Galapagos Adventure for Foodies

• Take a morning flight from mainland Ecuador to San Cristobal Island.
• Head to your hotel and then enjoy a savory lunch at El Descanso Marinero, which is a local “cevichería,” specializing in traditional recipes based on fresh seafood.
• Your Galapagos adventure continues at the Interpretation Center, where you will explore the islands’ unique wildlife and history. Then you will head to Frigate Hill, hiking along stunning lava rock trails with the assistance of your trusted tour guide. You will observe fascinating flora and fauna such as Galapagos cotton, palo santo, and cacti. You will also be on the lookout for wildlife, including the vibrant blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and more.
• During the return trip you will stop at beautiful Carola Beach for a dip, where you will snorkel and swim with sea turtles and sea lions while enjoying a lovely sunset on the beach. (If snorkeling is not to your tast, please inquire for alternative beach activities).
• Afterward you will return to the hotel for a gourmet seafood dinner at Midori, which is an elegant fusion restaurant  that combines Japanese flavors with high-quality local ingredients.
• Overnight.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today, you will set sail for the northern coast, exploring Leon Dormido, otherwise known as Kicker Rock. As you navigate the crystal-clear waters, you will search for marine life like turtles, sea lions, and birds. Witness sea turtles gliding seamlessly beneath the surface, sea lions basking in the sun, and the striking silhouettes of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies soaring up above.
• In the evening you will return to town for a hands-on cooking class featuring the flavors of the Galapagos. You will learn to make ceviche and enjoy a family dinner with your host, a former fisherman and one of the island’s premier naturalist guides.
• Overnight.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• In the morning, check out and take a short flight to Isabela Island, the largest jewel of the Galapagos, shaped by six enormous volcanoes. (This flight is included in the cost of your tour.) You will check into your hotel before embarking on a hike through diverse coastal ecosystems. You will encounter giant tortoises, flamingos, and stunning natural landscapes, from sandy beaches to dark mangroves.
• Lunchtime will take you to Iguana Crossing Restaurant, where the chef crafts gourmet fusion dishes grilled on lava stones, and features local specialties such as shrimp ceviche and traditional sancocho soup. Each dish bursts with flavors enhanced by organic vegetables and fresh local fruits.
• Next, explore and hike at Tintoreras, a captivating group of islets populated with excessive wildlife, including the Galapagos penguin and plentiful sea lions. You will have the opportunity to snorkel and swim with tropical fish as well as white tipped sharks. As the sun sets, you will dine at Gracias Madre, a local Mexican restaurant that is known for its healthy and delicious dishes made from the finest local ingredients.
• Overnight.

• After breakfast, set off on a guided excursion to the highlands of Isabela Island, where you will observe the island’s ongoing volcanic activity. After a scenic drive to the trailhead, you will make your way to a young dry forest ecosystem, eventually reaching the rim of the Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in 2005. Here, you can witness the entirety of its vast crater, over six miles wide at its broadest point.
• Next, you will visit Flor del Recuerdo, a charming ranch known for its diverse fruits and exceptional Ecuadorian creole-style cuisine. You will even have the chance to prepare your own “muchines”, a traditional dish made from fresh cassava.
• In the afternoon, you will return to Puerto Villamil, where Isabela’s beaches await. Your day concludes with a cooking class at El Cafetal, a local school, followed by dinner.
• Overnight.

• Breakfast and check out.
• Today, you will travel by boat to Santa Cruz for a kayaking excursion to see the stunning landscapes of Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. As you glide past towering lava channel walls, the clear waters reveal rays and white-tipped reef sharks swimming past.
• You will paddle close to blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, herons, and marine iguanas basking on the cliffs, observing many aspects of this vibrant ecosystem.
• For lunch,  you will dock at El Muelle de Darwin, a charming family-run restaurant offering a diverse menu with mouth watering grilled seafood and local specialties.
• Afterward, you will visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where dedicated scientists cultivate endemic plants and animals for conservation. Here, you will gain insight into vital efforts to safeguard the ecology of the Galapagos.
• Check in to your hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
• Tonight you will dine at Almar, a restaurant that blends delicious cuisine with stunning sea views and exceptional service. With the refreshing aroma of the ocean and the soothing sounds of waves, Almar creates an unforgettable atmosphere to conclude your day.
• Overnight.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today, you will participate in a journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz. You will spend time at a beautiful local property and have 3 bespoke experiences, each one carefully curated to highlight natural beauty, rich traditions, skilled artisans, and unforgettable flavors.
• You will begin with a peaceful forest walk, discovering rare flora and fauna. Next,  you will visit the charming cheese factory, El Queso Chueco, nestled in the woods, where you can taste delightful locally crafted cheeses.
• Then you will explore El Chato Nature Reserve, home to the majestic Galapagos giant tortoise. Hiking among these gentle giants, some over 175 years old, you will also encounter pintail ducks, frigate birds, and even the vermilion flycatcher. Local legend claimst that the buccaneers who once frequented the Galapagos used these deep caves to hide Inca gold stolen  from Spanish ships!
• As the day winds down, you will celebrate with a memorable farewell dinner, indulging in exquisite dishes and local beverages. Your native host will share stories of the Galapagos, enriching your experience as you savor every moment of this extraordinary journey!
• Overnight.

• As your incredible journey comes to an end, transfer to Baltra Island, where your flight back to the mainland awaits.

Please inquire about additional nights in Quito, which can include full-day excursions and cooking classes, or about adding our Flavors of the Forest 2-night tour.