Named famously for the giant tortoises and created of black lava, the Galapagos Islands are like no other place present on Earth. The Island is located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and is surrounded entirely by open ocean. Offering a unique immersion in nature and home to an extravagant array of wildlife, the Galapagos Islands feel primeval. Visit this land to have a thrilling experience of penguins and turtles gliding past you in the turquoise water and also of the friendly sea lions playing with you. Here’s your guide to an amazing Latin American adventure vacation in Galapagos.
(Day 1): Arrival at Quito
(Day 2): Marvel at the sight of Galapagos on a luxury cruise tour
(Day 3): Explore and enjoy the sea life at the Galapagos
(Day 4): Some more of Galapagos
(Day 5): Admiring the birdlife of Galapagos
(Day 6): Back to Quito
(Day 7): Departure
Quito, Galapagos, Puerto Baqueirzo, San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.
As you arrive in Quito, you’ll be amazed at the sight of the city lights filling up the valley. Your private guide will meet you at the airport and get you escorted to your luxurious and comforting hotel. Check in at the hotel, settle down and enjoy a relaxing spa at the comforts of your hotel before you have your dinner. You can also enjoy a view of the city and a cascade of illuminations from the room of your hotel that will help you re-energize for your cruise tour that starts tomorrow.
After you fly down to the Galapagos and board the Santa Cruz II, your very first excursion will be to this remarkable island. You’ll have an ample opportunity here to admire the evolution and diversity of the wildlife at the Galapagos Island. On your walk along the island tip at Punta Pitt, you’ll be offered an astonishing proximity with many different varieties of birds. White fluffy babies gaze with curiosity As you wander past these unique birds, their white fluffy babies will gaze at you with curiosity.
To enjoy your first night on board, return to the Santa Cruz II. This huge modern boat started out in October 2015 and is considered ideal for cruising to distant parts of the archipelago. There is a space for 90 passengers on this cruise. A huge upper deck and large social areas provide a space for relaxation while the dining room buzz with excitement as three sumptuous meals per day are provided.
On your first morning on board, cherish the beautiful sights of sunrise tones glistening off the turquoise waves. As a small boat takes you over to a white beach, get ready to be anticipated as you get acquainted with the antics of sea lions frolicking in the white sand. They twist their neck inspecting your arrival and then flop on the sand. While you wander around this wonderful volcanic island, Santa Fe land iguana wait for you beneath cactus trees. You’ll be having abundant time to swim and snorkel around the reefs and sea lions. Often, you’ll get to enjoy the marine activities run by Santa Cruz II before a divine lunch and some peaceful time as the boat cruise to a new destination.
This afternoon you’ll drop down at South Plaza, where white sand and black lava contrast on the shore. The yellow-gray land iguanas here are clearly distinct from the iguanas you saw on Santa Fe. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and white frigates and are also the highlight this afternoon.
As the new day begins, there are other iconic species for you to enjoy. Once there were 15 distinct species of giant tortoise in the Galapagos. The number has presently dropped to ten, but there has been a reemergence noticed of the Santa Cruz giant tortoise. After you enjoy the cool highlands of the island, there are a variety of options for you for the afternoon, including sea kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. There is a great advantage of a large boat of the number of naturalist guides, which means that you can choose your own activities instead of having to do the one chosen by the group.
The coralline beach of Gardner Bay is covered by hundreds of sea lions, paddling around beneath the wings of circling hawks. But as you’ll be engrossed in their mysterious antics, large seabirds are going to grab your attention providing new definitions of Galapagos scale. Rare red-green-black marine iguanas are also spotted here. The afternoon today will be a relaxed one, where you can relax peacefully on the white coral beach beside the sea lions or can also head out for snorkeling excursions. Spot here mockingbirds and Darwin's finches.
Say goodbye to the sea lions as you step off the Santa Cruz II on the airport island of Baltra. After the flight back to Quito, you'll be greeted at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old city. Upon arrival, you can either relax in your hotel room after a tiring vacation or can also wander around the delightful sights of the city.
In the early morning, get ready to be transferred to the airport for your departing flight. Wave a hearty goodbye to your Galapagos journey and take with you a million memories of this exciting and thrilling trip.