The much-awaited Galapagos Islands Adventure!

Our fourth day in Ecuador marks the day of our arrival in Baltra. We met Via Natura's Quito Airport representative, who assisted us with our flight check-in. We were truly grateful for his assistance.
 
Our arrival in Baltra was at 9:40 in the morning. As soon as we stepped foot inside the airport, we made our way to the line to pay the Galapagos National Park fee. This is mandatory for all visitors entering the Islands. It costs $100 per person, payable only in cash dollars. We were one of the last people in line, and our luggage were the ones left at the baggage claim area because we took videos and pictures a lot!

Upon exiting the small airport, our guide, Oswaldo, was already waiting for us. We took the Lobito bus together with two other passengers. We were taken to the Baltra port, where we boarded a zodiac/panga/dingy to embark on the Monserrat. While at the dock, we saw our very first sea lion.

Our itinerary goes to the Central East and Southern Islands. After our lunch onboard, we began our first journey in the Galapagos Islands. We took a bus to El Chato Reserve, where we had our first glimpse of the famous giant Galapagos tortoises along the road on our way there. What a cool sight to see! El Chato is a private ecological reserve in Santa Cruz and is home to a large population of these tortoises in their natural environment. We first explored the lava tunnel and tubes, where we walked and climbed on slippery ground and saw fascinating formations inside. Then we proceeded to the place where these tortoises can be seen roaming around. We were told that people should always keep a 2-meter distance from all animals. I was in awe when Oswaldo mentioned that some of the turtles are 100-plus years old! Amazing! Some of them are lounging in the mud, some are sleeping, and some are eating grass. I think they are my spirit animal!

There were just nine of us during the first five days of our cruise: Mai and I, a couple from Denmark, a couple from the Netherlands, a couple from Australia, and a single traveler from Canada. A licensed Naturalist Guide is only allowed to assist a maximum of 16 travelers, so having Oswaldo and the rest of the ship's crew assist our small group is such a wonderful and private experience.