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10 Day Galapagos Adventure

South America > Ecuador

Experience the famed volcanic Galapagos Islands with this action packed adventure! 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 the wildlife. The tour also provides many benefits to 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 wilderness’ in the world!

Pricing starts at:

$6,900
Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$7,700

per person
Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$6,900

per person
Request Quote

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!

Sample Itinerary. All of our journeys are individually custom tailored.

1

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO

Your first day begins in Quito, the biggest and best preserved colonial city of America. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito is imbued with rich history and culture – home to an ancient Inca Empire just waiting to be explored. Depending on your arrival, you will spend the day exploring the history of this cultural capital. In the evening, our trip leader will greet you at the hotel for a tour briefing. Today offers a great opportunity to soak in information, while allowing your body to acclimatize.

Overnight Casa Gangotena (Breakfast)

2

Day 2: TRAVEL DAY TO GALAPAGOS

From Quito, you will board a flight to San Cristobal Island, once here, travel to Puerto Moreno. We’ll discover the spectacular Pacific coast archipelago with its gleaming waters and brilliant topography, which coincidentally is also one of the locations that laid the foundation for Charles Darwin's origin of species theory. In the afternoon, we head to “La Loberia,” home and nursery for large Galapagos sea lions, here we can enjoy the sea lions lively personalities while they launch over rock, swim and play. Yellow warbler birds, frigate and several other birdlife species of Darwin finches line the beach. In-between the rocks you will spot marine iguanas, only seen in Galapagos. Swim, explore the waters with snorkel equipment or simply enjoy the beach.

Overnight Golden Bay Hotel (Breakfast)

3

Day 3: SNORKEL AT KICKER ROCK AND  ISLA DE LOS LOBOS (SEA LIONS ISLAND)

The morning begins with a speedboat ride from San Cristobal Island to Kicker Rock, known as the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido). Here we will enjoy many tropicbirds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky and beneath the crystal waters of the sea is a colorful display of a variety of fish, and diverse species of sharks. After lunch, you will visit Sea Lions Island (Isla de los Lobos), where playful sea lions welcome us with to their home with curiosity. The island offers great snorkeling and the opportunity to spot the blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Overnight Golden Bay Hotel (Breakfast & Lunch)

4

Day 4: EXPLORING ISABELA ISLAND ON TWO WHEELS

In the morning, you take a short flight to Isabela, the biggest island within the archipelago and the area where lively volcanic activity takes place. The island is fringed with six volcanoes, five of which are still active, making it one of the most volcanically active regions on earth. When crossing islands, be prepared for the enthralling display of whales and dolphins around you (July to October). The afternoon brings an exciting mountain biking adventure as we explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail. The path crosses through an incredible ecosystem with an abundance of wildlife. On our ride we will also visit the “Wall of Tears,” a massive wall built with lava rocks by prisoners in the 50’s. After dinner you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.

Overnight Iguana Crossing Hotel (Breakfast)

5

Day 5: HIKE TO SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO AND KAYAK IN TINTORERAS

The day begins with a drive from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead. Where we will prepare our backpacks for a hike to a fledgling forestry ecosystem, built on modern geological history. We will reach the rim of the still-active Sierra Negra Crater volcano. On arrival, immerse in panoramic vistas and discover different nuances of the lava-filled crater, extending over six miles across at its widest points. If you're up to continue hiking, we continue to the mesmerizing Volcan Chico for the opportunity to indulge deeper in puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. Discover the geological marvels as you hike through events that have sculpted the spellbinding beauty of Galapagos Islands over centuries. In the afternoon we will visit the Tintoreras Islet, a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to impressive wildlife. The gorgeous turquoise waters are made even more exquisite thanks to the presence of Galapagos Penguins, reef sharks, sea lions and turtles. You can also visit a mangrove-fringed beach where marine iguanas successfully reproduce.

Overnight Iguana Crossing Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

6

Day 6: LAVA TUNNELS EXPLORATION

We discover the remarkable lava formations shaped by the last Volcanic Island eruptions along the seashore. This mystical brilliance is a labyrinth of lava arches set amongst crystal-clear water filled with sea lions, eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles and much more. You'll have the opportunity to snorkel with these gorgeous creatures, while you relish the excitement of the curious Galapagos penguins playing around you. Some optional activities like snorkeling at Concha de Perla, surf lessons and biking are also available. Alternatively, you can unwind on one of the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. The giant tortoise breeding center is worth visiting thanks to the unique splendor it offers.

