GALAPAGOS ISLANDS VACATION: SANTA CRUZ ADVENTURE

3 Nights – 4 Days

“One thing is for sure, there won’t be one moment where you won’t be appreciating the nature, wildlife and remarkable activities included in this itinerary!”

This Island Hopping Adventure program was created for those looking to take their experiences in the Galapagos up a notch. You’ll hike through the Santa Cruz highlands as you watch the slow-moving Giant Tortoises dot the landscape and you’ll bike along beaches where you can kayak, swim and snorkel in the company of many Galapagos aquatic species. In between these activities, you will still have plenty of time to even do some exploring on your own. One thing is for sure, there won’t be one moment where you won’t be appreciating the nature, wildlife and remarkable activities included in this itinerary!

3 Nights Santa Cruz Adventure

ITINERARY

Upon arriving at Baltra Island, a guide will be awaiting your arrival to assist you to cross to Santa Cruz and visit the highlands. You will stop at the impressive Twin Craters known as “Los Gemelos”.
Continuing on you explore lava tunnel remains and watch Giant tortoises roam the thick forest in their natural habitat. You will have lunch in the unique flora of the Galapagos while finches and warblers fly to and from.
An added experience in the highlands is the “Trapiche”. You will learn how to make the popular liquor “Agua Ardiente” made from sugar cane, as well as a detailed organic coffee presentation of how it grows well in the volcanic soil.
Afterwards, arrive in Puerto Ayora at the Charles Darwin Research Station. It is one of the best park interpretation centers highlighting what it means to humanity and how vital it is to protect all Galapagos species and their conservation.
Activities: Walking tour

Your activities of the day will begin with a memorable visit to the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve. Going by bike you can experience Santa Cruz from a different perspective, really taking in the sights and sounds as you pedal through the higher parts of the island and inside the reserve. Admire the wildlife while taking in the spectacular views of the island and the surroundings from the Cerro Mesa lookout point.
The following activity continues on bike to Garrapatero Beach where you’ll enjoy a picnic on the shore and have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal to enjoy the beach. The wildlife species found in the area that you can observe are flamingos and ducks in the nearby lagoon, as well as shore birds flying in and out like frigate birds, blue footed boobies, gulls, pelicans; on land you might see marine iguanas, sea lions, sally-lightfoot crabs and for certain many tropical fish in the waters. You can even rent a kayak for some added adventure and paddle along the shore to see what surprises you can discover before returning to Puerto Ayora.
Activities: Walk, bike, double kayaks, swimming.

Today you’ll visit various places in Puerto Ayora’s bay such as the following and enjoy a free afternoon:
Loberia: You’ll reach islet Punta Camano where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
Shark Channel: You can see harmless white-tip sharks and blue footed boobies while snorkeling, Your guides will explain safe distances during each activity. You’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
Playa de los Perros: Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
Las Grietas: The grietas are where two large cliffs separate and are filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below. The crevice is deep in the earth and allows for amazing swims and snorkeling. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Activities: Walk, snorkel and swim

Today you will be provided a transfer to the airport with assistance for your return flight.

Prices 2022

Prices Per Person

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION LUXURY FIRST MID-RANGE STANDARD
1 Guest
USD 4,281.00
 USD 2,145.00 USD 1,862.00 USD 1,599.00
2 Guests
USD 2,499.00
 USD 1,354.00 USD 1,215.00 USD 1,149.00
3-5 Guests
USD 2,407.00
 USD 1,311.00 USD 1,172.00 USD 1,106.00
6-9 Guests
USD 2,148.00
 USD 1,101.00 USD 962.00 USD 896.00
10-16 Guests
USD 2,025.00
 USD 1,005.00 USD 866.00 USD 801.00
Single Supplement
USD 1,166.00
 USD 342.00 USD 197.00 USD 219.00

INCLUDED:

  • Private services with local English-speaking guide

  • Services and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Permanent assistance by our operations department

  • Accommodations at selected hotels

  • Flight San Cristobal – Isabela

  • Flight Isabela – Baltra (Only valid for luxury tours)

NOT INCLUDED:

  • All air transportation

  • Meals and services not mentioned in the program

  • Personal expenses

  • Laundry, phone bills, or any extra expenses

  • Tips

  • Migratory Control Card

  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee

  • Flights to/from Galapagos Islands

TripAdvisor Reviews

What our customers say

Dear Gabriela,
Good Morning.

My husband Pradip, Vajarias and I want to thank you for organizing our fantastic trip to Peru.

All the tour guides and the transfers were very smooth. Hotels were excellent. All the tour guides organized were very well informed and in Cusco our tour guide helped us to get to the airport safely when there was a transportation strike.

We had amazing experience in Amazon at Refugio Amazonas lodge too.

Thanks again.
Alka Amin

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Alka Amin, USA, May 2018

Dear Veronica,

My husband Pradip, Vajarias and I want to thank you for organizing our fantastic trip to Peru.

All the tour guides and the transfers were very smooth. Hotels were excellent. All the tour guides organized were very well informed and in Cusco our tour guide helped us to get to the airport safely when there was a transportation strike.

We had amazing experience in Amazon at Refugio Amazonas lodge too.

Thanks again.
Alka Amin

View more reviews

Mario Antonio, UK, May 2019