11 days
Carefully step past sleeping sea lions on a pristine beach. See the famous Galapagos giant tortoises at close quarters. Spot marine iguanas, land iguanas and a feast of fearless birdlife. Explore the old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
DAY 1: Quito
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Quito. On arrival in Quito you will be met and taken to your hotel.
Stay At: Patio Andaluz
DAY 2: Quito
Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the historical centre of Quito.
Stay At: Patio Andaluz
DAY 3: The Galapagos Islands
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Here you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Finch Bay Hotel via the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 4: The Galapagos Islands
From your hotel you’ll head out by boat to Santa Fé Island. On your short guided hike through woods of prickly pear cacti and palo santo trees, the aim is to spot the island’s endemic species of land iguana. Its cove is one of the most sheltered in the Galapagos, so it’s an ideal place for a swim. If you choose to go snorkelling, you might see striking underwater lava formations. It’s also a great island for observing lively colonies of sea lions.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 5: The Galapagos Islands
Today sees you hike to Tortuga Bay for a morning of birdwatching. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Relax by the hotel pool, or explore the town of Puerto Ayora.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 6: The Galapagos Islands
Today you’ll embark on a full day trip to Bartolomé Island. It’s distinguished by its basaltic obelisk, Pinnacle Rock, as well as tuff cones and other striking lava formations. The water here is often full of playful sea lions who are joined by Galapagos penguins and many tropical fish. The rocks are encrusted with sea urchins and anemones.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 7: The Galapagos Islands
Today is yours to relax and unwind at your hotel. Alternatively, go hiking at Las Grietas or try mountain biking in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 8: The Galapagos Islands
A visit to North Seymour Island is in store for today. This low-lying island is teeming with wildlife: as well as marine iguanas, you could observe pelicans engaged in a feeding frenzy. Other birds include blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. During mating season, you can usually witness the magnificent frigate birds puffing up their scarlet throat sacks. The afternoon sees you visiting Las Bachas beach on Santa Cruz. Named after US military barges abandoned there during World War II, it’s a haven for wading birds such as flamingos and common stilts.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 9: The Galapagos Islands
Today you’ll visit the tiny crescent-shaped South Plaza Island. Its cliffs and rocks are thick with green seaweed and low-lying succulent sesuvium plants. Sally Lightfoot crabs can often be seen on the beaches. Look out for sea lions and land iguanas while walking on a guided trail around the island. A walk to an overlook sometimes offers a glimpse of some of the larger marine life to be found in the Galapagos: manta rays.
Stay At: Finch Bay Hotel
DAY 10: International return flight
Transfer back to Baltra where you will fly back to the Ecuadorian mainland in time for your flight home.
DAY 11: International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
11 days from £5965 pp
The price reflects the suggested accommodation in this itinerary. This will depend on when you travel and is subject to change. All of our Wildlife holidays are completely tailor-made to your requirements. We are happy to make recommendation to meet the quality and experience you are looking for, within your given budget.
