5-Day Galapagos Islands Tour with Hotel & Food in Santa Cruz

Are you looking for the perfect escape? Want to get away from crowded beaches and your daily hustle and bustle? Look no further than the 5-day Galapagos Islands tour with Hotel & Food in Santa Cruz. This amazing and unique experience offers a magical opportunity to explore the beautiful and diverse species of animals, discover the numerous small friendly islands and learn fascinating facts about their intricate history.

What is Included in this Package?

This 5-day tour offers a great opportunity to explore the Galapagos Islands, stay on an all-inclusive hotel and enjoy amazing local cuisine. It includes:

Flights
– Non-stop flights from Quito to San Cristobal Island
– Round trip airfare from San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz Island

Hotels
– 3 nights accommodation in a standard room at the Hotel El Dorado
– 2 nights accommodation in a bungalow at the Hotel Golden Iguana

Food and Drinks
– Breakfast and lunch everyday throughout your stay
– Dinner three nights at the El Dorado and two nights at the Golden Iguana
– Refreshments and drinks while on the island

Activities
– Guided tours of several key sites including Bartholomew Island, North Seymour Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island and Lonesome George.
– Animal spotting expeditions including sea lions, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, land turtles, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds and more.
-Guided kayaking activities
-Snorkeling adventures
-Options for beach excursions and sunset watching
-Cultural activities such as a visit to the Darwin Research Centre

The package also includes transfers from the airport to the hotel on San Cristobal and from the hotel to the airport on Santa Cruz. In addition, you will receive a travel kit with a briefcase, hat, sunglasses, towel and other amenities.

What is the Itinerary Like?

The tour begins with an early morning departure from Quito to San Cristobal Island. Upon your arrival in San Cristobal , you will be taken to your hotel where you will have the option to relax or explore the area. The next morning you will take the one hour flight from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island. Your accommodation is a luxury hotel located in Puerto Ayora. Here you will spend three nights exploring the island, its animals and its sights. After exploring Santa Cruz, you will board a boat which will take you to North Seymour Island. Here you will have the opportunity to observe land turtles, frigate birds, boobies, iguanas and sea lions. After two days in North Seymour, you will travel back to Puerto Ayora for one more night before your flight back to Quito.

What Should I Bring?

You should bring comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking on your tour. You should also bring sunscreen as the sun can be quite intense. Lastly, as cameras are not allowed to be used when visiting the research centres, you should bring binoculars so you can observe any wildlife from a distance. And don’t forget a swimsuit if you are planning to do any snorkelling!

Where Can I Book this Tour?

If this 5-day Galapagos Islands tour sounds like an adventure that you would like to experience, booking can be done easily right on GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide is an online platform that specializes in booking amazing experiences like this one. The website offers real customer reviews, detailed descriptions of every activity, as well as great deals and discounts!

So don’t wait any longer, book your 5-Day Galapagos Islands Tour with Hotel & Food in Santa Cruz today with GetYourGuide and start packing for an adventure of a lifetime!

An Insider’s Guide to Santa Cruz: Discovering Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Local Attractions: Unearth the Lesser-known Treasures

Santa Cruz is a city full of surprises and hidden gems. While the famous Galapagos Islands are indeed remarkable, this guide aims to take you beyond the usual tourist routes. First, visit Las Grietas, a natural wonder that locals love. This dramatic volcanic crevice contains an emerald green swimming pool and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Next, head to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. This walkable 2.5-kilometer trail through pristine vegetation will take you to a picturesque cove with white sand and turquoise water, where you can marvel at the resident sea turtles and iguanas.

If you want to go further off the beaten track, hike to El Chato Tortoise Reserve, a forested region in the highlands where giant tortoises roam free. Here, you can witness the majestic creatures and learn about their conservation.

Dining Spots: Savoring Local Cuisine and History

The Galapagos is known for its seafood and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. The delicious food is a result of the blend of ancient indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures. One of the best food spots in Santa Cruz is La Garrapata, a cozy and simple eatery serving authentic local cuisine, especially the famous ‘Cangrejada’, a spicy crab soup, and fresh fish dishes caught that day.

Another must-visit place is Pelikano Cafe, a funky and artsy coffee shop that features Guayusa, a local tea known for its energizing properties. A unique aspect of this place is the art, which changes regularly and features artists from all over the world.

Lastly, visit the Fish Market in Santa Cruz for an unforgettable experience. Here you can watch fisherman unload their fresh catches, while locals and visitors alike gather to dine at the market’s famous eateries that serve up delicious and affordable seafood dishes.

Cultural Experiences: Immersing in the City’s Traditions

The Galapagos is a fascinating place that’s rich in culture and customs. One of the most unique experiences is visiting the Primicias Ranch Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you’ll see the tortoises up close and personal.

Another fascinating traditional celebration is the Feast of San Pedro, held in June and celebrated throughout the Galapagos. Here you can expect parades, music, and traditional food, marking the arrival of the fishermen’s patron saint and the start of a prosperous fishing season.

Moreover, visit the Galapagos Artisan Market to purchase handmade souvenirs such as, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, crafts, and paintings made by local artists.

Local History: Unraveling Captivating Stories

Santa Cruz has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. One of the most captivating stories is about the Floreana Island Post Office, which was established in 1793. Here, travelers left messages for their loved ones in the hopes that another passing ship would pick them up and deliver them. The tradition lives on, and visitors to the Galapagos still participate by leaving postcards.

The Valdivia Galapagos Museum is another place to learn about the region’s history. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, fossils, photographs, and documents from the Galapagos Islands that dates back hundreds of years.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Finding the Unforgettable Moments

Lastly, for a unique and unforgettable experience, take a night walk to Tortuga Bay Beach when the moon is full. The Milky Way shines bright above you, the waves hitting the shore, and the sand sparkling like diamonds, all under the moonlight.

Another must-visit spot is El Garrapatero Beach, one of the most beautiful sites in Santa Cruz. The journey there is an adventure, with several stops to enjoy the scenery along the way. Once you reach your destination, you’ll find a white sandy beach backed by mangroves, with crystal clear water that’s perfect for swimming.

In conclusion, Santa Cruz and the Galapagos Islands have much more to offer than just the obvious tourist spots. By following this insider’s guide, you’ll discover authentic local experiences, taste delicious traditional cuisine, and learn about the rich history and unique culture of this remarkable city.