Internationale groepsreis Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps

The group flight usually arrives into Quito this evening. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients. Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

This morning you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers as we have a welcome briefing and take a guided tour of the main sights in Quito. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2850m on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South America. Due to the altitude you are advised to take it easy at first. Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Transfer to Quito airport and fly to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival we settle into our hotel and have the opportunity to get a light lunch in the small town before spending some time at the Galapagos Interpretation Centre. This afternoon we walk to the cliffs at Las Tijeteras to see colonies of frigatebirds and there will be time for swimming and snorkelling close to a Sea lion colony.Today’s walking distance is approx. 5kmAccommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

Travel by small motorboat to Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), an impressive lava tuft formation and stunning views of the cliffs. Several species of nesting sea birds can be found here, including Masked boobies. We will have the opportunity to snorkel and with any luck we will spot Eagle rays, Galapagos turtles, Hammerhead sharks as well as great variety of colourful fish. Continue by boat to one of three white sand beaches where we can walk: Playa Ochoa Beach, Playa Manglecito Beach or Cerro Brujo.  Playa Ochoa is an expanse of white sand dominated by a large Sea lion colony as well as being home to many birds and Marine iguanas, while Playa Mangelecito offer both the opportunity to visit a white sand beach and a mangrove area. Cerro Brujo is located in a volcanic zone and has abundant vegetation as well as being home to Sea lions, Marine iguanas and many birds.Today’s walking distance is approx. 5km Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

After breakfast we drive to the highlands of San Cristobal. A short one-hour walk brings us to the fringe of El Junco Lake, one of the few permanent freshwater lakes in the Galapagos where frigatebirds can often be seen bathing near the lake. The San Cristobal highlands offer panoramic views across the smaller islands lapped by the Pacific. Afterwards we visit a reserve where the famous Galapagos giant tortoises roam free before snorkelling in a nearby bay. After lunch, we can visit La Loberia, a Sea lion nursery, the perfect place to unwind surrounded by colonies of Sea lions and Marine iguanas.Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Isla Floreana, one of the first islands to be inhabited in the Galapagos. En route we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch we visit the highlands of Floreana, where one of the few sources of fresh water in the entire archipelago exists. Visit lava caves once used by pirates who based themselves on the islands and see a large enclosure of Galapagos giant tortoises.Today’s walking distance is approx. 3kmAccommodation: Hotel Wittmer (or similar)

After an early breakfast we go on a walk to discover the black volcanic beaches, which are home to Red iguanas and Sea lion colonies. There is also time for snorkelling this morning (please note that on some departures the visit to this beach might be done in the late afternoon on Day 6).  Just before midday we navigate to Isabela and see Tortuga Island, a huge eroded marine crater where thousands of sea birds such as Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds nest.This afternoon we visit the Wall of Tears, a sad reminder of Isabela's very different past when the island was used as a penal colony. Between 1946 and 1959 convicts were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava simply as a form of punishment, which, combined with the harsh conditions, led to many deaths. After this sobering visit we hike back to the town through the mangroves, wetlands and along sandy beaches of the coast. This is one of the best places on the islands to view migratory birds, including Wilson’s phalarope, the Blue-winged teal and if we're very lucky, even osprey. This region has also seen the reintroduction of Galapagos giant tortoises from the breeding centre into the wild and we are likely to encounter several on our walk.Today’s walking distance is approx. 14km Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Our first day of trekking on the Sierra Negra Volcano. The walk today takes us across stark lava-strewn highlands punctuated with miconia shrubs and other vegetation. The otherworldly landscapes are incredible, and we pass many volcanic features along the way where we can observe steam fumaroles and a variety of lava formations.The total distance walked today will be approx. 16km.Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Today will be a long day as in order to reach the Sulphur Volcano we will need to trek approx. 26km. If at a half-way point anybody wishes to turn back, we will have 2 local guides, and we will be able to split the group into two. Please note that we may not be able to descend into the crater to visit the fumaroles, depending on the level of volcanic activity.The total distance walked today will be approx. 26km.Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Today we will be snorkelling in the area of Cabo Rosa. On this snorkelling trip you will have the opportunity to swim with Sea turtles, Manta rays, Marine iguanas and many different species of fish.Accommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)

We spend the morning sailing to the islets and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the islands to see White-tipped reef sharks, as well as penguins and Sea lions. There will be time for snorkelling today. On this morning's excursion we may be lucky enough to spot the endangered Chatham mockingbird.The afternoon is free for swimming, snorkelling, walking or just relaxing on one of the beaches around Puerto Villamil.Today’s walking distance is approx. 3kmAccommodation: The Wooden House (or similar)

Navigate by motorboat to Santa Cruz very early this morning and have breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast we have the option of visiting the Charles Darwin Research Centre, which is home to the headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation. This is the main research centre on the islands and many visiting scientists come from all over the world to study the flora and fauna.  After our visit we'll have lunch at one of the local restaurants. Our destination this afternoon is Tortuga Bay, a 1km stretch of white sand regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail leading to the beach is paved and takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, with possibilities to observe Galapagos finches and lizards along the way. The beach is scattered with Marine iguana's, who lay amongst the clusters of black rocks or stroll along the sand. In the water turtles can sometimes be seen. Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents. After a relaxing afternoon, we'll hike the same route back towards the main town of Puerto Ayora where our hotel is located.Today’s walking distance is approx. 7kmAccommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)

Visit either Bartolome Island, South Plaza Island or North Seymour (depending on the National Park restrictions).South Plaza Island has a remarkable vegetation of succulents and cacti that provide a unique habitat for land iguanas. The iguanas form small colonies at the base of the tall opuntia cacti, waiting for their flowers and dead pads to fall to the ground so they can feed on them. The island's rocks are home to swallowtail gulls, shearwaters and Sea lions.North Seymour is a flat, boulder-strewn island and is a major nesting site for frigatebirds. It's also a good place to see Blue-footed boobies performing their courtship rituals, as well as Sea lions playing in the powerful surf.Bartolome is a spectacular scene of dramatic lava cones, perfect clear turquoise sea and affords perhaps the most famous view of the Galapagos Islands, looking across the red cinder cones to the recent black lava fields on James Island. If possible, we will snorkel today (usually around Bartolome) where the water is calm.Accommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast this morning we drive to the airport at Baltra and fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards. Alternatively, you can extend your stay for a few extra nights or join the Napo Wildlife Centre Extension (which starts in Quito). Land only clients may prefer to organise post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise their international flights for the following day, in case of delays returning from the Galapagos to mainland Ecuador.