Banos (Ecuador) | Otavalo (Ecuador) | Papallacta (Ecuador) | Quito (Ecuador) | San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) | Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos) | Tena (Ecuador)
The following are Journeys: From The Amazon To The Galapagos tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town's famous handicraft market-one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Then, visit a local community establishment for an included lunch of traditional specialities. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we'll spend the night.
Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.One of the most obvious signs of the Otavalenos' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo's famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling - it's expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.
Visit Kawsaymi Restaurant, a social initiative that is dedicated to preserving authentic culinary traditions such as Otavaleno cuisine, by using fresh, local ingredients. More than just a place to eat, Kawsaymi is an engine for local empowerment, focused on creating sustainable growth and job opportunities for youth in the community, ensuring that every meal supports its economic future. Become immersed in the authentic flavors and traditions of the Andes. Discover local products, herbs, and grains that form the foundation of Andean cuisine and learn how they are cultivated sustainably. Gain a glimpse into the past with a visit to a traditional, old style kitchen, seeing where ancestral recipes have been perfected and passed down through generations. And then sit down for a delicious, home cooked Andean lunch. Prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the garden you just explored, this farm-to-table meal is a true celebration of the local community's cultural heritage.
Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of daily life, and observe members of the community at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the home and studio of the Anrango Family as they work to keep their culture's traditions alive. For thousands of years the indigenous people of the Otavalo region have used the backstrap loom to create their woven goods, however new technologies have slowly been pushing out the tradition. Learn how the Anrango Family are working to help revive this ancient art as they demonstrates every step of the process, from cleaning the wool, to naturally dyeing it, to backstrap weaving.
Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, as you relax and soak in the natural hot springs.
Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador's gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we'll stop at El Quetzal Protected Forest to explore the property's reserve-home to a plethora of avian species, including 8 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of Capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon's nocturnal creatures.
The lodge is located along the bank of the Arajuno River approx. 40min. from Tena. We stay in comfortable cabanas next to the river, which have private bathroom with hot water in the rainfall-shower, electricity and a balcony. From your balcony, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe hummingbirds, shore river birds and butterflies. In the evening, listen to the night music of the multitude of frogs and other nocturnal creatures. The Lodge also has an open-air lounge with pool and full service bar, all connected by a raised and roofed boardwalk to guests rooms.The lodge is dedicated to protecting the pristine jungle environment and has a dedicated recycling program, energy conservation program and offer biodegradable amenities including shampoo and shower gel in the bathrooms.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy an excursion to El Quetzal Protected Forest. Set off on a guided walk with a seasoned expert naturalist through this forest focused on the protection and conservation of native species. The El Quetzal nature reserve is a true testament of the commitment, love, and dedication that this family-run establishment has for preserving Ecuador's cloud forest. Once partially used for sugarcane cultivation, this family's passion for conservation has transformed the land around them into a thriving ecosystem for diverse bird, insect, and plant species. Begin the experience with a welcome briefing and snacks before walking directly to the hummingbird feeders. Explanations of the surrounding land and mission of the property will be discussed as you walk between viewpoints. The sounds and colours alone of these beautiful creatures are sure to amaze you as the group wanders deeper into the forest.
Embark on a night walk with a local naturalist guide to learn about nocturnal creatures of the Amazon. A flashlight and camera are the most important tools on this excursion, which allows us to hear the nocturnal sounds of the forest and to search out bats, owls, a variety of insects, tarantulas, toads and frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we might have the chance to do some stargazing.
Depart early by canoe to visit a saladero, or a parrot clay lick. Alongside our naturalist guide, observe brightly coloured parrots and parakeets gather here to snack on the mineral-rich clay, which studies suggest aids in digestion and provides an important nutrient supplement. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a tour of AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue centre that rehabilitates wild creatures that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Later, we'll visit the home of a local Amazonian family for a unique cultural experience. Chat with your hosts about their traditions and beliefs and learn about everyday life in the jungle; then sit down to a delicious homemade lunch.
Visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) with a naturalist guide. This unique site is where parrots and parakeets gather to eat mineral-rich clay that will help them digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals.
Take a guided tour of amaZOOnico, a rescue and rehabilitation centre that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of illegal trafficking. See large cats and reptiles up close, and learn all about the important work of this sanctuary.
