fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Galapagos Discovery

Galapagos Discovery

Was From $ 3,070 AUD
Now From $ 3,241 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, ,

Description

Take in the highlights of the unique flora and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this nine-day adventure. With flights to and from Quito, a flexible itinerary and an expert local leader to give you all the best recommendations, you’ll be able to tailor your trip to do more of what you love. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. You might find yourself snorkelling with sea lions, swimming with sea turtles or kicking back on the beach, surrounded by one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems.

Trip Name
Galapagos Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an optional – but rewarding – hike, then cool off with a swim in the clear waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
  • Get up close and personal with giant tortoises on Isla Santa Cruz and watch as these enormous animals drag themselves through the sand.
  • Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This small, dinosaur-like creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on this archipelago.
  • Watch the acrobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death-defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whiz through the air – bird watching on the Galapagos is quite an experience!
  • Choose from plenty of optional activities – with generous amounts of free time and an expert local leader by your side to give you all the best recommendations, you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not explore the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street, or wander through the historic centre. You might like to visit the Parque de la Alameda, San Francisco Square and the lavish La Companie de Jesus. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early to explore beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest. After the welcome meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.
Day 2 - Isla Santa Cruz
Transfer to the airport and board your flight around midday. An Intrepid representative will provide detailed flight times on the evening of Day 1, during the welcome meeting. Arrive in Isla Santa Cruz and meet your leader and the travellers who began their journey in the Galapagos Islands at the airport, then take a bus to Puerto Ayora. Head to the higher part of the islands to have close encounters with giant tortoises and observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat. Check into your hotel, then kick-start your adventure with a walking tour of Puerto Ayora with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll go on a walk to Tortuga Bay – an idyllic white sand beach where you can go kayaking, see marine iguanas or swim with harmless sharks.
Day 3 - Isla Isabela
Have an early start this morning and travel to Isla Isabela – the largest island in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour to get your bearings, then visit a lagoon where you’ll see flamingos wading through the water – if it’s the right time of year, you might even see them nesting or doing their courtship dance. Head to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here, you’ll see tortoises in different stages of development and learn about the preservation program for this fascinating species. 
Day 4 - Isla Isabela
Today is free for you to choose your own adventure on Isla Isabela. Ask your leader about the optional activities on offer – you might like to do something active, you could take a bus to the highest part of Isabela, where Sierra Negra Volcano is located, and take on a challenging 17-km hike up to the crater to see the spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you might even see the rare vermillion flycatcher. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguanas nest. Otherwise, you could relax on the beach with a book, go for a swim or even do some snorkelling to discover what hidden wonders lie in Isla Isabela’s waters – you might see tropical fish, sea turtles or marine iguanas.
Day 5 - Isla Santa Cruz
You’ll have an early start this morning, returning to Puerto Ayora via public speedboat. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre showcases information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises.
Day 6 - Isla San Cristobal
Travel to Isla San Cristobal this morning. The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Settle into your hotel, then go on a walking tour of San Cristobal with your leader. This afternoon, visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the human and natural history of this island cluster. Afterwards opt to hike to Tijeretas Hill or snorkel at Tijeretas where you may be joined on your swim by sea turtles, rays, fish and sea lions.
Day 7 - Isla San Cristobal
Experience Isla San Cristobal’s incredible wildlife and abundant landscapes with a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head back for an afternoon at your leisure. You may want to walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. Ask your leader for recommendations to help you plan your afternoon.
Day 8 - Quito
Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader before taking a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where a local representative will take you from the airport to your hotel. Spend a free evening in Quito and consider heading out for a final dinner with your group.
Day 9 - Quito
As there are no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. We highly recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs, local markets and much more to explore. If you would like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 3,455-
20-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 3,341-
03-09-202611-09-2026AUD $ 3,401-
17-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 3,491-
01-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 3,828-
15-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 4,048-
05-11-202613-11-2026AUD $ 3,828-
12-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 3,668-
03-12-202611-12-2026AUD $ 3,978-
17-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 3,858-
31-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 3,306-
21-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 3,416-
04-02-202712-02-2027AUD $ 3,461-
11-02-202719-02-2027AUD $ 3,461-
25-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 3,461-
18-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 3,241-
01-04-202709-04-2027AUD $ 3,476-
15-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 3,476-
29-04-202707-05-2027AUD $ 3,476-
13-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 3,241-
27-05-202704-06-2027AUD $ 3,241-
10-06-202718-06-2027AUD $ 3,241-
01-07-202709-07-2027AUD $ 3,476-
15-07-202723-07-2027AUD $ 3,476-
29-07-202706-08-2027AUD $ 3,476-
12-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 3,321-
26-08-202703-09-2027AUD $ 3,321-
09-09-202717-09-2027AUD $ 3,241-
23-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 3,241-
30-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 3,241-
14-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 3,321-
04-11-202712-11-2027AUD $ 3,416-
11-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 3,416-
25-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 3,416-
09-12-202717-12-2027AUD $ 3,321-
23-12-202731-12-2027AUD $ 3,321-
30-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 3,321-
20-01-202828-01-2028AUD $ 3,571-
03-02-202811-02-2028AUD $ 3,571-
24-02-202803-03-2028AUD $ 3,571-
16-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 3,386-
30-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 3,386-
13-04-202821-04-2028AUD $ 3,631-
27-04-202805-05-2028AUD $ 3,631-
11-05-202819-05-2028AUD $ 3,386-
25-05-202802-06-2028AUD $ 3,386-
08-06-202816-06-2028AUD $ 3,386-
29-06-202807-07-2028AUD $ 3,386-
13-07-202821-07-2028AUD $ 3,631-
27-07-202804-08-2028AUD $ 3,631-
10-08-202818-08-2028AUD $ 3,571-
24-08-202801-09-2028AUD $ 3,571-
07-09-202815-09-2028AUD $ 3,471-
21-09-202829-09-2028AUD $ 3,471-
28-09-202806-10-2028AUD $ 3,471-
12-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 3,571-
02-11-202810-11-2028AUD $ 3,631-
09-11-202817-11-2028AUD $ 3,631-
23-11-202801-12-2028AUD $ 3,631-
07-12-202815-12-2028AUD $ 3,471-
21-12-202829-12-2028AUD $ 3,471-
28-12-202805-01-2029AUD $ 3,471-

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Guesthouse (6 nights)

Transport

Plane, Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Ecuador Intrepid On Sale
More of activity:
Wildlife