Nature at its Purest

Galapagos-Metropolitan Touring

The Galapagos is one of the most important national parks in the world. It has 13 main islands and dozens of islets and minor volcanic islands. This archipelago, 97% of which is protected by the government, is located almost 620 miles from the Ecuadorian coast and is characterized by its white-sand beaches, cactus forests, giant turtles, and colorful birds – such as the blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies, flamingos, and penguins. The Islands are also home to finches, frigate birds, albatrosses, and pelicans.

The islands are a living laboratory of animal species that do not exist anywhere else on the planet. The capital of the Galapagos Islands is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristóbal Island. Its attractions include El Junco Lake, León Dormido (Kicker Rock), Lobos Island, and Cerro tijeretas (Frigate Bird Hill).

On Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station has been working on various conservation projects for several decades. There, you can see the ancient giant Galapagos tortoises, which live for an average of 150 years. Floreana, Genovesa, Santiago, Española, Seymour Norte, Plazas, Santa Fé, and Isabela islands are all home to a large range of endemic species that live in this paradise.

The marine reserve, which, like the archipelago, was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is featured on the list of the seven best places in the world to snorkel and scuba dive. During such trips, visitors can swim with whales, rays, manta rays, swordfish, marine turtles, sea lions, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other impressive species.

Sample Galapagos itinerary: Five days

Galapagos-Jens Kinckmeier

1st day: Quito / Guayaquil – Galapagos (Baltra) –Santa Cruz Island

-Flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos; arrive and transfer to boat.
-Visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island; walk to a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other bird species. Optional hike to the top of the hill, from which there is an excellent view of the bay and an iguana nesting site.

2nd day: Rábida Island – Santiago Island

-Santiago Island has outstanding white and black sand beaches. Visitors to this island can see the Galapagos' fur seals, lava rocks, and volcanic lava landscapes. What is more, it is an excellent place to see various species of herons and marine iguanas, while watching small crabs scuttle around. This is an excellent site to swim and dive to observe marine life in their natural habitat.
-Rábida Island, located further out to sea from San Salvador Island, has red beaches of volcanic origin and is frequented by sea lions. It is often considered to be the geographical center of the Galapagos due to its different volcanic rocks. Colonies of flamingos, brown pelicans, boobies, and nine species of Darwin finches can be seen here.

3rd day: Isabela Island – Fernandina Island

-Visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, the largest island of the archipelago and home to the largest population of giant turtles. Visitors can explore a cove by boat and see penguins, pelicans, and other marine birds.
-On Fernandina Island, home to the largest colony of marine iguanas, a flat lava field serves as a nesting site for cormorants. Sea lions stretch out on the beaches next to natural pools, while Galapagos hawks keep a close eye on visitors.

4th day: Bartolomé Island – Santa Cruz Island

-Visit Bartolomé, a small island known for its beautiful beaches and green mangroves in the lower part and its lunar landscapes of volcanic formations in the upper part. Climb up the wooden stairs that take you to the top, from where there is an impressive view of the islands, including Roca Pináculo, an eroded volcanic cone. Snorkel with penguins, marine turtles, and white fin sharks. Sail to Santa Cruz Island.

5th day: Galapagos (Baltra) – Quito / Guayaquil

-Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where national and international scientists carry out biological research and conservation projects. Here, you can also see giant tortoises and their one-year-old offspring. Head to the airport to catch a flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

(Ministry of Tourism)