Quito: Sitting high on the Andean foothills, Ecuador’s capital city is renowned for its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that demonstrates a blend of various architectural influences.
Galapagos Islands: An archipelago of volcanic islands situated some 600 miles from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos is a destination for nature lovers and explorers at heart.
Santa Cruz Island: A prominent destination within the Galapagos National Park, this island encompasses sandy beaches, the tourism hub Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Tortuga Bay: Home to a wide range of endemic species, including sea turtles and marine iguanas, the stunning beaches of Tortuga Bay are a tranquil walk from the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
This package takes you on a Galapagos Islands trip that showcases the flora and fauna of the historic archipelago by way of adventurous excursions. You’ll spend a full day exploring the UNESCO-recognized historic center of Quito before embarking on a journey to the Ecuadorian islands. Discover lava tunnels and giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, spend a day navigating the seas upon a yacht, kayaking through mangroves near Tortuga Bay and many more Galapagos tours and experiences.
Welcome to Quito! A private car will pick you up from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation at selected hotel
Meals: None.
After breakfast, kick off your full day in Ecuador’s capital city with a tour through its historic center. Take your photo in front of El Panecillo, a hilltop statue of the Virgin of Quito that offers panoramic views of the city. In the old town, you’ll come across the Basilica of the National Row, a towering Roman Catholic Church that is the largest neo-Gothic Basilica in the Americas.
Colorful guards stand in front of the government place in Independence Square, which you’ll visit before walking to the nearby La Compañia de Jesus Church. Its intricately carved stone facade is worth slowing down for and admiring, but save time to see the gold-leafed interiors! This tour will finish in the charming cobbled square of San Francisco Plaza.
Accommodation at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast.
Your Galapagos adventure begins this morning with a private transfer to the Quito airport to catch your flight to the archipelago. You will land on Baltra Island, from where a guide will be waiting to help you transfer to the Itabaca Channel for a 5-minute trip on a local barge to Santa Cruz Island.
A private car will take you to the highlands for a fantastic introductory experience of the Galapagos Islands. Visit lava tunnels, spot lush vegetation endemic to the humid highlands and, perhaps most exciting of all, witness the Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. The experience will end with lunch at a local highland restaurant.
Accommodation at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
In the morning, board a yacht for a shared tour to a nearby island, such as Bartolome, North Seymour, Plazas, or Santa Fe (subject to availability). Each of the tours includes a walk on the chosen island to enjoy the geological features and wildlife, along with a snorkeling activity to marvel at the marine life. You will be able to enjoy lunch aboard the yacht for a scenic meal.
Accommodation at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Stretch your legs today with a 1.5-mile morning walk along a trail to Tortuga Bay. The trail will lead us to the fine, white sands of Playa Brava, an ideal spot for surfing but not swimming. Continuing forth, we reach a peninsula where we can discover a nesting area of marine iguana. From there, a short trail leads to the tranquil waters of Playa Mansa where you can swim, kayak, snorkel or explore mangrove ecosystems. A speed boat will take you back to Puerto Ayora for lunch.
In the afternoon, you can choose between a kayak and snorkel excursion in Academy Bay or a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The private kayak session will lead you on a journey from one bay to another and will offer the chance to spot stingrays, turtles, blue-footed boobies, and other endemic fauna. There will also be an opportunity to snorkel near sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
On the other hand, the research center is a brief 15-minute walk away and demonstrates the different species of giant tortoises and land iguanas that inhabit some of the islands.
Accommodation at selected hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
A private car will transfer you to the Baltra Airport to catch a flight to Quito followed by your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast.
We are a highly specialized team with vast experience working in the travel industry. We value our customers by providing personalized service and unforgettable adventures.
