Few destinations stimulate as much wonder and have inspired as many scientific pursuits as the Galapagos Islands. A multi-island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean 906km from Ecuador’s coastline, the Galapagos are where British scientist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution and are now one of the world’s largest marine national park systems.
Remote, spectacular and utterly unique, the Galapagos islands are a once in a lifetime destination for anyone interested in the natural world. The wonderfully diverse wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes exceed expectations, exciting even the most well-travelled visitors. There are 19 islands of varying sizes, located along the equator, 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bizarre wildlife includes giant tortoises, blue and red footed boobys, marine iguanas, colonies of sea lions and frigate birds. The weather tends to be hot with tropical downpours between December and May, cooler and more overcast June to November.
See the wildlife up close and marvel at the pristine scenery on our 12 Night Land Based itinerary.
General activity levels
Level 1: Designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip packed with interest.
Level 2: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads and active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkelling activities will be either from the beach or from the zodiac in deep water
Level 3: There are a variety of activities including moderate hikes,. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the wildlife. Hiking in Isabela Island is constant level trekking.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Quito, Ecuador
On arrival at Quito Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Situated at an altitude of 2850m Quito is the second highest city in Latin America. It occupies a long, narrow stretch of land overlooked by Pichincha volcano (4794m) to the West with views of the green sweeping ‘Valle de los Chillos’ to the East. The beautiful colonial, ‘old city’ was the first city in the World to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Overnight at the Patio Andaluz Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Quito, Ecuador
Day 2 - Private city tour (Half Day)
Our morning tour will take you on a stroll through the steep, narrow streets and cobbled plazas to find ornate churches, monasteries, mansions and pastel coloured balconied houses. Afterwards you will visit the middle of the world monument that marks the Equatorial line and which includes an exhibition centre.
Overnight at the Patio Andaluz Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Quito
Day 3 - San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal island.
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel
San Cristóbal is the fifth largest and easternmost island of the Galapagos. It is comprised of three or four fused volcanoes, all extinct. Its name comes from the Patron Saint of seafarers, “St. Christopher.”
The sleepy town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is home to the Interpretation Centre that provides an excellent history and explanation of the islands. At Punta Pitt you will find red, blue and masked-footed boobies, and at La Galapaguera both wild tortoises and others in a Reserve - necessary to protect them from wild goats and rats (introduced unfortunately by earlier travellers).
Overnight at the Opuntia Hotel, San Cristobal (Bed & Breakfast)
San Cristobal
Day 4 - Excursion to Espanola Island
Espanola is the oldest of the islands (3.4 million years) has no fresh water source and is uninhabitable by humans – but it’s a haven for sea birds. Here you will find the Galapagos albatross (only during the mating season from March to January), Blue-footed Boobie, swallow tailed gulls, Galapagos hawk and the Nazca Piqueros. There are also large colonies of sea lions and the vibrantly coloured iguanas.
Level 2: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkelling activities will be either from the beach or from the zodiac in deep water.
Overnight at the Opuntia Hotel, San Cristobal (Bed & Breakfast)
Espanola's varied range of birdlife
Day 5 - Excursion to Punta Pitt & Kicker Rock
This striking rock formation is an interesting view and a great place for kayaking or diving. These two rocks are located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, these rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel.
Pitt Point (Punta Pitt) is situated on the north-eastern tip of the island of San Cristobal. Arrival to this site is typically by a wet landing. A steep trail takes up a cliff and through a ravine leads visitors to an area with an abundance of birds. Here, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and the Nazca, Blue-footed and Red-footed Boobies can be spotted. A great location for snorkelling and scuba diving to see the amazing marine life including turtles, sharks, octopus and a myriad of colourful reef fish.
Level 2: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkelling activities will be either from the beach or from the zodiac in deep water.
Overnight at the Opuntia Hotel, San Cristobal (Bed & Breakfast)
Snorkel or scuba dive to see the amazing marine life
Day 6 - Santa Cruz
You will be transferred by boat to Santa Cruz and take a half day tour of the highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Station which is committed to preserving this unique environment and a centre for the breeding of turtles.
Santa Cruz is the most populated island and the main town of Puerto Ayora is the busiest hub in the Galapagos. A charming and well-resourced port in its own right with a number of hotels and restaurants. It has spectacular crescent beaches and it offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. It is the base for further cruises and a range of walking tours.
Overnight at the Galapagos Suites, Santa Cruz (Bed & Breakfast)
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Day 7 - Excursion to Santa Fe
Santa Fé is a tiny island 25 km from Santa Cruz and has one of the most beautiful bays in the Galapagos. The water is crystal clear and ideal for snorkelling, and also a wonderful place to swim with sea lions. The Santa Fe iguana is unique to the island, and can be seen among the Prickly Pear cactus that can grow up to a height of 10m.
Overnight at the Galapagos Suites, Santa Cruz (Bed & Breakfast)
Iguana
Day 8 - Excursion to Bartolome
Despite being desolate with few plants, Bartolomé is probably the most photographed of all the Galapagos Islands. The wondrous lava formations with shades of red, orange, green and glistening black are a stunning sight, as is the view from the look-out summit at Pinnacle Rock (114 m). If you snorkel the friendly Galapagos penguins are likely to be regular swimming companions.
Overnight at the Galapagos Suites, Santa Cruz (Bed & Breakfast)
Bartolome island
Day 9 - Isabela Island
You will be transferred by speed boat to Isabela Island, you will then be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
The largest island made up of 6 fused volcanoes, Isabela is shaped like a sea-horse and is one of the youngest islands, which gives it a distinctive ecosystem. There are more wild tortoises here than anywhere else, because the Alceda tortoises like to wallow in the mud of the volcanic craters to protect them from mosquitoes. Around Elizabeth Bay, penguins, turtles, Darwin’s finches and reef sharks abound, and between June and September Isabela is the best place for whale watching.
Overnight at Albemarle Hotel, Isabela island (Bed & Breakfast)
Tortoise, Isabela island
Day 10 - Excursion to Los Tuneles
Los Tuneles, also known as Cabo Rosa, is an uninhabited islet located an hour from Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island. These lava formations look like tunnels and over hundreds of years have become a marine paradise inhabited by varied endemic Galapagos species. Ideal for snorkeling due to its crystal-clear and shallow waters. This site is home to sea turtles, albatrosses, flamingos, iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, royal frigate, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and a variety of other species.
Level 3: There are a variety of activities including moderate hikes. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the wildlife. Hiking in Isabela Island is constant level trekking.
Overnight at Albemarle Hotel, Isabela island (Bed & Breakfast)
Blue-footed boobies, Los Tuneles
Day 11 - Depart for Quito
You will be transfer by speed boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz island, from here you will be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito
On arrival at Quito Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments the Patio Andaluz Hotel is located in the heart of the historical colonial quarter of Quito. This charming hotel has 32 stylishly decorated en suite rooms including 11 suites on two levels, around 2 covered courtyards.
Overnight at the Patio Andaluz Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Patio Andaluz Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
Day 12 - Day of departure
Today you will be transferred to Quito International airport for your return flight with Iberia airlines, departing Quito 18:45 arriving in Madrid at 11:15 (next day) connecting with a flight at 13:35 arriving then in London Heathrow at 15:00.
These flight times are used as a guideline and are subject to change.
Before your evening flight back to the UK, take the opportunity to explore Quito or simply spend the time relaxing at your hotel.