Tour Information
Tour Dates: April 19-28, 2026 with Gavin McKinnon
Start/End City: Quito, Ecuador
Deposit Information: A deposit of $1400 CAD is required to hold a space on this departure.
2026 Tour Price: $10,875 CAD | $7,775 USD
Start/End City: Quito, Ecuador
Deposit Information: A deposit of $1400 CAD is required to hold a space on this departure.
2026 Tour Price: $10,875 CAD | $7,775 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito today. If you have not joined us on the Ecuador: Choco Region and Andes tour you will meet us for dinner at our hotel.
Day 2: Quito to Santa Cruz
To ensure we don't miss your Galapagos flight, we must arrive at the National airport early in the morning. Following a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, we will travel to San Cristobal Island's Highlands to see El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater spring in the Galapagos Islands. It is a crater lake formed by an extinct volcano rather than a true lagoon. Both Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds visit the area for bathing due to the fresh water. It is truly a breathtaking sight to watch the frigatebirds shear over the water's surface. We should also be able to see Common Gallinule, the endemic subspecies of White-cheeked Pintail, and perhaps some migrant shorebirds. We will be searching for two species of Darwin finches in the highlands: the Woodpecker Finch and the Small Tree Finch. Known for its skill in using a tool for foraging, the latter is frequently referred to as the "carpenter finch." To actively pry grubs out of tree branches, they employ short twigs or the spines of cacti as tools. The bird often carries its tool from its source and may modify it to make it easier to handle.
Day 3: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Gardner Islet
Following an early morning breakfast, we will travel to Española Island. We will go first visit Punta Suarez in the morning; it's a rocky point of land that's home to one of the most striking and diverse seabird colonies in the Galapagos. Steep cliffs that rise out of the water along the southern shore offer a breathtaking view of soaring birds and the well-known blowhole. As we arrive on their beach, we will be greeted by inquisitive Espanola Mockingbirds We also hope to encounter a plethora of species, including endemic marine iguanas with distinctive red and green traces that absorb solar heat, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Waved Albatross, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Galapagos Shearwaters, Large Cactus Finch, and Galapagos Hawk. Afrer lunch, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the boat before returning to San Cristobal for dinner.
Day 4: San Cristobal Island: Punta Pitt
This morning, we will board a speed boat to Punta Pitt, which is situated to the north of San Cristobal Island, after breakfast. Punta Pitt is made up of eroded volcanic cones and sparsely inhabited islands with native vegetation. Creatures such as sea lions, marine iguanas, find refuge and in this environment. One of the two locations on the Galapagos islands where one can observe three different species of boobies; Red-footed , Blue-footed, and Nazca Boobies all nest here. Numerous Brown Pelicans of the endemic Galapagos subspecies, Galapagos Hawks and Lava Gulls can be seen flying over the site from the beach. With any luck, we may be able to spot the endangered Galapagos Petrel while at sea. On this day it is possible for us to see Elliot's Storm-Petrel, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Lava Heron, San Cristobal Mockingbird, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Small Ground-Finch, Large Ground-Finch, Large Cactus-Finch and many more! We will return once more to San Cristobal for the night.
Day 5: San Cristobal - Floreana - Isabel Island
This morning we will set our sights on Floreana Island, where, if conditions allow, we will circle Champion Island in pursuit of the incredibly localized Floreana Mockingbird. The remaining population is very small, and the species is considered Critically Endangered. It was once found on Floreana, but it quickly vanished from the main island following Darwin's visit. It now only exists on two tiny satellite rocks, making it a difficult to see endemic of the Galapagos. After arriving in Puerto Velasco, we will go to Asilo de la Paz, which is located in Floreana Island's highlands. We will now focus on finding the critically endangered Medium Tree-Finch, a rare species that is unique to this area. We'll also visit the tortoise reserve, which is typically an excellent spot to find tree finches. We also hope to see also Galapagos Flycatchers here. We plan to leave for Isabela in the afternoon, arrive in Puerto Villamil, and then make your way to the hotel for dinner and the night.
