Isabela Island 4 Days Adventures

Overview

Tour plan

Description

Travelers begin on Isabela Island one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active island. You will start the visit to the Breeding Center where you can see the some endemic species of turtles of the island and also will visit Tintoreras where you can see the sharks that give the name to the islet. Day two we will have the oportunity to hike to the highland and see some of the bigest craters in the archipiélago. Day three white sandy beaches will wait for us to have a relax time enjoying the turquese water. The last day is time to say good bye to the Enchanted Island. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Day 1 : Isabela Island

Arrival in Isabela and transfer to your hotel. After check in, we will start with our first visit to breeding center.

You expert guide will explain the process of breeding and then releasing these majestic creatures into the wild.

After lunch, we’ll take a tour of the small islands of Tintoreras, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we can see white tipped sharks at rest, plus sea lions, turtles, rays and penguins. We’ll also have the chance to snorkel in the bay.

**The activities of this day are only available if guests are arriving in the morning (by speedboat)

Night at Isabela Island

Included: English speaking guide, transportation, excursion, lunch, accommodation

Day 2 : Isabela Island

Hiking day!

Volcanic eruptions created all the Galapagos Islands, and you will have a chance to see this geologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands.

We have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands, and we start by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, we may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route.

When we reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, we will see the reward for our efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway!

Later, as we head towards Volcan Chico, we may get the feeling we are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, we will enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles.

After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, we will be able to relax in the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree, and enjoy our box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of the Island. In the distance, we will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. We then head back down to complete our day of hiking (16 kilometers / 9,94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.

Night at Isabela Island

Included: Breakfast, English speaking guide, transportation, excursion, lunch, accommodation

Day 3 : Isabela Island

Today, after breakfast, we leave from the Villamil dock and the white sandy beaches of Isabela and paddle to Island Bay. En route we will be looking for turtles, rays, penguins, and blue-footed boobies; sea lions will probably paddle along with us as well. After watching the wildlife in the Bay, we will paddle back to the Villamil dock.

Later, we’ll hike the Wetlands Trail where we can see marine iguana colonies and a number of different types of mangroves trees (all four can be seen here) as well as enjoying the network of trails, beaches and historic sites. At the end of the trail is the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by Second World War prisoners held at the US base on the islands. Our guide will explain the importance of the Wall of Tears, giving us a glimpse into the lives of the island’s previous inhabitants. On this network of trails you will catch some beautiful views of the village below and we will have the chance to see birds and, with luck, some wild giant tortoises.

Night at Isabela Island

Included: Breakfast, English speaking guide, transportation, excursion, lunch, accommodation

Day 4 : Isabela Island

Today we say goodbye to Isabela very early via speed boat towards Puerto Ayora.

You can fly over the spectacular island scenery once more to Baltra at an additional cost

Included: Breakfast, transportation

***END OF SERVICES***

Includes:

* English-speaking naturalist guide
* 3 Nights Lodging at Isamar hotel or similar
* Transfers & ground transportation
* Excursions (detailed in itinerary)
* Daily breakfast and meals (detailed in itinerary)

Not included:
* Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged upon request)
* Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$100 per adult / US$50 per child under 12 – subject to change)
* Tourist transit card (US$20 per person – subject to change)

* Transportation to Isabela Island
* Beverages, Laundry service
* Gratuities and personal expenses

* Insurance (prior to your journey please ensure your travel insurance is valid in your country of origin)

You can choose one of our programmed tours or request a custom tour designed specifically for you. Contact us to start planning your visit to Ecuador today.