Archipel I 8 Days - Itinerary A

The Interpretation Centre, just outside the provincial capital city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, gives a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago. Its attractive exhibition is quite complete and helps you to get a clear overview and learn what makes this archipelago so unique. Information panels (in English and Spanish), pictures, documents, maquettes, and true-to-life dioramas tell various background and conservation stories about the islands in a different way. A short, though often hot, uphill trail with steps, leads from the Interpretation Centre to the summit of Frigatebird Hill. Four panoramic viewpoints show Puerto Baquerizo Moreno from above, as well as the bays on both sides of the headland. On clear days even the distant, offshore sculpture of Kicker Rock can be seen! These wooded hilltops are one of the rare places where some magnificent and great frigatebirds form a mixed breeding colony. A viewpoint with another Charles Darwin statue is a reminder that the HMS Beagle anchored in the exotic bay below

Full itinerary map here: http://bit.ly/archipel-i-8-days-a

Early in the morning you will visit South Plazas, located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forming a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”, where you will see outstanding species such as land and marine iguanas and hybrid iguanas too. After lunch you will visit Santa Fe Island, where you can see some endemic species such as the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, and land iguanas. You will also see one of the many sea lion colonies, and have the possibility to snorkel. After this activity return to the yacht and dinner

After breakfast, head to North Seymour Island, where you can see blue footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, marine iguanas and sea lions. After lunch disembark at Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), to observe lava tunnels, lava cactus and you also have the option to swim and snorkel if you wish. Return to the yacht and dinner.

In the morning, you will take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to the National Park boundary, where you will see the Twin Craters and then you will visit El Chato Reserve to observe the giant tortoise of Santa Cruz Island in its natural habitat.  Then, you will have a visit to Charles Darwin Station to learn about the protection and conservation of the island, you will see the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. 

Early in the morning visit Moreno Point in the north coast of Isabela, between volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, through a trail of solidified lava until a coastal lagoon where you will see several species of birds. During the afternoon we go to Urbina Bay, located at eh base of Alcedo Volcano. This is a great place to snorkel, and spot native species like land iguanas, Darwin ́s finches and Galapagos Tortoises

Early in the morning, go to Tagus Cove to see the Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and other seabirds. Then hike along the trail to the top of the cliff where you can view Darwin Lake and the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries. After lunch, visit Espinoza point in Fernandina, where you will see large colonies of marine iguanas. Dinner and end of the day.

First, you will go to Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island, which main attraction is a black sand beach, and is also home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. After lunch,  you will visit Rabida Island one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands, due to its red sand beach in the archipelago and also a great snorkeling site.

After breakfast, you will have a dinghy visit to Black Turtle Bay, where you may see sea lions and pacific green turtles. After this visit transfer to Baltra Airport and take your flight back to the continent.