GALAPAGOS ISLAND & ECUADOR IN NATURE I 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS I FROM $3599

Quito - Intiñan Site Museum - Mindo.

After a delicious breakfast, we will visit the Middle of the World, an iconic site in Ecuador as the country is named after the Equatorial Line, which divides the planet into the northern and southern hemispheres. Here you can visit the Intiñan Site Museum for an interactive tour, learning about the history of our ancestral people and the magnificent effects produced by the sun in our solar cylinder. Enjoy a natural and privileged environment.

Then we will arrive at the small town of Mindo, located in the cloud forest. This area is filled with a wide variety of plants and animal life, perfect for a pleasant introduction to Ecuador's diversity. Mindo and its surrounding cloud forest are a paradise for bird watchers, especially for hummingbirds. We will have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, take a Chocolate Tour, explaining the history of cocoa in the world, its varieties, the importance of this fruit in Ecuador, and witnessing the art of how Yumbos transforms the best cocoa in the world into chocolate. Taste all products (12 flavors of chocolate bars, cocoa honey, ginger syrup, BBQ sauce). Enjoy tropical fruit with a brownie portion and our iconic hot chocolate made with 100% cocoa.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Séptimo Paraíso or similar in a double room, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Otavalo - Ponchos Market - Visit to the Sacha Warmi Community.

After a delicious breakfast, we will head to Otavalo to visit its traditional and renowned PONCHOS MARKET, the most recognized Indigenous market in South America. Here you will find a wide variety of handicrafts: exquisitely woven fabrics, wool ponchos, hats, tapestries, hand-knitted sweaters, scarves, carved tagua jewelry, and even Andean musical instruments.

25 minutes away is the parish of Gonzales Suarez, where the Sacha Warmikuna (women of the mountain) project is located. Here we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a tour of the astromelias, orchard, roses, and strawberries, and participate in the preparation of ají (spicy sauce).

Included: accommodation at Hacienda Pinsaqui in a double room, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Otavalo - Hike around Cuicocha Crater - Quito.

After a good breakfast, our challenge begins with a beautiful 5-hour hike around Cuicocha crater lake, with stunning views of this active volcano and incredible valleys located in the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve. We will walk 9 miles (14,48 km.) around the crater. At the end of our hike, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to experience the true activity of this volcano and observe the bubbles emerging from the caldera's center.

In the afternoon, we will visit Cotacachi Town, famous for its leather goods, and your guide will recommend a place for lunch or a snack. Then we will return to Quito.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Swissotel Quito or similar in a double room, breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Quito – Baltra Airport – Navigation Isabela Island

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our naturalist staff will welcome you. We will immediately take a Lobito bus to travel from the airport to the Itabaca Channel, approximately a 10-minute ride. Then we will take the ferry (boat) that will transfer us to Santa Cruz Island, where our private vehicle will take you on a 42 km journey to Puerto Ayora.

Once there, we will go to the passenger dock where we will take a water taxi that costs $0.50 per person. This will take us to the location where the speedboat is waiting to navigate to Isabela Island. The navigation takes approximately 2 hours aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at Isabela Island, we will again take water taxis, which cost $1 per person, to reach the passenger dock of Isabela Island. There, an entrance tax of $10 per person must be paid. Afterward, we will proceed to a place where the luggage will be delivered, and then we will depart for the hotel.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Loja or similar in a double room.

Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Flamingo Lagoon – Interpretation center – Tintoreras Islet

Breakfast at the hotel. Then we will depart for our first visit to the Flamingo Lagoon, a semi-natural formation that originated from former quarries. Here it is possible to admire the iconic flamingos, migratory birds that turn reddish as adults, while as chicks they are completely white. Their color gradually changes due to their diet.

We will also visit the breeding center, and in the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet, where we can observe through snorkeling white-tip reef sharks, a large colony of marine iguanas, young sea lions, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

During a walk around the islet, we may also see blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. There is also the possibility of spotting penguins.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Loja or similar in a double room, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Navigation Los Tuneles – Cabo Rosa

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure at 7:30 a.m. to Los Túneles at Cabo Rosa aboard a fiberglass boat. This is considered one of the best snorkeling sites in Isabela, thanks to its calm and crystal-clear waters. The main attraction is the spectacular lava formations, where ancient lava flows created a series of arches and tunnels both above and below the water. These formations provide shelter for many species of marine wildlife of the Galápagos, such as colorful fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, white-tip reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and possibly seahorses.

