DAY 1: SATURDAY
AM: Baltra Island Baltra played an important role in the history of these islands. It was used by the U.S. Air Force during the Second World War; many U.S. Navy soldiers and submarine crews were stationed here to patrol the Pacific Ocean and protect the Panama Channel. Baltra is a flat and dry island surrounded by reefs and a few beaches. It has some vegetation such as cacti Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) and other small trees. You will have the opportunity to see some ground finches, pelicans, frigate birds and the sea lions, "your Galapagos hosts", will be present at the dock upon arrival to welcome you.

PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Islands This site of great geological interest is located south-east of Santiago Island. Anyone interested in volcanology and geology is delighted with the incredible lava formations of Sullivan Bay. The area is covered by lava flows of the pahohoe type (lava solidified in a corrugated or accordion fashion). Sullivan lava formed in 1897, geologically speaking a very young flow. The magma tends to form flat shapes, but the movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling and other eruptions led it to the break in many places. One can observe marine and terrestrial birds, a colony of Galapagos fur seals and black marine iguanas adapted very well to this environment.

DAY 2: SUNDAY
AM: Bartholomew Island. Home to Pinnacle rock, one of the most known landscapes of the Galapagos, this island has an area of 1.2 km2 and is an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, green, black and bright soils, bright volcanic formations and recent volcanic cones. Species to meet in the way include brown pelicans, Galapagos penguins, tintorera sharks and sea turtles. Its landscape is unique and presents scenarios that could be compared with photographs taken on the moon. For this visit, you need a good physical condition, as there is a stairway with 360 steps up to the top of the island, where you can enjoy a beautiful view. On this visit you can decide between hiking or staying on the beach for snorkeling.

PM: Espumilla beach,Santiago island. Espumilla is located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. The main attractions of this place are a palosanto (saint wood) forest and the astounding landscapes. The beach is an important nesting site for sea turtles; watch your step in the high dunes, these are favorite the nesting places. The island also offers a beautiful white sand beach that has been popular with visitors since the time of the whalers and pirates, who came here for fresh water. During the last El Niño current, one of the two lagoons on this site underwent a process of sedimentation, causing the disappearance of an important colony of flamingos. This beautiful beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

DAY 3: MONDAY
AM: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island. If you want an adventure in this marine reserve, you cannot miss the snorkeling when visiting this area. In this privileged place we can find a Galapagos fur seals colony, an endemic species to the islands. Punta Vicente Roca is located on Isabela, the largest island of the archipelago and the one with more active volcanoes. Swimming with sea turtles and seeing a wide variety of fish are activities that only this marine reserve can offer. Then, we invite you to take a tour and enjoy the majestic landscape made of volcanic lava intrusions and a sheer cliff, home to Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, Nasca boobies, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds and flightless cormorants.

PM: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island. Fernandina is the third largest island and one of the youngest of the archipelago. You can find different types of lava flows, but the pahoehoe is the one to call the attention the most. You can also witness the first colonization of plants and animals in a mangrove area where you can appreciate the geological differences that only Galapagos offers. The predominant species in this place is the endemic flightless cormorant. Here we can also find the largest colony of marine iguanas and populations of the Galapagos snake, the Galapagos hawk, lava lizards, the Galapagos fur seals and Galapagos penguins. The volcano La Cumbre, that erupted last time in 2009, is also located on this island.

DAY 4: TUESDAY
AM: Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island. Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin volcano on Isabela Island. It was a favorite anchoring place for pirates and whalers and also where a tradition that has continued over time started: the engravement of the ships’ names on the cliff, making this a place that records the history of the islands. Its name originated from a British warship that sailed through the islands in 1814. We will take a trail that leads inland, along Darwin Lake, known for the several terrestrial birds and the characteristic vegetation that coexist in this arid terrain. Finally, we will observe the lava fields of Darwin volcano. Darwin Lake, located in a tuff cone, is filled with brackish water and has a depth of approximately 9m. It has no fish or other life forms in its waters. 

PM: Bahia Elizabeth, Isabela Island. This bay is formed by the union of the Sierra Negra and Alcedo volcanoes, located in the narrowest part of Isabela Island. In the bay, we can find a small cove with calm water and surrounded by high and colorful mangrove trees that contrast with the lava, creating an ideal place for sea turtles. Land visits are not allowed on this point, however, we will get on a zodiac to reach the place and see the turtle’s pond. On the rocks of the bay it´s possible to see penguins, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, Nasca boobies, gulls, rays, sharks, pelicans, different types of fish, sea lions and flightless cormorants among other wildlife. From June to September it is also possible to see whales.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY
AM: Post Office, Floreana Island. Floreana, with an area of 170 km² , became a kind of promised land during the early 20th century for many Norwegians who arrived in search of better days. It has a colorful history of buccaneers, whalers and settlers. Post Office, or Post Office Bay, is a historic site that reminds us of the days of the whalers, who landed on the Galapagos to catch tortoises (a dependable food source) and fresh water. On this same spot, we can also witness the remains of a Norwegian settlement. The visit lasts an hour and apart from it rich history is also the home to species such as the yellow warbler, the singer finch, the Galapagos sea lion and the brown pelican.

