SAMPLE TOURS
Classic Galapagos
13 days
$2,250* pp
Visiting Galápagos and Ecuador
Base Hotel Areas:
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Baquerizo, San Cristóbal Island
Ecuador highlands
Trip Highlights
8-nights in the Galápagos Islands
Accompanied by a top naturalist
All mainland Ecuador logistics taken care of!
Itinerary Summary
Day 1. Arrival in Quito
Day 2. Otavalo Day Tour
Day 3. Flight to San Cristóbal, Galápagos
Day 4. Cristobal Highlands
Day 5. Cristobal Northern Coast
Day 6. San Cristobal - Santa Cruz
Day 7. North Seymour & Bachas
Day 8. Bartolome Island
Day 9. CDRS & Highlands
Day 10. Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas
Day 11. Flight to Quito
Day 12. Papallacta Day Tour
Day 13. Depart Ecuador
For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the detailed itinerary below.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Welcome to the Adventure! Your journey begins as soon as you touch down in the vibrant city of Quito.
After a warm greeting at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, where the excitement of the days ahead will start to build. Rest up - tomorrow, the exploration begins!
Day 2: Otavalo Day Tour
A Cultural Feast for the Senses! Journey north to the bustling market town of Otavalo, where vibrant colors, sounds, and smells fill the air. Explore the largest indigenous market in South America, discover hidden gems in surrounding villages, and enjoy a delightful lunch in a charming colonial house.
Day 3: Flight to the Galápagos – San Cristobal
Off to the Enchanted Islands! Your adventure continues as you fly to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival in San Cristobal, your top-notch naturalist guide will welcome you.
After a delicious lunch, dive into the fascinating history at the Interpretation Center and snorkel at Cerro Tijeretas, where you’ll encounter your first taste of Galápagos marine life.
Day 4: Highlands of San Cristobal
A Day with Giants! Journey to the lush highlands of San Cristobal, where giant tortoises roam in their semi-natural habitat.
After a farm-fresh lunch, head back to the coast for an unforgettable snorkeling experience at La Loberia, where sea lions and marine iguanas play in the surf.
Day 5: San Cristobal - Northern Coast Adventure
Sailing to Wonders! Set sail for Isla Lobos, where frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies abound.
Your journey continues to the stunning Playa Puerto Grande and concludes with a snorkel at Kicker Rock - a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the sea. This is a day of natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
Day 6: San Cristobal to Santa Cruz
Begin your day with a peaceful nature walk, immersing yourself in the island's landscapes and wildlife. Then, enjoy a final snorkel with sea turtles, exploring the vibrant underwater world. Relax before taking a two-hour ferry from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz, where new landscapes, wildlife encounters, and adventures await.
Day 7: North Seymour and Bachas Beach
A Wildlife Wonderland! Embark on a journey to North Seymour, where you’ll encounter a dazzling array of wildlife, from land iguanas to blue-footed boobies.
After a walk through this natural haven, relax on the powdery sands of Bachas Beach, with a chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 8: Bartolome Island
Crown Jewel of the Galápagos! Today’s destination is the iconic Bartolome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic landscape.
Snorkel with playful Galápagos penguins and marvel at the dramatic vistas that define the Galápagos experience.
Day 9: Tortoise Breeding Center and Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands
Conservation in Action! Learn about the critical conservation efforts at the CDRS, and see the saddleback tortoises and hatchlings at the breeding center.
Then, head to the highlands to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat, explore volcanic craters, and walk through ancient lava tubes—remnants of the islands’ fiery past.
Day 10: Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas
After a short water taxi ride and a scenic early morning walk, you’ll arrive at the tranquil Las Grietas, enjoying the narrow canyon with minimal crowds. Afterward, return to the hotel for a late breakfast and some relaxation. Later, take a one-hour walk to Tortuga Bay, where you can surf, kayak, snorkel, or simply unwind on the stunning beach before heading back to the hotel to end the day
Day 11: Return to Quito
A Last Glimpse of Paradise! Cross the islands one last time as you make your way to the airport for your flight back to Quito.
Upon arrival, settle into your hostel and savor the memories of your Galápagos adventure.
Day 12: Papallacta Day Tour
Today, we journey over the Andes to the thermal springs of Papallacta, with chances to spot condors, spectacled bears, and stunning highland wildlife. After enjoying the springs and nature walks, we quickly descend into the start of the Eastern cloud forest, where vibrant hummingbirds and diverse bird species await.
Day 13: Depart Ecuador
Farewell to Adventure! As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve just completed.
From the Amazon jungle to the enchanted Galápagos Islands, Ecuador has left an indelible mark on your soul. Until next time!
What's included?
Included
Hostel-type accommodation with 1-4 beds per room, meals for each day in the detailed itinerary, airport transfers and guides.
Not Included
$200 Galápagos National Park entrance fee, $20 airport transit fee, roundtrip airfare between your home, Quito and Galápagos, some meals as indicated in the itinerary, tips for yacht crews, guides, naturalists, laundry, beverages not with the meal, excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature. Price also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, MedEvac Emergency Insurance, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these)