Galapagos Islands Land-Based Safari - Natural World Safaris

Day 1: Arrive Quito

You'll be welcomed into Quito, the incredible colonial capital city of Ecuador, by your local guide who will take you to your hotel. As Ecuador is located at 2,800 metres above sea level, you may feel light-headed due to the altitude and you should drink plenty of water and avoid heavy foods.

La Casona de la Ronda

Perched on the oldest street in Quito, known as La Ronda, this boutique hotel provides a captivating blend of history and modernity. Set in a meticulously restored old mansion, the hotel offers 22 stylish and comfortable rooms, seamlessly blending contemporary comforts with the charm of historic architecture. The location itself is steeped in history, with ties to the Inca settlers and the Bohemian culture of the 1930s.

Day 2: Quito Colonial City Tour

After breakfast, head to reception to meet your guide to enjoy an exploratory tour of Quito, which was the first city declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1978. Much of the city is built on top of an old Inca settlement, and the influence of the indigenous cultures is also evident.

Quito

The atmospheric Old Town of Quito is a mesmerising place of grandiose buildings, immense green plazas and brilliantly white cathedrals, all worthy of exploring as part of your visit to Ecuador. Set at a dizzying altitude of nearly 3000 metres, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is surrounded by volcanoes and the Andes mountain range. It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by the views of the city, sprawled along the sides of the long, narrow valley that envelops it. The many panoramic vantage points to be found make it one of the most spectacular settings to be found all South America’s major cities

Day 3: Quito - Baltra - Isabela

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Quito for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival to Baltra airport, you will connect with a short inter-island flight to Isabela Island, where you will be met and transferred to your lodge up in the highlands.

Scalesia Lodge

Located in the highlands of Isabela Island, Scalesia Lodge is based on the luxurious African safari concept, where guests sleep under canvas allowing them to be fully immersed with the natural world. Nestled within 16 hectares of magnificent Scalesia forest, it offers incredible views of the coast of Isabela Island and out onto the Pacific Ocean.

Day 4: Sierra Negra Volcano

After driving to the highlands you begin a walk up this incredible Sierra Negra Volcano. It last erupted in 2005 and is considered the second largest active caldera on the planet and has a diameter of approximately 10 Kilometres.

GAL St Galapagos Bartolome Island Jess Kraft

When to Go

The best time to go to the Galapagos Islands is between December and June. The archipelago does not experience any particularly drastic changes in climate throughout the year due to it straddling the equator; however, there are two distinct seasons, although the differences between them are less pronounced than in many other places.

Day 5: Las Tintoreras Islets / Tortoise Breeding Centre

This morning you take a short dinghy ride to Las Tintoreras Islets. Formed by lava flows, its name is derived from ‘tintoreras’, the Spanish name for white tipped reef sharks which often frequent the turquoise waters around the islets. The Galapagos penguin is often seen here as well as marine iguanas. A stunning place to snorkel, the waters are filled with tropical fish and playful sea lion pups join you for a swim. After lunch, you visit Los Humedales, an area identified by the four types of mangroves found in the Galapagos. Here you find solitary beaches, lava tunnels as well as natural pools and estuaries where flamingos and other birds reside. Later you visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre where the National Park is breeding tortoise in danger of extinction. Many tortoises have been released back into the wild and can be found on nearby trails.

St Galapagos Tortoiose Shutterstock Fotogrin

Day 6: Isabela - Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, you will have a shared transfer back to Puerto Villamil Airport where you will have a short flight back to Baltra. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide and taken south to your hotel near Puerto Ayora. Take a short water taxi over to Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Located on Santa Cruz Island, Finch Bay Eco Hotel is a charming retreat, surrounded by the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. In a tranquil spot on a quiet beach, it accommodates up to 52 guests and has a completely eco-friendly infrastructure. Named after Darwin Finches, you will often spot friendly pelicans or herons at the pool having a drink.

Days 7 - 9: Neighbouring Island & Land Based Exploration

The next three days are yours to enjoy the excursions available at Finch Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy 2 full-day sea-based exploration packages to neighbouring islands. The exact islands visited depend on the daily schedule, but options include North Seymour and South Plaza.

GAL St Galapagos Humboldt Penguin Shutterstock Jgolby

Wildlife in Galapagos Islands

The overwhelming biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's seminal book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection". Such is the extent of the rigorous protection and respect for these islands that visitation numbers are tightly regulated, and the inimitably photogenic wildlife is fearless of man; a place where nature and man enjoy a rare equilibrium. Nowhere on earth is it possible to observe so many of the planet’s species at unfeasibly close range as the Galapagos Islands, which justifies its unwavering popularity as the pinnacle destination of any wildlife holiday.

Day 10 - 11: Depart Finch Bay - Quito

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport at Baltra, for your flight back to Quito where you will take the complimentary shuttle to your nearby airport hotel. The following day, take your international airport for your flight home.

Location
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Land-Based Safari