Itinerary A 5 Days

Santa Cruz: Highlands

Our guide will greet us at the airport in Baltra and we'll then take the ferry across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, where our first stop is the Santa Cruz highlands.

Visit one of the local ranches to view giant tortoises. The ranch chosen will be determined by the location of these tortoises, as they migrate between the coast and the highlands. Then we will transfer to Anali.

• Possible Activities: Hiking
• Difficulty: Easy
• Landing Type: N/A
• Wildlife: Giant tortoises

Tintoreras

The area is home to a variety of marine species that are easily viewed from a kayak or dinghy. Sea turtles are found in these calm waters, as well as sea lions. Blue-footed boobies, rays and sea urchins. The lava channels that were formed are also used by white-tipped coral reef sharks (known locally as Tintoreras) as resting areas.

Sierra Negra Volcano

We will then transfer to the Sierra Negra Volcano's entrance. The caldera of the Sierra Negra Volcano is the second-largest in the world. It measures nine kilometers east to west, and 10 kilometers north to south. Visitors can hike to the edge of the caldera after leaving their vehicle for breathtaking views.

• Possible Activities: Hiking – snorkeling – panga ride
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Landing Type: N/A
• Wildlife: Sharks, seahorses and sea turtles

Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center

Arnaldo Tupiza's giant tortoise center is helping to replenish the island by introducing young adults from the five threatened species that are being threatened in the wild due to introduced animals like goats, rats, and cats.

Wetlands

The elevated walkway passes by Isabela's mangroves and wetlands. It is one of the most popular sites for viewing migratory bird species. You can see flamingos as well as whimbrels and common stilts.

• Possible Activities: Hiking
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Landing Type: N/A
• Wildlife: Galapagos tortoises, shore birds and sea birds