Day 1: Arrival and Adventure at Las Grietas
Galápagos Ecologic Airport - Fly to the Galapagos Islands, arriving at Baltra Island Airport, where our bilingual guide will greet you.
Transfer to the hotel and enjoy lunch. You will then meet with one of our staff members to get briefed on the next few days of your trip including a quick description of Santa Cruz Island
Las Grietas - In the afternoon, we will visit “Las Grietas,” a spectacular site with volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. You can swim and snorkel. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Discovering Isabela Island and Tintoreras Islet
Santa Cruz - After this unique encounter, we head back to Isabela’s dock and then start our navigation to Santa Cruz. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station
Charles Darwin Research Station - After breakfast, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can see land iguanas from Baltra Island, baby tortoises at the breeding center, and giant tortoises in captivity. We’ll also take photos with the preserved “Lonesome George.”
San Cristobal - In the afternoon, we embark on a navigation to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, check-in, and relax. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Scenic Hike at Cerro Tijeretas
Day 5: Relaxing at Playa Mann with Sea Lions
Playa Mann - After breakfast, we visit Playa Mann to enjoy the beach alongside playful sea lions. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the island at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay.
Kicker Rock - Alternatively, we recommend you take part in one of our two optional excursions for the day: either a visit to Kicker Rock for some snorkeling* or a tour of San Cristobal’s highlands (we can help organize this full-day excursion before your trip begins). Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 6: Departure from the Enchanting Galapagos Islands
Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport - Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, renowned for its panoramic views of the Andean mountains and its rich Incan heritage. Upon national arrival at the airport, our driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name.
Afterward, journey through the Ecuadorian Highlands, ascending to the highest point of the road in the moors of Papallacta. Descend into the eastern jungle of the country until you reach the eco lodge.
Termas de Papallacta - Papallacta hot springs, where you’ll enjoy some relaxation time en route to the jungle rainforest. Papallacta is famous for its thermal waters, believed to have medicinal properties. The lagoon in Papallacta supplies a significant portion of Quito’s drinking water, with 80% of its territory comprising the moors ecosystem.
Take the opportunity to admire the lagoon and, if you wish, indulge in a soak in one of its hot springs for an additional cost (approximately 15 USD per person). Continue your journey to your ecolodge in the Napo Amazon rainforest.
*Please note: Entrance to the thermal waters is not included and can be paid for on-site. This activity is subject to availability.
Tena - To conclude the day, embark on a night exploration of the Amazon. Take a leisurely walk around the wildlife reserve, where you can catch a glimpse of various nocturnal creatures such as toads, night monkeys, owls, fishing bats, tarantulas, frogs, and possibly snakes, grasshoppers, and various species of insects. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter bioluminescent mushrooms, a true feast for the eyes! Overnight stay in Accommodation at the Ecolodge on the Upper Napo River
Jungle Napo river & Cultural Immersion
Tena - After breakfast at the ecolodge, the day is yours to customize. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Ecuadorian jungle at your own pace. If relaxation is what you seek, indulge in the amenities offered by the hotel.
You have the option to choose between two full-day excursions included:
Misahualli - Option 1: Waterfall Walk & Kichwa Culture Experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey with a guided walk to breathtaking views of the waterfall, where you’ll immerse yourself in the tropical fauna and flora along the way. After enjoying a box lunch, venture to the Huaroani Reserve Lagoon for a serene canoe ride, observing curious large fish swimming and surfacing. Continue to the tranquil Misahualli Monkey Village, where you’ll encounter its most charming residents, the monkeys! Conclude your day by visiting a Kichwa community to gain insight into their traditional way of life. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night in the jungle.
Rio Arajuno - Option 2: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Amazon with a thrilling wildlife walk through lush forests, spotting exotic creatures along the way. Then, embark on a scenic canoe ride to Anaconda Island, where you’ll encounter prehistoric birds and playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Amazonian Kichwa community. Experience their traditional way of life, learn about their customs, and share in their festivities as you sample the famous “chicha” drink and savor delicious traditional dishes.
Round off the day with a visit to Amazoonico, a vital rescue center dedicated to protecting endangered Amazonian wildlife. Get up close to incredible animals and support their conservation efforts. Return to the Ecolodge. Dinner & jungle lodging
Baños Adventure: Waterfalls, Mountains, and Volcanoes
Tena - Breakfast at the ecolodge marks the beginning of your journey to Baños de Agua Santa, often referred to simply as Baños, a renowned Ecuadorian city nestled in the Tungurahua province, celebrated for its plethora of enchanting waterfalls.
