7-DAY GALAPAGOS ESSENTIALS
TOUR IN
$2278.86
per person
Availability: 12 places
Experience the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of a land-based expedition! The islands offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such close and intimate contact with wildlife. The Galapagos form a natural sanctuary that preserves species, allowing them to evolve their unique features over countless millennia. This vacation also provides flexible time to spend on your own and explore the sandy beaches, trails in the Galapagos forest, and wildlife. The tour also offers many benefits for local communities and is socially and environmentally responsible. Be part of an educational and inspirational journey of a lifetime in one of the most fiercely protected marine wildernesses in the world!
Day 1
QUITO ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city in America – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Considered the Cultural Capital of South America, it’s located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the old town of Quito and surrounding areas. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel lobby at 18:00 for a welcome briefing. We’ll go over all the adventure details and answer your questions. This day is for acclimatization and information.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2
ARRIVE IN GALAPAGOS
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz, a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca Channel by ferry. From here, we will continue by car to our first stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The highlands are home to the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. You will visit a private ranch where lunch will be served before heading out for a walk in search of these gentle giants. During the visit, you’ll also explore lava tubes—natural formations created by flowing lava beneath hardened surfaces. After this tour, you’ll continue by private vehicle to your hotel. In the evening, meet your local guide who will go over the itinerary for the next day. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure as you settle into this incredible island environment.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: La Isla or similar.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3
BAY TOUR EXCURSION
Today after breakfast you will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with all kinds of exotic fish and marine life, as well as the famous sea lions; they are very curious animals and like to swim next to you underwater. Here you can also see the sought after blue-footed boobies. Afterward, climb to a nearby viewpoint, and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk along the Playa de los Perros, where many sea iguanas are found basking in the sun. The enormous cacti, the deep, red color of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean make for great photo opportunities.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: La Isla or similar.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4
CHARLES DARWIN STATION
In the morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, you will travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 5
ISLA LOBOS EXCURSION
Today after breakfast you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, observe many marine animals before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta, sea lions, and sometimes sharks that all inhabit the island and its surrounding waters. The white coral beaches of San Cristóbal are great to walk around, relax and swim in before you return back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6
FLIGHT BACK TO QUITO
Enjoy some more free time this morning before transferring to the airport of San Cristóbal. From here, you will take a flight back to Ecuador’s mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for one more evening at leisure before saying goodbye.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 7
DEPARTURE
Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!
Meals included: Breakfast.
