The Galapagos Penguin Route 7 Day Tour

Highlands: Visit to the El Chato 1, El Chato 2 Or Primicias Farm, in any of these you can see the Giant Galapagos Tortoises and the typical vegetation of Galapagos

Tunnels: This is one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in Isabela, the water is shallow, calm and very clear, a marine sanctuary. A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations, a series of arches and tunnels, below and above the water, where a large number of endemic Galapagos species live. The entrance to the site is not deep and the waves can be very strong, for this reason, access to this place is not always very feasible. The best time to visit Los Túneles is between January and May.

Located on the Galapagos Island of Isabela, the Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience some of the most stunning volcanic landscapes in the world. For those looking to explore these magnificent features, guided tours are available. These tours provide an up-close look at some of the most impressive geological formations in the region, including lava flows and ash fields. Visitors will also have a chance to witness some of Isabela’s incredible wildlife, including giant tortoises, and more. With its stunning views and diverse wildlife, a tour of Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Wetlands: consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. Flamingo Lake: To the west of Puerto Villamil there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in Galapagos. Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center: At the Tortoise Breeding Center, eggs are nursed in a hatchery and the giant tortoise adults are observed in supervised corrals. The Center aims to increase the population and secure the survival of these species. Tintoreras: Is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Pinzon Island: Called in honor of the Pinzón brothers, captains of the caravels Pinta and La Niña in the first expedition of Christopher Columbus (his name in English reminds the Viscount of Duncan). It has an area of 18 km² and a maximum altitude of 458 meters. It has no places to visit and a special permit from the authorities is required to enter. The main forest species are on the island, in the humid zone, there is a unique species called the margarita tree. Pinzón is home to sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and dolphins, as well as other endemic species. Santa Fé Island: Santa Fe has a forest of Opuntia cactus that is the largest of the archipelago, and palo santo. It has a colorful turquoise lagoon and calm waters where you can snorkel with sea lions. Its coastal cliffs are home to swallow-tailed gulls, petrels, and other tropical birds. The terrestrial iguana of Santa Fe, endemic to the island, lives in large numbers like the lava lizard.

Bartolome Island: This island offers some of the most beautiful landscapes of the archipelago. The island is composed of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and bright black volcanic formations. On this island is the famous Pinnacle, which is one of the most representative places of the archipelago. Here you can dive and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, white-tip reef sharks, and other tropical fish. Seasonally, Bartolomé is the mating and nesting site of the green turtle. The bay is also an excellent place to go swimming. The twin bays are separated by a narrow isthmus. North Seymour Island: On this island, there is a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. There are also countless land iguanas, which were introduced from Baltra Island, and which served to repopulate the island with this species. It is also possible to observe a large number of frigates and sea lions with their young.

Twin Craters: The Twin Craters are, in fact, not craters. These impressive holes were formed by magma (lava) domes which hardened on the outside but continued to flow on the inside, leaving huge but empty chambers that collapsed with the passing of time, creating this breathtaking scenery that resembles two pit crates. The Twins are located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and are surrounded by lush and green forests, dominated by the endemic Scalesia plants. It is possible to walk along the rim of the craters to better appreciate the magnitude of the holes as well as the local flora and fauna. This site is also one of the most likely places to observe the endemic short-ear owl of the Galapagos.