Overview: Condensed Birding Itinerary - Birding Galápagos Island Hopping Tour (8 Days / 7 Nights):
Day 1: Arrival – San Cristóbal Island & Highlands
Flight from Quito to San Cristóbal (Galápagos).
Visit El Junco Lagoon (crater lake in extinct volcano).
Birds: Frigatebirds, White-cheeked Pintail, Gallinule, Darwin’s Finches, San Cristóbal Mockingbird, Galápagos Rail (possible).
Dinner & overnight in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 2: Española Island – Punta Suárez & Gardner Islet
Morning: Punta Suárez
Seabird colony: Blue-footed & Nazca Boobies, Waved Albatross (seasonal), Tropicbirds, Hawks, Hood Mockingbird.
Scenic blowhole & marine iguanas.
Afternoon: Gardner Islet
Snorkeling with rays, pufferfish, batfish, sea lions, and (possibly) hammerheads.
Return to San Cristóbal for dinner & overnight.
Day 3: San Cristóbal – Punta Pitt
Speedboat to Punta Pitt (northeast tip).
Birds: Blue-footed, Red-footed, Nazca
Boobies (all 3), Frigatebirds, Storm-Petrels, Shearwaters, Chatham Mockingbird.
Wildlife: Sea lions, lava lizards, marine iguanas.
Return to San Cristóbal for dinner & overnight.
Day 4: San Cristóbal – Floreana – Isabela
Travel to Floreana Island.
Asilo de la Paz: Medium Tree Finch, Galápagos Flycatcher, tortoise reserve.
Afternoon transfer to Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil).
Dinner & overnight.
Day 5: Isabela – Sierra Negra Volcano & Wetlands
Hike to Sierra Negra caldera (10 km wide).
Birds: Galápagos Martin, Rail, Flycatcher, Finches, Green Warbler Finch.
Visit Flamingo Pond & Isabela Wetlands (Los Humedales).
Wildlife: Flamingos, migratory birds, mangroves.
Dinner & overnight.
Day 6: Isabela – Flightless Cormorant Excursion
Boat excursion around Isabela.
Birds: Flightless Cormorant, Galápagos Penguin (seasonal), Frigatebirds, Flamingos.
Snorkeling with rich marine life.
Return for dinner & overnight in Puerto Villamil.
Day 7: Isabela – Santa Cruz Highlands
Early speedboat to Santa Cruz Island.
Breakfast in Puerto Ayora.
Explore highlands: Giant tortoises, Vegetarian Finch, Paint-billed Crake, Galápagos Rail.
Return to Puerto Ayora for dinner & overnight.
Day 8: Charles Darwin Station & Departure
Visit Charles Darwin Research Station.
Tortoise breeding program, Darwin’s Finches, conservation education.
Transfer to Baltra Airport for flight back to mainland Ecuador.
For more detailed information, please refer to the full itinerary PDF
Price Includes
Includes:
Airport Transfers: Roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotels.
Transportation: All land and sea transportation, including buses and boats, as per the itinerary.
Guides: Services of a bilingual naturalist guide specializing in birdwatching, and a local guide for logistical support.
Accommodation: Double occupancy rooms in the hotels listed in the itinerary (or similar, based on availability).
Excursions: All excursions and activities outlined in the itinerary.
Meals: Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Snorkeling Gear: Basic snorkeling equipment included.
Fees & Permits: INGALA Transit Control Card and Isabela Island entrance tax.
Not Included
Domestic Flights: Roundtrip airfare between Quito and the Galápagos Islands (approx. $570.60, subject to change).
Entrance Fees: Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$200 per person).
Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and staff.
Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs and optional activities not listed.
Species you could observe
Comfortable and Safe Accommodation
Bilingual Bird Guide
Food (3 Daily Meals)
Transfer to the Different Destinations
Transfer from Airport to Hotel & back