PM: options: a. Punta Cormorant, b. Corona del diablo, c. Champion, Floreana Island. On this day you will have the opportunity to choose between walking to the pond to see one of the largest colonies of flamingos in the Galapagos Islands or go snorkeling in these waters filled with wildlife. The volcanic craters of the island form reefs known for being two of the best spots to swim or snorkel in the archipelago: the Devil's Crown and Champion. The walking option is a trail of approximately 700 meters in Punta Cormorant that passes through a pond, a gazebo and a fine sand beach of different colors which is used by the sea turtles as a nesting area.

DAY 6:THURSDAY
AM: Galapaguera, Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal Island. It is located in the South East of San Cristobal Island, in the vicinity of Cerro Colorado, one of the few places where you can see Calandrinia Galapagosa, an endemic plant to San Cristobal and in danger of extinction. The site was built in 2002 in order to increase the population of the giant tortoise species of San Cristobal (Geochelone Chathamensi) one of the 11 species of Galapagos giant tortoises and also endemic to this island. The site includes 12 hectares (120,000 square meters) of dry forest, in the area of Cerro Verde. Because of the fertility of breeders in captivity, this program has yielded its first results in 2005-2006, after the arrival of 11 new members. These tortoises have their corrals at the entrance of the Galapaguera, where there is also a small interpretation center for visitors, who can learn about these reptiles and the conservation and breeding programs. Along the trail is also possible to observe different bird species such as the mocking bird, the yellow warbler, the small ground and tree finches and the flycatcher.

PM: Ochoa Beach, San Cristobal Island. A small, white sandy beach made of coral with a length of 160 meters and surrounded by shrubs such as mountain savory, manzanillo, shawls and carob. It is also home of blue-footed boobies, frigates, pelicans and gulls. In its waters it´s possible to find rays, sea turtles, sea lions and tropical fish. This is one of the beaches where Charles Darwin walked in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island of the Galapagos where he landed. Near the beach there is a seasonal pond where coastal and migratory birds usually gather. It is also one of the site inhabited by the endemic San Cristobal mockingbird, who shares this space with an important colony of Galapagos sea lions. One of the outstanding flora species in this site is the matazarno, a timber highly appreciated for its hardness and durability. Ghost and hermit crabs are common species in this site as well.

DAY 7: FRIDAY
AM: The Twins, Santa Cruz Island. The Twins are, geologically speaking, considered as craters, despite not being directly formed by volcanic activity. These subsidence craters were formed by a series of eruptions that happened when the islands were still active. The Twins are also in the vicinity of the only Scalesia forest growing in this island. Some species of Galapagos finches and the beautiful vermilion flycatcher can be seen here. The vermilion flycatcher is the most prominent land bird in the upper parts of almost every island, and the Twins is perhaps the best place for its observation, since they are usually present in large numbers on the Scalesia forest. Flycatchers are curious and usually pretty tame. They feed on insects, often caught with the peak in mid-flight. Another plant that draws attention on the Twins' area is the guayabillo tree, which has a clean and smooth bark.

DAY 1: FRIDAY
PM: Charles Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. The “Charles Darwin Research Station” was created in 1964. It is located next to the Galapagos National Park administration building, which works together with the station to develop conservation programs for indigenous and endemic species of the archipelago. The Park Service is the public entity responsible for the management and administration of both the land area of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Park Service has the duty to manage and implement programs of protection and conservation of endangered species and works to maintain the ecological integrity of the Galapagos in general.  Within the station, we will see tortoises from different islands, including the most famous of them all, "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. In the station we can find a souvenir store, which uses the raised funds to support conservation and research programs. It is also an excellent place to see finches of several species as well as some xerophytic vegetation.

DAY 2: SATURDAY
AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island. Las Bachas is a white sand beach where it's possible to see some sea turtles nesting sites and complemented by a small lagoon where some migratory birds (herons, pelicans) as well as other species are usually present. The name Bachas originates from the World War II, when the American army left two thrown away barges on the beach. The first settlers could not pronounce the name correctly in English and this led to the name of Las Bachas. This is one of the most representative sea turtles nesting sites of Santa Cruz Island, predominated by coastal vegetation. It is also a good place to watch flamingos as well as aquatic and migratory birds.

