Galápagos Island hopping

Today, we will set out on our mountain bikes to explore the stunning coastline on a private trail that takes us through an amazing ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of animals. We begin with a visit to the massive lava rock wall known as the Wall of Tears. This location dates to the 1950s, when Isabela was used as a prison colony. Because of their isolation, the inmates had to build the wall to keep them from going insane. 

We will see lagoons, mangrove forests, and pristine white-sand beaches as we continue our ride along the coast. In addition to the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas, this area is teeming with birdlife, including American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches, and numerous shorebirds. In the afternoon, we’ll take our kayaks to Tintoreras Islet, which is just a short drive from Puerto Villamil and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.White-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions live in its turquoise, crystalline waters. One of the few places in the world where marine iguanas can successfully reproduce is on one of its beaches, which is surrounded by mangroves.

We will pack our backpacks and hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world with recent geological history, after driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead. The rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in October 2005, is our destination. We explore the massive, lava-filled crater’s circumference and take in the breathtaking views upon arrival. At its widest point, the crater measures more than six miles across.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or go snorkeling at Concha Perla Bay in search of sea lions, turtles, and other sea creatures. In your spare time, you can also sign up for an optional surfing lesson.

In the morning we will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to see the Charles Darwin Research Station. We will check into the hotel when we get there. After that, we will go to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

We will have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland after our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos of this stunning place. We will see you soon again!