Box lunch on board. After snorkeling, we will walk across the lava tunnels to observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, pelicans, herons, and frigatebirds.

Return to the port.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Deja Vu or similar in a double room, and breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Wall of tears by bicycle – Return to Santa Cruz

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, we will take bicycles and begin our adventure along a scenic route through the wetlands toward the Wall of Tears. Our visit follows a trail system that includes several interesting sites such as Love Beach, Estero Tunnel, and Orchilla Hill, a viewpoint that can be reached by climbing a staircase. From this spot, you can enjoy beautiful views of the bay and the town of Puerto Villamil. These locations together create a spectacular natural landscape.

Finally, we arrive at the Wall of Tears, a historical monument surrounded by stories and legends from the time when a penal colony existed on Isabela Island. After World War II, the American military forces that had used Isabela Island as a base withdrew. The Ecuadorian government then decided to use the remote island to house some of the country’s most dangerous prisoners, establishing a penal colony using the abandoned U.S. military facilities.

In 1946, prisoners were forced to perform hard labor as punishment. They were ordered to build a massive wall using volcanic rocks, carrying the heavy stones for many kilometers under the intense sun, often poorly fed and dehydrated. Many prisoners died during this harsh work, sometimes crushed by falling rocks. Because of the suffering and the many deaths that occurred there, the structure became known as the Wall of Tears. Local legends also say that at night the spirits of those prisoners can still be heard crying in the area.

Along this route of approximately 7 km, we will visit several interesting points. It is important to bring plenty of water and appropriate footwear.

At 2:10 p.m., departure from the hotel to the passenger dock, where we will take a water taxi (cost $1 per person) to reach the speedboat that will take us to Santa Cruz Island. The journey takes approximately 2 hours aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, we will take another water taxi (cost $0.50 per person) to the passenger dock, and then transfer to the hotel.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Deja Vu or similar in a double room, and breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Bay Tour – Visit to Gemelos – Chato

Breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 8:30 a.m., we will walk to the Main Dock where we will board a boat authorized by the Galápagos National Park (PNG) with a capacity of 16 passengers. We will navigate for about 15 minutes to Punta Estrada, where from the boat we may observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, seagulls, and other seabirds.

After this short navigation, we will go snorkeling at Franklin Bay for approximately 45 minutes. In this area it is possible to see a great variety of colorful fish of different sizes, sea turtles, and small sharks, among other marine species. We will then continue to another site.

Shark Channel – Located in Punta Estrada, we will disembark to visit this channel formed by ancient magma chamber uplifts. Here it is possible to observe white-tip reef sharks (locally known as “tintoreras”), which are completely harmless.

Afterward, we will walk for approximately 10 minutes to Dog Beach, also located in Punta Estrada. During this walk we will observe the typical vegetation of the island until reaching the beach, where we can see marine iguanas. There will be time to take photos and enjoy the landscape. Swimming is not allowed in this area. Next, we will visit Las Grietas. To reach this site, we will walk for about 15 minutes, passing by the old salt mines. Las Grietas is a natural pool where saltwater from the sea mixes with fresh water from the highlands of the island. The water filters through the volcanic rock crevices and gathers here, forming a unique place that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with fish. Return to the hotel around 12:30 p.m.

Later, we will travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit Los Gemelos (The Twin Craters), volcanic formations created by the collapse of surface layers of the earth. We will walk around these impressive formations and observe unique vegetation and bird species that inhabit this area. Afterwards, we will visit a private ranch called “El Chato II”, where you will have the opportunity to observe the majestic giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how they live freely on the islands. Finally, we will explore the Lava Tunnels, walking approximately 300 meters underground through these spectacular volcanic formations, which demonstrate that the Galápagos Islands were formed by powerful underwater volcanic eruptions.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Deja Vu or similar in a double room, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Full Day Santa Fe Island or Pinzón Island (Experiential Fishing Tour)

Option 1: Santa Fe Island + Hidden Beach

Breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 8:00 a.m., departure from the passenger dock toward Santa Fe Island aboard a traditional experiential fishing boat. This is an ideal location for snorkeling, where we will explore different sites to observe the rich underwater flora and fauna of the Galápagos.

