Classic Galapagos - Itinerary B Itinerary

Spend the day exploring the streets and people-watching in the vibrant, historical town of Quito. In the evening, perhaps get acquainted with the rest of your group over a traditional meal.

Visit the highlands of ‘Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado’ (Red Hill), where there is a fascinating information centre and breeding program for tortoises. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn all about their origin, evolution and threatened future.

Bartolome’s lunar-like landscape serves as a shrine to the island’s volcanic past and is home to the heavily photographed Pinnacle Rock - an abrupt, tooth-like shard of rock protruding from the earth. Later, hike to the top of a dormant volcano and experience the incredible views across to Sullivan Bay.

Enjoy time at Espumilla Beach, a nesting sites for marine turtles and covered in astounding lava formations. Also visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion and once a pirate hideout, and the black sand beach of Port Egas.

Encounter iguanas parading past gift shops, and stop in at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

An early morning excursion to North Seymour will pass through colonies of animated blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Lunch on the relaxing, sandy island of Mosquera, full of the colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Paddle in the tranquil waters of Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) - a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Take a walk on Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill), a great place to see land iguanas and flamingos.

Marvel at the beaches of red sand and cliffs of scarlet on striking Rabida Island. Spot nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions before visiting Sombrero Chino, a small islet with a fascinating array of lava tubes.

Relax on the sandy, white beaches of Las Bachas, which are nesting sites for the Pacific green turtle, and snorkel in the calm waters. Check out a saltwater lagoon full of flamingo and whimbrel before heading back to Baltra and flying to Quito.

Perhaps spend some more time discovering what makes Quito such a great city before finishing up this classic Galapagos Adventure.