Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station or "La Estacion" (as the locals call it). The first stop will be at the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, which was home to the legendary Lonesome George. It was the last remaining turtle of its species (Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii). The Lonesome George was found on Pinta Island in 1971, human introduction of goats and hunting of Pinta Island tortoises nearly drove this species to extinction. Lonesome George was transferred to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in 1972 in the hope of mating with closely related species. Unfortunately, no viable eggs were produced. Lonesome George died on June 24, 2012.
- The next stop will be the Charles Darwin Research Station, an incredible place to learn about the history, flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. While walking through "La Estación" you can see Galapagos tortoises in their different life stages.
- After walking around the Charles Darwin Research Station, a beach with crystal clear waters awaits you, perfect for snorkeling and resting from the walk.
Day 2
- In the morning, a tour of the bay of Santa Cruz Island aboard the Aqua View, a glass-bottom boat. Activities during the bay tour include: a short walk through a trail with endemic and native vegetation to "Las Grietas," a geological formation where the water is less salty, clear, and fresh, inviting us to swim in a natural pool; a snorkeling spot to observe underwater life. Next, we will sail to the Channel of Love and the Channel of Tintoreras Sharks, and after a short walk, we will reach "Los Perros" beach, named for the abundant "dog crabs" that inhabit this area. We will also be able to observe Marine Iguanas and coastal birds. Finally, we will have a snorkeling stop to observe fish and possibly a sea turtle.
- In the afternoon, we will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe the Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat, and we will walk through lava tunnels. Finally, we will visit "Los Gemelos," a geological formation with stunning landscapes. Endemic flora and fauna can be appreciated throughout this short walk.
Day 3
Transfer to the Baltra Island Airport.
Please bring your personal water bottle for the excursions, so you don´t have to buy many plastic disposable ones, wich usually end up on the streets and the oceans!
Remember that most of the animal species are the Originals in this Archipelago, and we are the introduced ones. Therefore, do not fear or harm them, since they are harmless and even friendly. That is in fact why this ecosystem is so magical and peaceful!
We are also tourists in other places in the world, and we look for people with whom we feel safer and better cared for. We invite you to relax and let yourself be carried away by our experience and love for this wonder of our planet.