7-Day Galapagos Essentials
Quito, EC
91% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
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Highlights
- Witness incredible wildlife in natural habitats
- Snorkel with sea turtles and vibrant fish
- Explore iconic giant tortoises up close
- Discover breathtaking landscapes and stunning views
- Experience local culture and delicious cuisine
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Duration: 7 days
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Certified English-speaking guide
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6 breakfasts and 3 lunches included
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Snorkeling gear provided
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Airport transfers included
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4-star hotel accommodations
Embark on a thrilling 7-day adventure through the Galapagos Islands, where travelers will immerse themselves in a breathtaking natural sanctuary brimming with unique wildlife. From the iconic giant tortoises of Santa Cruz to vibrant snorkeling with sea lions and colorful fish, every moment promises unforgettable encounters. Their journey includes hikes through lush highlands, visits to the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, and guided tours of beautiful Isla Lobos. With comfortable accommodations, expert trip leaders, and the flexibility to explore local cuisine, this expedition fosters a deep connection with both the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. As they traverse this extraordinary archipelago, travelers will witness nature's wonders and the evolutionary marvels that make the Galapagos a truly unique destination, leaving them inspired and yearning for more adventures in the wild.
At a Glance
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7 days
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the breathtaking Galapagos Islands with a land-based expedition, enjoying unique wildlife encounters and flexible itineraries.
Included
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OtherTrip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader -
OtherActivities: Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands, Snorkelling, Isla Lobos, Academy bay day tour
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Lunch
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OtherMeals Included: 6 breakfasts and 3 lunches
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Breakfast
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OtherGear: Snorkeling mask and fins, life vest
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OtherAccommodations based in double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, 4-star hotels in Galapagos
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OtherTransportation: Airport transfers (national flights), sea transportation Santa Cruz - Isabela islands round trip, comfortable land transportation
Excluded
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OtherInternational flights -
OtherAirfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
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OtherTravel insurance (mandatory)
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OtherMeals not described in the itinerary
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OtherTips for guides and drivers
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Use of snorkeling equipmentWetsuit for rent
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Government feesINGALA transit card Fee
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Entrance feesGalapagos National Park Fee
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Private transportationAirport transfer (international flights)
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Othersingle supplement
Meeting Point
Meet you trip leader and group for the Welcome Briefing at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby.
No. 36 - 212 y, Av. República de El Salvador, Quito 170135 , Ecuador
End Point
Meet you trip leader and group for the Welcome Briefing at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby.
No. 36 - 212 y, Av. República de El Salvador, Quito 170135 , Ecuador
What to expect
Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of America was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire. 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. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel 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.
60 minutes
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry and then continuing by car. Your first stop will be at the highlands of Santa Cruz. The Highlands home of the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out for a walk in search of the giant tortoises. During this visit, you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies, After this tour, you will continue by private transport to your hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this beautiful Island.
480 minutes
Admission Included
Today after breakfast you will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour, you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions and all kinds of colourful fish. Here you can see the blue-footed boobies. etc. Afterwards, climb to a nearby viewpoint and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards, take a walk to ‘Playa de Los Perros’ where many sea iguanas are found resting in the sun. The enormous cacti, the red colour of the rocks and the turquoise colour of the ocean make for great photo opportunities.
480 minutes
Admission Included
San Cristobal Interpretation Center
In the morning we will 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, you will travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive, we will check in at the hotel.
480 minutes
Admission Included
This morning, after breakfast, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta, sea lions and sometimes sharks that all inhabit the island. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great to walk around, relax and swim in the shallow waters before you came back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
480 minutes
Admission Included
Enjoy some more free time this morning before transferring to the airport of San Cristobal. From here, you will take a flight back to Ecuador's mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel for one more evening at leisure before saying goodbye.
480 minutes
Admission Included
End of Services
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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2 hours each way from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal -
20 minutes each way - Isla Lobos
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2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers
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45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos
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45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito
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45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
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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.
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All prices are based on double occupancy. If you are travelling 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.
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All year
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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.
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Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
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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
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From sea level to 600m (1900ft)
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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.
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Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each.
