Early in the morning we will start our drive across the eastern Andean range towards the Amazon basin. This journey of 4 hours will show you fascinating landscapes of the Amazon forest, waterfalls and small, colorful local villages. Before we get ready for kayaking, a picnic will be served on the river shore. While exploring the upper part of the Arajuno River and paddling downstream for 2 hours, we will be on the lookout for wildlife such as neo tropical otters, caimans, toucans, parrots, monkeys, etc. After reaching and checking in at the Itamandi eco-lodge you will have the possibility to go on a night hike to discover all the beautiful night- active creatures. Our guide will tell you a lot about the wildlife in the jungle.

Today we will paddle down the river for about two hours discovering the beauty and wildlife that inhabit this river. With some luck we may see neo tropical otters and caimans, also colourful tropical birds are quite common along the Arajuno. The animal shelter we are visiting today is home of different species of mammals, birds and reptiles that have been rescued and some have been reintroduced into the wild. Our support is essential for this project to continue. Later we will enjoy a picnic on the river side and then we will visit the Anaconda lagoon. In the afternoon after arriving at the lodge we will canoe to Santa Barbara Community, so we can learn more about the Kichwa indigenous people, they are always happy to share their tradition and even some jungle food.

Early in the morning before breakfast we will take the canoe up the Arajuno river to the parrots clay lick, to observe different types of these beautiful birds, then we continue and have a quick stop to see the pocket monkey, the smallest primate in the world. After breakfast, enjoy a break soaking in the volcanic hot waters of Papallacta and also attend a relaxing walk into the cloud forest to see bromeliads and orchids. In the late afternoon we will be transferred to Puembo, a lovely village near to the Quito airport.

Today we will catch a morning flight to Baltra Island. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat ride to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. During our inter-island travel, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).

Remark:

• Flying time: 3 hours (including the stop at Guayaquil city on the way to Baltra airport)
• Speed boat time from Santa Cruz to Isabela: 2 hours (If you normally get seasick is very important to take medication before getting on the boat)
• What to wear today: Light pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat, sun cream.

Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles and marine iguanas. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel..

Remark:

• Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way
• Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each
• What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, buff.

After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife.

Remark:

• Hiking time: 4 hours both ways; Hiking distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) (10 miles -16 km- optional to Volcan Chico); Hiking elevation gain: 950 feet (289.5 meters); Maximum elevation while hiking: 3687 feet (1124 meters)
• Kayaking time: 2 hours
• Snorkeling time: 1 hour
• What to wear today for hiking: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes, rain jacket, hat, buff, sun cream, mosquito repellent.
  What to wear today for kayaking and snorkeling: sandals, shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, bathing suit, hat, sun cream, mosquito repellent.

In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to Learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town..

Remark:

• What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sun cream.

After our final breakfast in the Islands and the last photos taken with the sea lions, we will transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.

Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!