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TOUR DETAILS
Darwin's Triangle - 6D/5N

Category: First Class
Duration: 6D/5N tour

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Santa Cruz, Floreana & Isabela Islands
Itinerary 6 days / 5 nights*

Day 1: Santa Cruz

Arrive onSanta Cruz and check into the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge. There is time to snorkel with sea lions at La Loberia before going on to Tortuga Bay. The route to Tortuga Bay offers as amazing opportunity to observe sting rays and baby reef sharks in the shallow waters of the mangrove ecosystems. After swimming on the beach there is a short hike to the nesting site of theMarine Iguana.

Day 2: Santa Cruz – Floreana

The second day begins with a trip to Los Gemelos, two collapsed lava chambers. The walk affords fantastic chances to see the remaining Scalesia Forest draped in liverwort, large and small tree finches and the vermillion flycatcher. This is a wonderful introduction to the biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Highlands. Next there is a visit to a 600-acre private reserve where giant Galapagos tortoises roam freely. After visiting the tortoises, there is a trip to the entrance of an illuminated lava tunnel. This is an incredible opportunity to wander through the remains of lava flows.

In the afternoon, sail to Floreana - stopping at Luz del Dia. This cove has an abundance of sea life and penguins, sea lions, rays and tropical fish are easily glimpsed beneath the clear waters. On Floreana, black lava rocks are full of the amazing rich red and turquoise colored Floreana marine iguanas.

Day 3: Floreana – Isabela

This day includes a trip to the highlands of Floreana where a Naturalist Guide will take you through the history of the first settled island in the Galapagos. Walk up to see the Asilo de la Paz where there is an artisan spring which attracted pirates, whalers and later, settlers to Floreana as it was one of the very few year round sources of fresh water in the Galapagos. Cerro Pajas is next and offers a multitude of Floreana Finches. Here there is also a stunning view of the island as well as the sea below. There is a visit to a tortoise reserve where giant tortoises are not shy about walking right up to your feet. The Naturalist Guide will point out the wildlife and keep you entertained with the colorful history of Floreana's first inhabitants.

In the afternoon, sail to Isabela - stopping by Isla Tortuga which is inhabited by frigates, blue-footed boobies and other birds that rely on the sea for their food. The port of Isabela has turquoise waters so clear it is possible to see the sea turtles, sea lions and penguins playing in the water.

After checking into the Isabela Lodge take a smaller boat to cross the port, slowing down to view blue footed boobies and Galapagos penguins sharing the same rocky, sunning space before docking. Walk through a jagged 'AA' lava field where abundant colonies of marine iguanas are always seen, to see a small canal full of resting white-tipped reef sharks. After returning to the dock, it is possible to snorkel in this warm, shallow bay surrounded by mangroves. This is a great opportunity to see white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, penguins and the mystery of the mangrove below the surface.

Day 4: Isabela Highlands

In the morning, 4x4 vehicles will be taken to the slopes of Volcan Sierra Negra. Here, the journey can be continued either on foot or on horseback.  After a scenic ride or walk, arrive at the caldera of Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world. The views are breathtaking and there is time to relax in the edge of the caldera. For the more energetic, there is an option to walk to Volcan Chico where fumarole activity is abundant.

In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful beach or clim b on the rocks to take photos of the marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Near the main dock of Isabela is a delightful walk through the mangrove that leads to an area known as Concha de Perla. In the shallow waters here, there is a sea turtle 'cleaning station'. It is an amazing place to snorkel and see these creatures from only a few feet away.

Day 5: Isabela – Santa Cruz

The day begins with a drive out of town along the most beautiful, white sand, palm lined beach in the whole of the Galapagos, Long Beach. This beach stretches on for 3 kilometers before arriving at the National Park where you stop to walk up the stairs for astounding vistas from the top of Cerro Orchilla. On the drive, the largest of the Galapagos marine iguanas can be observed sunning themselves by the side of the road. Next, visit the Muro de Las Lagrimas. The path to the Wall of Tears is carpeted with lava lizards. During breeding season, be careful not to step on or disturb the many nests along this trail. Birds are also abundant and the Naturalist Guide can assist with identification. Isabela has more tortoises in the wild than any other island with several sub-species as lava fields created a barrier that limited their mobility to freely roam. On the way back to town, visit the Interpretation Center, a breeding center for the giant Galapagos Tortoises and the only place to view the rare, remaining flat backed (so-called 'tabletop' shells) Galapagos tortoises, many of which still bear the scars of volcanic activity from Sierra Negra.

Be transported back to Puerta Ayora and check into the Aventura Lodge before a guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station. After the Darwin Station, there is some free time to shop for souvenirs or browse the shops along Charles Darwin Avenue.

Day 6: Santa Cruz

Depart for the airport to return to Quito.

 

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