Day 6: Isabella Island: Sierra Negra Volcano and Marshes
In accordance with the guidelines and timetable set forth by Galapagos National Park, our guide will be waiting for us to depart for Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most striking volcanoes in the archipelago. The largest of the Galapagos volcanoes, the caldera is about 10 km wide, and we intend to hike up the trail to reach it. In addition to species such as the Galapagos Rail, Woodpecker Finch, Green Warbler Finch, Small Tree Finch, and Galapagos Flycatcher, the caldera is the best location for us to search for Galapagos Martin. We will make a stop in Campoduro along the way, where delicious lunch awaits us. After lunch, we will visit the Flamingo Pond on our return trip to Puerto Villamil. The afternoon will be spent at nearby marshlands which will produce American Flamingos and migrants such as Black-bellied Plover, Wandering Tattler and Least Sandpiper. A familiar bird for many North Americans, the Yellow Warbler can be seen here, but of course, it is an endemic Galapagos subspecies.
Day 7: Isabella Island: Iguana Cove and El Radar
Early this morning, we will board a speedboat that will take is to Iguana Cove, where you will have the chance to see the Flightless Cormorant, one of the most wanted endemic species of the Galapagos. This species is the largest cormorant species in the world and is unique in that it is no longer able to fly. On this day we are also hoping to see Galapagos Penguin, another endemic we hope to add to the already impressive tally these islands offer. We will enjoy another relaxing afternoon, with the option of snorkelling in warm ocean water.
Day 8: Santa Crus Island Highlands
Early in the morning we will board another speedboat that will take us to Santa Cruz Island. We will travel to the ever-changing Santa Cruz highlands, passing through seven distinct vegetation zones. We plan to visit a private farm to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and enjoy lunch. This location is also reliable for spotting the Vegetarian Finch and possibly the Paint-billed Crake. In the afternoon, we will visit "Los Gemelos" pit craters, known for attracting Woodpecker Finch, Large Tree Finch, Green Warbler Finch, and other species. Time permitting, we wills earch for Galapagos Rail at Media Luna before returning to Puerto Ayora.
Day 9: Charles Darwin Research Station and Departure
After breakfast, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and research efforts in the islands. You will see tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs that are preventing the extinction of several tortoise species.The Charles Darwin Station is also home to a variety of finches, including Small, Medium, and Large Ground Finches, as well as the Galapagos Mockingbird. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Baltra airport for our trip back to Quito. The tour ends upon arrival in Quito.
Arrive in Quito today. If you have not joined us on the Ecuador: Choco Region and Andes tour you will meet us for dinner at our hotel.
Day 2: Quito to Santa Cruz
To ensure we don't miss your Galapagos flight, we must arrive at the National airport early in the morning. Following a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, we will travel to San Cristobal Island's Highlands to see El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater spring in the Galapagos Islands. It is a crater lake formed by an extinct volcano rather than a true lagoon. Both Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds visit the area for bathing due to the fresh water. It is truly a breathtaking sight to watch the frigatebirds shear over the water's surface. We should also be able to see Common Gallinule, the endemic subspecies of White-cheeked Pintail, and perhaps some migrant shorebirds. We will be searching for two species of Darwin finches in the highlands: the Woodpecker Finch and the Small Tree Finch. Known for its skill in using a tool for foraging, the latter is frequently referred to as the "carpenter finch." To actively pry grubs out of tree branches, they employ short twigs or the spines of cacti as tools. The bird often carries its tool from its source and may modify it to make it easier to handle.
Day 3: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Gardner Islet
Following an early morning breakfast, we will travel to Española Island. We will go first visit Punta Suarez in the morning; it's a rocky point of land that's home to one of the most striking and diverse seabird colonies in the Galapagos. Steep cliffs that rise out of the water along the southern shore offer a breathtaking view of soaring birds and the well-known blowhole. As we arrive on their beach, we will be greeted by inquisitive Espanola Mockingbirds We also hope to encounter a plethora of species, including endemic marine iguanas with distinctive red and green traces that absorb solar heat, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Waved Albatross, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Galapagos Shearwaters, Large Cactus Finch, and Galapagos Hawk. Afrer lunch, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the boat before returning to San Cristobal for dinner.
