San Cristobal is home to the Galapagos' second airport, conveniently located within walking distance from the city. Town here is called Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, our home for the next few days. We'll begin our adventure through Cerro Tijeretas, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, plenty of beach time at multiple spots, all while accompanied by Galapagos' magnificent wildlife. Our journey then continues to the largest freshwater lake in all of the Galapagos. We’ll also explore the highlands, known as La Parte Alta, and have the option of snorkeling in one of Galapagos’ most magical locations, Leon Dormido.
What is included in the tour
- Tourguide English/Spanish speaking
- Hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (3n)
- Breakfast (3 mornings)
- Tour to San Cristobal Highlands // Half day tour with guide
- Hiking Cerro Tijeretas and Bay Snorkel // Half day tour with guide
- Transfer out to Baltra Airport
- Transfer in & out from San Cristobal Airport/Harbor
What is NOT included in the tour
-
Air Ticket Quito/Guayaquil to San Cristobal, Galapagos (can be booked in stage 3)
-
Entrance fees Galapagos National Park 100.00 USD+ TRANSIT CARD 20.00 USD. To be paid upon arrival
- San Cristobal 360-degree Boat excursion (optional) can be booked beforehand
- Any meals/services not mentioned in the inclusions
- Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- The biggest fresh water resource in Galapagos
- The worlds second largest volcano crater
- Amazing snorkling with Sea turtles, Eagle Rays
- The closes encounter with Sealions you going to get
- Fantastic beaches
DAY 1
Cerro Tijeretas & Playa Carola
AM: After landing in San Cristobal, we will take a short taxi ride to our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
PM: Our tours will begin with a walk through town, followed by a half-day excursion to Cerro Tijeretas and a snorkeling opportunity in the bay. Finally a visit to Playa Carola to conclude the day. North of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is Cerro Tijeretas and Playa Carola. The paved trail will lead us to the hill that is known as Tijeretas. We’ll then make our way down to the beach; Playa Carola. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy an amazing panoramic vista where we can find both species of frigate birds; magnificent and minor. Our journey continues down to a protected bay, offering an opportunity for snorkeling or swimming.
Following our aquatic adventure, we continue on the trails that lead us to Playa Carola, where you’ll have your initial up-close encounters with the sea lions that rest and live along that area. Finally, we’ll take a leisure walk back to town and our hotel which will conclude our first day in the Galapagos.
DAY 2 Tour to The Highlands
AM: Following breakfast at the hotel, our tour will transport us to the highlands of San Cristobal, where we'll explore the elevated terrain at an approximate altitude of 700 meters above sea level. This excursion will span roughly 4-5 hours before returning to the town. (Please note that lunch is not included.)
PM: We embark on a comfortable journey by car. Each car carries only four passengers, and our drivers are also experienced tour guides. Our first stop takes us to El Junco, the Galapagos Islands' sole large freshwater lake. Here, we'll enjoy a hike up to the crater's edge. This location offers another opportunity for frigate bird sightings. Our adventure then proceeds to the "Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado," a breeding center dedicated to the giant tortoise species Geochelone Chatamensis which is unique to San Cristobal Island. Following this visit, we head to the southwest coast and arrive at Puerto Chino, an isolated bay boasting one of San Cristobal's most picturesque beaches. Here, you're invited to take a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for nesting blue-footed boobies and resting sea lions. After a relaxing time, we'll return to Puerto Baquerizo, bringing the day's memorable experiences to a close.
DAY 3. OPEN DAY Optional: San Cristobal 360° (Must book in advance)
Today is our day off. This allows for everyone to choose their preferred activities; scuba diving, walking around town, or spending the day at the beach. If looking for a guided excursion, we’re offering an exciting tour; San Cristobal 360°. You will circumnavigate the ENTIRE island, providing an extraordinary tour that covers every corner of San Cristobal, with various stops along the way to enhance the experience. (Lunch included)
1. Leon Dormido, also known as Kicker Rock, is a Galapagos classic. Here you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with schools of tropical fish, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and even Hammerhead sharks.
2. Punta Pitt, the only location in the Southern Galapagos where red-footed boobies can be found. After lunch, we travel along the west coast in search of the beautiful Red Bill Tropic bird.
3. We also have several snorkeling opportunities during this period of the trip.
4. Return to Puerto Baquerizo.
This is a very exciting and eventful excursion, worth every penny, but be prepared for a 10-12 hours long day with a lot of touring included, we guaranteed you come home fulfilled and tired.
DAY 4 Return to the mainland
After breakfast you will have the morning open depending on specific transfer times and scheduling. If continuing to Santa Cruz, the ferry boat will leave at 07:00.
*Note: This program connects to our Santa Cruz and Isabela programs.
Transfers: When making your booking, please note that transfers from Guayaquil or Quito can be reserved separately.
On this tour you will stay in the following hotels:
STANDARD
P. Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Hotel Los Algarrobos 3n
SUPERIOR
P. Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. Hotel Galapagos Planet 3n (https://galapagosplanet.com.ec) or similar