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Ecuador
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Pichincha
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Quito
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The Best of Galapagos Adventure in 7 Days
7 days
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day - Quito
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Swissôtel Quito, a 5 star hotel / or similar
Day 2: Galapagos - Isabela Island
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. During our island crossing, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).
The Galapagos Islands is located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there.
Flying time: 3 hours (including the stop at Guayaquil city on the way to Baltra airport)
Speed boat time from Santa Cruz to Isabela: 2 hours (If you normally get seasick is very important to take medication before getting on the boat)
What to wear today: Light pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat, sun cream.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 3: Galapagos - Isabela Island/ Snorkel at Lava Tunnels
Stop At: Los Tuneles, SE Isabela Island Nr. La Union Rock, Puerto Villamil 200250 Ecuador
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel.
Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way
Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each
What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, buff.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 4: Galapagos - Isabela Island/ Hike Sierra Negra - Kayak & Snorkel in Tintoreras
Stop At: Sierra Negra, Ecuador
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Las Tintoreras, Puerto Villamil Ecuador
In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet by kayak, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 5: Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island/ Chales Darwin Station - Highlands
Stop At: Charles Darwin Research Station, Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to Learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Reserva El Chato, Isla Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.
What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sun cream.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Silberstein Hotel, a 4 star hotel / or similar
Day 6: Flight back to Quito
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Swissôtel Quito, a 5 star hotel / or similar
Day 7: Quito - Departure
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "Buen viaje"!
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Read more
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Day 1: Arrival Day - Quito
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Swissôtel Quito, a 5 star hotel / or similar
Day 2: Galapagos - Isabela Island
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where the most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. During our island crossing, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).
The Galapagos Islands is located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there.
Flying time: 3 hours (including the stop at Guayaquil city on the way to Baltra airport)
Speed boat time from Santa Cruz to Isabela: 2 hours (If you normally get seasick is very important to take medication before getting on the boat)
What to wear today: Light pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat, sun cream.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 3: Galapagos - Isabela Island/ Snorkel at Lava Tunnels
Stop At: Los Tuneles, SE Isabela Island Nr. La Union Rock, Puerto Villamil 200250 Ecuador
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel.
Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way
Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each
What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, buff.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 4: Galapagos - Isabela Island/ Hike Sierra Negra - Kayak & Snorkel in Tintoreras
Stop At: Sierra Negra, Ecuador
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Las Tintoreras, Puerto Villamil Ecuador
In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet by kayak, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cormorant Hotel, a 3+ star hotel / or similar
Day 5: Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island/ Chales Darwin Station - Highlands
Stop At: Charles Darwin Research Station, Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to Learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Reserva El Chato, Isla Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.
What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sun cream.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Silberstein Hotel, a 4 star hotel / or similar
Day 6: Flight back to Quito
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Swissôtel Quito, a 5 star hotel / or similar
Day 7: Quito - Departure
Pass By: Quito Airport Shuttle, Suiza 227 y Eloy Alfaro, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "Buen viaje"!
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- 6x Breakfast
- 2x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 6 nights
- Airport shuttles (Domestic flights)
- Accommodation based in double occupancy
- Activities
- Gear: snorkeling mask and fins, life vest
- Certified expert English-speaking Adventure Naturalist local guides
- Entry/Admission - Isabela Island
- Entry/Admission - Los Tuneles
- Entry/Admission - Sierra Negra
- Entry/Admission - Las Tintoreras
- Entry/Admission - Reserva El Chato
Not included
- Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
- Single Supplement: USD $610
- International flights
- Airport transfer (international flights)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals not described in the itinerary - estimated budget USD $180
- INGALA transit card: USD $20 per person, cash only (subject to change)
- Galapagos National Park fee: USD $100 per person, cash only (subject to change)
- USD$10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil
- Wetsuit for rent: USD $10
- Tips
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
- Flight time: 2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers
- Speed Boat time: 2 hours each way from Isabela to Santa Cruz
- 45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
- 15 minutes each way - Tintoreras
- Driving time: 45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito
- 45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos
- 45 minutes each way in Sierra Negra
- Snorkeling time: Tintoreras: 1 hour.
- Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each.
- Hiking Time: Sierra Negra: 30 minutes easy uphill; 1 and a half hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back
- Temperature: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
- The water Temperature of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
- Altitude in Galapagos: From sea level to 600m (1900ft)
- Level of Activity: Moderate to Challenging the hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long and muddy during the wet season (from July to November); snorkeling is easy.
- Food: Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however, there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
- Hotels: All prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
- Guides: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
- Clients receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands with the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both Local People cultural identity and their environment. Your visit will encourage them to support responsible ecotourism. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage.
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
45%
Cultural
35%
Sport
25%
Original
20%
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