Highlights of Quito and Galapagos Cruise
Highlights of Quito and Galapagos Cruise
Highlights of Quito and Galapagos Cruise
7 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Genovesa Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur213
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Highlights of Quito and Galapagos Cruise" tour, exploring the vibrant city of Quito and the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Begin your adventure with breathtaking views from Penecillo Hill in Quito before flying to the Galapagos Islands. Discover the famous Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, marvel at pink flamingos in the Flamingo Lagoon on Floreana, and observe Blue Footed Boobies and Hawks on Espanola Island. Get up close with sea lions on San Cristobal and visit the remote Genovesa Islands, home to a red-footed booby colony. Enjoy superior accommodations and full board meals on a luxurious cruise, with all transportation and guided tours included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito (Arrival)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2: Quito – Galapagos Islands (By Flight) (Embarkation): Santa Cruz (B/L/D)
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Onboard Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world-famous Galapagos Islands. As you prepare to land in Baltra, look out the window. The landscape below will seem otherworldly – you will truly be landing in a place that is like no other. The Galapagos Islands are unique, and you will certainly see why! Upon arrival, you will be met by our cruise staff and escorted to your boat. Afternoon enjoy the highlands, visit a tortoise Ranch, and see some of the amazing volcanic formations on Santa Cruz. Take an excursion to the Highlands of Santa Cruz and get a chance to see the Galapagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels, some are more than 1km long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the nocturnal barn owls and sometimes roost here.
Overnight Onboard Cruise
Day 3: Dragon Hill / Chinese Hat (B/L/D)
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation Name: Onboard Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning travel to the west coast of Santa Cruz to Visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) for some prime birdwatching. Take a short walk from the beach to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Pass through a Scalesia tree forest; endemic to the area, there are only 400 specimens of Scalesia trees left in the world. Your journey continues to arrive at a small uniquely shaped island off the southern tip of santiago called Chinese Hat. Here it is often possible to see galápagos penguins, and the marine life is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen while walking amongst the volcanic scenery. Trek to see good views of the island's volcano. Explore Chinese Hats beautiful landscape and spectacular white-coral sand beach. Snorkel right from the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and penguins too!
Overnight Onboard Cruise
Day 4: El Barranco / Darwin Bay (B/L/D)
Location: Genovesa Island
Accommodation Name: Onboard Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the beautiful and remote Genovesa Islands. This northern island, famous for its red-footed colony, is a paradise for bird lovers. It is estimated that about 200,00 Red-footed boobies live on this island. Start our day with the visit to El Barranco or Prince Phillipss Steps as otherwise known. It was named after a visit by the British Monarch in 1964, El Barranco's steep 81-foot stairway leads up to a high cliff-face that opens out onto the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay offering you an amazing view of the surrounding. Once at the top of the stairway meet Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and finches along the way of a palo santo trail. It will also be possible to see wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm and short-eared owls. Next sail to visit Genovsa Islands also known as Darwin Bay, formed by the collapse of the flooded caldera of Tower Island. After landing at a small sand and coral beach, it easy to realize why this island is a bird lover paradise. Among the bird species found here, the most common are swallow-tailed and lava gulls, mockingbirds, yellow-crowned night herons, lava herons, Galapagos doves and yellow warblers. Continue on a short and flat trail to encounter red-footed booby and great frigatebird nests. Visit a tidal lagoon where sea lions swim playfully ending our path on a cliff with magnificent views of this remote part of the Galapagos.
Overnight Onboard Cruise
Day 5: Black Turtle Cove- Baltra Island (Disembarkation) – Quito (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the mangroves by panga to find rich marine wildlife between the fresh and salt waters. Keep any eye out for manta rays and sea turtles in this tranquil ecosystem. Whitetip reef sharks can also be seen gliding by.. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will see extensive architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to colonial churches. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Quito
Day 6: Quito (B/-/-)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you may head on a guided city tour of Quito. You will explore the Colonial District of the city, learn more about Quitos long and fascinating past, and visit Plaza de la Independencia, the citys main square. Here you can see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and several historic churches. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint at Penecillo Hill before returning to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.
Overnight in Quito
Day 7: Quito (Departure) (B/-/-)
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation in Superior Hotels
03 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Accommodation on Superior Cruise
03 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior cruise or similar.
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Daily Buffet Breakfast
Daily buffet breakfast is included.
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Full Board Meal Plan
Full Board meal plan during Galapagos Cruise.
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Airport Transfers
All arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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Transportation
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including domestic round-trip flights to and from the Galapagos Islands.
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English-Speaking Guide
Services of English-speaking guide during the tours.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic round-trip flights to/from Galapagos Islands.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees if applicable.
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Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 pp, to be paid locally in cash only).
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Transit Control Card & Lobito Fee
Transit Control Card (USD 20 pp) & Lobito Fee – Batra Island (USD 10 pp).
Pre-tour purchase is mandatory.
$30 Fee must be paid with the final payment 75 days prior to departure. -
Unmentioned Items
Any items not mentioned as included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including domestic round-trip flights to and from the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in superior hotels in Quito and 3 nights on a superior cruise in the Galapagos Islands, both on a twin sharing basis.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, pink flamingos in the Flamingo Lagoon on Floreana, Blue Footed Boobies and Hawks on Espanola Island, sea lions on San Cristobal, and a red-footed booby colony on Genovesa Islands. Additionally, you may encounter Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and various species of birds such as Nazca boobies, mockingbirds, and finches.
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What activities are included during the Galapagos Cruise?
During the Galapagos Cruise, you will enjoy activities such as birdwatching at Dragon Hill, snorkeling at Chinese Hat, exploring volcanic formations and lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, and visiting the red-footed booby colony on Genovesa Islands. You will also have opportunities to see marine wildlife in Black Turtle Cove and take guided walks to observe various bird species and other wildlife.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in superior hotels in Quito and 3 nights on a superior cruise in the Galapagos Islands, both on a twin sharing basis.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily buffet breakfast is included throughout the tour. During the Galapagos Cruise, a full board meal plan is provided, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles. This includes domestic round-trip flights to and from the Galapagos Islands, as well as all arrival and departure airport transfers.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours.
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Are there any additional fees that I should be aware of?
Yes, there are additional fees such as the Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person), Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person), and Lobito Fee for Batra Island (USD 10 per person). These fees must be paid locally in cash.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
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What can I expect during the city tour of Quito?
During the city tour of Quito, you will explore the Colonial District, visit Plaza de la Independencia, and see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and several historic churches. You will also enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint at Penecillo Hill.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.