Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz & Isabela

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting to welcome you. A short transfer across the Itabaca Channel (10 minutes) brings you to Santa Cruz Island. From here, we continue to the lush highlands, where you can observe the iconic Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat—creatures so emblematic that the islands take their name from them. Along the way, look out for the famous Galápagos finches, nicknamed the “Bird Wizards,” as well as unique vegetation such as Scalesia forests and Matazarnos.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Puerto Ayora, where you’ll find charming local shops and souvenirs. 

Accommodation: Villa Laguna Hotel

Meals: L

Bartolome is one of the youngest and most iconic islets in the Galapagos, located just off the east coast of Santiago Island. Though small in size (1.2 km²), it offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the archipelago, featuring striking red, orange, green, and shimmering black volcanic formations.

The island’s volcanic cone is an easy climb, rewarding you with panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Its most famous landmark is Pinnacle Rock, the dramatic formation that has become a symbol of the Galápagos.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the clear waters around Pinnacle Rock. This remarkable underwater world is home to Galápagos penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and an array of tropical fish.

Accommodation: Villa Laguna Hotel

Meals: B/L

Option 1: North Seymour Island

Just north of Baltra, North Seymour was formed by the uplift of submarine lava. Its landscape is covered with low, bushy vegetation and is a sanctuary for seabirds. The island is renowned for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and frigatebirds.

A 2 km trail takes you inland and along the rocky coast, offering close encounters with nesting seabirds. One of the highlights is observing the blue-footed booby courtship dance, complete with whistles, honks, and their signature bright-blue feet on display.

Option 2: South Plaza Island

Located just off the east coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza may be small (0.13 km²), but it is incredibly rich in wildlife and flora. The island was created by lava uplift and is known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful vegetation, and abundant wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the cliff tops, where red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls nest. On land, you’ll encounter prickly pear cactus trees and one of the largest colonies of Galápagos land iguanas. Depending on the season, the ground vegetation of Sesuvium transforms from lush green to brilliant shades of orange and purple, creating a spectacular natural palette.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Accommodation: Villa Laguna Hotel 

 Meals:B/L/-

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure to relax, explore Puerto Ayora, or book optional excursions.

Accommodation: Villa Laguna Hotel 

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the early morning, you’ll travel by public speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest and one of the most enchanting islands of the Galápagos.

Your first stop is Tintoreras Islet, located just 10 minutes by boat from Puerto Villamil. The islet takes its name from the tintoreras (white-tipped reef sharks) that rest in the calm, turquoise waters of the narrow channels formed by lava walls. Here, you may also encounter marine iguanas, sea turtles, and playful sea lions basking along the shores.

Later, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, established in 1994 to help conserve the tortoise populations of southern Isabela. As you walk through the reserve, you’ll see everything from hatchlings to fully grown giants. The trail to the center passes through a manzanillo forest and wetlands, a haven for wildlife and home to the striking pink flamingos that elegantly wade through the lagoons—an unforgettable sight.

Transfer to your hotel on Isabela Island.

Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 3*+

Meals: B/L 

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel for an adventure to the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most breathtaking sights in the Galápagos. Its massive caldera—the largest in the islands and the second largest in the world—stretches 10 km across and offers spectacular views. Sierra Negra remains one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago, with its last eruption in June 2018.

The excursion begins with a 40-minute drive from Puerto Villamil, followed by a 45-minute hike to reach the caldera’s rim, where you’ll take in the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In the afternoon, continue to Concha Perla Bay, a serene natural pool surrounded by mangroves. Its calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling alongside tropical fish, marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and even penguins. Access is via a short wooden walkway through lush mangrove forest.

Return to your hotel on Isabela Island.

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Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 3*+

Meals: B/L

Begin the day with a visit to Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa), considered the most spectacular snorkeling site on Isabela Island. Millions of years ago, lava flows created an otherworldly landscape of natural arches and tunnels, now home to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Galápagos. After a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil, your first stop is around Roca Unión, followed by a walk on the striking lava formations where sea lions can often be seen resting or playing among the tunnels.

The highlight comes with an unforgettable snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters, where you may encounter white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea turtles, sea horses, lobsters, sea snakes, and a dazzling variety of tropical fish.

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Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 3*+

Meals: B/

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure to enjoy the beach or optional excursions.

Accommodation:  Albemarle Hotel 3*+

Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to the dock for your speedboat back to Santa Cruz. 

Meals: B