Charting the Galápagos Islands

9 or 12 days

Quito, Santa Cruz Island, with extension to Riobamba | GPI

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. Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Charting the Galápagos Islands tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Charting the Galápagos Islands tour

Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Day 2: Quito

Take a tour of Quito

With your Tour Director you will see:

Independence Plaza
Government Palace

Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus

Take an excursion to the equatorial line

Visit the Intiñan Museum and witness the natural forces at work near the equator

Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island

Fly to Baltra Island

Visit the Twin Craters

Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island

Travel by boat to Isabela Island

Visit a pink flamingo habitat

Visit a tortoise breeding center

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

Hike to Tortuga Bay

Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre

Hike Tijeretas Hill

Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach

Day 7: San Cristóbal Island • Quito

Fly to Quito

Day 8: Quito • Otavalo • Depart for home

Take a day trip to Otavalo

Enjoy a demonstration from a local artisan

Explore the local market

Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi

Day 9: Arrive home

Add 3 more days

Day 9: Quito • Riobamba

Travel to Riobamba via Baños

Visit the Devil's Cauldron Waterfall

Day 10: Riobamba • Palacio Real

Enjoy a hike through the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

Day 11: Riobamba • Chimborazo • Quito • Depart for home

Participate in cultural exchange with a local community

Travel to Quito

Day 12: Arrive home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Hotels

Meals

Entrances

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

Continuous Support

24-hour Emergency Service

Worldwide Presence

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

Payment options

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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