7-8 day Group Hotel-based Island-Hopping Galapagos Tours
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7 Day Magic
DAY 1 QUITO ARRIVAL DAY Meet your trip leader and group at 18:00 pm. Welcome to Quito! The largest, best preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time, we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day. Accommodation: Swissotel Quito Meals: none DAY 2 ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS – GIANT TURTLES IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT 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. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out for a walk-in search of the giant tortoises. During this visit, you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies. After this tour, you will continue by private vehicle to your hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with your local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to relax and introduce yourself to this beautiful Island. Accommodation: Casa de Judy or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 3 BAY TOUR EXPLORATION – CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION 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 approach to swim next to you underwater. Here you can also see the sought-after blue-footed boobies. Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint, and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. We will then 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. Accommodation: Casa de Judy or similar Meals: Breakfast. DAY 4 SPEED BOAT TO ISABELA ISLAND – BREEDING CENTER + FLAMINGO LAGOON – TINTORERAS ISLET In the morning we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Upon arrival we will visit the giant tortoise breeding center located and the flamingo lagoon to admire this incredible species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or Isamar Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast. DAY 5 HIKE IN SIERRA NEGRA After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon you will have time to enjoy the crystalline water of Concha Perla and practice some snorkeling to observe marine wildlife. Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or Isamar Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 6 FLIGHT BACK TO MAINLAND After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Accommodation: High End: Swissotel Quito Meals: Breakfast. DAY 7 QUITO 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. Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast. 2024 price per person, double occupancy: $3020 Single supplement (if you want your own room) : $845 Departures: Sundays, with a minimum of 2 people Included:
Not included:
7 Day Best of
Galapagos Adventure DAY 1 QUITO ARRIVAL DAY Meet your trip leader and group at 18:00 pm. Welcome to Quito! The largest, best preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time, we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day. Accommodation: Swissotel Quito Meals: none Day 2: Galapagos - Isabela Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. The Galapagos Islands is located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there. Flying time: 3 hours (including the stop at Guayaquil city on the way to Baltra airport) Speed boat time from Santa Cruz to Isabela: 2 hours (If you normally get seasick is very important to take medication before getting on the boat) Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar. Meals : Breakfast Day 3: Snorkel at Lava Tunnels Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel. Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Day 4: Hike Sierra Negra - Kayak and Snorkel in Tintoreras After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet by kayak, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. Hiking time: 4 hours both ways Hiking distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) (10 miles -16 km- optional to Volcan Chico) Hiking elevation gain: 950 feet (289.5 meters) Maximum elevation while hiking: 3687 feet (1124 meters) Kayaking time: 2 hours Snorkeling time: 1 hour Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Day 5: Charles Darwin Station In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then 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, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town. Accommodation: Silberstein Hotel or similar. Meals : Breakfast DAY 6 FLIGHT BACK TO MAINLAND After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Accommodation: High End: Swissotel Quito Meals: Breakfast. DAY 7 QUITO 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. Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast. 2024 price per person, double occupancy: $2766 Single supplement (if you want your own room) : $862 Departures: Sundays, with a minimum of 2 people Included:
NOT INCLUDED
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All 4 tours on this page are Safe Travels Certified.
8 Day Galapagos Discovery
Days 1-5 - same as on 7 day Magic tour DAY 6 SNORKEL AT LAVA TUNNELS Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel. Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 7: FLIGHT BACK TO MAINLAND After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Accommodation: Swissotel Quito Meals: Breakfast. Day 8: QUITO 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. Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast. 2024 price per person, double occupancy: $3319 Single supplement (if you want your own room) : $892 Departures: Sundays, with a minimum of 2 people Included:
NOT INCLUDED
7 Day Galapagos Essentials
DAY 1: QUITO ARRIVAL DAY Transfer in, then Meet your trip leader and group at 18:00pm. Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day. Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito 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. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out for a walk in search of the giant tortoises. During this visit, you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies. After this tour, you will continue by private vehicle to your hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with your local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to relax and introduce yourself to this beautiful Island. Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta 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 approach to swim next to you underwater. Here you can also see the sought after blue-footed boobies. Afterwards, 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. Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch. DAY 4: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH 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. 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 it’s surrounding waters. The white coral beaches of San Cristóbal are great to walk around, relax and swim at before you return back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. 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.Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito 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. Meals included: Breakfast. Special women only departure starting on Sept. 21 from US$1896 per person, double occupancy, not including flights. 2024 price per person, double occupancy: $2298 Single supplement (if you want your own room) : $699 Departures: Saturdays, with a minimum of 2 people What's Included?
What is not included?
NOTE FOR ALL 4 ITINERARIES
• If Galapagos flights are not issued by operator, a penalty of USD $75.00 Per person applies. • Confirmed departures from 2 passengers. • Maximum group departures of 15 passengers in Galapagos. • Program rates based on shared groups. If private departures are required, please add the private supplement of $400 per person CANCELLATIONS OR ALTERATIONS for regular tours PAYMENTS POLICIES: - The invoice will be sent upon booking confirmation by email, 30% deposit will be requested to confirm the booking. - 70% balance will be requested within 30 days before departure. CANCELATION POLICIES: - Within 70 - 55 days prior to travel 35% cancellation fees. - Within 54 - 40 days prior to travel 50% cancellation fees. - Within 39 - 1 days prior to travel 100% cancellation fees. - No shows 100% cancellation fees. ALTERATIONS: - Any change of itinerary or service before and during the trip will depend on availability and subject to 100% cancellation penalties of existing services. - Leaving the trip at any day/time after arrival will apply 100% cancellation. |
