Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

The highlight of this visit is La Escalinata, located on Bartolomé Island. This site features a carefully constructed 795 meters (2,608 ft.) wooden trail that leads visitors through its volcanic terrain. Along the path, various viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the island’s unique geological formations. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with the most iconic landscape of the archipelago, the notable feature of the island: the Pinnacle Rock, flanked by beaches on both sides, surrounded by the shimmering ocean, and facing Santiago Island, with its colorful tuff cones and striking lava flows, particularly prominent on its southern side.

Nearby, Sullivan Bay lies southeast of Santiago Island, offering an unparalleled setting for swimming or snorkeling. Its crystal-clear waters, excellent visibility, and gentle currents create a perfect environment for these activities. The area is teeming with marine life, including sea turtles and the elusive Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), making it one of the most remarkable spots to explore the underwater wonders of the archipelago.

North Seymour And Las Bachas Beach

Discover the captivating wildlife of North Seymour Island, one of the most iconic and biodiverse destinations in the Galapagos.

This small, rocky island offers a 2-mile hiking trail that takes approximately 1.5 hours to explore. Comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, and a bottle of water are highly recommended for this adventure.

Located just north of Baltra (also referred to as South Seymour, home to the airport), North Seymour features a rugged landscape dotted with palo santo trees, cacti, sesuviums, and green shrubs. Despite its arid terrain, the island is brimming with life, offering visitors a close encounter with some of the most fascinating species of the archipelago.

Playa Las Bachas is a paradise on Santa Cruz Island, known for its soft white sand made from coral. It’s the perfect place to unwind while taking in stunning scenery. The beach is home to flamingos, marine iguanas, and other unique wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Its clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where you might spot sea turtles and young sharks, creating an unforgettable experience.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island, a hidden jewel of the Galapagos, welcomes you with its serene turquoise bay framed by two pristine white sand beaches. Home to playful sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki), this enchanting destination offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters and natural beauty.

Santa Fe land Iguanas: The pale land iguana (Conolophus pallidus), endemic to Santa Fe, is the island’s star. This unique species can only be found here, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Cactus Forest: Marvel at the towering Opuntia cacti (Opuntia echios var. Barringtonensis), exclusive to Santa Fe. These giants, reaching up to 25 feet tall, dominate the landscape with their impressive size and thick trunks.

Diverse Wildlife: As you explore the rocky trails, keep an eye out for Santa Fe lava lizards, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, Galapagos snakes, and even the elusive Galapagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) searching for prey.

Pristine Beaches: The trail begins and ends at two stunning beaches, where sea lions bask in the sun and race across the crystal-clear waters where sea turtles and white spot eagle rays are floating around.

Trail And Exploration

The hike, while on rocky terrain, is a leisurely walk through the unique flora and fauna of the island. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to admire saltbushes, Galapagos thorn-bushes, palo santo trees, and leatherleaf shrubs. The trail ends at the second beach, completing the loop with breathtaking views.