Wild Galapagos Escape

Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven set in a restored 19th-century building

Fly to Baltra in the centre of the Galapagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. You will be welcomed by naturalist staff and start exploring the islands. (B)(L)(D)

Listed below is a sample of the islands you may visit during your expedition:
 

NORTH SEYMOUR

Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may  also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

SANTA CRUZ

Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corral. See the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

ISABELA

Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanoes.

FERNANDINA

One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

SAN CRISTOBAL

Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost  island, and dig your toes into the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

ESPAÑOLA

See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this birdy paradise, also home to vividly coloured marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the wide sand beach, and snorkel offshore, at Gardner Bay.

FLOREANA

Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.

See Day 3 for details. (B)(L)(D)
 

See Day 3 for details. (B)(L)(D)

 

See Day 3 for details. (B)(L)(D)


 

Return by air to Guayaquil, where dayrooms are reserved for us at the Hotel del Parque before late flights home— or elect to spend the night at no additional cost. (B)