PM: Egas Port, Santiago Island. Puerto Egas is a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay, in the northwest of Santiago Island. It was named Puerto Egas because of the last holding of salt, built by the company of Hector Egas (we will see the ruins during our visit). In the south side of the beach we find the Sugarloaf volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff that helped in the formation of the black sand beach. The crater is located north of this site and has a saltwater lagoon that dries in summer, becoming a salt mine. Sea lions, iguanas, finches, mockingbirds, lizards and herons are some of the species that inhabit this place. 

DAY 3: SUNDAY
AM & PM: El Barranco, Genovesa Island.  Known as the bird Island, Genovesa measures only 14 square km and is located at the northeast of the Galapagos Archipelago. It has a single, small volcano that rises 76 meters above the sea surface. The crater, located in the center of the island, contains a lagoon visited by the wildlife. Some of the bird species usually present are: frigates, Nasca boobies, gulls, hawks, red-footed boobies and the exceptional herons and lava gulls. The visit to Barranco includes a walk along a beautiful white coral beach and a mangrove forest; a nesting site for red-footed boobies and frigates. In the afternoon we will take a bay trip in a dinghy and then walk up the stairs of Prince Philip, named in honor of Prince Philip's visit to Genovesa during the 60's. Beside the abundance of Frigate birds, this site is also the best place to watch swallows, finches, red-footed and Nasca boobies, tropical birds and the only nocturnal gull in the world: the Galapagos gull. Marine fauna around this island include sea lions and the smallest marine iguanas of the Archipelago. 

DAY 4: MONDAY
AM: Seymour Norte Island. North Seymour Island, formed by the removal of underwater volcanic lavas, is a spectacular place to hike, swim, enjoy snorkeling or diving. It has a circular path or trail that crosses the interior of the island, passing through some of the largest colonies of seabirds of the archipelago and then takes you to explore the rocky coast. In 1932 and 1933, Captain Alan Hancock order his crew to bring about 72 land iguanas from Baltra to North Seymour, with the intention of offering these animals a better survival chance than in Baltra, where goats had been introduced. The vegetation is shrub like and hosts the largest nesting colony of the true Galapagos frigate, known for their huge red gular sac that hangs from their necks. They inflate their red gular sac when trying to attract or draw the attention of a female frigate. These birds are also known for niftily stealing the food from the blue-footed boobies.

PM: Punta Carrion- El Chato, Santa Cruz Island. At the top of this island, giant tortoises can be seen roaming freely around the El Chato lagoon. They usually share the habitat with ducks and gallinules, and sometimes with frigates bathing in the lagoon. Tortoises tend to immerse themselves in water and mud. There are some theories about the reason to do this: is believed to be for thermoregulation (for heating or cooling depending on weather conditions) or a mechanism to kill ticks and protect themselves against mosquitoes. Our tour includes a visit to the lava tubes, formed by a lava flow, which cooled on the outside while still flowing on the inside, leaving a tunnel of solidified lava.  The tunnels are impressive in size and length, giving the feeling of being inside a volcano. We will walk inside these tunnels, which have its main parts lit for convenience.  The largest tunnel is 420m (1380 feet) in length and the smallest one 50m (165 feet). The road to the reserve is one of the best places to watch land birds such as the tree and ground finches, vermilion flycatchers, cattle egrets and herons that inhabit this area.

DAY 5: TUESDAY
AM: Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island. The Interpretation Center of San Cristobal is one of the components of the project "Interpretation and Education Plan for the Galapagos Islands Environment", financed by the government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECI), in coordination with the Galapagos National Park and the support of the Charles Darwin Foundation. It was opened in August 1998 by the Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbón, who also enjoyed a cruise aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II. The tour offered will take us through the history of the islands, in their natural, human and conservation contexts. The Hall of Natural History explains a series of natural circumstances such as the origin of these volcanic islands, their remoteness from the continent, its currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species and their establishment, among other information. The Hall of Human History tells in chronological order the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos. The second stage of the tour presents the reality of the Galapagos today: the problems and struggles of several institutions and individuals in the conservation of Galapagos. The environmental education office of the PNG is located on here as well. After the tour, we will have free time to stroll along the seaside in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, shop in the small stores, enjoy the local cuisine or simply relax and take in the surroundings.

DAY 1: TUESDAY
PM: Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island. Located north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Cerro Brujo is part of the volcanic area which contains many small cones. Its main attraction is a coral sand beach and the flora and fauna present at the site. Although vegetation is not abundant, two types of “lechoso” (endemic plant to the island) can be found here. The beach is visited by many birds, sea lions and marine iguanas. In the past, the people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno mined salt from the lagoon located at Cerro Brujo, for preserving cod, beef and turtle meat. Today, this site is a perfect spot to watch coastal and aquatic birds. Cerro Brujo also offers excellent views of the Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), the southern highlands of San Cristobal and the surrounding coast.

