Latitude 00'00'00 - Galapagos Safari & Isabela Island

Colonial city tour:  San Francisco de Quito, recognized as the largest and better preserved colonial city in the Americas.  Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, 1978 anddue to its artistic vocation offers art and creativity ranging from the modern to the lavish baroque.  While touring opportunity to recognize the gothic style of the Basilica of the Heart of Jesus; dwellings with architectonical influence derived from Spanish Conquistadores visible in observation of tile roofs, forged iron rode balconies and beautifully carved doors.  The heart of Quito, Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop´s palaces, the Metropolitan Cathedral give to the visitor the feeling of going back in time to the  of Spanish-American era.  The Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, magnificent example of the baroque style in Latin America.  

From there we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of downtown Quito, we visit “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) and the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude where the eighteenth century French Geodesic Expedition built one of the three pyramids as landmarks for their planet calculations to deduct the shape of the earth in a complex which replicates a Spanish-American village. We also visit the Intiñan  Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Fly from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

The VIP service allows you the convenience of  pre-paying the National Park Entrance Fee of USD100.00 per person. This way, when you arrive in Galapagos, the Safari Camp staff will escort you to a VIP room at the airport, so you can wait comfortably while they take care of paying the Entrance Fee.

This service also includes a private transport from the airport to the channel, from where you will  cross the narrow Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island.

Once in Santa Cruz, you will be accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide who will take you to a farm in the highlands for a tasty lunch. You will then do a complete tour of the area, exploring various vegetation zones and microclimates, walking around pit craters, through lava tunnels and getting acquainted with endemic Scalesia and Guayabillo forests. At the Tortoise Reserve, you will observe the emblematic giant tortoises in their natural habitat and the abundant bird life of the highlands. Your tour will end at Galapagos Safari Camp where you can enjoy a sunset cocktail followed by dinner.

After an early rise, you will take a boat trip to explore one of the neighbouring islands (North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas, Santa Fé, Floreana or Isabela). Each island has its particular natural habitat and you will be guided through the evolutionary marvels of your destination. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest reserve in the world; you will be able to snorkel off the boat and experience the richness of the aquatic species. Alternatively, if you are SCUBA certified we can replace one or both day trips with diving.

Today you will have the opportunity to explore another island near Santa Cruz. Or simply relax and stay to enjoy the facilites at the Galapagos Safari Camp.

In the morning you will be driven to the eastern part of the island. At 490mts. above sea level, Cerro Mesa offers dramatic views, has the largest crater on Santa Cruz and numerous endemic plants as well as up to 7 subspecies of finches and the Vermillion Flycatcher. After lunch you will visit Garrapatero, a pristine beach where the contrast of mangroves, black lava, white sand and turquoise water, in addition to the buzzing coastal bird life and the small pink flamingo lagoon is sensational. Kayaking and mountain biking is available.

The Enchanted Isles are seldom seen from above. Today you will fly to Isabela on a small propeller plane giving you an overall impression of the formations of this volcanic archipelago. The semi-submerged craters, turquoise water, open sea, rocks and islands are quite a treat usually for the eye. Isabela is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos with much volcanic activity. The flight will be arranged on either a 6 seater propeller plane or a 19 seater jet. The flight will be shared amongst others travelling between the two islands.

Please note that if there is inclement weather this flight will be cancelled and replaced with a boat transfer.

Upon arrival you will have lunch at a restaurant in town followed by a visit to the Tintoreras where you will be amazed at the variety of wildlife and weird rock formations. Swarms of iguanas along the trails, penguins fishing opposite blue footed boobies, sea lion pups playing in the water alongside white tip sharks. If time permits, you could visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre where you will see a comprehensive example of the tortoise’s various stages of development.

This day will be devoted to exploring Sierra Negra, a large shield volcano at the south-eastern end of Isabela Island, one of the most active with the largest caldera of the Galapagos volcanoes; the most recent historic eruption was in October 2005. This is a fantastic 16 km walk that takes you round the rim of the caldera and over petrified lava flows. You will witness impressive views of the island and surrounding volcanoes. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport and fly back to Baltra where you will make your flight connection to the mainland. The flight will be arranged on either a 6 seater propeller plane or a 19 seater jet. The flight will be shared amongst others travelling between the two islands.

Please note that if there is inclement weather this flight will be cancelled and replaced with a boat transfer.

Enjoy the VIP room at the Baltra airport, so you can wait comfortably for your flight to Guyaquil or Quito.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.