Travel Notices

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$3799Tour + Flights from$3399Tour Only 8days
price per person, double occupancy,* during sale,** based on Jul 25, 2024 departure from MIA
Save up to $850 on this package!
$150 Discount (Jun 20, Jul 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 3, Oct 31, Nov 14, Dec 5 departures only) during our Spring into Savings Travel Sale. Expires Mar 19, 2024.**
$600 – $700 Instant Savings. Expires Mar 21, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures June 2024 – December 2025 Group Size 15 travelers max
Themes ActiveBucket ListNature & 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, reaches high altitude, and includes speed boat transfers between Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island, over open seas, that could be quite rough. To fully enjoy the trip requires a high level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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The Galapagos Islands are among Ecuador's jewels. More than 600 miles offshore in the Pacific, these islands are home to fascinating 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 taxes & 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

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • 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.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $600 – $700 off if you book by Mar. 21, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Mar 21, 2024
Mar 14 – Mar 21
$4599 Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 11, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Apr 18, 2024
Apr 11 – Apr 18
$4599 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 16, 2024
Finishes: Thu, May 23, 2024
May 16 – May 23
$4549 Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 30, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Jun 6, 2024
May 30 – Jun 6
$4499 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 25, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Aug 1, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 25 – Aug 1
$4549 –$600 -$150 $3799 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 22, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Aug 29, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 22 – Aug 29
$4699 –$600 -$150 $3949 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 19, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Sep 26, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 19 – Sep 26
$4599 –$600 -$150 $3849 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 3, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 10, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 3 – Oct 10
$4799 –$600 -$150 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 31, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 7, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 31 – Nov 7
$4799 –$600 -$150 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 14 – Nov 21
$4799 –$600 -$150 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 5, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 5 – Dec 12
$4899 –$600 -$150 $4149 Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 30, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 23 – Jan 30
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 27 – Mar 6
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 20 – Mar 27
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 3 – Apr 10
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 22, 2025
Finishes: Thu, May 29, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 22 – May 29
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 19 – Jun 26
$4799 –$600 $4199 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Aug 28, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 21 – Aug 28
$4799 –$600 $4199 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 18, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Sep 25, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 18 – Sep 25
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 16, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 16 – Oct 23
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 4, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 27 – Dec 4
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 25, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 18 – Dec 25
$4799 –$600 $4199 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Starts: Thu, Mar 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Mar 21, 2024
Mar 14 – Mar 21
$4199 Departed
Starts: Thu, Apr 11, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Apr 18, 2024
Apr 11 – Apr 18
$4199 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, May 16, 2024
Finishes: Thu, May 23, 2024
May 16 – May 23
$4149 Closed
Starts: Thu, May 30, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Jun 6, 2024
May 30 – Jun 6
$4199 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Jul 25, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Aug 1, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 25 – Aug 1
$4149 –$600 -$150 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Aug 22, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Aug 29, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 22 – Aug 29
$4299 –$600 -$150 $3549 Select
Starts: Thu, Sep 19, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Sep 26, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 19 – Sep 26
$4199 –$600 -$150 $3449 Select
Starts: Thu, Oct 3, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 10, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 3 – Oct 10
$4399 –$600 -$150 $3649 Select
Starts: Thu, Oct 31, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 7, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 31 – Nov 7
$4399 –$600 -$150 $3649 Select
Starts: Thu, Nov 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 14 – Nov 21
$4399 –$600 -$150 $3649 Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 5, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 5 – Dec 12
$4499 –$600 -$150 $3749 Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Starts: Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 30, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 23 – Jan 30
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Feb 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 27 – Mar 6
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Mar 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 20 – Mar 27
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 3 – Apr 10
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, May 22, 2025
Finishes: Thu, May 29, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 22 – May 29
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 19 – Jun 26
$4399 –$600 $3799 Select
Starts: Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Aug 28, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 21 – Aug 28
$4399 –$600 $3799 Select
Starts: Thu, Sep 18, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Sep 25, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 18 – Sep 25
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Oct 16, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 16 – Oct 23
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 4, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 27 – Dec 4
$4199 –$600 $3599 Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 25, 2025
Book by Thu, Mar 21, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 18 – Dec 25
$4399 –$600 $3799 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 (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Galapagos Islands Adventure
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
May 30, 2024;  Jun 20, 2024;  Jul 25, 2024;  Sep 19, 2024;  Oct 3, 2024;  Oct 31, 2024;  Nov 14, 2024 $849
Dec 18, 2025 $1129
All other dates $929
Taxes & Fees
Galapagos National Park Fee: Up to July 31 2024 $100 included
Galapagos National Park Fee: From Aug 1 2024 $200 included
INGALA Tourist Control Card of $20 included
Isabela Port Fee of $10 included
Quito Optional Extension1
Quito Optional Extension $749
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy $289

1. Requires a minimum of two 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) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? For this package, you may request flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

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). 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
  • Enjoy a welcome lunch with fellow travelers
  • Discover Los Gemelos lava chambers
  • Explore a 600-acre private giant tortoise reserve
  • Continue to Puerto Ayora for check-in and welcome drink

Hotel Solymar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Giant tortoises, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra, the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. Next, take a short ferry across Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, and then drive through the various microclimates on your way to the village of Puerto Ayora on the island's south side. Enjoy a welcome lunch with fellow travelers.

Today, 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 beautiful introduction to the incredible 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, such as 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 fantastic creatures. There will be a selection of field boots for your use if conditions are muddy.

Next, 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 centrally-located hotel.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Spend time exploring the vibrant island-town including boutique shops, local handicraft markets, trendy coffee shops and more—or, enjoy a short, scenic walk to the Charles Darwin Center.

