This morning, we will meet in the lobby of our specified "Meeting Point" hotel in Quito. It may be a good idea to stay at this hotel on arrival in Quito as we will be getting a very early start, with a pickup of around 5 am. After our transfer to the airport, we'll board our flight for the Galapagos, 850 miles to the west, and over 600 miles off the Ecuadorian Coast! Landing at the airport at Baltra, on Seymour Island, we'll be met and guided through the Galapagos entrance procedures, then transferred across Santa Cruz Island to our beautiful 4 Star hotel on the south coast.

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz Island, we will begin our exploration of the iconic Galapagos Islands, renowned for their unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity, with a visit to the Charles Darwin Foundation, where we will learn about the cutting-edge research and conservation projects that take place in the islands. This will be a fascinating opportunity to gain insight into the efforts to preserve and protect the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos and its iconic wildlife.

Next, we will visit the Galapagos National Park Breeding Center, where we will have the chance to observe and learn about the conservation and restoration efforts of the Giant Tortoises, one of the most iconic species in the islands. This visit will be both educational and inspiring, as we witness firsthand the incredible work being done to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures.

As we continue our exploration of the islands, we will take a short visit to a beach where we can appreciate the volcanic landscapes that form the coasts of Galapagos, and encounter some of the unique and diverse wildlife that make the islands their home.

Today's is rated EASY as you will be walking around the Darwin Foundation Research Center, and the GNP Breeding Center.

Today the adventure continues with a 60-minute boat ride to North Seymour Island. Upon arrival, participants will embark on a scenic hike, traversing rocky terrain and some steeper inclines, offering hikers the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies nesting and performing their mating rituals. The highlight of the hike is the stunning landscape and panoramic views of the surrounding area. At the end of the trail, visitors can observe a large colony of endemic land iguanas and the playful antics of sea lions.

After the hike, participants can enjoy a refreshing snorkeling activity to observe the diverse marine life of the Galapagos Islands. Snorkeling gear will be provided, and participants will have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish in crystal-clear waters.

Today's activities are rated EASY to MODERATE. The hike has a total distance of a little over 2 miles, and a hiking time of 2 hours. The snorkel difficulty depends on conditions and your level of effort.

Start your day with a hike to the summit of Crocker Hill on Santa Cruz Island, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island's unique landscape and wildlife. The well-maintained trail is relatively easy to navigate, with occasional steep sections that may require some effort. Along the way, hikers can spot a wide range of endemic species, including Darwin's finches and Miconia plants.

After the hike, we will visit the Giant Tortoise reserve, which is located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Spend about two hours sharing time with these iconic Giant Tortoises. These animals, like most wildlife in Galapagos, do not feel fear when humans are nearby, so it is quite easy to get close and take great photos while respecting the 8 feet rule of the National Park. This ecosystem is also home to Darwin's finches and endemic evergreen vegetation, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the island's biodiversity.

We'll have lunch at the reserve and then you have the option to return to Puerto Ayora by coach...or bike! A stunning and scenic 10-mile downhill ride will take you through gorgeous landscape with excellent views.

Today's hike is rated MODERATE with a total distance of a little over 4 miles and a hiking time of 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the conditions of the trail. The trail has some steep sections and uneven terrain.

This morning we'll transfer to the Itabaca Canal for our private boat to Bartolome Island, named after the principal surveyor aboard Darwin's ship, the HMS Beagle. Bartolome is a somewhat barren islet east of Santiago Island, home to some of the most dramatic and distinctive landscapes in the archipelago. Picturesque hikes lead to dramatic viewpoints of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and surrounding seascapes. Galapagos penguins have a small colony here and the beaches are known for their Green Sea Turtle nesting areas. After our hike we'll board our boat for the short trip to Santiago Island's famed Sullivan Bay and its unique landforms. Created by lava flows, the shoreline and surrounding terrain is otherworldly, with a dramatic, surreal setting. We'll have some time to snorkel here to check out the equally amazing underwater landscape and fauna. The crystalline water is filled with a wide variety of Galapagos marine species...not only fish but sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and even docile white tip sharks.

We'll return to Puerto Ayora by boat, then transfer back to our comfortable lodge to relax for the evening.

Today's hike is rated EASY to MODERATE with much of the trail being fairly flat, and some uphill sections having walkways and steps built to prevent erosion. The snorkeling in Sullivan Bay can be as easy or as active as you choose.

The Wall of Tears hike is a great way to start your adventure on Isabela Island. This historic wall was built by prisoners during the mid-20th century when Isabela served as a penal colony, and it stands as a reminder of the harsh conditions they endured. Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to spot a variety of endemic species, including Giant Tortoises, Darwin's finches, marine iguanas, and lava lizards.

The trail also goes through a declared wetland sanctuary, where you can observe hypersaline lagoons from different viewpoints and enjoy a variety of marine birds and mangroves. The hike culminates at the top of the wall, where you can take another trail to a high point on the coast and enjoy stunning views of the coastline. This hike is an opportunity to learn about the island's history and see its unique wildlife while also taking in the beautiful scenery.

Today's hike is rated MODERATE with a total distance of 5 mile and a hiking time of 3-4 hours. The terrain is rolling, with some section of rocky inclines. The trail surface alternates between sandy and rocky.

Get ready for an exciting full day hike to the Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico volcanoes. This adventure will take you through unique landscapes and geological formations that are sure to leave you in awe as you hike to the Sierra Negra volcano, the second largest volcanic crater in the world. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of endemic species, including Darwin's finches, vermilion flycatchers, and short-eared owls. The breathtaking views of the crater and the surrounding landscape make the hike well worth the effort.

After visiting Sierra Negra, for those with extra energy we will hike for about an hour to reach Volcan Chico. This smaller volcano offers a completely different landscape and geological features, with its colorful sulfur deposits and fumaroles creating an otherworldly experience. Along the way, hikers can spot lava lizards, cactus finches, and other endemic species.

Today's hike is rated MODERATE to CHALLENGING. The Sierra Negra hike has a total distance of 7 miles and a hiking time of around 4 hours, which puts it in the MODERATE category. The Volcan Chico spur is an additional 4 miles roundtrip, for a total of 11 miles, which moves the full day hike into the CHALLENGING rating.

Non-Hiking Ideas: If you decide to opt out of today's hike, you have the small town of Puerto Villamil to wander and explore. Several beautiful beaches are nearby, there's a boardwalk through the wetlands at the edge of town, and a rental bike can let you get out a bit farther into the fascinating countryside.

In the early morning, we will board a comfortable speed boat for a smooth ride back to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into the hotel, we can take a leisurely visit to Las Grietas where participants can swing and enjoy a short trek through the stunning natural landscape very close to town.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, with free time to explore Puerto Ayora or simply relax and soak in the beauty of the island. In the evening, join us for a final farewell dinner where you can indulge in a delicious meal and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences and memories made during the hiking tour.

Today after breakfast we will board our flight for the return to Quito, where your Go Get Lost tour will end at the airport. Most flights from Baltra arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, and most flights to the U.S. depart very late in the evening, so you may be able to connect with your flight and depart this evening. However, you may consider it better to spend the night in Quito and depart the day after.