Day 1: Departure from Guayaquil or Quito – Puerto Baquerizo Moreno / Interpretation Center & Playa Mann
Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport, passengers must pass through the Galápagos National Park control and pay the entrance fee (not included). The fee varies according to nationality:
- Ecuadorian citizens and legal residents: USD 30.00
- Foreign tourists from the Andean Community of Nations and Mercosur: USD 100.00
- Foreign tourists of other nationalities: USD 200.00
- Senior citizens and children: 50% of the applicable fee.
After collecting their luggage, passengers will be welcomed by 593 Mastravel staff at the airport exit and transferred to the assigned hotel. Check-in at the hotel will be subject to the hotel's room availability and check-in policies.
At the time indicated by the guide, we will depart for our first visit: the Interpretation Center, which presents the history of the Galápagos Islands from natural, human, and conservation perspectives. The Natural History Room explains topics such as the volcanic origin of the islands, their distance from the mainland, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of species, and their establishment in the archipelago.
We will then visit Playa Mann, a white-sand beach formed by the fragmentation of shells. Its clear waters make it an ideal place for snorkeling. Due to its proximity to the town center, it is a popular recreational area and a wonderful spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2: Highlands – Junco Lagoon + Puerto Chino Beach + Galapaguera
After breakfast, at the time indicated by the guide, we will meet in the hotel lobby and travel by assigned transportation to the highlands of San Cristóbal, where we will make three stops:
- Junco Lagoon: Located 19 km from the port, inside a large extinct volcanic crater. Its name comes from the local plant known as “junco.” Surrounded by Miconia, an endemic Galápagos species, the lagoon is a favorite site for frigatebirds, which can often be seen gliding close to its waters.
- Galapaguera: This tortoise breeding center was established to help increase the population of San Cristóbal giant tortoises (Geochelone chathamensis) in an environment similar to their natural habitat. It features a 1,415 m² enclosure, a visitor center, a breeding facility, and interpretive trails. San Cristóbal tortoises represent one of the 11 populations of giant tortoises found throughout the Galápagos Islands.
- Puerto Chino Beach: Access requires an approximately 15-minute walk along an easy trail. This white-sand beach is ideal for recreation, relaxation, and marine birdwatching.
Return to the hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight stay.
Day 3: La Lobería Beach
After breakfast, we will travel to La Lobería Beach, a coral-sand beach named after the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. The area is also suitable for surfing.
During the visit, we will observe mangroves, coastal vegetation, and wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and finches.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Tijeretas Hill & Carola Beach
After breakfast, at the time indicated by the guide, we will transfer to the trail leading to Tijeretas Hill, where “La Predial,” a fishing company, operated from 1952 to 1960.
The viewpoints offer panoramic views of the northern coast of the island, Kicker Rock (León Dormido), Mundo Hill, and Tijeretas Hill. Here, visitors may observe both species of frigatebirds nesting within the same colony. A statue of Charles Darwin commemorates his visit to San Cristóbal Island.
We will then continue to Carola Beach, a 300-meter-long beach surrounded by dry forest and home to sea lions and marine iguanas. The beach is also suitable for surfing.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – Return to Guayaquil or Quito
After breakfast, and depending on the scheduled flight departure time, the guide will assign a pick-up time at the hotel for the transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport.