Overnight Iguana Crossing Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

7

Day 7: SANTA CRUZ, CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION

The morning begins with a speedboat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. Don't forget your photo-ready cameras to capture the jumping whales and dolphins around you (July to October). On arrival, you will check in at the hotel, with time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to explore more of the endemic species you met on your adventure. In the afternoon a visit to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands, is home of the famous Galapagos tortoise. Your hike is brought to life with the enchanting scenery and paradise-like topography as you indulge in nature at its best. You'll also see other wildlife like egrets, flycatchers and pintail ducks along the way. Savor the opportunity to observe frigate birds gathering to wash salt off their feathers at the fresh water lake. Spend the evening back in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos' most populous and lively town.

Overnight Hotel Finch Bay (Breakfast)

8

Day 8: FREE DAY IN SANTA CRUZ

Experience the Galapagos at your pace. Enjoy a self-guided exploration 3.5 mile walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a pristine white sandy beach and nesting site to thousands of marine turtles. This beautiful place invites swimming or snorkeling. Alternatively, for an additionally cost, you can join numerous activities, such as a trip to Floreana or Bartolome Island or a scuba-diving day trip to name a few.

Overnight Hotel Finch Bay (Breakfast)

9

Day 9: TRAVEL DAY BACK TO QUITO

After your last breakfast on the Galapagos Island, you'll be transferred to the Baltra airport to catch your flight back to the mainland.

Overnight Casa Gangotena (Breakfast)

10

Day 10: DEPART

After breakfast you are transferred to Quito Airport for departures.

(Breakfast)

Accommodations

CASA GANGOTENA
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CASA GANGOTENA

GOLDEN BAY HOTEL
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GOLDEN BAY HOTEL

IGUANA CROSSING HOTEL
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IGUANA CROSSING HOTEL

HOTEL FINCH BAY
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HOTEL FINCH BAY

CASA GANGOTENA

occupies a pivotal spot in Quito’s historic heart: the southwest corner of San Francisco Plaza, the history of which dates all the way back to the time of the Incas.

You will feel entirely at ease, whether you’re reading about the city’s history in the eclectic, palm-filled patio, unwinding in the cozy bar area, or watching the sun set over Quito’s iconic skyline from the panoramic terrace. Be sure to head up to the third-floor terrace and enjoy unrivaled views of the majestic mountains and volcanoes, all as you reflect on the profound and historical significance of the San Francisco Plaza along with its surrounding churches and neighborhoods!

GOLDEN BAY

The brand new Golden Galapagos with 21 rooms was conceived and designed to offer its guests an unparalleled level of comfort and world-class service in the wonderful and unique Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. The Hotel merges its luxury status with the environmental demands of the Archipelago of “the Enchanted Islands”.

IGUANA CROSSING

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is a beachfront hotel in Galápagos Islands surrounded by endemic vegetation giving to guests a privileged accommodation for a memorable and relaxed stay. Decorated with genuine and exclusive materials of the Island, it approaches a harmonic atmosphere between nature and modernity. Named after the “iguana crossing” path, is the best place for the Galapagos tour and travel experience.

HOTEL FINCH BAY

The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, a proud member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the WorldTM, is your Galapagos exploration headquarters, a beachfront base from which to discover the wildlife of the islands and create your own adventures on land and on sea. The perfect complement to a Galapagos cruise, or a destination on its own, a stay at the Finch Bay allows guests to feel the islands’ essence.

  • Round-trip airfare Quito to San Cristobal Island
  • Airport transfers
  • Land & sea transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Meals, as mentioned in itinerary
  • Snorkel gear
  • Expert guides
  • International airfare
  • INGALA transit card
  • Galapagos NP fee
  • Pier use fee at Puerto Villamil
  • Snorkeling gear for optional activities
  • Wetsuit
  • Tips

Pricing starts at:

$6,900
Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$7,700

per person
Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$6,900

per person
Request Quote

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!