DAY 2:WEDNESDAY
AM: options: a. Bahía Gardner, b. Islote Gardners, c. Islote Osborn, Española Island. Prepare to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It´s not possible to find anywhere else in the world a beach of fine, white sand combined with a sea lion colony, which completes an extraordinary natural portrait. In this bay, we also find some islets ideal for snorkeling and a beautiful beach to relax and watch the sea lions. After a short walk in the company of your guide, there will be time for snorkeling in the bay or in the adjacent Osborn and Gardners Islets, inhabited by sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish, a great option for those looking for a more active adventure in this natural world heritage site. We recommend keeping a safe distance from the sea lions, particularly adult males, as they are very territorial and can turn aggressive.

PM: Punta Suárez, Española Island. Española Island, considered a paradise for bird watchers, is known for its natural beauty. In this place is easy to see many seabird species, including the Galapagos albatrosses, and with a little luck, even witness their mating dance. The animals share their existence on this place in complete peace and harmony and very close to each other: marine iguanas, sea gulls, blue footed boobies, crabs and lava lizards. Along the path, it´s usual to see boobies guarding their eggs or recently hatched chicks, while marine iguanas digg their nests or fight over a territory for heating in the sun (thermoregulation process). Other animals make this island their home: tropical birds, swallow-tailed gulls, nesting Nasca boobies and crabs of beautiful colors, often resting on the black lava. The final attraction of this place is a blowhole known as "el soplador".

DAY 3: THURSDAY
AM: Bahía Ballena/Eden, Santa Cruz Island. Ballena (whale) Bay is a green sand cove at the base of Cerro Ballena, on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same as those originating from volcanic materials. Next to the beach it is possible to see remains of pottery from early human settlements (dated around 1846). According to the French Captain Genie, there used to be a trail that led to the top of the island, and which was used to collect freshwater. It is thought that a group of people, dedicated to the collection of lichen (used for dyeing), lived on this site. There was also a small turtle population of Pinzón Island, most likely killed or captured by whalers or the early inhabitants. Galapagos hawks and finches are among the bird species found on this place.

PM: Rabida Island. Rabida Island is known for its characteristic red sand beach and its coastal lagoon. The color of the rocks and sand on the beach is caused by the volcanic porous material which contains a lot of iron. Environmental factors (rain, salt water and sea breeze) have acted as oxidizing agents, giving the iron its actual hue. Besides its red sand, Rabida is also known for its brown water, resulting from the erosion of lava. The island was formerly named Jervis, in honor to the British Admiral John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent. Rabida is located south of Santiago Island and is commonly regarded as the geographical center of the Galapagos. There is a trail that overlooks the cliffs and from where we will enjoy the beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. A short distance away, at the top of the road, it's possible to take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. It is also a great place for snorkeling and spotting sharks and rays.

DAY 4: FRIDAY
AM: Charles Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. The “Charles Darwin Research Station” was created in 1964. It is located next to the Galapagos National Park administration building, which works together with the station to develop conservation programs for indigenous and endemic species of the archipelago. The Park Service is the public entity responsible for the management and administration of both the land area of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Park Service has the duty to manage and implement programs of protection and conservation of endangered species and works to maintain the ecological integrity of the Galapagos in general.  Within the station, we will see tortoises from different islands, including the most famous of them all, "Lonesome George", the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoises. The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. In the station we can find a souvenir store, which uses the raised funds to support conservation and research programs.  Puerto Ayora, the most populated village of the island, is also the largest port in the archipelago. It offers different attractions, such as restaurants, shops and other amenities. It is also usual to see sea lions resting on the load at the dock, while boobies and pelicans dive into the turquoise waters of Academy Bay.

PM: Plazas Sur, Plazas Island. Plazas is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz. Formed by a lava flow from the ocean floor, it was named after a president of Ecuador, General Leonidas Plaza. Despite its small size it is home to a large number of species and is famous for its extraordinary flora. On the steep banks, you may see a large number of birds, enjoy the beautiful view from the surrounding landscape, or stroll along the cliff base. Depending on the season, the vegetation changes color from bright green in the rainy season to orange and purple in the dry season. The flora of South Plaza includes cactus of genus Opuntia and Sesuvium, forming a red carpet on the lava formations. Iguanas (land and sea, and even some hybrids of both species) are abundant.

DAY 5: SATURDAY
AM: Baltra Island Baltra played an important role in the history of these islands. It was used by the U.S. Air Force during the Second World War; many U.S. Navy soldiers and submarine crews were stationed here to patrol the Pacific Ocean and protect the Panama Channel. Baltra is a flat and dry island surrounded by reefs and a few beaches. It has some vegetation such as cacti Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) and other small trees. You will have the opportunity to see some ground finches, pelicans, frigate birds and the sea lions, "your Galapagos hosts", will be present at the dock upon arrival to welcome you.