Galapagos Islands Adventure

Explore the flora, fauna & spectacular scenery of two biodiverse Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz & Isabela, with an extra night on Isabela! Optional extension to Quito

Overview

from$2899Tour + Flights 7days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 16, 2020 departure from
$600 Instant Savings. Expires Feb 6, 2020.*   All prices reflect savings.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 24 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures April – December 2020 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes Active,  Bucket List,  Nature & Wildlife
Activity Level Advanced
What to Expect This fast-paced, locally hosted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip.
Already booked? Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

Check prices & book now

Get updates about this package

Be the first to know about new dates, itinerary changes, discounts, and more.

Also subscribe to:

What to expect | Your Privacy

The Galapagos Islands are among Ecuador’s jewels. More than 600 miles offshore in the Pacific, these islands are home to fascinating species of birds and animals such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, pelicans and more! Follow in the intrepid footsteps of Charles Darwin on an active adventure and discover the unique wildlife that inspired his theory of evolution. Stay on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, traveling from island to island via speedboat rides for an incredible Galapagos experience, which includes flights, first-class hotels and most meals, as well as a fast-paced program of hiking, exploration, and observation of the islands' delicate ecosystems.

So lace up your boots, strap on your daypacks, and don't wait a moment longer to book this incredible adventure.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
  • All transfers, ground transportation & Galapagos flights
  • Transportation between islands in shared charter speedboat
  • Superior class accommodations in Quito and in the Galapagos
  • 10 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours with a naturalist guide on the islands
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Galapagos National Park Fee ($100), Transit Control Card ($20), & Isabela Port Fee ($10)

Optional add-ons

  • Optional Quito Extension

Why you'll love it

  • Discover Los Gemelos, two collapsed lava chambers teeming with great biodiversity.
  • Mingle with giant Galapagos tortoises at a 600-acre private reserve.
  • Explore Tortuga Bay with a small hike to the famous prickly-pear cactus forest where you will see an abundance of wildlife, such as Darwin Finches, Lava Lizards and more!
  • Kayak at Punta Estrada and see the iconic blue-footed boobies.
  • Look for whales, dolphins, and manta rays as you set off for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island via charter speedboat.
  • Snorkel alongside sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and more in the islands’ warm, shallow waters.
  • Observe the fascinating marine life in the crystal-clear waters of Concha de Perla.

Itinerary at a Glance

Galapagos Islands Adventure map

Quito Optional Extension

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $600 off if you book by Feb. 6, 2020!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price		 Instant
Savings		 Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 30, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Feb 5, 2020
 Jan 30 – Feb 5 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 27, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Mar 4, 2020
 Feb 27 – Mar 4 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 12, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Mar 18, 2020
 Mar 12 – Mar 18 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 26, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Apr 1, 2020
 Mar 26 – Apr 1 		$3599 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 16, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Apr 22, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 16 – Apr 22 		$3499 –$600 $2899 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 23, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Apr 29, 2020
 Apr 23 – Apr 29 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 7, 2020
Finishes: Wed, May 13, 2020
 May 7 – May 13 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 21, 2020
Finishes: Wed, May 27, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 21 – May 27 		$3599 –$600 $2999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 4, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Jun 10, 2020
 Jun 4 – Jun 10 		$3499 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 18, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Jun 24, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 18 – Jun 24 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 2, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Jul 8, 2020
 Jul 2 – Jul 8 		$3599 – – Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 16, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Jul 22, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 16 – Jul 22 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 20, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Aug 26, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 20 – Aug 26 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 27, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Sep 2, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 27 – Sep 2 		$3799 –$600 $3199 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 10, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Sep 16, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 10 – Sep 16 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 24, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Sep 30, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 24 – Sep 30 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 8, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Oct 14, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 8 – Oct 14 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 22, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Oct 28, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 22 – Oct 28 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 19, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Nov 25, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 19 – Nov 25 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 26, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Dec 2, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 26 – Dec 2 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 10, 2020
Finishes: Wed, Dec 16, 2020
Book by Thu, Feb 6, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 10 – Dec 16 		$3699 –$600 $3099 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when you reserve. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Galapagos Islands Adventure
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Room Supplement +$599
Taxes & Fees
Galapagos National Park Fee of $100 included
INGALA Tourist Control Card of $20 included
Isabela Port Fee of $10 included
Quito Optional Extension1
Quito Optional Extension
Mar 12, 2020 +$699
All other dates +$599
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Room Supplement +$249

1. This extension requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)1 included
Los Angeles (LAX) +$450
Mar 12, 2020, Mar 26, 2020, Jun 4, 2020, Jun 18, 2020, Jul 2, 2020, Jul 16, 2020, Aug 20, 2020, Aug 27, 2020 unavailable

1. Departures will be from either MIA or FLL based upon availability when you make your reservation. Your flight itinerary showing which airport you are departing from will be emailed to you in 24-48 hours.

This package offers round-trip flights from the cities listed above, subject to availability.

