Experience the famed volcanic Galapagos Islands with this action packed adventure! The islands offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet.
Welcome to Quito! Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the town of Quito and the surrounding area.
In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel at 18:00pm for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.
The capital city of Ecuador sits on the slopes of Pichincha, an active volcano in the northern Andes Mountains. At an elevation of 9,350 feet, it is the highest capital city in the world.
Standard Hotel: Dann Carlton Hotel or similar
Day 2 Quito - Puerto Moreno - La Loberia
We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristobal. Once arrived, we have a transfer to the hotel in the town of Puerto Moreno and a short briefing about the next days, before the adventure begins.
In the afternoon we will head to "La Loberia", which is both a home beach and nursery for large Galapagos sea lions, we can spot them while snorkeling, as they are very curios and approach to swim next to you underwater. They may also be lazying over rocks or just lazy dozing in the sand. We also get to see yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin?s finches along the beach. In between the rocks we can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. We also have the time to go for a refreshing swim, explore the waters with our snorkel equipment and enjoy the beach.
Standard Hotel: Hotel Blue Marlin
Breakfast: Included
Day 3 Kicker Rock
In the morning, we will take a boat to Kicker Rock, located off the coast of San Cristobal. This Galapagos Island's natural monument has become a spectacular site due to the many tropic birds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky in this area. Beneath the sea, the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks, like the hammerhead and white tip. After lunch, we will spend some time on the beach and travel back to the hotel.
Boat ride to the Kicker Rock 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.
Standard Hotel: Hotel Blue Marlin
Breakfast: IncludedLunch: Included
Day 4 Isabela Island
In the morning, hop to Isabela Island. During our island crossing, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).
In the afternoon, we will explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail on our bikes, taking us through an incredible ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife including flamingos, marine iguanas and giant tortoises. We start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks.
As we continue our ride along the coast, we will explore pristine, white sand beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. This area is filled with a plethora of bird life, including American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many other shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas.
Before dinner we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.
This island is the largest of those in the Galapagos chain off the coast of Ecuador. Because of the rich animal life, both on land and sea, Charles Darwin reasearched his theory of evolution here.
Standard Hotel: Cormorant or Similar
Breakfast: Included
Day 5 Isabela Islands
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. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles and marine iguanas.
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..
Remark:
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.
This island is the largest of those in the Galapagos chain off the coast of Ecuador. Because of the rich animal life, both on land and sea, Charles Darwin reasearched his theory of evolution here.
Standard Hotel: Cormorant or Similar
Breakfast: IncludedLunch: Included
Day 6 Lava Tunnels Snorkel
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins 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.
The Galapagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere. The islands are known for their vast number of endemic species.
Sierra Negra is a large shield volcano at the southeastern end of Isabela Island in the Galapagos that rises to an altitude of 1124m. It is one of the most active of the Galapagos volcanoes with the most recent historic eruption in June 2018.
Tintoreras Islet, 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.
Standard Hotel: Cormorant or Similar
Breakfast: IncludedLunch: Included
Day 7 Isabela Islands - Santa Cruz Island (17 km)
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. 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. 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..
Remark:
What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sun cream.
The second largest of the Galapagos Island chain in the pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz is home to the settlement of Puerto Ayora, the most populous town on the islands. The island itself is a dormant volcano.
Standard Hotel: Silberstein Hotel or similar
Breakfast: Included
Day 8 Santa Cruz Island Free Day
Today, you can experience the Galapagos at your pace to your own desire, whether that be scuba diving or just time to relax on the beach! As an option, you can go on a self-guided exploration walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay (3.5 mi/ 5.6 km), a beautiful white sand beach and a nesting site to thousands of marine turtles. This beautiful place invites for swimming or snorkeling. Alternatively, you can join any of the optional activities (at an extra cost), such as a trip to Floreana Island, Bartolome Island or a scuba-diving day trip, just to mention a few.
The second largest of the Galapagos Island chain in the pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz is home to the settlement of Puerto Ayora, the most populous town on the islands. The island itself is a dormant volcano.
Standard Hotel: Silberstein Hotel or similar
Breakfast: Included
Day 9 Santa Cruz Island - Baltra Island - Quito
After our final breakfast in the Islands and the last photos taken with the sea lions, we will transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.
The second largest of the Galapagos Island chain in the pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz is home to the settlement of Puerto Ayora, the most populous town on the islands. The island itself is a dormant volcano.
Standard Hotel: Dann Carlton Hotel or similar
Breakfast: Included
Day 10 Quito
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"!
Departure & Return
Please take the taxi or other transportation on your own between airport and the hotel. Or guests can contact with us with a fee of $70 per way for the the group of 1 person or 2 person and $90 per way for the group up to four people.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Activities: Snorkeling in Kicker rock, La Loberia and the Lava Tunnels, Biking to the Wall of Tears, Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano, snorkeling and kayaking in Tintoreras, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, hiking in Santa Cruz highlands.
Accommodation based in double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, 4-star hotels in Galapagos
Transportation: Airport transfers (for domestic flights), Interisland flight from San Cristobal to Isabela, sea transportation Santa Cruz - Isabela islands round trip, comfortable land transportation
Gear: Snorkeling mask and fins, life vest.
Meals: 9 Breakfasts & 3 lunches. Allow USD 280 for meals not included.
Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park
Exclusions
Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
INGALA transit card: $ 20 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
Galapagos National Park fee: $ 100 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
Pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil: $ 10 USD
Snorkeling gear (mask and fins) for optional activities: $ 8 USD per day per person
Wetsuit for rent: $ 10 USD
International flights
Airport transfers to/from Quito airport
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Required immunizations (mandatory)
Meals not described in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Tips
Parking Information
Additional Notes
Policies
Confirmation
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book the airline tickets until you received the confirmation.
Redemption
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Terms & Condition
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Cancellation penalties per person for tours(Notification day and departure day are not counted)
60 days or more prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount.
31-59 days prior to departure - 75% of total purchase amount.
Within 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a schedule trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every efforts to maintain the normal operation.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your account. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 10% handling fee. NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
Tour Cancellation:
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
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Standard Hotel: Dann Carlton Hotel or similar
