Best of the Galapagos
Best of the Galapagos
Best of the Galapagos
7 Days Starting and ending in -0.176714,-78.481012
Visiting: Ecuador
Tour operator:
Tour code:
661
Recommended For:
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
8-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador, starting with a day of acclimatization and exploration in the charming city of Quito. From there, fly to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, where you'll witness the unique biodiversity that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Discover the volcanic wonders of Isabela Island, snorkeling through lava tunnels teeming with marine life and kayaking alongside penguins and sea lions. Hike to the second-largest lava dome in the world, Sierra Negra Volcano, and savor a farm-to-table lunch amidst breathtaking scenery.
Continue your adventure on Santa Cruz Island, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the "Primicias" reserve, where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the local culture of Puerto Ayora before returning to Quito, where your journey began.
Departing with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Ecuador's natural wonders, you'll be left yearning to return and explore more of this captivating country.
In the Galapagos we offer a selection of tours of varying lengths and activity levels:
7 Day - Galapagos Essentials - Our lead-in product, ideal for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Galapagos without being too active. This tour visits the Islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobel.
7 Day - Best of the Galapagos - For those looking for an activity based trip to the Galapagos, our Best of the Galapagos tour has a more active itinerary, including a hike on the Sierra Negra Volcano. This tour visits the Islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz.
10 Day - Galapagos Uncovered - For passengers with more time available, our Galapagos Uncovered tour is a great option, this tour includes a good mix of activities and includes visits to three islands; San Cristobel, Isabela and Santa Cruz.
Highlights
Itinerary
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!
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Quito Arrival Airport Transfer
DAY 2: Fly to Baltra Island and take a boat to volcanic Isabela Island
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Lava tube snorkelling and kayaking with penguins, sea lions and turtles
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Hike Sierra Negra, Kayak in Tintoreras and snorkel at Concha y Perla
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!
OVERNIGHT:
Isabela Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Head to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Santa Cruz Island hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Free time before flying back to Quito
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.
OVERNIGHT:
Quito hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Tour ends in Quito
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.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Quito Departure airport transfer
What's Included
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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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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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.