Explore the wildlife snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, penguins and sea lions, Visit highlands with the wild giant tortoises, Visit Academy bay, visi
Highlights
Explore the wildlife snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, penguins and sea lions, Visit highlands with the wild giant tortoises, Visit Academy bay, visit the lava tunnels and Isla Lobos, Relax on white sand beaches
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Quito. Evening welcome briefing
Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. Today is a day for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito!
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: Fly to Baltra Island. Visit the highlands in search of Giant Tortoises
Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you'll be met and taken by ferry across the Itabaca channel to the neighboring island of Santa Cruz (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). From there, we'll drive to the highlands, home to the famous Galapagos giant tortoises. You'll enjoy lunch at a private ranch before setting out on a walk to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We'll also explore fascinating lava tubes formed by solidified lava flows. Afterward, we'll continue to your hotel, where you'll meet your local guide who will brief you on the exciting itinerary ahead. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind and further discover the beauty of this unique island.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Boat trip to Academy Bay for snorkelling. Afternoon hike and visit Playa de los Perros
After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable half-day tour to Academy Bay. Don't forget to pack everything you need, and if you'd like to snorkel, we'll provide the gear free of charge. We'll take a boat to the bay, where you can swim and snorkel alongside vibrant fish, fascinating marine life, and playful sea lions known for their curiosity. Keep an eye out for the iconic blue-footed boobies as well! Next, we'll hike to a nearby viewpoint for a chance to spot white-tipped reef sharks gliding through the waters below. Then, stroll along Playa de los Perros, home to sunbathing marine iguanas. Don't forget your camera – the striking contrast of giant cacti, red rocks, and the turquoise ocean creates picture-perfect moments.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Speedboat to San Cristobel Island
This morning, we'll delve into the world of the Galapagos Islands at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species you've encountered in their natural habitats, and learn about the ongoing conservation and management initiatives that safeguard this unique ecosystem. In the afternoon, we'll embark on an exciting speedboat journey to San Cristobal Island. During this crossing, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and majestic whales, especially if you're traveling between July and October. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our comfortable hotel accommodations, ready for the next leg of our adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
San Cristobel Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Exploring Isla Lobos
Following breakfast, we'll head to a nearby dock and hop on a boat for a short, scenic ride to Isla Lobos. Keep your eyes peeled during the journey, as you're likely to spot a variety of marine animals before even reaching the island. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided tour of this fascinating isle, home to a diverse array of wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to observe frigate birds with their impressive wingspans, the charming blue-footed boobies, graceful manta rays, playful sea lions, and even the occasional shark patrolling the surrounding waters. Afterwards, we'll take full advantage of San Cristóbal's pristine white coral beaches. You can choose to take a leisurely stroll, simply unwind in the warm sun, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. As the day winds down, we'll return to the bustling Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, full of memories and remarkable encounters.
OVERNIGHT:
San Cristobel Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Free time before flying back to Quito
Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we head to the airport in San Cristóbal for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Tour ends in Quito
Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!
Whilst an airport transfer is not included today, this can be arranged on a request basis.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
included with
- 5-star hotels in Quito, 3-star on the Galapagos Islands
- All transport and transfers per the itinerary
- Roundtrip Domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (may make a stop in Guayaquil)
- Airport transfers in Quito (for the Baltra flights on days 2 & 6)
- Services of Naturalist Local Guide whilst in Galapagos
- Snorkelling Gear (masks, fins & life vest)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
- International flights (available on request)
- Quito airport transfers on days 1 & 7
- Visa fees
- INGALA transit card: USD 20 p/p
- Galapagos National Park fee USD 200 p/p
- Wetsuit Hire USD 20 p/p
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tipping
- Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
DAY 1: Arrive in Quito. Evening welcome briefing
Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. Today is a day for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito!
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: Fly to Baltra Island. Visit the highlands in search of Giant Tortoises
Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you'll be met and taken by ferry across the Itabaca channel to the neighboring island of Santa Cruz (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). From there, we'll drive to the highlands, home to the famous Galapagos giant tortoises. You'll enjoy lunch at a private ranch before setting out on a walk to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We'll also explore fascinating lava tubes formed by solidified lava flows. Afterward, we'll continue to your hotel, where you'll meet your local guide who will brief you on the exciting itinerary ahead. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind and further discover the beauty of this unique island.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Boat trip to Academy Bay for snorkelling. Afternoon hike and visit Playa de los Perros
After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable half-day tour to Academy Bay. Don't forget to pack everything you need, and if you'd like to snorkel, we'll provide the gear free of charge. We'll take a boat to the bay, where you can swim and snorkel alongside vibrant fish, fascinating marine life, and playful sea lions known for their curiosity. Keep an eye out for the iconic blue-footed boobies as well! Next, we'll hike to a nearby viewpoint for a chance to spot white-tipped reef sharks gliding through the waters below. Then, stroll along Playa de los Perros, home to sunbathing marine iguanas. Don't forget your camera – the striking contrast of giant cacti, red rocks, and the turquoise ocean creates picture-perfect moments.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Speedboat to San Cristobel Island
This morning, we'll delve into the world of the Galapagos Islands at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species you've encountered in their natural habitats, and learn about the ongoing conservation and management initiatives that safeguard this unique ecosystem. In the afternoon, we'll embark on an exciting speedboat journey to San Cristobal Island. During this crossing, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and majestic whales, especially if you're traveling between July and October. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our comfortable hotel accommodations, ready for the next leg of our adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
San Cristobel Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Exploring Isla Lobos
Following breakfast, we'll head to a nearby dock and hop on a boat for a short, scenic ride to Isla Lobos. Keep your eyes peeled during the journey, as you're likely to spot a variety of marine animals before even reaching the island. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided tour of this fascinating isle, home to a diverse array of wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to observe frigate birds with their impressive wingspans, the charming blue-footed boobies, graceful manta rays, playful sea lions, and even the occasional shark patrolling the surrounding waters. Afterwards, we'll take full advantage of San Cristóbal's pristine white coral beaches. You can choose to take a leisurely stroll, simply unwind in the warm sun, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. As the day winds down, we'll return to the bustling Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, full of memories and remarkable encounters.
OVERNIGHT:
San Cristobel Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Free time before flying back to Quito
Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we head to the airport in San Cristóbal for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Tour ends in Quito
Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!
Whilst an airport transfer is not included today, this can be arranged on a request basis.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
