Our journey began in Quito, Ecuador, a city full of rich history and charm. After arriving and settling into the JW Marriott, we spent a full day exploring the city on a private tour.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, leading us through Quito’s historic Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—where we admired beautiful colonial architecture and visited iconic landmarks like the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Plaza Grande.
We also made a stop at the Centre of the World monument, where you can literally stand on the equator with one foot in each hemisphere—an unforgettable moment!
That evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel, feeling excited for what was ahead.
The next morning, we flew from Quito to Guayaquil, then connected to Baltra Island, officially beginning our Galápagos adventure.
Life Aboard Yacht La Pinta
Upon landing in Baltra, everything ran smoothly. We were whisked away to board our home for the next four nights: Yacht La Pinta.
While the ship was a little older than expected, everything else more than made up for it. Our cabin was spacious, comfortable, and perfectly located, offering beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding islands. We loved the relaxed, friendly vibe onboard.
Life aboard La Pinta followed a lovely rhythm—mornings and afternoons were reserved for excursions, while late afternoons brought leisure, lectures, and stargazing from the top deck. We filled our days with guided hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even glass-bottom boat rides for those who preferred to stay dry.
Each activity was led by the ship’s exceptional Naturalist Guides, who brought each island’s wildlife and ecology to life with stories, scientific context, and boundless passion.
One of the highlights of the experience was La Pinta’s Expedition Leader, who ensured every group had time and space to explore at their own pace, while also maximizing wildlife encounters.
Unforgettable Island Landings & Excursions
Our itinerary took us to several of the Galápagos’ most iconic islands, each with its own unique terrain and wildlife.
Santa Cruz Island – Highlands & Giant Tortoises
Our first full excursion took us to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we walked among giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Seeing these slow-moving, ancient creatures up close was humbling and surreal.
North Seymour Island – Sea Lions, Boobies, and Frigates
This rocky island was bustling with life. We stood just feet from blue-footed boobies mid-mating dance, watched magnificent frigatebirds puff their bright red chests, and smiled as sea lions sunbathed on the lava rocks.
Bartolomé Island – Iconic Views & Snorkeling
We climbed the famous boardwalk trail to the summit of Bartolomé, where the panoramic views over Pinnacle Rock took our breath away. Snorkeling here was a thrill—Galápagos penguins darted past, and we swam alongside white-tipped reef sharks and colorful schools of fish.
Rabida Island – Red Sand & Flamingos
The rich red sands of Rabida were stunning. We spotted flamingos feeding in the brackish lagoon and snorkeled off the beach, encountering marine iguanas, hawkfish, and even a few playful sea turtles.
South Plaza Island – Land Iguanas & Cliffside Views
This small island surprised us with its bright vegetation and yellow land iguanas lounging near Opuntia cacti. Along the cliffs, swallow-tailed gulls and Nazca boobies nested, while the crashing surf below reminded us how wild and raw this landscape truly is.
Incredible Wildlife Encounters
The Galápagos’ famed biodiversity was on full display. Thanks to La Pinta’s curated route—aligned with the BIG15 iconic species list—we saw many of the archipelago’s most famous residents:
• Galápagos sea lions (everywhere—and adorable!)
• Giant tortoises in the highlands
• Blue-footed boobies and their entertaining courtship rituals
• Marine and land iguanas—sometimes basking side by side
• Flightless cormorants drying their wings on the rocks
• Galápagos penguins while snorkeling
• Darwin’s finches chirping in the bushes
• Frigatebirds soaring overhead
• Sea turtles gliding beneath us in crystal-clear waters
Beyond the Excursions
La Pinta was a warm and welcoming home between adventures. The sundeck and hot tubwere perfect for relaxing post-hike, and the lounge hosted fascinating evening lectures on island ecology and conservation.
The dining experience exceeded expectations—each meal was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, often highlighting Ecuadorian flavors like ceviche, plantains, and Andean grains. The bar area became a social hub in the evenings, where we swapped stories with fellow travelers from around the world.
With fewer than 50 passengers onboard, the experience felt personal and community-focused. We laughed, learned, and lingered on the deck under starry skies, often reflecting on the raw beauty we’d just witnessed.
Final Reflections
As we returned to Baltra, flew to Guayaquil, and continued on to Lima, I found myself deeply moved. The Galápagos Islands aren’t just about wildlife—they’re about perspective. About seeing nature not as a backdrop, but as a force.