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Quito · Pichincha · Ecuador
8 Days - Explore The Cultural and Natural Charms of Quito & Galapagos
Starting From
From $6,895.52 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Some places will stay with you forever, famous for their culture, people, and biodiversity. Ecuador has it all: places that awaken your senses with colors, smells, and flavors, as unusual cities full of music and nightlife. Quito will give you a taste of culture, history, and food, while The Enchanted Islands will make your visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience with friendly multi-ethnic, and multicultural people.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Take part in the Quito city tour & the Middle of the World Monument
- Discover an Uninhabited Island
- Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Quito
Transportation. Arrival in Ecuador ¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting at the airport to greet you and provide a warm welcome. You will then enjoy a comfortable 45-minute private transfer to your hotel, where you can check in, unwind, and rest after your journey. Meals included: none Accommodation: Quito
Continued
Quito
City/Town Tour at Compania de Jesus, Quito. City Tour Quito & Middle of The World Monument Your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to begin an enriching morning walking tour through Quito, a city where history, culture, and daily life blend seamlessly. As you stroll through the historic center—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978—you will admire its extraordinary colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. Highlights include Plaza Grande, the exquisitely decorated La Compañía Church, the imposing La Basílica, and La Ronda, the city’s oldest street, renowned for its traditional atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will travel approximately 26 km (16 miles) north of Quito to visit the iconic Mitad del Mundo. Here, you will experience the unique sensation of standing on the equatorial line, at the point identified by French scientists in the 18th century. Ecuador’s location on the equator offers a truly singular experience, allowing you to stand simultaneously in both hemispheres. The complex features engaging attractions such as a planetarium, ethnographic and art exhibits, a scale model of Quito, a historic train station, and more—making this visit a memorable immersion into the country’s scientific heritage, culture, and identity. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Quito
Day 3
Puerto Ayora
Hiking at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). Transfer to the airport. Flight to The Galapagos Islands - Arrive at Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Station Welcome to the Galápagos Islands, where an unforgettable journey into nature and conservation begins. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a local guide who will accompany you to Santa Cruz Island. Your adventure starts in the lush highlands, where you will visit a traditional farm and encounter giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. Take time to observe these iconic creatures up close and learn about their essential role in maintaining the delicate Galápagos ecosystem. Following this unique experience, enjoy a flavorful lunch before taking part in a meaningful reforestation activity, planting a native tree as a personal contribution to the preservation of the islands. In the afternoon, you will explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, gaining insight into the groundbreaking conservation work carried out by international scientists dedicated to protecting this extraordinary archipelago. The day concludes at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you will observe giant tortoises at different stages of growth and learn about ongoing breeding and protection programs. By the end of the day, you will have gained a deeper appreciation of Santa Cruz Island’s natural heritage and the vital importance of conservation in the Galápagos. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island
Day 4
Puerto Ayora
Boating at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). Uninhabited Island: Set out on a remarkable journey through the Galápagos Islands, a destination celebrated for its extraordinary landscapes and unparalleled wildlife. Your excursion will take you to one of the archipelago’s iconic islands—Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour—selected according to the daily permit issued by the Galápagos National Park. As you cruise across shimmering turquoise waters, take in the dramatic contrast of volcanic coastlines and open sea. Guided by experienced naturalists, you will explore pristine trails that reveal untouched ecosystems and an impressive variety of endemic flora and fauna. The Galápagos are a true sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, offering exceptional opportunities to observe species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and many others in their natural environment. Following a rewarding morning of discovery, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch served on board. The afternoon invites you to unwind on unspoiled beaches or swim in crystal-clear waters, completing a day rich in natural wonder and exploration. Meals Included: Breakfast & Box Lunch Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island
Day 5
Puerto Villamil
