Galapagos Islands

In January 2024, I traveled to the extraordinarily islands of the Galapagos...

I began my adventure on January 3, arriving in Quito, Ecuador, where I was greeted and taken to my hotel, Rincon de Puembo, to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. The next day, January 4, I explored the vibrant Otavalo market and toured Hacienda La Compañia, a beautiful rose plantation where I had lunch in a historic mansion. That evening, I attended a fascinating lecture introducing the geology of the Galápagos Islands.

On January 5, I caught an early flight to Baltra in the Galápagos and boarded the yacht Tip Top II. That afternoon, we visited North Seymour Island, where I saw Blue-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, iguanas, and playful sea lions. The next day, January 6, took me to Genovesa Island, where I explored Darwin Bay and climbed Prince Philip’s Steps, surrounded by seabirds and dramatic cliffs. We ended the day with a talk on conservation in the islands.

January 7 was spent on Santiago Island, beginning with tide-pooling at James Bay to spot fur seals and unique marine life. In the afternoon, I walked along Espumilla Beach and cruised past Buccaneer Cove, once a pirate hideout. On January 8, I visited Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, seeing Flightless Cormorants and sea lions, then crossed to Fernandina Island’s Punta Espinosa, a dramatic landscape filled with lava cactus and marine iguanas.

The adventure continued on January 9 with a panga ride through Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay, where I spotted penguins, marine turtles, and a variety of seabirds. On January 10, I explored Urbina Bay, home to giant tortoises and land iguanas, then walked across lava fields at Punta Moreno with views of the towering Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes.

On January 11, I arrived at Floreana Island, visited a flamingo lagoon and a sea turtle nesting beach, then snorkeled at Champion Islet among reef fish, penguins, and turtles. That afternoon, I stopped at historic Post Office Bay, where sailors once left letters for passing ships. The final island day, January 12, took me to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see the lush Scalesia forest and the twin sinkholes of Los Gemelos before flying back to Quito. I enjoyed a farewell dinner that night, reflecting on the unforgettable journey. On January 13, I transferred to the airport and began my trip home, filled with incredible memories of the Galápagos.