Day 2

The lodge serves us a scrumptious breakfast and we depart for “Los Gemelos” or “The Twins”.  Los Gemelos are two sunken volcanic depressions of impressive magnitude. Our hike allows us to observe the flora and fauna up close. Among the sights we see are remnants of a Scalesia Forest, including plants like the liverwort. Birds are abundant, including Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds and the rare short-eared owl. We then visit the National Park Reserve for Galapagos tortoises. This 600-acre habitat is thriving with tortoises living in their natural habitat. After putting on a pair of rubber boots we begin our journey through the ‘Jurassic park’ of the Galapagos, coming face to face with these ancient creatures who oblige us as willing photographic subjects.

To better understand the complexities of geological formation we venture into a lava tunnel. 1350 feet (450m) in length, stalactites and stalagmites display the long history of formation, mineral composites decorate the walls in variant colors and tall ceilings give it an impression of grandeur.  We return to the surface and drive back to the lodge for lunch.

After lunch we continue our journey to the island of Floreana via boat. Our first destination on Floreana is Black Beach. This dramatic and spectacular location gives us a chance to relax and soak in the beauty. Black sand beneath our toes, turquoise waters, and lush green forest paint paradise. For a closer look at the colorful world below sea level, we can put on snorkel masks and swim about in the calm cove. We make our way back to the Floreana lodge on foot enjoying the serenity and sunset. This evening’s dinner is at a small restaurant operated by a local family. Then you return to your own cozy cabin set above the beachfront and fall to sleep with the sounds of lapping waves.

Day 3

After breakfast and we get another chance to learn first hand about the people who pioneered settlement on this island and the importance of island preservation. We climb into a Chiva, or open air truck with bench seats, that takes us along bumpy roads to the center of Floreana to visit a pirate cave and freshwater brook. Our guide teaches us about the history of the island and its first populace. Patrick Watkins was the first to settle here followed by Dr. Ritter and his companion Dora Strauch.  Later the Wittmer family arrived.  You hear the fascinating story of the “Floreana Mystery” while taking in the scenery and discovering new (to us) species. With luck we may see the Galapagos petrel, a species on the endangered list, which resides in this area. It is recovering from near extinction due to non-native rats and cats that were introduced to the islands, but thanks to the on-going efforts of the Galapagos National Park Service, the population is recovering.  A highlight is our walk through a large stone-walled corral where the Park Service studies and keeps a number of tortoise species from the different islands.   We return to the coast in the late morning.

From Floreana, our boat carries us across the sea to the island of Isabela.  We may see dolphins along the way if lucky.  On arrival we transfer to the Red Mangrove lodge for lunch, then take a short boat ride with a local skipper to Las Tintoreras.  As we pproach this small island, we traverse a bay that is often filled will Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies.  We disembark at Las Tintoreras to capture its beauty with our hearts and cameras.  There are lava fields of black that are offset by the blue of the ocean and green of mangrove forests.  In the distance, the looming volcanoes of Isabela create a cinematic skyline.  Walking amid the stark lava rocks you see marine iguanas soaking in the sun’s rays while sea lions frolic in the surf.  A memorable site is looking down into a narrow lagoon where white-tipped reef sharks rest, not more than a few yards away.

Returning to our small boat, we cruise a few minutes to find a suitable spot for snorkeling and getting a closer look at the white-tipped reef sharks and more time to play with the sea lions or just enjoy the graceful swim of sea turtles as they glide past.  Then we return to the lodge there will be time for a shower and some relaxation before dinner.

Day 4

Your morning is off to an adventurous start with a 6:30 AM wakeup call. We will collect your luggage at 7:00 AM and breakfast will be served at 8:00. After breakfast, we will enjoy a ride through the picturesque town of Puerto General Villamil as we search for flamingos. Afterward, we will visit the Galapagos National Park Isabela tortoise breeding station. Here you will have the chance to meet several different species of tortoise and observe them in several stages of their growing process, from infant to senior, the Galapagos tortoises are amazing and entertaining to watch!

Before returning to the lodge, we will stop at the well-known Playa del Amor (Love Beach). This magical beach offers has a naturally occurring, beautiful, freshwater pool and is surrounded by mangroves. We will return to the Lodge for lunch before departing for Santa Cruz.

Lunch at the Isabela Lodge 

PM

After about one-and-a-half trip (depending on sea conditions), we drop our bags off at the Aventura Lodge and then visit the impressive Charles Darwin Research Station. A guide brings us through the facilities, showing us the sizable and flourishing reptile-breeding center, introducing us to Lonesome George, the most famous of all Galapagos tortoises. Lonesome George is the last of his species, found by researchers on Pinta Island in 1971.   He is estimated to be over 100 years old and considered the rarest creature alive. The center was established in 1964 and its efforts have been key in the protection of the islands’ unique ecosystems.

After our visit we return to the lodge and you have time to relax, enjoy a drink on the deck with views over the town’s harbor or take a short stroll through town.  Soon it’s time for dinner and another idyllic evening on the islands.

Dinner at the Aventura Lodge, overnight at the Aventura Lodge

Day 5

Rise up for breakfast at the lodge. Then we transfer you across Santa Cruz to return to Baltra and catch a flight back to Ecuador where you may continue your travels or return home.  

Note that many people like to extend their stay in Ecuador to visit the Indian towns of the highlands, go to an Amazon nature lodge or even travel to Peru and Machu Picchu.  We are happy to help you arrange any of these extensions.