Eco-Friendly Luxury in the Galapagos: Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands - 7 Days

Highlights

• Walk alongside giant tortoises in their natural habitat
• Snorkel through lava tunnels amid sea turtles and rays
• Reel in tuna, wahoo, and more on a fishing trip to remote islets

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the Galápagos, Transfer to Isla Santa Cruz

Welcome to the Galápagos! After hopping on a two-hour connecting flight from mainland Ecuador, you'll arrive on Isla Baltra. From the airport, a driver will take you to the narrow channel for the short ferry ride to Santa Cruz, one of the 13 main islands of this famously biodiverse archipelago. You'll continue into the island's interior highlands and on to your accommodation for the next few days. 

Pikaia Lodge is a 5-star luxury hotel perched on a secluded hilltop within a private giant tortoise reserve. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands; plus, its central location provides convenient access to various natural attractions and wildlife habitats. Besides exclusivity, you'll enjoy spacious luxury suites with a private terrace to enjoy the views, a shimmering infinity pool, and gourmet dining at the on-site restaurant Evolution, which serves an Ecuadorian/international fusion menu highlighting local ingredients.

After checking in, you'll transfer just outside the main town of Puerto Ayora to the Charles Darwin Research Center. Here, scientists worldwide work to protect the flora and fauna of the Galápagos. Environmental projects include water analysis, protection of endemic wildlife, effects of tourism on nature, and other pressing issues. Visit the Galápagos tortoise rearing station to see where these animals are raised before being released into nature, and keep an eye out for land iguanas who live around the station. Later, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 2: Cruise to an Uninhabited Galápagos Island

Spend today cruising around some of the Galápagos' hidden gems in style on a private charter. This full-day tour begins early at the port in Puerto Ayora, where you'll board a vessel and set sail to an uninhabited island or islet. Depending on the specific itinerary, the cruise might include Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Plaza Sur, or Santa Fé.

At each one, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the archipelago's unspoiled natural beauty and encounter the iconic wildlife that has made the Galápagos a bucket-list travel destination. Watch for the famed blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions that relax on the beaches and occupy the rocky coastline. Lunch will be a delectable spread served on board, refueling you for the adventures ahead.

As the afternoon sun dips, don your snorkeling gear and hop in the water to spend time with marine animals like tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and perhaps even Galápagos sharks. Not to worry, though, as in the entire recorded history of these islands, there has never been a fatality due to shark attacks. Afterward, return to the ship and relax on deck as you cruise back to the port and return to your hotel.

Day 3: Galápagos Fishing Trip, Free Time at the Lodge

Fishing is a big trade in the Galápagos. Today, you'll do like a local and hit the water on a fishing trip to try and reel in a prized catch. Head out on a private boat with an experienced captain to either Santa Fé or Isla Pinzón, where you'll cast a line in the hopes of hooking a tuna, wahoo, albacore, or one of the many other game fish in these waters. If you get really lucky, you might find a marlin on the other end of the line—just know that all fishing today is catch-and-release. In the afternoon, you return to Puerto Ayora and have the rest of the day free to enjoy the amenities of Pikaia Lodge. 

Day 4: Fly to Isla Isabela, Snorkel at Los Túneles

This morning, you'll return to the airport and board a 40-minute flight to Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at the main town of Puerto Villamil, you'll transfer north into the highlands and Scalesia Lodge. You're in for a treat, as this luxurious, safari-style tent resort sits on a 40-acre (16 ha) property amid native forest. It offers spectacular views of the coast, the Pacific Ocean, and other nearby Islands dotting the horizon.

Once checked into the hotel, travel up the coast to Los Túneles, famous for its otherworldly lava tunnels both below and above water. This area is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, as you'll encounter a wide variety of marine life in the shallow waters. As you explore, keep your eyes open for seahorses, colorful fish, rays, turtles, and whitetip reef sharks. You might also spot some penguins or blue-footed boobies sitting on the rocks. After the excursion, you'll return by boat to Puerto Villamil.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sierra Negra, Flamingo Lagoon & Tortoise Center

Lace up your hiking boots for an epic trek around the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano today. One of the largest shield volcanoes in the world, this nearly 6-mile (10 km) diameter crater is also one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago: its most recent eruption happened in 2018, and the volcano's northern side is largely devoid of vegetation due to lava flows. 

Your six-hour round-trip hike to the volcanic summit will begin from Puerto Villamil. As you approach the crater, explore its lava landscapes and enjoy views of the Isabela and Isla Fernandina volcanoes. Afterward, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon to see flocks of these eponymous avian species, as well as the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station, where you can learn more about the local wildlife. If there's time left, end the day on the beach or snorkeling through the mangrove forests of Concha Perla. This natural pool is a habitat for turtles, sea lions, and penguins. 

Day 6: Fly to Isla Santa Cruz, Nature Hike to Tortuga Bay

In the morning, you'll catch a flight back to Isla Santa Cruz and return to Pikaia Lodge. After dropping off your bags, meet a private guide and set off on a half-day hike to the heavenly Tortuga Bay Beach. Famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots.

The first part of the beach has strong waves, so it's not recommended for swimming, but continue walking west to reach a tranquil bay of calm, welcoming water. Here, you can observe colonies of marine iguanas and birds, mangroves, cactus forests, and fascinating coastal flora. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 7: Cycle in the Galápagos Highlands, Fly to Quito, Depart

Milk this itinerary for all its worth with one last thrilling Galápagos adventure. This morning, the lodge will provide you with a bike and helmet, and you'll set off on a ride around the highlands and coast. Highlights include cycling around the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve (a habitat for Galápagos tortoises), then cruising downhill to Garrapatero Beach. From the road, it's a scenic 10-minute walk to the powdery white sands of this fine beach, where you can enjoy a swim and perhaps a quick kayak trip.

Later, you'll meet your driver for the ride back to the airport. There, you'll board a plane back to Quito in time to catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!

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