EACH OF THESE DAYS WILL INCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS, DEPENDING ON THE DAY OF THE WEEK:
After an early breakfast, set out to explore Isabela Island. Depending on the day and availability, guests will take part in one of the following full-day adventures:
Sierra Negra Volcano: Walk along the rim of Galapagos’ largest caldera – one of the largest in the world – and see recent volcanic activity and the resulting fascinating formations. A light snack will be provided along the way and lunch will be served once we get back to the lodge. Wildlife will focus on Darwin’s finches, flycatchers, mockingbirds, and occasionally the Galapagos hawk and rail. Afterwards, we can stroll along the beach at Puerto Villamil or rest in the afternoon.
Tintoreras Islets: After breakfast, we drive down to the wharf of Puerto Villamil and board the bay cruiser to explore the maze of reefs and islets off the shores of Isabela. The visit includes a dry landing and a short walk across volcanic terrain (730 meters/0.5 miles total distance). Wildlife here includes boobies, herons, penguins, marine iguanas and whitetip reef sharks that swim around the nearby lava crevasses. Bring your bathing suit to make the most of the crystalline waters, beckoning you to snorkel in the shallow reefs. Lunch at Scalesia and later in the day, we explore the wetlands of coastal Isabela. Sunsets at Puerto Villamil are spectacular!
The Wall of Tears: This site offers a rare combination of human and natural history. A majestic coastal trail combines two different vegetation segments: the first part consists of mangroves and brackish lagoons (1.3 km/0.8 mi) and then the arid Palo Santo forest that extends all the way until we reach the Wall of Tears (an additional 2.2 km/1.4 mi each way). This trail is mostly a flat and dirt road (pedestrian and bikes only). Wildlife here includes coastal Darwin finches, doves, stilts, ducks, flamingos, herons, and giant tortoises. The afternoon will see us enjoying enchanting sunsets from the beach of Puerto Villamil. Dinner and overnight at Scalesia Lodge.