%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay that is well protected from ocean swells. This is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliffs or to explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies perch along the sheer walls, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. One of the top rated snorkeling spots in Galapagos. Landing: None: Difficulty: Easy.

    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca

    Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
    Overall Rating: 86%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay that is well protected from ocean swells. This is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliffs or to explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies perch along the sheer walls, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. One of the top rated snorkeling spots in Galapagos. Landing: None: Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 4 PM Isabela Island, Urbina Bay Isabela Island, Urbina Bay
    58%
    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay
    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

    A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Flightless cormorant
    • check Giant tortoise in the wild
    • check Land Iguana
    Site Rating 58%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay
    Overall Rating: 58%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

    Isabela Island, Urbina Bay
    Overall Rating: 58%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  • Day 5 AM 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 PM 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 6 AM Rábida Island Rábida Island
    67%
    Rábida Island
    Rábida Island

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sea lions
    • check Nazca booby
    Site Rating 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Rábida Island

    Rábida Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

    Rábida Island

    Rábida Island
    Overall Rating: 67%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

     

  • Day 6 PM Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    63%
    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Sharks
    • check Rays
    Site Rating 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Overall Rating: 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

    Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
    Overall Rating: 63%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 7 AM Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre account_balance
    53%
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Wildlife Sightings
    • check Mockingbirds
    Site Rating 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

    Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre
    Overall Rating: 53%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

  • Day 7 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 8 AM San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre account_balance
    35%
    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre
    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

    The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

    Site Rating 35%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre
    Overall Rating: 35%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

    San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre
    Overall Rating: 35%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

  • Day 8 AM San Cristóbal Island Airport San Cristóbal Island Airport
    10%
    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

    Site Rating 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

    San Cristóbal Island Airport

    San Cristóbal Island Airport
    Overall Rating: 10%
    public Iconic Species
    pets Biodiversity
    photo Striking vistas
    beach_access Beach quailty
    pool Snorkeling quality

    The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance

Itinerary Rating
Combined score of all sites visited
Rating: 67%
public Iconic species
pets Biodiversity
photo Striking vistas
beach_access Beach quality
pool Snorkeling quality

Wildlife Sightings
  • check Flamingo
  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Fur seals
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Giant tortoise in the wild
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Nazca booby
  • check Rays
  • check Red-billed tropicbirds
  • check Red-footed booby
  • check Scalesia forest
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles
  • check Sharks
  • check Vermillion flycatcher