Day 1: Guayaquil or Quito – Baltra Island – Transfer to Santa Cruz
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you must go through the Galapagos National Park checkpoint and pay the entrance fee (not included). The cost varies depending on nationality.
- Ecuadorians and legal residents: USD 30.00
- Foreign tourists from the Andean Community of Nations and Mercosur: USD 100.00
- Foreign tourists of other nationalities: USD 200.00
- Seniors and children pay 50% of each of the aforementioned values.
After collecting your luggage, you will be met by 593 Mastravel staff, who will assist you with the payment of the ECOGAL or "Lobito" transportation fee (USD 5.00, not included), which is mandatory for using the official airport bus. Accompanied by your guide, we will board the bus to the Itabaca Channel, cross by barge to Santa Cruz Island, and continue by private transport to your hotel in Puerto Ayora
Check-in at the hotel (schedule subject to each establishment's policies)
Day 2: Tortuga Bay Beach / Highlands: Twin Craters, Private Ranch and Lava Tunnels
After breakfast, we'll begin our excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach, one of the most renowned natural paradises in the Galápagos. The cobblestone path leading to the beach offers the opportunity to observe endemic species such as lava lizards, finches, and giant cacti.
Upon arriving at Playa Brava, we'll continue walking to Playa Mansa, a stretch of calm waters where you can swim and relax. Kayaks are available for rent here (not included). We recommend bringing your swimsuit, water, a trash bag, and a light snack. After enjoying the beach, we'll return to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Upper Part of Santa Cruz, making stops at three iconic sites:
- Private Ranch:Where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
- Lava Tunnels:Underground formations created by the passage of volcanic flows, offering a unique tour.
- Twin Craters:Two large volcanic depressions surrounded by a lush forest of scale trees, mosses, and orchids. Return to the hotel
Day 3: Las Grietas and German Beach / Charles Darwin Research Station
After breakfast, we'll meet in the hotel lobby to walk to the pier and take a water taxi to Punta Estrada. From there, we'll take a short hike to Las Grietas, impressive volcanic rock formations, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Later we will visit Playa de los Alemanes, a small but charming beach with white sand and calm waters, ideal for relaxing near Puerto Ayora. Return to the pier.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research center managed by the Charles Darwin Foundation. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises up close in their breeding enclosures, as well as walk through forests of giant cacti, the natural habitat of various land birds. Return to the hotel.
Day 4: Garrapatero Beach
After breakfast, we'll depart for Playa Garrapatero, a tranquil haven with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Behind the beach lies a lagoon teeming with flamingos, black-necked ducks, Galapagos finches, and migratory birds.
Return to the hotel.
Day 5: Santa Cruz – Baltra – Return to Guayaquil or Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, the guide will inform you of the departure time for Baltra Airport. Before boarding, you will need to pay the ECOGAL or "Lobito" transportation fee again (USD 5.00, not included).
End of services.
