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Join 10xTravel Readers and Staff as we explore the land and sea that inspired some of Darwin's greatest theories of evolution and the animals that paved the way! This 9-day adventure across the islands of the Galapagos will have you face-to-face with blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, finches, and sharks; all found only in the Galapagos!
9 days
8 - 14 spots
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (single rooms available)
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners included
Fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). TrovaTrip provide 3 transfers between 8am and 5pm.
Fly out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). TrovaTrip provide two transfers on the final morning.
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Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 meters, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. On arrival to Quito´s airport you will be taken from the airport to your hotel.
TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer at 1:10 P.M. from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to your hotel in Quito.
6:00 P.M.: Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00 P.M. for a welcome meeting with your host and guide.
7:00 P.M.: Included welcome dinner at Vista Hermosa.
Overnight in Quito
For your first full day in Ecuador, get to know the city on foot with a walking tour of Old Town Quito. Admire the Basilica and if you are up for it, climb inside its towers. Continue on to the Main Square and Archbishop's Palace and more!
Included breakfast at hotel
8:00 A.M.: Stretch your legs on a walking tour of Old Town. Duration: ~3 hours.
10:00 A.M.: After working up an appetite, you’re off to a cooking class where a local chef will help you hand pick out ingredients before whipping up some local recipes. The best part? You get to enjoy your Ecuadorian food creations for lunch! Duration: ~2.5 hours.
Included lunch during cooking class
Transfer from Old Town to Inti Ñan Museum (~1 hour).
2:30 P.M.: After lunch, head to the Inti Ñan Museum where you’ll learn about Ecuadorian culture and how the world is a little different on the equator. You can be part of different experiments that will prove that you are indeed at the Center of the Earth! Duration: ~1 hour.
3:30 P.M.: Visit the center of the earth! Duration: ~2 hours.
Transfer back to your hotel (~1 hour).
Overnight in Quito
Time to head to the islands! You’ll catch an early morning flight to the Galapagos, with a short layover in Guayaquil. Once you reach the Galapagos, head to the Galapagos National park where you'll see a giant tortoises. After that, you'll visit a local sugar cane farm. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Finish up a great day with a group dinner.
Included box breakfast to take on the road (provided by the hotel).
8:00 A.M.: Check out of hotel and meet in the lobby at 8:00 A.M. for departure to the airport. Duration: ~45 minutes.
Flight from Quito to Santa Cruz. Duration: ~3 hours.
Transfer from the airport to a local sugar cane farm (~1 hour).
1:30 P.M.: Upon arrival, the farmers will demonstrate how sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol with the traditional "Trapiche". Duration: ~1 hour.
2:30 P.M.: Transfer to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.: Relax at the hotel or explore the local area.
7:00 P.M. Included dinner allowance at local market.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
Ahoy! Today you’ll embark on the high seas for a yacht day tour of one of the nearby islands. The exact stops you’ll make depends on weather and water conditions, but you’re bound to have an incredible day no matter where you stop. You’ll get to explore the area by land on a light trek and by sea while snorkeling. Potential destinations include: Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plazas, or Santa Fe!
Included breakfast at hotel
8:00 A.M.: Meet at the hotel lobby at 8:00 A.M. for departure to a full day Seymour & Bachas excursion (includes snorkeling and hiking).
Take a guided hike, then go on a private yacht for some snorkeling as well! Duration: ~6 hours.
1:00 P.M.: Included lunch on board the private yacht.
4:00 P.M.: Return back to your hotel in Puerto Ayora (~1 hour)
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
On to the next island you go! After an early departure to Isabela by boat, you’ll arrive in Puerto Villamil.
Included breakfast at hotel
8:00 A.M.: Check out of hotel and meet in lobby at 8:00 A.M. for departure to Isabela Island. Then take a public speed boat ride from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island (~2.5 hours). Upon arrival to Isabela Island, transfer to your hotel (~15 minutes). Check in to the Wooden House.
2:00 P.M.: Once you drop your bags at the hotel, it's time for the Tintoreras Tour. First you’ll go on a Panga Ride where you’ll cruise the bay by boat looking for all types of wild life in the sea. Next, you’ll head out on a 45 minute hike around the islet, passing close to a huge Marine Iguana colony. Lastly, close out this action packed day with snorkeling. The marine life includes turtles, sea lions, rays, sharks and more.. Duration: ~3 hours.
5:00 P.M.: Transfer back to your hotel in Isabela.
Overnight in Isabela
Today is all about volcanoes! You will enjoy a guided hike up to the summit of Sierra Negra volcano for wonderful views into one of the largest calderas in the world. Hike along further for views of Volcan Chico where you will feel like you are literally walking on the moon.
Included breakfast at hotel
8:00 A.M.: Meet in lobby at 8:00 A.M. for departure to the Sierra Negra Volcano. Duration: ~45 minutes.
9:00 A.M.: Hike Duration: 5-6 hours / Hike Distance: ~9.5 miles / Hike Difficulty: Moderate
12:00 P.M.: Included box lunch on trail.
4:00 P.M.: Transfer back to the hotel. Duration: ~45 minutes.
Overnight in Isabela
Today you'll learn more about the wetlands and tortoise's prior to hopping on a speed boat to head back to Santa Cruz.
Included breakfast at hotel
9:00 A.M.: Check out of the hotel and meet in lobby at 9:00 A.M. for departure to Wetlands and Tortoise Breeding Center. Duration: ~20 minutes.
Start off the morning by visiting the wetlands, then walk to the tortoise breeding center to learn more about these gentle giants and what the Galapagos National Park is doing to help breed and release them into their natural environments.
2:00 P.M.: Take a public speed boat from Isabela Island to Puerto Ayora. Duration: ~2 hours. Arrive in Santa Cruz. 4:00 P.M.: Check in to Isla Azul Hotel.
Overnight in Santa Cruz
It’s time to say adios to the Galapagos and make your way back to the mainland! You’ll fly back to Quito and then check into your hotel. Take the afternoon to do last minute exploring, shopping, etc!
Included breakfast at hotel
8:30 A.M: Optional visit to Tortuga bay.
12:00 P.M: Transfer to airport. Duration: ~1 hour.
3:00 P.M.: Flight back to Quito. Duration: ~3 hours.
7:30 P.M.: Arrive in Quito and transfer directly to your farewell dinner venue. Duration: ~45 minutes.
9:00 P.M.: Included farewell dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Quito
Until next time!
Included breakfast at hotel
TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers at 2:00 A.M. and 11:15 A.M. from the hotel to the airport (~45 minutes).
25% down payment | Additional payments | |
---|---|---|
Spot pending | Refundable | Refundable |
Spot confirmed | Non-refundable* | Refundable |
60 days pre-trip | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.
For our full cancellation policy, see our Terms & Conditions.
In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of your booking will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe. Learn more at cooleffect.org.