EXPLORING THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS I 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS | FROM $2018
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Reservations are subject to availability and may change without prior notice UNTIL YOUR RESERVATION IS CONFIRMED
- To make a reservation, 50% of the fare per passenger must be paid, NON-REFUNDABLE
- Rate applies with a minimum of 2 passengers
- Please inquire about the supplement when traveling alone
- Please inquire about rates for groups
- Itinerary subject to changes due to: weather problems, operational inconveniences, or situations that may endanger the passenger
- The operator is obliged to change to a hotel of the same category assigned to the client in case of emergencies.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- The quotation is valid for 24 hours after the date of submission
- The price may vary after this date if there is no prior confirmation
- The total amount must be paid in full 30 days before the reservation entry date.
Included/Exclude
- Transfer for international flights AIRPORT – HOTEL – AIRPORT.
- Transfer for domestic flights HOTEL – AIRPORT – HOTEL
- Certified Galapagos National Park English/Spanish-speaking guide
- 8 nights of accommodation, 4-star Hotel in Quito, Superior Tourist Hotels in Galapagos, staying in a community in Floreana.
- Meals according to the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 1 set menu lunch and 2 set menu dinners.
- Visits according to the itinerary
- Snorkeling equipment for boat tours
- Shared maritime transportation
- GALÁPAGOS NATIONAL PARK Fee: $200.00 USD per person, cash only.
- INGALA transit card: $20.00 USD per person, cash only.
- Isabela entry tax: $10.00 USD per passenger.
- Santa Cruz dock entry and exit tax: $1.00 USD per way, per person.
- Water taxis.
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Domestic flights QUITO – GALÁPAGOS – QUITO (Estimated cost: $550.00 USD per person).
- Personal expenses and tips for guides, drivers and hotels (Estimated budget $240 USD).
- Any activity not detailed in the itinerary.
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary (Estimated cost: $240.00 USD per person).
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions not specified in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Wetsuit and fins (Estimated cost: $30.00 USD per person).
- My own room supplement estimated budget: $390.00 USD.
- Medical and travel Insurance (MANDATORY)
- Guide service in other languages available at an additional cost. Contact us for more information.
This departure requires a minimum of 2 passengers.
Arrival in Quito.
Welcome to Quito! It is the most visited city in Ecuador due to its cultural richness, being considered the "Reliquary of Art in America," and it was the first city to be declared a UNESCO "Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The city is surrounded by the Pichincha, Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe volcanoes, which form the Andean contour.
Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the day exploring Quito's old town and its surroundings. We can help organize a day excursion (request in advance).
In the evening, one of our guides will welcome you in the hotel lobby for a briefing session at 6:00 PM. We will discuss details and answer any questions you may have about the adventure. Our first day is for acclimatization and information.
Included: accommodation: Hotel Mercure or similar in double occupancy.
Not included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Quito - Galapagos - Transfer in - Charles Darwin Station.
A welcome will be given by our staff upon your arrival at Baltra Airport. Immediately, we will take the Lobito bus for approximately 10 minutes to travel from the airport to the Itabaca Channel. Then we will take the ferry that will transport us to Santa Cruz Island. Afterward, with our private vehicle, we will drive you to Puerto Ayora on a 42 km journey for hotel check-in.
Later, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in nature, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts in the Galápagos Islands.
After this visit, you will continue by private vehicle to your hotel. There, you will meet your local guide, who will explain the itinerary for the following day. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore this beautiful island.
Include: accommodation: Hotel Leon Marino or similar in double occupancy.
Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Bay Tour
After breakfast, we begin our adventure at approximately 8:30 a.m. with a short walk to the Main Pier, where we board an authorized Galápagos National Park speedboat (maximum 16 passengers). We navigate for about 15 minutes toward Punta Estrada, enjoying beautiful coastal views and the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and other seabirds along the way.
Our first stop is Franklin Bay, where we will snorkel for approximately 45 minutes in calm, crystal-clear waters. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, small reef sharks, and other fascinating marine life.