Day 4: San Cristobal Island: Punta Pitt
This morning, we will board a speed boat to Punta Pitt, which is situated to the north of San Cristobal Island, after breakfast. Punta Pitt is made up of eroded volcanic cones and sparsely inhabited islands with native vegetation. Creatures such as sea lions, marine iguanas, find refuge and in this environment. One of the two locations on the Galapagos islands where one can observe three different species of boobies; Red-footed , Blue-footed, and Nazca Boobies all nest here. Numerous Brown Pelicans of the endemic Galapagos subspecies, Galapagos Hawks and Lava Gulls can be seen flying over the site from the beach. With any luck, we may be able to spot the endangered Galapagos Petrel while at sea. On this day it is possible for us to see Elliot's Storm-Petrel, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Lava Heron, San Cristobal Mockingbird, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Small Ground-Finch, Large Ground-Finch, Large Cactus-Finch and many more! We will return once more to San Cristobal for the night.
Day 5: San Cristobal - Floreana - Isabel Island
This morning we will set our sights on Floreana Island, where, if conditions allow, we will circle Champion Island in pursuit of the incredibly localized Floreana Mockingbird. The remaining population is very small, and the species is considered Critically Endangered. It was once found on Floreana, but it quickly vanished from the main island following Darwin's visit. It now only exists on two tiny satellite rocks, making it a difficult to see endemic of the Galapagos. After arriving in Puerto Velasco, we will go to Asilo de la Paz, which is located in Floreana Island's highlands. We will now focus on finding the critically endangered Medium Tree-Finch, a rare species that is unique to this area. We'll also visit the tortoise reserve, which is typically an excellent spot to find tree finches. We also hope to see also Galapagos Flycatchers here. We plan to leave for Isabela in the afternoon, arrive in Puerto Villamil, and then make your way to the hotel for dinner and the night.
Day 6: Isabella Island: Sierra Negra Volcano and Marshes
In accordance with the guidelines and timetable set forth by Galapagos National Park, our guide will be waiting for us to depart for Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most striking volcanoes in the archipelago. The largest of the Galapagos volcanoes, the caldera is about 10 km wide, and we intend to hike up the trail to reach it. In addition to species such as the Galapagos Rail, Woodpecker Finch, Green Warbler Finch, Small Tree Finch, and Galapagos Flycatcher, the caldera is the best location for us to search for Galapagos Martin. We will make a stop in Campoduro along the way, where delicious lunch awaits us. After lunch, we will visit the Flamingo Pond on our return trip to Puerto Villamil. The afternoon will be spent at nearby marshlands which will produce American Flamingos and migrants such as Black-bellied Plover, Wandering Tattler and Least Sandpiper. A familiar bird for many North Americans, the Yellow Warbler can be seen here, but of course, it is an endemic Galapagos subspecies.
Day 7: Isabella Island: Iguana Cove and El Radar
Early this morning, we will board a speedboat that will take is to Iguana Cove, where you will have the chance to see the Flightless Cormorant, one of the most wanted endemic species of the Galapagos. This species is the largest cormorant species in the world and is unique in that it is no longer able to fly. On this day we are also hoping to see Galapagos Penguin, another endemic we hope to add to the already impressive tally these islands offer. We will enjoy another relaxing afternoon, with the option of snorkelling in warm ocean water.
Day 8: Santa Crus Island Highlands
Early in the morning we will board another speedboat that will take us to Santa Cruz Island. We will travel to the ever-changing Santa Cruz highlands, passing through seven distinct vegetation zones. We plan to visit a private farm to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and enjoy lunch. This location is also reliable for spotting the Vegetarian Finch and possibly the Paint-billed Crake. In the afternoon, we will visit "Los Gemelos" pit craters, known for attracting Woodpecker Finch, Large Tree Finch, Green Warbler Finch, and other species. Time permitting, we wills earch for Galapagos Rail at Media Luna before returning to Puerto Ayora.
Day 9: Charles Darwin Research Station and Departure
After breakfast, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and research efforts in the islands. You will see tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs that are preventing the extinction of several tortoise species.The Charles Darwin Station is also home to a variety of finches, including Small, Medium, and Large Ground Finches, as well as the Galapagos Mockingbird. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Baltra airport for our trip back to Quito. The tour ends upon arrival in Quito.