DAY 1 | A WARM GALAPAGOS GREETING
Catch a morning flight from Ecuador�s mainland to San Cristobal, the National Park�s fifth largest island, where the ship�s crew will greet you at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport. Explore the Island Interpretation Center, take a break at Cerro Brujo beach and then get ready to sail. Board the comfortable Galapagos Explorer II, an ecotourism-oriented craft expressly designed for sailing the waters around the Galapagos. Settle in for a good dinner and an evening orientation.
DAY 2 | BREATHTAKING VISTAS
In the morning, explore tiny Bartholomew Island, near the west coast of Santiago. Bring a camera to capture the spectacular views of the archipelago. Hike up to the island�s summit and enjoy yet another postcard-worthy scene. Try to spot a few penguins, which make the bay area their home. Take an afternoon trip to the area�s fourth largest island, James, or as its known locally, Santiago. Watch for wildlife near the Puerto Egas shoreline. You may spot Galapagos fur seals, native hawks and maybe even a few feral goats, which have had a detrimental impact on the island�s vegetation. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES AND MARINE IGUANAS
Spend the morning at the largest of the Galapagos, Isabela Island, which was formed by no less than five volcanoes. Once a penal colony and now sparsely populated, Isabela is primarily characterized by its rich, natural diversity. Visit Tagus Cove on Isabela�s northwest coast, once a popular site for pirates and now a sanctuary for whales. Take a moment to read the curious graffiti scrawled along the cliffs, left behind by visiting ships long ago. In the afternoon, go on to Fernandina Island�s pristine Punta Espinosa, an intriguing creation of lava and sand and home to many marine iguanas, sea lions and flightless cormorants. Note the typical arid zone vegetation, concentrated in �kipukas,� small areas left untouched by recent lava. Before you leave, explore the colossal shield of the still-active Fernandina Volcano. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | SANTA CRUZ ISLAND ADVENTURE
Explore Santa Cruz Island�s Cerro Dragon, yet another of the many areas where the islands� range of plant zones, from coastal to pampas, are represented. Hike around the highlands or look for wild tortoises, huge reptiles which give the Galapagos their name. Explore naturally occurring lava tunnels, go for a horseback ride or visit the Charles Darwin Station. Wind up the day in Puerto Ayora, a busy harbor town colonized since the 1920s. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | LUSH VEGETATION AND REFRESHING LAKES
It�s on to San Cristobal Island, which was formed by an extinct volcano and now features rich vegetation and a series of freshwater lakes. Spend the morning watching wildlife at La Loberia Bay or relaxing at El Junco Lake. Head on to the island�s interpretation center and Ochoa Beach. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | A GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Visit Espanola Island, thought to be the remains of an ancient eroded volcano and features some of the oldest rocks in the Galapagos. On the island�s west end, explore Punta Suarez, considered to be one of the most spectacular sites in the Galapagos with its concentration of diverse wildlife. Head back to Santa Cruz Island and spend more time with the tortoises, explore the lava tunnel further or take another horseback ride. Wrap up the day in Puerto Ayora, the island�s bustling center of activity. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | A SEABIRD PARADISE
Sail over to quiet Genovesa Island, the only northern island open to visitors. Genovesa is comprised of a submerged shield volcano�s tip and features a central crater filled with salt water. Because of its isolation, the island�s wildlife is limited to marine iguanas and a stunning array of seabirds, including large colonies of red-footed boobies and great frigate birds. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | BACK TO THE MAINLAND
Spend your final morning leisurely exploring San Cristobal�s Loberia or Junco. Then, catch a flight back to Ecuador, still in a Galapagos state of mind. [B]
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