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Ecuador’s Enchanted Islands 

The Galápagos Islands by Land (Island Hopping)

Trip Description

Brief Itinerary

The Galápagos archipelago hardly needs introduction. Once the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution, these scenic islands spanning the equator are famed for their high levels of endemism and selection of unique inhabitants. The more than fifty islands that make up the Galápagos are one of the most important ecological settings on earth, carefully protected as a national park.

 

A trip to the Galápagos is a naturalist’s dream, offering a truly unique bird and wildlife experience. For birders, extra time and specific islands must be included to enable views of the islands’ fabulous endemic birds. This trip offers opportunities to find these species among the bounty of unique, rare, and extraordinarily tame wildlife found here.

 

The Galápagos host no fewer than thirty endemic birds, including Darwin’s finches. Comparing their related forms across islands so rich in scientific history is one of the foremost joys of the trip. Besides this, you can expect countless seabirds including frigatebirds, boobies, and petrels, as well as endemic mammals and reptiles including Galapagos Sea Lion and Giant Tortoise. A lack of fear of humans makes them all incredibly approachable, providing some of the best wildlife photography opportunities in the world.

 

This tour is designed for birders who would like to see as many endemic birds (and, naturally, other forms of wildlife) as is reasonably possible. Our itinerary takes in the most important islands, including Santa Cruz for Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Rail, Paint-billed Crake, and Large Tree-Finch, as well as several fascinating smaller islands.

Day 1: Arrival Day into Quito

Day 2: Early AM Flight to Galápagos Islands and Start our Land Trip: Los Gemelos and Rancho Primicias in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

Day 3: Birding and Natural History in the Morning at Media Luna and Afternoon at Charles Darwin Station

Day 4: Early Morning Speedboat Transfer to Isabela Island; Morning Birding Wetlands and Flamingo Ponds near Villamil and Galapaguera Highlands; Afternoon Birding and Wildlife Watching Tintoreras

Day 5: Boat Trip and Full Day Birding Western Side of Isabela Island

Day 6: AM Visit and Birding Sierra Negra Volcano; PM Flight to San Cristobal Island and Afternoon Birding and Wildlife Watching La Lobería & El Acantilado

Day 7: Day Trip by Boat for Birding and Wildlife Watching: AM and PM Full Day Visit to Punta Pitt and Pitt Islet

Day 8: Full Day Trip by Boat to Española Island 

Day 9: Morning Visit the Highlands of San Cristobal for Birding; PM flight back to Quito

Day 10: Flights home

More details about this Trip:

Detailed Itinerary

Find below our Galapagos Birding Detailed itinerary or download it.

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