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Best of Galapagos

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Best of Galapagos

Was From $ 5,310 AUD
Now From $ 4,741 AUD
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Description

Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the main drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. On this ten-day trip through the best of the Galapagos, you’ll uncover the outstanding natural beauty of these islands both on foot and by boat, looking for giant tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, seals, iguanas, dolphins, whales and birdlife along the way. Trace Darwin’s theory of evolution, go snorkelling across multiple islands, hike up a volcano for the best views and soak up the experience with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.

Trip Name
Best of Galapagos
Last Updated
2024-08-20
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Encounter the nearly extinct giant Galapagos tortoises, as well as blue-footed boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and maybe even dolphins and whales!
  • Go snorkelling on multiple days throughout different islands, looking out for sea turtles and the harmless Galapagos shark.
  • Get your blood pumping as you scale the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater!
  • Learn how to make the famed encebollado – a local fish soup considered one of the best in the world! Your expert chef will take you through a fun cooking class, then you’ll tuck into the hearty dish for lunch.
  • Enjoy a land-based Galapagos trip, using locally owned hotels on the islands instead of staying on a boat, which means you’ll have more opportunities to interact with the locals.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galápagos.

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. 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 Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, you’ll join your local leader for a tour of the historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its facade representing Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, considered by many to be the most beautiful church in the Americas. The tour will finish at San Francisco Square, then you’ll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!
Day 2 - Isla San Cristobal
Catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you will not need to disembark the plane). After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide on San Cristobal, head to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim among sea lions and maybe even some sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening tonight and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.
Day 3 - Isla San Cristobal
Take 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 to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Then, return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.
Day 4 - Isla Floreana / Isla Isabela
Take an early morning boat ride to Isla Floreana and look for dolphins and whales along the way. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach belonging to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5 - Isla Isabela
This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island and spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
Day 6 - Isla Isabela
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Day 7 - Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds freely. Here, you’ll meet with an expert chef for a cooking class to make the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the soups of your labour for lunch, then wander the grounds with the slow-paced residents. After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane and cacao and how they work with the local community.
Day 8 - Isla Santa Cruz
Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later, you’ll head to the local fish market for a dose of local life on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy, who help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.
Day 9 - Quito
Say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time – maybe you’d like to extend your stay and head out for a final dinner with your group. If you need additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 10 - Quito
This morning your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time. Because there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. If you choose to stay on, we’d be happy to assist you with booking accommodation. Ecuador has some of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, including the lavish La Companie de Jesus, which is decorated with seven Tonnes of gold. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs and Incan ruins to explore. Consider doing one of our one-day sightseeing tours of Quito, which can include the Old Town, markets and the city's culinary delights (see urbanadventures.com).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-11-202418-11-2024AUD $ 6,068-
12-11-202421-11-2024AUD $ 5,698-
16-11-202425-11-2024AUD $ 6,278-
23-11-202402-12-2024AUD $ 5,477-
26-11-202405-12-2024AUD $ 5,377-
03-12-202412-12-2024AUD $ 5,898-
07-12-202416-12-2024AUD $ 4,741-
10-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 5,110-
14-12-202423-12-2024AUD $ 6,228-
17-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 4,741-
21-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 5,440-
24-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 6,008-
26-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 5,341-
28-12-202406-01-2025AUD $ 6,228-
04-01-202513-01-2025AUD $ 5,483-
09-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 5,583-
11-01-202520-01-2025AUD $ 5,483-
18-01-202527-01-2025AUD $ 5,733-
25-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 5,383-
01-02-202510-02-2025AUD $ 5,433-
08-02-202517-02-2025AUD $ 5,733-
13-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 5,428-
15-02-202524-02-2025AUD $ 5,428-
20-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 5,383-
25-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 5,383-
01-03-202510-03-2025AUD $ 5,633-
08-03-202517-03-2025AUD $ 5,633-
13-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 5,633-
15-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 5,633-
22-03-202531-03-2025AUD $ 6,163-
25-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 5,683-
01-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
08-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
10-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
12-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
15-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
17-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
19-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 5,833-
24-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 5,888-
26-04-202505-05-2025AUD $ 5,833-
03-05-202512-05-2025AUD $ 6,273-
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 5,833-
10-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 5,833-
13-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 5,888-
17-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 6,383-
20-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 5,833-
22-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 5,833-
24-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 5,833-
29-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 5,833-
31-05-202509-06-2025AUD $ 5,833-
07-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 5,383-
14-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 5,383-
19-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 5,428-
21-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 5,528-
28-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
03-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
05-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 5,738-
12-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
15-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
17-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
19-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 5,633-
26-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 5,633-
02-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 5,383-
09-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 5,383-
16-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 5,383-
23-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
28-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
30-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
06-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
11-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
13-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
18-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
20-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 5,383-
25-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 5,383-
27-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 5,383-
04-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 5,633-
09-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 5,633-
11-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 5,633-
16-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 5,633-
18-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 5,633-
25-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
30-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
01-11-202510-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
06-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
08-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
13-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
15-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 5,633-
22-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 5,633-
27-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 5,633-
02-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
04-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
06-12-202515-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
11-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
13-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
16-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
18-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
20-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 5,833-
23-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 5,833-
25-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 5,833-
27-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 5,833-
01-01-202610-01-2026AUD $ 5,285-
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $ 5,285-
08-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 5,285-
10-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 5,285-
17-01-202626-01-2026AUD $ 5,285-
24-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
31-01-202609-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
07-02-202616-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
12-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
14-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
19-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 5,285-
21-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 5,285-
24-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 5,285-
28-02-202609-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
05-03-202614-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
07-03-202616-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
12-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
14-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
21-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 5,550-
24-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 5,550-
31-03-202609-04-2026AUD $ 5,550-
04-04-202613-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
07-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
09-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
11-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
14-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
16-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
18-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 5,760-
23-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
25-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
02-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
07-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
09-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
12-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
16-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
19-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
21-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 5,760-
23-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 5,760-
28-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 5,760-
30-05-202608-06-2026AUD $ 5,760-
06-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 5,285-
13-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 5,285-
18-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 5,285-
20-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 5,285-
27-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 5,285-
02-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
04-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
11-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
14-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
16-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
18-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 5,550-
25-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 5,550-
01-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 5,550-
08-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 5,285-
15-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 5,285-
22-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 5,285-
27-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
29-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
05-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
10-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
12-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
17-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
19-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
24-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 5,285-
26-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 5,285-
03-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 5,550-
08-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 5,550-
10-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 5,550-
15-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 5,550-
17-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 5,550-
24-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
31-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
05-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
07-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
12-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
14-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 5,285-
21-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 5,550-
26-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 5,550-
01-12-202610-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
03-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
05-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
10-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
12-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
15-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
17-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
19-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
22-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 5,760-
24-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 5,760-
26-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 5,760-

Accommodation

Hotel ( 9 nights)

Transport

Plane,Speed Boat,Private Vehicle,Taxi,Public bus

Map