Day 3 Tortuga Bay & Isabela Island

  • Set out on a tour of beautiful Tortuga Bay
  • See exotic native species on a walk through a cactus forest
  • After a chance to swim, Kayak in Tortuga Bay
  • Return to Puerto Ayora via boat
  • Enjoy lunch on own
  • Board a 2 hour speedboat to Isabela Island
  • Enjoy a short exploration of Puerto Villamil

Iguana Crossing Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Marine iguanas, Puerto Villamil
This morning, enjoy a walking 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 sting rays and baby reef sharks, in the shallow waters of the mangroves. After an opportunity to swim, enjoy kayaking in Tortuga Bay.
This afternoon, board a speedboat and transfer to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The speedboat transfer in open water takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival at Puerto Villamil, check in at your hotel. Afterward, enjoy a short exploration of Puerto Villamil. 
 
Note: Transfer between islands is by speedboat and will take approximately two hours, dependent on the weather. The ride can be quite rough. Consider bringing a poncho in case of splashing and sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.

Day 4 Isabela Island

  • Visit Concha de Perla
  • Swim and snorkel with tropical fish
  • Walk to Flamingos Lagoon

Iguana Crossing Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Mangrove, Concha de Perla

After breakfast at the lodge, set out to see Concha de Perla, which has shallow, calm water, a perfect way to observe the fascinating marine life that inhabits this natural pool of crystal-clear water.   Take a short bus transfer by bus to the entrance and walk over a wooden walkway to reach the bay. You will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with tropical fish, sea lions, penguins, turtles, and various species of birds.

This afternoon, visit the Flamingo Lagoon, accessible from your hotel by crossing a wooden path through wetlands.  Observe a variety of birds as well as marine iguanas. Once you reach the lagoon see the pink flamingos rest and feed. The flamingos are another characteristic of Galapagos birds are characterized by their long legs and unique walk. This evening, meet with fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 5 Isabela Island & Santa Cruz 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
  • Board a 2 hour speedboat and return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island

Hotel Solymar Breakfast & dinner

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. 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 a chance to see whitetip reef sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and of course, the mystery of the mangrove below the surface. Return to the hotel.

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. Later enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.

Note: Transfer between islands is by speedboat and will take approximately two hours, dependent on the weather. The ride can be quite rough. Consider bringing a poncho in case of splashing and sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island

  • Enjoy an unforgettable shared boat tour off Santa Cruz Island
  • Snorkel near the small islet of La LoberĂ­a
  • Observe wildlife up close at Dog Beach and Tintoreras
  • Snorkeling and Swimming at Las Grietas
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Hotel Solymar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Lava lizard

After breakfast, set out for an exciting boat tour. Visit La Lobería, a tiny islet named for the large sea lion colony that calls it home. Here you'll enjoy snorkeling among colorful fish.

Then head to Love Channel--a hidden gem accessible only by boat! Enjoy crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, all surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. Explore Dog Beach, aptly named for its playful and friendly sea lion residents who love to swim alongside visitors. Discover a variety of wildlife at Tintoreras as your guide leads you through the rocky landscape--including penguins, blue-footed boobies, and the namesake white-tipped reef sharks.

Lastly, stop for snorkeling and swimming at one of the most enchanting places on the island--Las Grietas! This unique formation is located between two cliffs where crystal clear water creates a natural swimming pool with an incredible view. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings while dipping in refreshing waters.

Return to Puerto Ayora and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a farewell dinner on your last night in the Galapagos this evening.

Day 7 Santa Cruz Island & Quito

  • Transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito.
  • Transfer to your hotel.

Wyndham Quito Airport Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. Transfer to your hotel. 

Day 8 Depart Quito/Arrive USA

  • Transfer to the airport in the morning for your return flight to the USA.
  • Or, take advantage of your already included airfare and extend your stay in Quito!

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport in the morning for your return flight to the USA.

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 is in open water and 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, speedboat trips can last 2 hours. 

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 among 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. 

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. 2 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
  • Visit the Equatorial Monument, the "Middle of the World"
  • Ride on the gondola up to approximately 13,285 feet for a breathtaking experience

Swissotel Quito Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Mitad del Mundo

Today, enjoy a city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest South American cities, Quito offers a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at the Presidential Palace. Next, continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the most significant 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.

Those who opt out of the Teleférico can enjoy a visit to the Quito National Museum.

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

Note: The Teleférico experience reaches high altitudes and may not be suitable for all passengers. Warm clothes are suggested.

Day 9 Quito & Otavalo

  • Visit the Peguche Waterfall
  • Explore the Otavalo Market

Wyndham Quito Airport Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Otavalo Market

After breakfast, visit the Peguche Waterfall, which offers excellent views of the falls from several hiking trails and bridges.

Following lunch, 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 in colorful embroidered clothing and men in broad-brimmed hats with blue ponchos.

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

Later today, transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 Depart Quito/Arrive USA

  • Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home

Breakfast

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
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.

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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.

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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.

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

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On Sale Small Group Tour Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure
from $4549 w/ Flights from $4149 Tour Only 9 days
per person, double occupancy,* during sale**
On Sale Small Group Tour Peru, Galapagos Islands & Quito
from $6799 w/ Flights 17 days
per person, double occupancy,* during sale**
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

** Sale discounts valid for a limited time on for new bookings only. Not valid for Biblical Journeys tours or private, custom, or group travel. Advertised sale discounts generally also include any applicable "Instant Savings" discounts. Bookings made with sale discounts are eligible for travel agent commissions but may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or credits, except our "Instant Savings" discounts.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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