Afternoon/Evening

• Meet at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 p.m. for included transportation to the hotel.
• After your international flight, take some time to relax and acclimate to the altitude at your hotel while getting to know your fellow travelers.
• Quito's elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) makes it the second-highest capital city in the world.
• We will enjoy our first dinner together in downtown Quito near Parque El Ejido before our adventure tomorrow.

Morning

• Enjoy breakfast together at our hotel with your new friends.
• Take included transportation into Quito’s historic center to explorer.

Afternoon

• Your Trip Leader is a licensed city guide and will introduce you to Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
• Sample some traditional dishes at a local Ecuadorian restaurant while exploring the marvelous city.
• Visit the “Middle of the World” where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the equator. Engage in interactive exhibits showcasing the scientific significance of the equatorial line.

Evening

• Have a delicious dinner at the hotel and rest before our early morning flight and island adventure tomorrow.

Morning

• After breakfast, take an included early morning flight to Baltra Island in the  Galapagos archipelago(~3-hour flight).   (Please note that there will be a short layover in Guayaquil, normally about 30 minutes, and you do not have to exit the plane.) 
• To enter the Galapagos Islands, travelers must pay a $200 cash fee upon arrival at the Galapagos Ecological (Seymour) Airport, which is not included in the trip.
• Baltra Island is a small island in the Galápagos. After landing, we’ll make our way to neighboring Santa Cruz island by taking a quick local ferry and bus ride to your hotel. 
• Arrive at your hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. (5 minute ferry ride, 1 hour drive)

Afternoon

• In Santa Cruz, you can explore the breathtaking natural wonder known as Las Grietas. This remarkable site is adorned with magnificent rocky crevices and crystal-clear turquoise water. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the volcanic cliffs while enjoying activities such as swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters.

Evening

• Before we get together for dinner in Puerto Ayora, you can explore Santa Cruz or simply relax.
• Later, we will come together for a traditional Ecuadorian dinner in Puerto Ayora.

Morning

• On your last day on Santa Cruz Island, you can visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here, you'll discover the remarkable successes in restoring the island's biodiversity, from rescuing once-endangered land iguanas to preserving various species of giant tortoises. 
• This visit is a unique chance to see the most iconic animals of the Galapagos Islands.
• Keep an eye out for Giant tortoises, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, flightless cormorants, Galapagos mockingbirds and Galapagos cactus finches.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you will board a speedboat for San Cristóbal Island with your luggage. Depending on sea conditions, the journey typically takes two to three hours. You’ll be staying on San Cristobal Island for the next three nights.
• Upon arrival, you will have a walking tour and visit the Interpretation Center. Here, you can learn about the natural and human history of the Galápagos archipelago. The exhibit focuses on the unique ecosystems and conservation efforts within the region. 
• At the Interpretation Center, visitors can engage with informative exhibits, displays, and interactive presentations about the islands' geological formation, the diverse flora and fauna, and the ongoing conservation initiatives to preserve this natural environment.

Evening

• Enjoy a traditional dinner by the beach of San Cristobal Island and reflect on the day’s adventures.
• You can explore the nightlife near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or simply relax at the hotel and unwind before tomorrow’s activities.

Morning

• Today, you will take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). On the way, you might see nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You will also have the chance to swim among the sea lions again.
• At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe even the harmless Galapagos shark. 

Afternoon

• After snorkeling, enjoy an included lunch on the boat.
• Explore Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) with a 45-minute hike. It is quite a climb to the top, but the views of the bay are well worth it. In the late afternoon, you'll return to town for a free evening in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, here on San Cristobal Island.

Evening

•  Discover the enchanting town that radiates a charming, laid-back vibe, and savor the delightful local cuisine in San Cristobal.
• Afterward, feel free to check out the town for a fun night out or just kick back and relax at the hotel after your busy day!

Morning

• Your day will start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel on San Cristobal Island.
• This morning, we will visit El Junco, the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. Scenic trails surrounding the crater rim offer a peaceful walk. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this natural oasis while observing endemic bird species such as the Galápagos petrel and the frigatebird.
• El Junco Lake is located in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, offering stunning views at an altitude of 700 meters (2,300 feet).
• From the parking lot, an uphill trail leads directly to El Junco Lake. The ascent takes approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Additionally, a loop trail, which takes about 30 minutes to complete at a moderate pace, extends the trek to approximately (1.24 miles) 2 kilometers.

Afternoon

• Lunch will be a visit with one of the oldest coffee farming families in San Cristobal to learn about their sustainable practices and the coffee process.
• After your lunch and prepare for your final activity of the day: snorkeling at La Loberia. 
• La Loberia is famous for its abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, and other diverse aquatic species. Snorkeling here offers thrilling encounters with marine wildlife and a chance to appreciate the Galápagos marine reserve's pristine beauty and ecological importance.

Evening

• Relax at the hotel or do some last-minute shopping before heading for the final dinner and night out on San Cristobal.

Morning

• The included transportation will take you to San Cristobal Airport (SCY), a one-hour drive, where you’ll catch your included local flight back to Quito.
• Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, your Trip Leader will help direct you to your connecting flight back home.
• We look forward to having you stay in touch with the Under30Experiences community!