Best of the Galapagos
Best of the Galapagos
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Best of the Galapagos" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of Ecuador. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before flying to the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Discover the volcanic wonders of Isabela Island, snorkel with sea turtles and playful sea lions, and kayak through the stunning Tintoreras. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island and encounter the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Enjoy luxurious accommodations in Quito and comfortable stays on the islands, with all transport and transfers included. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Quito. Evening Welcome Briefing
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Quito hotel
Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. Today is a day for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito! ...more ...less
Day 2 : Fly To Baltra Island And Take A Boat To Volcanic Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we embark on an adventure to the remarkable Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Our journey begins with a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon arrival, we'll transfer to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos, and then hop on a short boat ride to Isabela Island, the archipelago's largest and most volcanically active island. Isabela Island owes its existence to six shield volcanoes, five of which remain active, making it one of the most volcanically dynamic places on Earth. Keep in mind that reaching these remote islands, located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, requires a combination of air, land, and sea travel.
Day 3 : Lava Tube Snorkelling And Kayaking With Penguins, Sea Lions And Turtles
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Prepare to be amazed as we venture along the seashore to witness the awe-inspiring lava formations sculpted by Isabela Island's volcanic eruptions. This captivating landscape, featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a mesmerizing labyrinth of lava tunnels filled with crystal-clear water teeming with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.
Here, you'll encounter "Los Tuneles," a natural highway where turtles journey from the mangroves to the open ocean. Snorkel through this underwater wonderland for an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures, including playful Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, we'll return to Puerto Villamil for a kayaking excursion in Tintoreras, where you can observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
Don't miss this extraordinary snorkeling experience with Isabela's diverse marine life. Before or after your adventure, feel free to explore the island at your own pace. Rent a bike, unwind on the exotic white-sand beaches, or visit the nearby giant tortoise breeding center.
Day 4 : Hike Sierra Negra, Kayak In Tintoreras And Snorkel At Concha Y Perla
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Following breakfast, we'll set off for the Sierra Negra Volcano. Our journey takes us to Isabela's highlands, the usual starting point for the hike. This colossal volcano, towering approximately 1,500 meters high with an outer diameter of about nine kilometers, is the world's second largest lava dome.
Later, we'll savour a delightful lunch at a charming highland restaurant; an organic farm where the owners craft delectable dishes using locally grown produce. Indulge in a flavourful meal prepared on a lava rock grill, then take a leisurely stroll through the fruit trails or simply unwind in a hammock beneath a majestic mango tree, breathing in the fresh air.
In the afternoon, we'll return to the pier where we'll gear up for a kayaking adventure in the bay, where we'll encounter a wealth of local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and even the occasional juvenile "Tintoreras" shark.
To conclude this exhilarating day, we'll make a brief stop at Concha & Perla, a picturesque beach in Puerto Villamil perfect for snorkeling. A short, scenic walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk leads to this turquoise haven, teeming with marine life. Here, amidst fellow tourists, you'll encounter colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and perhaps even marine iguanas!
Day 5 : Head To Santa Cruz Island And Visit The Charles Darwin Research Station
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Santa Cruz Island hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we embark on a scenic journey from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where we'll check into our hotel and then delve into the fascinating world of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species we've encountered in their natural habitats, as well as the ongoing conservation efforts vital to preserving the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem.
In the afternoon, we'll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz, our destination being the 'Primicias' reserve, renowned for its iconic Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through this picturesque landscape alongside these gentle giants is an experience you won't soon forget. Be sure to keep an eye out for other highland wildlife, including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, who congregate at a freshwater lake to cleanse their feathers of salt.
Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
Day 6 : Free Time Before Flying Back To Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Quito hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we return to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.
Day 7 : Tour Ends In Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!
Whilst an airport transfer is not included today, this can be arranged on a request basis.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5-star hotels in Quito and 3-star hotels on the Galapagos Islands are included.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers as per the itinerary are included.
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Domestic Flights
Roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands are included, which may make a stop in Guayaquil.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights on days 2 and 6 are included.
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Local Guide
Services of a Naturalist Local Guide whilst in the Galapagos are included.
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Snorkelling Gear
Snorkelling gear including masks, fins, and life vests are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Quito Airport Transfers
Quito airport transfers on days 1 and 7 are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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INGALA Transit Card
The INGALA transit card costs USD 20 per person and is not included.
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Galapagos National Park Fee
The Galapagos National Park fee is USD 200 per person and is not included.
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Wetsuit Hire
Wetsuit hire costs USD 20 per person and is not included.
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Pier-Use Fee
The USD 10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
All transport and transfers are included as per the itinerary, with roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands, and airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights.
Accommodation
Enjoy luxurious 5-star hotels in Quito and comfortable 3-star accommodations on the Galapagos Islands, providing a perfect blend of comfort and convenience throughout your adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in luxurious 5-star hotels in Quito and comfortable 3-star accommodations on the Galapagos Islands.
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Are domestic flights included in the tour package?
Yes, roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands are included in the tour package.
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Is snorkeling gear provided during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and life vests are provided as part of the tour.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a Naturalist Local Guide are included while in the Galapagos.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights on days 2 and 6 are included, but transfers on days 1 and 7 are not included.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Meals as indicated in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include international flights, Quito airport transfers on days 1 and 7, visa fees, the INGALA transit card, the Galapagos National Park fee, wetsuit hire, the pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil, travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses, and tipping.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Best of the Galapagos
7 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
661
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
8-95