Boating at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Speed boat to Isabela Island - Visit Tintoreras Departing from Santa Cruz Island, set out on an unforgettable adventure aboard a speedboat bound for Isabela Island. Enjoy an exciting high-speed crossing over the shimmering waters of the Galápagos as you make your way to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela, the archipelago’s largest island. Upon arrival, you will explore a striking shoreline formed by ancient lava flows, enjoying a short yet rewarding walk through this unique environment before entering the water to snorkel in one of the region’s most biodiverse areas. Beneath the surface, you may encounter white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and a colorful variety of fish. Tintoreras takes its name from the white-tipped reef sharks that glide through its narrow lava channels at low tide, sharing the area with sea lions and tropical fish. After a brief boat ride, you will explore this remarkable site on foot, watching for nesting marine iguanas and spotting Humboldt penguins, sharks, and sea lions resting atop the dramatic lava formations. After the activity, we will return to Puerto Villamil. Meals Included: Breakfast Accommodation: Isabela Island
Day 6
Puerto Villamil
Snorkeling at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Visit Cabo Rosa Tunnels In the morning, you will board a boat and set off toward the remarkable Lava Tunnels of Cabo Rosa, located along the southern coast of Isabela Island. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity, this extraordinary underwater landscape is considered one of the most impressive snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. Floating through exceptionally clear waters, you will have the opportunity to swim alongside graceful sea turtles, observe playful Galápagos penguins resting on the lava formations, and possibly spot reef sharks gliding effortlessly through the tunnels. The dramatic contrast between rugged volcanic structures and the rich marine life below creates a truly immersive experience—both exhilarating and peaceful—showcasing the raw beauty of the islands. After the activity, we will return to Puerto Villamil. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: Isabela Island
Day 7
Quito
Hiking at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano (shared services) - Speedboat to Santa Cruz After breakfast, you will travel into the highlands of Isabela Island to visit the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano. The hike begins at the national park ranger station, where you will start your walk across a striking volcanic landscape shaped by relatively recent lava flows that give the terrain its characteristic dark color. As you approach the rim, the vastness of Sierra Negra’s caldera comes into view—an enormous oval measuring approximately 9.3 by 7.4 kilometers (5.8 by 4.6 miles), making it one of the ten largest volcanic calderas in the world. Upon reaching the viewpoint, you will take time to rest, enjoy a picnic lunch, and capture panoramic photographs of this dramatic natural setting. Although not the tallest volcano in the Galápagos, Sierra Negra is the largest and among the most active, with its most recent eruption occurring between June and August 2018. In the afternoon, you will board a speedboat for your return journey to Santa Cruz Island, concluding a day marked by powerful landscapes and geological wonders. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island
Day 8
Puerto Ayora
Transportation at Baltra Island. Flight Back to Quito The end of the trip has come. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Santa Cruz to go to the airport and take your flight back to Quito. Meals Included: Breakfast
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
- Scheduled excursions as per the itinerary - Certified bilingual guide in Spanish and English - Ground transportation in the Galápagos Islands for the scheduled activities as per the itinerary - A round-trip ticket for the speedboat between Santa Cruz and Isabela - Ferry tickets for Canal Itabaca to/from the airport - Bus tickets between Canal Itabaca and Baltra Airport -Municipal visitor tax for Isabela Island (cash only, USD 10 per person) - Transportation to/from and assistance at the airport - Snorkeling equipment (mask, breathing tube, fins) - Assistance throughout all scheduled activities as specified on the day - Meals as specified in the itinerary (see day descriptions for specifics) -Tickets to attractions
Not Included
- National flights Quito - Galápagos - Quito - Entrance fee for the Parque Nacional Galápagos (cash only, USD200 per person) -Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands (cash only, USD20 per person) -Meals not specified in the program -Wetsuit -Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks -Gratuities -Travel Insurance -Personal expenses and others not specified as included in the package
What to Bring
PACKING CHECKLIST 1 small backpack Comfortable walking shoes Sneakers with rubber soles Shorts Long pants T-shirts Long and short-sleeved shirts Windbreaker Bathing suit or a wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months Hat or cap Sunblock and repellent Sunglasses Binoculars Camera & video recorder Any medicine you may be taking Book/Notebook
Restrictions
Available for all public If you have food restrictions please let us know.
Meeting & Pickup
The tour will begin at the airport when you arrive from your country
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 6 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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