4 Day Tour of Ecuador and Santa Cruz Island

With a relaxed and happy mood, you will be taking a flight to Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Cologne Islands. The first stop is at ‘Los Gemelos’ (The Twins), two immense craters located in the middle of the island. These giant holes are actually not real craters; they are the remains of volcanic magma chambers that collapsed and are now covered with vegetation. Next, we will visit the Primicias Ranch. Here, giant tortoises wander around freely at their own, very slow, pace. It is a unique experience to see these ancient animals in their natural habitat. You can also explore a beautiful lava tunnel located close to the ranch. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Island → Los Gemelos → The Primicias Ranch → Hotel

Los Gemelos Los Gemelos (Twin Craters) are located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. They are not actual craters caused by impact , but are sink holes that were created when the volcanic roof of empty magma chambers collapsed from tectonic shifts and erosion over time.

The Primicias Ranch One of the Galápagos Islands' most well-known creatures is the giant tortoise, and one of the region's best places to see them is at Rancho Primicias. Located on Santa Cruz Island roughly 13 miles away from Puerto Ayora, this privately-owned animal sanctuary is filled with giant tortoises. The site also features empty tortoise shells to climb into and tunnels made of cooled, hardened lava to walk through, plus facilities like a restaurant and restrooms.

Today, you will visit Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, it has an interpretation center where you can learn more about the ecosystems and species of the archipelago, as well as the conservation efforts of the government and NGOs. Also, you can admire the tortoises, land iguanas, and other species that are part of the programs of the research station. Then we will visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago: Tortuga Bay. You can get there by foot. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Itinerary: Charles Darwin Research Station → Tortuga Bay → Hotel

The Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos is a biological center for the study and conservation of numerous species of Galapagos flora and fauna. It is run and operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The mission of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is to help investigate the local environment and biodiversity, all in the name of science.

Tortuga Bay Tortuga Bay is located on the Santa Cruz Island, about a 20-minute water-taxi ride from the main water taxi dock in Puerto Ayora. There is always a large variety of small fish, birds, including the brown pelican and gigantic galápagos tortoise.

Today you can choose any island for sightseeing, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. Bartolome Island At Bartolome, this fantastic visitor site will allow you to see spectacular volcanic landscapes and experience excellent snorkeling. The first, of the two main visitor sites, provide the possibility to climb to the summit of the island, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. Then we will have the chance to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers great snorkeling opportunities. Multi –colored fish and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartolome’s landscape. At a short walk across to Bartolome´s second beach, in which swimming is strictly prohibited, we can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming along the shoreline.

Santa Fe Island Santa Fe Island is located southeast of Santa Cruz. The island was formed from an ocean floor uplift and not a volcanic eruption, and therefore, giving it its mostly flat shape. The small bay on Barrington’s northeastern coast is extremely picturesque. One trail leads to a scenic viewpoint on top of a cliff where it is possible to find the Santa Fe land iguana, endemic to the island. The other trail is near the beach and is a short circular trail where it is possible to find another colony of land iguanas. A particular attraction is the unusually tall forest of prickly cactus.

South Plaza Island Plazas are two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape in which the fauna and flora of Galapagos are enhanced. Moreover, despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. It is possible to guarantee the observation of land iguanas that often are in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually swallow-tailed gulls, along with various other sea birds. The main attractions of Plazas Island include the land iguanas, the sea lions and the swallow-tailed gulls as well as yellow tailed mullets, Audubon’s shear waters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.

This island is a natural haven for blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, land iguanas, marine iguanas and sea lions. A nature trail meanders leisurely through large colonies of nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, which can be seen nesting closely to one another. Depending on the time of year, this is the most excellent place to witness the thrilling mating rituals both species of birds are known for. Also depending on the season, you can intimately observe the fascinating dynamics between a mother and it’s chick. Just off shore you can frequently see sea lions riding the waves or lazing around on the beach. The visit also includes snorkeling in the blue waters along the jagged edges of the island, as well as a visit to Bachas Beach.

After breakfast, we will take you to Galapagos Ecological Airport (GPS) to end your pleasant journey. Our staff only provides one drop-off service from the hotel at 8:00 in the morning. If the guest has an early flight and needs to leave the hotel before 8 o'clock to the airport, the guide can help the guest take a taxi.