SAMPLE TOURS
Evolution Quest
16 days
$2,775 pp
Visiting Galápagos and Ecuador
Base Hotel Areas:
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Baquerizo, San Cristóbal Island
Puerto Velasco Ibarra, Floreana Island
Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Ecuador highlands
Trip Highlights
13-nights in the Galápagos Islands
Accompanied by a top naturalist
All mainland logistics taken care of!
Itinerary Summary
Day 1. Arrival in Quito
Day 2. Quito City Tour
Day 3. Flight to San Cristóbal, Galápagos
Day 4. Cristobal Northern Coast
Day 5. San Cristobal - Floreana
Day 6. Floreana - Isabela
Day 7. Isabela - Concha de Perla, Tortoises and Flamingos
Day 8. Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano
Day 9. Isabela to Santa Cruz
Day 10. North Seymour & Bachas
Day 11. Bartolome Island
Day 12. CDRS & Highlands
Day 13. Volunteer Day
Day 16. Depart Ecuador
Day 14. Flight to Quito
Day 15. Otavalo Day Tour
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: Old Quito & the Equatorial Line
Step into History! Today is your chance to explore the best of Quito without the rush. Start with the iconic equatorial line, where you can straddle both hemispheres at once. Dive into the rich history of Quito’s colonial past as you wander through cobblestone streets lined with magnificent churches. It's a day of discovery and awe, setting the stage for what's to come
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: Northern Coast Adventure - Kicker Rock
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 5: San Cristobal - Floreaana
Embark on an exhilarating 2.5-hour speedboat ride to Floreana Island. Explore captivating pirate caves, delve into the true crime mystery of German settlers, and snorkel in vibrant coastal waters. Conclude your adventure in the tranquil village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, where serenity and relaxation await.
Day 6: Floreana – Isabela
After a relaxing morning on Floreana’s coast and a refreshing snorkel, set sail for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Arrive at serene sandy beaches lined with swaying palm trees and mangrove lagoons, where wildlife flourishes, including sea lions, marine iguanas, and possibly even penguins. Immerse yourself in this tranquil paradise for three delightful nights.
Day 7: Concha de Perla, Tintorera, Tortoise Breeding center and Flamingo lagoons
Start your day with a refreshing pre-breakfast snorkel at Concha de Perla. After breakfast, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre and walk past flamingo lagoons. In the afternoon, explore Tintoreras by boat and foot, spotting penguins, turtles, and sharks, followed by an exciting snorkel among lava formations.
Day 8: Sierra Negra Volcano Adventure
Volcanic Wonders! Venture to the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano, boasting the world’s second-largest crater. Hike along the rim, witnessing awe-inspiring views and recent volcanic activity. Afterward, unwind on Isabela’s serene beaches—a perfect end to an adventurous day.
Day 9: Isabela to Santa Cruz
A Journey of Contrast! Enjoy a final snorkel in Isabela’s lagoons before making your way to Santa Cruz.
Upon arrival, you’ll explore Tortuga Bay, a pristine beach surrounded by towering cacti and home to a myriad of wildlife.
Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: Charles Darwin Research Station & 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 13: Volunteer Day
Giving Back to Paradise! Experience the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of these incredible islands.
Spend the day volunteering with a local conservation project, helping to protect native plants and combat invasive species.
Day 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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)