Want to fly from another city? Flights from JFK are available for an additional cost. Ask us for a quote when you reserve, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from any other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador

  • Depart the USA on your flight bound for Quito, Ecuador
  • Upon arrival in Quito this evening, meet our representative and transfer by hotel shuttle service to your hotel for check-in

Wyndham Quito Airport or similar

Full Day Itinerary
Colorful buildings of Old Town, Quito

This evening, arrive in Quito (9,350 feet above sea level) and after customs formalities, you will be met and transferred by scheduled shuttle service to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 2 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island
  • Take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island
  • Discover Los Gemelos lava chambers
  • Explore a 600-acre private giant tortoise reserve
  • Continue to Puerto Ayora for check-in and welcome drink
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers

Hotel Solymar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Giant tortoises, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra, gateway to the Galapagos Islands, to begin your adventure. Next, you'll take a short ferry ride across Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, and then drive through the various micro climates on your way to the village of Puerto Ayora on the south side of the island.

Today you'll see Los Gemelos (The Twins), two enormous collapsed lava chambers, an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. The path to the lava chambers is a wonderful introduction to the great biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Highlands, teeming with endemic flora and fauna, including a scalesia forest draped in liverwort and mosses, as well as numerous birds including Darwin Finches.

Afterward, drive to a 600-acre private reserve where giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep. Feel free to mingle with these gentle giants. As prehistoric as these creatures look, wait until you hear what they sound like! Galápago is Spanish for tortoise, and the islands were named for these amazing creatures. There will be a selection of field boots for your use if conditions are muddy.

Next, you'll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the remnants of an illuminated lava tunnel. Created by ancient lava flows, the tunnel is 1,350 feet long with a ceiling nearly 20 feet high in most places, adorned with stalagmites & stalactites, mineral-colored walls, and a rippled lava floor.

Continue to Puerto Ayora to check into your hotel. You may choose to visit the Charles Darwin Center independently in the afternoon. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers.

Day 3 Santa Cruz Island & Tortuga Bay

  • Set out on tour of beautiful Tortuga Bay
  • See endemic native species on a walk through a cactus forest
  • Continue to a sandy beach to observe marine creatures in the shallow water
  • After a chance to swim, take a short hike to an iguana nesting site
  • Walk through a prickly pear forest
  • Kayak in Punta Estrada to visit the home of the blue-footed boobies

Hotel Solymar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Lava lizard

Depart after breakfast for a tour of Tortuga Bay. A short hike down a path will take you through a cactus forest, home to numerous Darwin Finches, Mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, Lava Lizards and many more of the Galapagos’ endemic and native species. From the white sandy beach, you will have a chance to observe different marine species, like stingrays and baby reef sharks in the shallow waters of the mangroves.

After an opportunity to swim, take a short hike to a marine iguana nesting site. The walk back is through a prickly pear forest carpeted in crimson sesuvium with black lava outcroppings. Continue back to the hotel on foot or via speed boat.

This afternoon, kayak at Punta Estrada where you will paddle through towering lava channel walls to visit the home of the blue-footed boobies.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island & Isabela Island

  • Morning at leisure
  • Board a speedboat and set off for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island
  • Enjoy a short exploration of Puerto Villamil

Iguana Crossing Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Marine iguanas, Puerto Villamil

This morning, enjoy your bayside hotel at leisure. This afternoon, board a shared charter speedboat and set off for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The trip takes approximately two hours, and you may see some marine life such as whales, dolphins and manta rays among others. Upon arrival at Puerto Villamil, check in at your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy a short exploration of Puerto Villamil. This evening, meet with fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Isabela Island

  • Explore a small group of islands called Las Tintoreras
  • Take a walk through a lava field that is home to a colony of marine iguanas
  • Visit the Flamingo Lagoon

Iguana Crossing Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Flamingo

After breakfast at the lodge, board a small craft and head out to Las Tintoreras, a small group of islands located just off the coast of Puerto Villamil. Here, you’ll take an intriguing walk through a jagged lava field, passing abundant colonies of nesting marine iguanas and sea lions, to see a small canal of shallow waters, full of resting whitetip reef sharks. After the walk, you have the opportunity to snorkel in this warm, shallow bay surrounded by mangroves, for an opportunity to see whitetip reef sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and of course, the mystery of the mangrove below the surface.

This afternoon, visit the Flamingo Lagoon, an area where these unique birds come to rest and feed.

Day 6 Isabela Island & Santa Cruz Island

  • Set out to see Concha de Perla
  • Board a speedboat and return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Hotel Solymar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Mangrove, Concha de Perla

After breakfast at the lodge, set out to see Concha de Perla to observe the fascinating marine life that inhabits this natural pool of crystal-clear water.

This afternoon board a shared charter speedboat heading back to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and enjoy some free time. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on your last night in the Galapagos.

Day 7 Santa Cruz Island & Quito, depart Quito

  • Transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. Enjoy the comforts of the Layover Stay lounge before your international flight back to the USA that will depart late tonight.
  • Arrive in the USA early tomorrow morning
  • Or take advantage of your already included airfare and extend your stay in Quito!

