Looking to travel to Galapagos but only have a week? Check out International Expeditions land-based Galapagos ecotour option. From your base at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, daily yacht excursions expose you to a variety of unique islands and curious wildlife. Many options for multisport activities are available for those guests not wishing to take a yacht excursions including:
This itinerary is offered in a variety of lengths to accommodate your schedule. To start planning your custom Galapagos tour, contact Kim Guth at 800-234-9620 ext. 137.
US/Quito or Guayaquil, Equador
Upon arrival in Quito or Guayaquil, you will be met and transferred to a centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.
Quito or Guayaquil/Baltra/Galapagos Islands/Finch Bay
This morning you fly 600 miles across the Pacific to Baltra Island. Upon arrival you’ll be assisted to the dock to cross the Itabaca Channel, which separates it from Santa Cruz Island. On the other side, a bus will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a unique experience! A stop is made at the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material, formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Continue on to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel to relax and enjoy the pool, white coral beach or simply rest in your hammock. In the evening, dinner includes the flavors of local and international gastronomy, one more attraction of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. (B,L,D)
Finch Bay: Santa Fe Island
A short trek leads through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas (endemic to Santa Fe), lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. There is opportunity to swim and snorkel. (B,L,D)
Finch Bay: Plaza Island
This small island is full of fascinating wildlife, at sea side and along the cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors with the seasons. (B,L,D)
Finch Bay: Bartolomé
The trail is a fairly steep climb on wooden steps to the summit, worth the effort, as there is a spectacular view of the Galapagos scenery from above. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed. Sea lions and penguins swim in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach. (B,L,D)
Finch Bay/Guayaquil or Quito
It is the last day of your Galapagos ecotour. Depart the hotel early in the morning for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Transfer to the airport in Baltra for the flight back to Guayaquil or Quito. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Guayaquil or Quito/US
Early morning transfer to airport for the flight to the U.S. (B)