On arrival day, we will meet you at Quito Airport and transfer you to a nearby hotel for convenience. For logistical reasons, we’ll be staying close to the airport. That evening, you’ll join the entire group for a welcome dinner to kick off the tour.

Immerse yourself in a full day of photographic exploration through Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the crack of dawn to the charm of twilight, traverse through architectural marvels, pulsating cultural hubs, and bustling local life that constitute the city’s vibrant ethos. Our itinerary includes iconic locations such as the picturesque Itchimbía hill, the golden La Compañia de Jesus church, the historic Plaza Grande, the bustling Santa Clara local market, the artifact-rich Alabado museum, and the towering Statue of the Virgin of Panecillo. This tour is designed to unlock the hidden beauty of Quito and create lasting memories through your lens.

Morning flight from Quito to Santa Cruz Island

AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Your adventure in the breathtaking Galapagos Islands begins! Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by our certified National Park naturalist guide, who will introduce you to the extraordinary biodiversity of this remarkable archipelago.

PM: Highlands Exploration
Your afternoon will take you on an exciting journey into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, accessible from either Baltra or Puerto Ayora. As you traverse the vibrant green forests, you'll encounter the iconic Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat, weighing up to 300 kg (600 lbs). Watch them graze peacefully or rest in cool freshwater ponds. This area is also home to many bird species rarely seen in the lowlands. Time permitting, you'll explore an ancient lava tunnel, gaining fascinating insights into the volcanic history of the islands.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, lava tunnels
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 1–1.5 km (0.6–0.9 mi)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Dry landing, hiking

AM: Tintoreras
Begin your day on Isabela Island with a visit to Tintoreras, a group of islets that serve as a haven for diverse wildlife. Sail through crystal-clear waters and witness the thriving marine life, including white-tipped sharks, colorful tropical fish, and vibrant starfish. For those seeking an underwater adventure, snorkeling provides an opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles, manta rays, and playful Galapagos penguins.

Highlights: Tintoreras, white-tipped sharks, sea turtles, manta rays
Trail: 1 km (0.62 mi)
Activity Level: 2
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling

PM: Isabela Island Wetlands & Interpretation Center
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the wetlands of Isabela Island, a crucial ecosystem supporting the region's biodiversity. Follow the trails through mangroves, lagoons, and beaches, where you'll spot flamingos, blue-billed ducks, and a variety of aquatic birds. The day concludes with a visit to the Interpretation Center, where you'll learn about the islands' natural and human history and the efforts being made to preserve this World Heritage Site.

Highlights: Wetlands, mangroves, flamingos, blue-billed ducks, Interpretation Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 3 km (1.86 mi)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Hiking

AM: Moreno Point
Explore the unique beauty of Moreno Point, where vast lava fields seem desolate but are interspersed with life-rich lagoons. Watch for flamingos, ducks, and gallinules as you walk through this otherworldly landscape. Along the coast, spot penguins, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Snorkeling here offers a chance to discover hidden marine wonders, from sea turtles to charming seahorses.

Highlights: Flamingos, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions
Trail: 1.6 km (1 mi)
Activity Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkeling

PM: Elizabeth Bay
In the afternoon, you'll visit Elizabeth Bay, a serene mangrove-lined bay ideal for a panga ride. Marvel at the abundant wildlife, including Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and sea turtles. This peaceful environment offers a unique opportunity to witness the thriving ecosystems of the Galapagos from the water.

Highlights: Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, flightless cormorants, mangroves
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: N/A (Panga ride)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Panga ride

AM: Mangle Point
Start your day at Mangle Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos. Sail through the mangrove-fringed waters, where rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish swim among the mangrove roots. The tranquil waters provide an ideal spot for snorkeling, allowing you to get up close to the abundant marine life.

Highlights: Mangrove ecosystem, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish
Trail: N/A (Panga ride, snorkeling)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Panga ride, snorkeling

PM: Urbina Bay
At Urbina Bay, observe the geological wonders that occurred during a 1950s uplift, where coral and shells were left exposed on the surface. Here, land iguanas roam the landscape, and giant tortoises may be seen depending on the season. Snorkel off the beach and discover marine life including sea turtles, penguins, and flightless cormorants.

Highlights: Land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, marine life
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 1.2 km (short), 3 km (long)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling

AM: Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove, once visited by Charles Darwin, is a historical and ecological treasure. Walk through the dry Palo Santo forest and enjoy views of Darwin’s Lake. Along the way, spot penguins, cormorants, and a variety of shorebirds. Snorkel in the nutrient-rich waters, teeming with fish, sea turtles, and cormorants diving for their meals.

Highlights: Penguins, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, Darwin finches
Trail: 2.6 km (1.6 mi)
Activity Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkeling

PM: Espinoza Point
In the afternoon, explore Espinoza Point at the foot of an active volcano. Walk among the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galapagos and observe sea lions, penguins, and hawks. The nutrient-rich waters offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities, where you can swim with marine iguanas and vibrant fish.

Highlights: Marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, penguins, sea turtles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 1.6 km (1 mi)
Activity Level: 2
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkeling

AM: Egas Point
Explore the wildlife-rich coastline of Puerto Egas, home to the Galapagos fur seal and Galapagos sea lions. Follow the trail to "the grottos," and watch for recently reintroduced land iguanas. Snorkel from the beach to encounter marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

Highlights: Fur seals, sea lions, land iguanas, Darwin finches
Trail: 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
Activity Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling

PM: Espumilla Beach & Buccaneer Cove
In the afternoon, visit the golden sands of Espumilla Beach, a nesting site for sea turtles. Swim and snorkel in the calm waters before heading to Buccaneer Cove, a historic hideaway for pirates and whalers. The cliffs and rock formations offer stunning views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Highlights: Sea turtles, pirates' cove, seabirds
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 1.5–2.5 km
Activity Level: 2
Activities: Wet landing, snorkeling, panga ride

AM: El Barranco
Visit the dramatic lava cliffs of El Barranco, home to a large colony of storm petrels and Galapagos fur seals. Keep an eye out for short-eared owls and red-footed boobies along the trail. Snorkel along the cliffs, where vibrant fish, rays, and sea lions inhabit the deep blue waters.

Highlights: Red-footed boobies, storm petrels, fur seals
Trail: 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
Activity Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkeling

PM: Darwin Bay
Spend the afternoon at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a haven for bird lovers. Walk through colonies of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls. Enjoy another snorkeling session, with opportunities to see colorful fish, sharks, and rays.

Highlights: Nesting seabirds, sea lions, sharks, rays
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trail: 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
Activity Level: 3
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling

Day 8 – Saturday
AM: North Seymour & Transfer to Baltra Airport
On your final morning,

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AM: North Seymour & Transfer Out to Baltra Airport

Your final morning in the Galapagos begins with a visit to North Seymour Island, a remarkable example of the diverse wildlife that the islands offer. This relatively flat island is home to thriving colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. As you explore the trail through the low, bushy vegetation, you’ll have the chance to witness the iconic courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline is another highlight, where you can observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The spectacle of frigatebirds inflating their bright red throat pouches to attract mates is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Birdwatching Experience
Enjoy an immersive birdwatching opportunity where you can observe majestic frigatebirds and the charismatic blue-footed boobies. This location is a prime spot for both photography and quiet observation of these unique species.

Highlights: Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, marine iguanas.
Trail: 2 km
Hiking Level: 2 (Moderate)
Activities: Dry landing, hiking

From there we will all fly back to Quito. 

You can take an evening international flight back home, or add an extra night at the hotel airport. We can help with booking this extra night as the airport transfers.