GALAPAGOS ITINERARY The following is a sample itinerary of a typical eleven day Galapagos journey with Untamed Path. We work with a select group of handpicked yachts in the Galapagos Islands who are known for their excellent charters and first rate naturalists. The islands you will visit on a particular day vary depending on the boat. If you know that there is a particular island or species of wildlife you would like to see, let us know in advance and we can help you pick a yacht with an appropriate itinerary. If you charter a yacht for just your group of 10 - 16 friends or family, with enough lead time the itinerary can be customized to meet your needs. Typically the boats cruise between islands at night, arriving sometime before breakfast, after which a "panga" brings you to shore for a walk. The walk normally takes 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace as the guide tells the group about the human and natural history of that particular island. When the walk finishes back at the beach there is usually time to enjoy swimming and snorkeling before lunch. Due to strict environmental regulations, there is no food permitted on the islands so the Panga brings you back to the boat for lunch. Before boarding, everyone must wash their feet, shoes and snorkel equipment to prevent the transport of organisms between islands. While the hearty mid-day meal is being served the captain sets course for the next island or landing spot. The early afternoon is free time on board to read, relax, or watch the sights. Usually there is an opportunity to snorkel again before taking the afternoon nature hike. Galapagos National Park requires that everyone leave the islands to return to their boat by 6 p.m. Snacks are usually available as you board the boat in the evening. There is time for rest and a shower before dinner.   Dinner is served between 6:30-7:30 p.m. finishing a very busy day in the islands. The evening’s activities consist of a briefing of the next day by the naturalist and most guests take the rest of the evening to read, write in their journals or socialize on deck.

	Untamed Path Galapagos Trip Overview
	Galapagos resources, field guides, books.       Frequently asked questions about Galapagos travel

SAMPLE ITINERARY: Day 1)  Arrival in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Most flights arrive in the evening and an Untamed Path driver will be there to greet you at the airport. We arrange stays for our guests at comfortable, owner operated Bed and Breakfast style lodging. Ranging from simple and clean to luxuriously appointed all offer the same personalized service that Untamed Path is known for. Day 2)  A day to explore the old colonial streets of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll have time to change travelers checks and go over your gear to make sure you're well prepared for your coming adventure. Day 3)  After breakfast depart for your flight to Baltra Island and arrive before lunch to meet your boat’s crew and naturalist guide. Set sail for North Seymour Island where you'll find young and old sea lions frolicking along the shore. The Magnificent Frigate Birds show off their red pouches while colonies of Blue-Footed Boobies and Swallow-Tails co-exist oblivious to your visit. The "enchanted islands" welcome you with open arms and you are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife. Each night the crew prepares a tasty dinner blending traditional Ecuadorian and International foods. Day 4)  Wake up in the morning with the realization that you are in fact still in Paradise on the island of Plazas Sur. This tiny island has a dramatic steep-cliffed shoreline alive with the carryings on of animal, bird and marine life. Be greeted by more sea lions, land iguanas and tropical birds. The Island is covered in a carpet of Opuntia Cactus and Sesuvium. Walking along the southern part of the island you come across a perfect habitat for Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Yellow-Tailed Mullets, Audubon Shwarwaters, Red-Billed Tropicbirds and Brown Pelicans all immersed in animated discussion with one another.    In the afternoon visit Santa Fe Island (also known as Barrington). The other islands were formed through volcanic eruption but Santa Fe is an exception with an interesting geologic history. As a result of tectonic activity there was an uplift of the sea floor creating Santa Fe. Lava lizards warm themselves in the afternoon rays and we are able observe a unique species of land iguana. Stop for a visit of an amazingly beautiful turquoise lagoon in a cove protected by the peninsula. Day 5)  A visit to Hood (Española) Island where you'll have the good fortune of seeing Mocking Birds, Galapagos Doves, Red-Billed Tropic Birds, uncommon Red and Green-Trimmed Marine Iguanas and Blue-Footed and Masked Boobies. This is one of the only nesting sites of the Waved Albatross. From Punta Suarez we have a fabulous view of most species found on this island. Hood is worth a days visit on it’s own and you'll spend time ashore walking and enjoying snorkeling from the boat. Day 6)  Day Five visits Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island, home of the Darwin Research Station. The station is staffed with scientists from around the world who are passionate about their work in this unique environment. A tortoise preserve provides for a great chance to learn about what’s being done to protect these ancient creatures. Tour the station and learn about the various conservation and biological research projects these world-renowned scientists are working on. Day 7)  Stepping ashore on Rabida Island, one feels strangely at home on this warm red beach. The lagoons are filled with classic pink flamingos and many nesting seabirds. The island has an exotic feel due in part to the steep slopes that are covered in Palosanto. Rabida Island has some excellent and well maintained trails to the interior. In the afternoon visit one of the handful of the islands restricted to smaller boats like yours called Sombrero Chino named for it’s interesting shape. This island is characterized by it’s white sandy beaches and delicate lava. An exciting chance to snorkel with white tipped sharks today! Day 8)  Spend the morning at Bartolome Island. This is an excellent spot to explore lava formations and beds with their hobbit-like shapes and detailed tubes. A charming beach for swimming, an ancient crater for hiking and still more unique and isolated wildlife. The prominent pinnacle rock marks your arrival in Sullivan Bay. There are Galapagos Penguins and nesting Sea Turtles (in season). Day 9)  Tower Island. Savoring your final days in the islands enjoy Darwin Bay and explore the scenic Prince Phillips steps. Head ashore to observe the abundant seabird life. The islands offer great inner and outer knowledge to the observer. Simply absorb the 360 degree view of paradise. Day 10)  Begin to make your way back to Baltra, stopping at Caleta Tortuga on the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. Exploring a mangrove swamp by dinghy shows secluded corners with the possibility of seeing Golden Rays, Green Sea Turtles and Lava Herons. In the afternoon bid this paradise good-bye and fly back to Quito for a celebration dinner. Day 11)  An Untamed Path driver takes you to the airport for your flight home with memories of a very special and magical place having had an experience of a lifetime. If you are staying on in South America we can help point you in the right direction for more learning and adventure.