Charting the Galápagos Islands

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9 or 12 days
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, with extension to Riobamba
The Galápagos Islands are most famous for the profound discoveries of Charles Darwin. Carry on that scientific tradition as you learn about the unique species that call the islands home. On mainland Ecuador, experience the local culture in Quito. Independence Plaza and the Intinan Museum provide social context to the biological wonders of this fascinating country.

  • Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport

  • Day 2: Quito

    Take a tour of Quito

    With your Tour Director you will see:

    • Independence Plaza
    • Government Palace

    Visit Santo Domingo Monastery

    Visit the Intinan Museum

  • Day 3: Baltra • Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Baltra Island

    Visit the Twin Craters and the Lava Tunnels 

    Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises 

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station 

  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island | Isabela Island

    Enjoy a boat excursion to Bartolomé Island or Isabela Island / Enjoy a boat excursion to North Seymour Island or Floreana Island

    Visit a pink flamingo habitat

    Go snorkeling

    Explore Puerto Villamil beach

    Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet

    Go snorkeling

  • Day 5: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island

    Go swimming at Las Grietas canyon

    Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach

  • Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

    Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

    Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center  

     Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach 

  • Day 7: San Cristobal Island • Quito

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 8: Quito • Otavalo

     Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi 

    Visit an Artisan's Workshop to learn how ponchos are made 

  • Day 9: Arrive home

Add 3 more days

  • Day 9: Riobamba • Guamote • Quito

    Dinner in Riobamba

    Visit the Banos hot springs 

  • Day 10: Riobamba • Guamote

    Participate in cultural immersion activities

    • Meet children at their school
    • Observe farming, handicrafts, cooking

    Dinner in Riobamba

  • Day 11: Riobamba • Guamote • Quito

    Participate in cultural immersion activities

    • Meet children at their school
    • Observe farming, handicrafts, cooking

    Dinner in Riobamba

  • Day 12: Arrive home

Interested in learning more about this tour?
View full itinerary
Download detailed itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport

  • Day 2: Quito

    Take a tour of Quito

    With your Tour Director you will see:

    • Independence Plaza
    • Government Palace

    Visit Santo Domingo Monastery

    Visit the Intinan Museum

  • Day 3: Baltra • Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Baltra Island

    Visit the Twin Craters and the Lava Tunnels 

    Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises 

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station 

  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island | Isabela Island

    Enjoy a boat excursion to Bartolomé Island or Isabela Island / Enjoy a boat excursion to North Seymour Island or Floreana Island

    Visit a pink flamingo habitat

    Go snorkeling

    Explore Puerto Villamil beach

    Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet

    Go snorkeling

  • Day 5: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island

    Go swimming at Las Grietas canyon

    Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach

  • Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

    Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

    Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center  

     Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach 

  • Day 7: San Cristobal Island • Quito

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 8: Quito • Otavalo

     Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi 

    Visit an Artisan's Workshop to learn how ponchos are made 

  • Day 9: Arrive home

Add 3 more days

  • Day 9: Riobamba • Guamote • Quito

    Dinner in Riobamba

    Visit the Banos hot springs 

  • Day 10: Riobamba • Guamote

    Participate in cultural immersion activities

    • Meet children at their school
    • Observe farming, handicrafts, cooking

    Dinner in Riobamba

  • Day 11: Riobamba • Guamote • Quito

    Participate in cultural immersion activities

    • Meet children at their school
    • Observe farming, handicrafts, cooking

    Dinner in Riobamba

  • Day 12: Arrive home

Interested in learning more about this tour?

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375 reviews
Avg. rating: (4.6)
Charting the Galápagos Islands
Reviews are compiled and evaluated by an independent third party, BazaarvoiceTM, the No. 1 provider of customer reviews.

Trip of a Lifetime - Life changing

We saw so many things in 9 short days. Was I exhausted when I returned? Yes. Would I change one moment? No . I saw animals, lands, and people that you only read about in books. You will return from this ...
Queenof3 / Adult traveler
Indianapolis, IN / Posted on April 04, 2019
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  • Airfare & transportation

    Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.

  • Hotels

    Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily in Quito; 3 meals daily on the Galápagos Islands

  • Entrances

    Santo Domingo Monastery; Intinan Museum; Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Full-time Tour Director

    Your dedicated Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.

  • Expert Local Guides

    Your expert local guides add cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.

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