Santa Fe Island features a beautiful turquoise bay where we can observe a large number of sea lions, rays, tropical fish, and occasionally sea turtles. From the boat, we may also see forests of endemic giant cacti as well as colonies of seagulls, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies, among other seabirds. Lunch will be served on board.

Afterward, we will head to Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida), where you can relax, sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach. In this area we may observe sea lions, tropical fish, and marine iguanas resting on the sand and rocks. To finish the tour, we will enjoy a demonstration of sport fishing.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., return to Puerto Ayora.

Transfer to the hotel and dinner.

Option 2: Pinzón Island

Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 a.m., departure from the passenger dock toward Pinzón Island aboard a traditional experiential fishing boat. This island is also an excellent location for snorkeling, where we will explore different spots to observe the marine biodiversity of the Galápagos.

Pinzón features a turquoise bay where we may observe rays, tropical fish, and occasionally sea turtles, among other marine species. Lunch on board.

Later, we will head to La Fe Beach or Palmita Beach, depending on sea conditions. This beautiful beach offers a relaxing setting where we can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the calm, shallow waters. While walking along the beach, we may observe colonies of marine iguanas.

To conclude the tour, there will be a demonstration of sport fishing.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., return to Puerto Ayora and transfer to the hotel.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Dejavu or similar in a double room, and breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Ferry to San Cristóbal – Interpretation Center – Tijeretas Hill – La Lobería

At 6:10 a.m., departure from the hotel to the passenger dock, where we will take a water taxi (cost $0.50 per person) to reach the speedboat that will take us to San Cristóbal Island. The navigation takes approximately 2 hours aboard a safe and comfortable fiberglass speedboat.

Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Island, we will take another water taxi (cost $0.50 per person) to the passenger dock. Then we will transfer to the hotel to drop off our luggage.

Immediately afterward, we will begin our excursion with a visit to the Interpretation Center, where we will learn about the history, evolution, and natural environment of the Galápagos Islands. Next, we will walk along an ecological trail for approximately 20 minutes until reaching Tijeretas Hill (Cerro Tijeretas). Along the way, we will observe endemic plants and a small colony of frigatebirds, both adults and juveniles, as well as Darwin finches and mockingbirds.

From the viewpoints, we will enjoy spectacular landscapes, including a statue of scientist Charles Darwin and a small bay where it is possible to swim with sea lions, tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles. Afterward, we will continue walking to Punta Carola Beach, where we can relax, swim, and enjoy one of the island’s beautiful beaches. This beach is also known for its large waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. Return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Dejavu or similar in a double room, breakfast, and lunch.

Not included: dinner.

Navigation 360 tour

Our first visit will be to Rosa Blanca, a small bay characterized by several beautiful beaches. This area is known for the presence of sharks, rays, and sea turtles, making it an ideal location for snorkeling activities. Next, we will head to Punta Pitt, where we will enjoy birdwatching from the boat. This is the only place in the Galápagos Islands where the three species of boobies and the two species of frigatebirds can be observed nesting in the same area.

Afterward, we will visit Sardina Bay, which features two beaches known for their small white sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. In this bay it is common to observe sea turtles, rays, and sea lions. We will then continue to Cerro Brujo, where we will enjoy a panga ride around the islet, allowing us to admire the spectacular coastal scenery from the boat.

Finally, we will visit the famous Kicker Rock (León Dormido), where we will go snorkeling. In this area it is possible to observe blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and a great variety of tropical fish. This impressive rock formation rises about 500 feet from the ocean and resembles a giant sleeping lion, which is how it received its name. The rocks are remnants of a vertical formation of volcanic tuff, and the site is also a favorite nesting place for many seabird species. Lunch will be served on board.

Return to the port and transfer to the hotel.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Dejavu or similar in a double room, and breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Transfer out - Quito.

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of the sea lions, we will transfer to Baltra airport in time for the flight back to the mainland.

Included: accommodation at Hotel Swissotel Quito or similar in a double room, and breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.

Departure

Today our journey ends, and you will have your international departures. Take your memories and photographs with you and leave a piece of your heart behind, as you will soon want to return to Ecuador to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "bon voyage"!

Included: breakfast.

Not included: lunch and dinner.