Galapagos Islands – Islands of Discovery

Touching down in Quito, you’ll be met at the airport by your Discover Corps guide, who will accompany you to our hotel for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Have a restful night for the adventures ahead. (D)

Today we’ll explore Quito, walking the pretty cobblestoned streets of its UNESCO-listed colonial center. A cable car ride to a nearby mountain summit will afford us a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding volcanic peaks, before dinner at a chic restaurant. (B,L,D)

Our Galápagos adventure begins in earnest now, with an early morning flight from Quito to Baltra, before we take a bus and then boat to Isabela Island. After checking into our hotel, we’ll have the evening free to explore the town Puerto Villamil, the third largest human settlement in the archipelago. (L,D)

One of the most spectacular sites for snorkeling off the coast of Isabela is Los Tuneles (or the Tunnels), tangled formations of hardened lava next to the mangroves. These unique formations of tunnels and bridges create one of the most astonishing locations for viewing sea turtles, rays, white-tipped sharks, and a variety of seabirds. (B,L,D)

We’ll spend this morning kayaking along the coast of Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island, stopping to snorkel along the way in the El Elestero wetlands for those interested. After a picnic lunch, we’ll enjoy a beach side mangrove walk, viewing a whole ecosystem of animals that are not normally visible. (B,L,D)

Today we’ll visit a tortoise sanctuary on the island of Santa Cruz. Here we’ll explore more otherworldly lava tunnels, before helping out with odd jobs at the sanctuary. In particular, we will be removing invasive plant species or planting endemic species throughout the reserve. As this is an area where tortoises roam freely in the wild, you may end up face to face with one of these magnificent creatures. (B,L,D)

This morning we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation projects across the archipelago, before an hour- long trek to the white sands of Tortuga Bay. Here you can go swimming or follow the lead of the resident marine iguanas and simply soak up some sun. Spend another afternoon volunteering at the tortoise sanctuary in the highlands of Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)

Today we’ll venture out to the tiny, uninhabited island of North Seymour, home to one of the largest populations of blue-footed boobies and majestic, red-throated frigate birds. Witness the frigate birds swoop down and cheekily swipe the boobies’ hard-earned catch of fish. On our way back, we’ll stop at a beautiful beach where you can snorkel with sea lions. Tonight is a free evening in Santa Cruz. (B,L)

Today we’ll snorkel the waters around the small island of Daphne, a scientists colony, before continuing to Pinzon, home to some of the best snorkeling in the archipelago. Jump in from the boat to see sea lions, a kaleidoscope of reef fish and, if you're lucky, penguins. Tonight well share a farewell dinner in Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)

Whether or not you’ve chosen the trip extension, we’ll return to the airport in Baltra for a flight back to Quito today. From there we’ll either say our goodbyes or you’ll stay with us for the extension (next page). (B)