Next, we visit the famous Shark Channel, a natural formation created by ancient volcanic activity. Here, you can observe white-tip reef sharks resting peacefully in the shallow waters — completely harmless and an incredible sight to witness up close. We then take a short scenic walk to Dog Beach, where marine iguanas can often be seen basking on the rocks. Surrounded by native vegetation, this is a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the unique Galápagos landscape. (Swimming is not permitted at this location.)
Our final stop is Las Grietas, one of the most iconic natural sites on the island. After a 15-minute walk past historic salt mines, we arrive at a stunning natural pool formed by a mix of freshwater and seawater within dramatic volcanic rock formations. This is an ideal place to swim and snorkel in exceptionally clear waters. We return to the hotel at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Lunch included. Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Included: Accommodation: hotel Leon Marino or similar , breakfast and lunch.
Not included: dinner
Navigation to Santa Fe-Escondida beach
After breakfast, we will transfer to the pier to begin our navigation toward Isla Santa Fe, one of the oldest islands in the Islas Galápagos.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided interpretive walk through a unique volcanic landscape surrounded by towering giant prickly pear cacti, where endemic land iguanas can be observed in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, swimming alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and a wide variety of colorful tropical fish.
Later, we will navigate to Playa Escondida, a peaceful and secluded spot ideal for relaxing, strolling along the shore, or enjoying a refreshing swim. Lunch will be served on board, followed by time to unwind and admire the stunning scenery before returning to the port in the afternoon.
Included: Accommodation: hotel Leon Marino or similar, breakfast and lunch.
Not included: dinner
Ferry to Isabela – Interpretation Center, Flamingos & Tintoreras.
Early in the morning (6:15 a.m.), transfer to the pier to board the speedboat to Isla Isabela (approx. 2-hour navigation). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and luggage drop-off.
Our first visit is to the Flamingo Lagoon, where we can observe the iconic pink flamingos in a peaceful coastal setting. We will also visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about local conservation efforts.
In the afternoon, excursion to Islote Tintoreras. During a guided walk, we observe marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. The snorkeling experience offers the chance to see white-tip reef sharks (“tintoreras”), sea turtles, sea lions, and colorful tropical fish. Galápagos penguins may also be spotted.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Included: accommodation: Hotel Leon Marino breakfast and lunch
Not included: dinner.
Sierra Negra Volcano
After breakfast at the hotel, passengers will be picked up and transferred by vehicle (approximately 40 minutes) to the area known as “El Cura,” the starting point of the hike.
From there, we begin our trek to Volcán Sierra Negra, one of the most impressive volcanoes in the Islas Galápagos. Along the way to the first viewpoint, it is possible to observe white herons and a variety of native vegetation.
The hike covers approximately 8 km (round trip) and offers spectacular panoramic views. From the crater rim, you will admire one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, as well as breathtaking landscapes overlooking the northern part of Isla Isabela. The trail passes through lush highland vegetation and showcases the island’s dramatic volcanic scenery.
Return to the hotel after the excursion.
Included: accommodation: Hotel Leon Marino or similar, breakfast.
Not included: lunch and dinner.
Transfer from Isabela – Santa Cruz – Hike to Tortuga Bay
After breakfast, we will head to Tortuga Bay, an excellent place to relax and enjoy typical beach activities, surrounded by fascinating Galápagos wildlife. It is a great place to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or take a walk. Bird watching is another popular activity at Tortuga Bay due to the interesting variety of birds residing here, including pelicans and finches.
Included: accommodation: Hotel Leon Marino or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.
Not included: lunch and dinner.
Santa Cruz - 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.
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for one more free night before farewell.
Included: accommodation: Hotel Mercure or similar in double occupancy, breakfast.
Not included: lunch and dinner.
Departure
Today our journey will end, and you will have your international departures. Take your memories and photographs with you, and leave a piece of your heart, 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.
This departure requires a minimum of 2 passengers.