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Moderate to easy there are short hikes in El Chato, Academy day tour, Isla Lobos snorkelling is easy.
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of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
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Short hikes 1-hour average
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture
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Tintoreras: 1 hour.
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Traveling 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.
What our experts say
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Try local ceviche at a nearby restaurant. -
Visit the Charles Darwin Station for insights.
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Pack sturdy shoes for hiking adventures.
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Explore Quito's Old Town for culture.
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Bring a waterproof camera for snorkeling.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The 7-Day Galapagos Essentials is not just a tour; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in a world unlike any other. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, this land-based expedition allows travelers to explore the unique flora and fauna that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. With a carefully crafted itinerary, this adventure includes everything from snorkeling with sea turtles to hiking through lush highlands, ensuring that every moment is filled with wonder. Accommodations are in comfortable, first-class hotels, and meals are thoughtfully included, giving travelers the chance to savor local flavors. With expert guides leading the way, each day unveils new discoveries, making this experience a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Get ready to witness nature’s splendor in a sanctuary where wildlife thrives and memories are waiting to be made.What to expect?
Expect to be dazzled by the abundance of life that thrives in the Galapagos Islands. This experience is designed to maximize your interaction with nature, allowing you to see unique wildlife up close, including giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and vibrant marine creatures while snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The itinerary balances guided activities with free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Picture yourself hiking through the lush landscapes of Santa Cruz, hopping on a boat to discover Isla Lobos, or wandering the sandy beaches where blue-footed boobies nest. Each day is an opportunity to witness the remarkable evolutionary changes that have taken place over millennia, bringing you face-to-face with the wonders of life. The combination of structured tours and flexible leisure time ensures that you’ll leave with a deep appreciation of this extraordinary environment and unforgettable memories.Who is this for?
The 7-Day Galapagos Essentials is designed for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for nature, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, this tour caters to various fitness levels with moderate activities, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends will find joy in discovering the islands together, while couples seeking a romantic getaway will appreciate the stunning landscapes and serene moments spent in nature. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those curious about the wonders of evolution will find this journey particularly fulfilling. The experience is inclusive, allowing participants to engage with the local culture, cuisine, and community while fostering a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystems that make the Galapagos a true paradise on Earth.Why book this?
Booking the 7-Day Galapagos Essentials means securing an adventure that combines comfort with the thrill of exploration. This tour is unique because it offers a land-based experience, allowing travelers to dive deep into the islands’ wonders without the constant movement of boat travel. With expert local guides leading the way, participants gain insider knowledge about the islands’ ecological significance and conservation efforts. The carefully curated itinerary balances structured activities with leisure time, giving travelers the flexibility to forge their own path while still benefiting from organized tours. From snorkeling in vibrant marine habitats to hiking through lush highlands populated by giant tortoises, this experience promises unforgettable encounters with wildlife and breathtaking scenery. It is not just a trip; it’s a chance to connect with nature, understand its importance, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.Good to know
Travelers should be aware that while the 7-Day Galapagos Essentials offers a well-structured itinerary, flexibility is key. Weather conditions and local circumstances may lead to minor changes in the schedule, but this aspect only adds to the adventure of exploring such a dynamic environment. Participants are encouraged to bring appropriate gear for snorkeling and hiking, as well as to inform the Adventure Journeys team of any dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time. The experience is designed to be accessible to all, with activities suited for varying physical fitness levels. Travelers will enjoy a mix of guided excursions and personal exploration, with opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and culture. With an emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel, this tour not only provides an amazing vacation but also supports conservation efforts in the Galapagos.Reviews
Feedback from previous participants of the 7-Day Galapagos Essentials has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the seamless organization and the wealth of experiences packed into the week. Travelers have shared stories of unforgettable encounters with wildlife, highlighting the thrill of snorkeling alongside playful sea lions and spotting blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. The knowledgeable guides have received high marks for their expertise and enthusiasm, making each excursion both educational and exciting. Many guests appreciated the balance of structured activities and free time, allowing them to explore at their own pace while still enjoying enriching experiences. Overall, the tour has garnered appreciation for its attention to detail, commitment to sustainability, and the opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most unique ecological treasures.
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