CASCADA EL PAILON - Your day commences with an extraordinary trek, guided to awe-inspiring vistas of the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. Following this, venture to the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where you’ll relish crossing the Rio Verde Canyon via a cable car. (Lunch not included)
Mega Adventure Park Río Blanco.. - Here, the option to partake in additional adventure activities such as canyoning, zip-lining, and more awaits—though these activities are not included.
La Casa del Arbol - After indulging in a delightful lunch, ascend into the mountains, where you’ll encounter the famed “Swing at the End of the World” at Casa del Arbol, boasting breathtaking panoramas of the Tungurahua Volcano. Concluding your excursion, stop for visit the charming city of Baños before continuing your journey to the capital city of Quito.
Cotopaxi Volcano - En route, pause for a panoramic view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, offering a chance encounter with the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi volcano, potentially showcasing its majestic activity in full display!
Quito - Transfer to your hotel or the Quito airport to conclude the tour.
- Accommodation in a double room
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Naturalist English-speaking guide and transportation according to the itinerary
- Galapagos: Snorkeling equipment (mask & tube)
- Rainforest: Rubber boots (Size 35 to 44), Life jackets, kayak and tubes
- Air tickets
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100 (Subject to change) per person
- Migratory Control Card: $20.00 per person
- Isabela local tax: $10 per person
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Embark on an 8-day adventure with Viator to explore the best of Ecuador!
Visit four stunning islands with our FULL PACK: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands over six unforgettable shared tour days, experiencing vibrant local life.
On Day 6, return to Quito airport, where our private transport will take you on a journey into the heart of the tropical rainforest for an immersive wildlife and cultural experience
But the excitement doesn’t end there!
Day 8: Discover the charming city of Baños de Agua Santa and its breathtaking waterfalls, including the Pailon del Diablo and the iconic Casa del Árbol, also known as The Swing at the End of the World
And as if that wasn’t enough, prepare to be awed by the majestic Cotopaxi volcano along the famous Volcanoes Route. The tour concludes at Quito airport or your hotel.
Don’t miss out on this epic journey filled with fun and adventure! Book now and let the exploration begin!
- Itineraries for tours and cruises in the Galapagos Islands can indeed change according to regulations set by the Galapagos National Park.
- The Galapagos National Park Directorate enforces strict guidelines to protect the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the islands. These regulations can affect visitor sites, allowable activities, and the number of visitors to certain areas
- Wildlife Protection: Certain areas might be temporarily closed to allow for the undisturbed breeding or nesting of wildlife
- Environmental Conservation: Some sites might be restricted to limit human impact and allow for ecological recovery
- Safety: Weather conditions, volcanic activity, or other natural events can make certain areas unsafe, leading to itinerary changes
- Management Policies: The park authority might change policies on the maximum number of visitors per site to reduce overcrowding and minimize environmental impact
- Our travel experts typically adapt their plans to comply with these regulations while still providing a rich experience of the Galapagos Islands. It’s always a good idea to check with your tour provider for the most up-to-date information regarding your itinerary
- We don’t offer trip insurance, but we highly recommend purchasing it before your trip.
- You have to fly to Ecuador first, either to Quito or Guayaquil, and from there you will fly to Galapagos..
- Galapagos Dry Season (cool & misty) From July to December (approximately), the southern trade winds bring the cold Humboldt Current to Galapagos and with it, cooler days, cooler water temperatures and blue skies. The highlands of the larger islands have a persistent misty fog known as Garua that keeps them lush and green, while shorelines and islands closer to sea level have little precipitation or a few midday showers. During this season, tourists may observe a rich variety of species around the islands and in the sea such as giant tortoises, humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, and penguins. While water visibility may be decreased, the currents and winds bring tons of ocean life, making it the perfect time for diving.
- Galapagos Wet Season (warm & rainy) The time period between December and June (approximately), is known as the wet or warm season in Galapagos. During this season, the climate in the Islands is more “tropical” with daily rain and cloudier skies. The northern Panama Current heats the water temperature and this causes hot days with periodic rains that often clear up by the evening. Ocean conditions are calmer during the wet season resulting in excellent underwater visibility and with a warmer water temperature, swimming and snorkeling can be more enjoyable. During this wet/rainy season, lush green leaves and landscapes provide an abundance of food for many land animals. Tourists may observe a large number of species around the islands such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, albatross, and blue-footed boobies.
- Galapagos Weather for Divers The Humboldt Current’s influence brings cold waters especially during the misty, cool season (cool & dry weather) from July to December approximately. Natural Ocean occurrences like the Panama Current and “El Niño”, bring warm waters to the Galapagos and will make the surface warmer and rainfall increase (December to June approximately). The water temperature varies during the year. December to June: from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C) July to November: from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