Breakfast

Inter-Island Transportation

The Galapagos Islands are connected by shared charter speedboats that take travelers from one island to another. Most of the boats tend to be small, and the trip from island to island can be choppy. Be patient with this means of transport, as it is not possible to enjoy the incredible experiences found only on these islands without being able to get from place to place. Generally the trips can last 2 hours. While the inter-island trips can be bumpy at times due to rough seas, you'll travel in the relative comfort of our boats, which are among the best in the islands.

Important Travelers Notes

Due to the fragile ecosystem on the islands, there are very few roads accessible by motorized vehicles. Some venues within the islands may be accessed by foot only. When touring the islands, you may expect considerable amount of walking, often on uneven terrain. If you are prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend that you bring medication to counter the effects of motion sickness. We strongly recommend that you consult with your physician regarding any concerns.

The hotels on this tour are the finest properties available on the Galapagos, These are small, intimate and unique hotels, with all the necessary amenities, but accommodations are more basic than lavish, as the delicate island ecosystems cannot support large luxury hotels. Click the hotel names above for more details.

Quito Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to extend your stay in Quito! Passengers taking the post-tour extension will arrive in the U.S. 3 days later than the dates listed.

Day 7 Arrive Quito

  • Upon arrival in Quito this evening, transfer to your hotel for check-in

Swissotel Quito Breakfast

Day 8 Quito

  • City tour of Quito and Equatorial Monument

Swissotel Quito Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Mitad del Mundo

Today, enjoy a city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest of all South American cities, Quito offers a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, included the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at the Presidential Palace. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the largest colonial building constructed in Latin America. Visit the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas, noted for its gargoyles in the form of native Ecuadorian animals such as iguanas, armadillos and Galapagos tortoises. The next stop, La Compañía de Jesús, has an ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies.

After lunch, drive north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"), commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere.

For those interested in seeing a spectacular panoramic view over Quito and the snow-capped surrounding volcanoes of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, take a ride on the Teleférico. This gondola lift transitions to approximately 13,285 feet above sea level for a breathtaking experience. For those who opt out of the Teleférico ride, enjoy a visit to the Quito National Museum. NOTE: The Teleférico experience reaches high altitudes and may not be suitable for all passengers. Warm clothes are suggested.

Later this evening, join fellow travelers for an included dinner.

Day 9 Quito & Otavalo, depart Quito

  • Explore the Otavalo Market
  • Visit the Peguche Waterfall
  • Transfer back to the airport for your international flight home
  • Arrive in the USA early tomorrow morning

Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Otavalo Market

After breakfast, travel to Otavalo, the land of the “Otavaleños” Ecuadorian community where all families speak Quichua as their first language and Spanish as their second. See women garbed in colorful embroidered clothing, and men in broad-brimmed hats with blue ponchos.

Explore the Otavalo Market located around the Plaza de Ponchos, the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador. The Otavaleños travel to the town to sell a multicolored variety of handicrafts including sweaters, ponchos, hats, necklaces and other handmade products.

Following lunch, visit the Peguche Waterfall that offers great views of the falls from several hiking trails and bridges.

Later today, transfer back to Quito. Enjoy the comforts of the Layover Stay lounge before your international flight back to the USA that will depart late tonight.

Hotels

Wyndham Quito Airport

Wyndham Quito Airport
First Class

Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit the 4-star Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. With a prime location at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), the Wyndham Quito Airport is your top choice for an overnight stopover or day-room in transit. From the moment you step into the lobby, you will find impeccable services and amenities. Relax in your well-appointed room, indulge in the finest international dishes at the onsite restaurant or meet up with friends at the lobby bar for a signature cocktail.

More information

Hotel Solymar

First Class

Hotel Solymar is centrally located on Puerto Ayora's main street and within walking distance of a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The hotel features ocean access on Pelican Bay, and a beautiful patio for guests to enjoy the nature of the Galapagos.

More information

Iguana Crossing

Iguana Crossing
Tourist Class

The Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel sits on the waterfront of the most beautiful beach on Isabela Island. It is surrounded by the national park wetlands and overlooked by the six majestic volcanoes on the island. The friendly staff will make your stay as carefree as possible so you can relax and enjoy.

More information

Swissotel Quito

Swissotel Quito
Superior First Class

Swissotel Quito is one of the city’s top luxury hotels, located in the commercial and residential area of the Floresta neighborhood.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews

Check out independent, verified reviews from real travelers on Feefo.

Trip Details

More Common Questions

Similar Packages

Small Group Tour Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise
Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise
from $5499 w/ Flights 8 days
per person, double occupancy*
See package map dates
Small Group Tour Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure
Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure
from $3799 w/ Flights 8 days
per person, double occupancy*
See package map dates
Small Group Tour Peru, Galapagos Islands & Quito
Peru, Galapagos Islands & Quito
$5699 w/ Flights 16 days
per person, double occupancy*
See package map dates