Enjoy a truly unforgettable cultural experience with local Ecuadorian families who'll welcome and host us for the afternoon at their homes in the jungle. Discuss their traditions, beliefs, and history and hear about what daily life is like for them in such a unique environment. Watch and listen as they prepare local snacks and share insight about their deep connection to nature, as well as their thoughts on the encroachment of the modern world on their traditional way of life here. A marvelous afternoon you'll talk about for years to come.
Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Banos. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and-as the name indicates-thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Banos, enjoy free time to stroll through the town.
Banos is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Banos means "baths" and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means "Throat of Fire" in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it's definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas, where the group will discover ethnobotany - the study of the relationship between cultures, and the plants around them. Local flora has long been, and still is, integral to the lives of Amazonian indigenous groups who use the plants for shelter, nourishment, medicine, and in spiritual practices. This Amazonian Flora Rescue Centre was founded in 1980 with the hope of protecting 7 hectares of land in this environmentally diverse region of Ecuador-the goal being to create a space for the convergence of scientific, environmental, and cultural exploration-while also being a space for people to come and enjoy the beauty of a flourishing ecosystem. Spend a few hours with a guide who will teach you about the various benefits of the nearby plants while you walk through and breathe in the fresh air.
Opt to take a walk through town and visit some shops.
The day is yours to explore Banos and the surrounding area. Choose to head to the mountains for an invigorating hike, and later soak your tired muscles in one of the town's thermal springs. Set off on a mountain biking adventure, pedaling past rivers, waterfalls, and delightfully green landscapes; opt to hit the rapids on a white-water rafting excursion; and much more.
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, and rafting on the River Patate.
Relax at leisure or opt to take part in some active pursuits.
Drive back to Quito, Ecuador's capital, along the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes. En route, we'll venture through Cotopaxi National Park-home to the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest peak in the country. As you explore this magnificent park, keep an eye out for the resident wildlife, which ranges from condors, foxes, and deer to the the endangered Andean puma.
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador's second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Spend the day soaking up the Andean capital on your own terms. Stroll through the plazas and shops of the Mariscal neighbourhood, pausing at one of the many trendy restaurants and cafes. Or, opt for a day trip into the lush cloud forest of Mindo to spot hummingbirds darting through moss-draped canopy trails. As evening falls over the surrounding peaks, gather back at the hotel to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and welcome a fresh group of fellow travellers joining for the next leg of the journey. End the day swapping stories and getting to know your new companions over an optional group dinner at a local spot, taking in the easy rhythm of the city.
Take advantage of a free day in Quito to explore, shop for souvenirs, relax at a cafe or book an optional excursion to the cloud forest at Mindo.
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compania de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intinan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden cafe, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace.
Step into the dense heritage of Ecuador's capital with a morning walk through Quito's historic heart, marveling at the intricate details of La Compania de Jesus and the colonial architecture of San Francisco Plaza. Savor the complex flavors of pure Andean cacao during a curated chocolate tasting, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Intinan Museum (Intinan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.
Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galapagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening.
Depart your hotel for the scenic drive to Mariscal Sucre International Airport, leaving the high Andean capital behind as you prepare to board your flight west to the legendary Galapagos Islands.
Fly from Ecuador's capital to Baltra Island as the Pacific Ocean unfolds beneath you.
Following a short transfer and a scenic ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel, board a private vehicle on the northern shores of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a relaxing journey across the island' taking in the striking volcanic scenery before stopping for lunch.
Delight in a locally sourced lunch at a highland organic farm, followed by an insightful walk among the native Scalesia and pineapple crops to learn about the region's unique botany and historic coffee cultivation. Contribute to the preservation of this delicate ecosystem by joining your fellow travelers to plant a native tree, then celebrate the afternoon by savoring a freshly brewed cup of the estate's exquisite coffee.
After lunch, continue driving to the southern edge of Santa Cruz Island, to the town of Puerto Ayora.
Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace.
Drive north from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel where the boat awaits for today's adventure.
Cast off from the Itabaca Channel and navigate to one of the archipelago's pristine uninhabited islands like Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe. Disembark with your naturalist guide and explore on foot to observe the unique endemic wildlife and dramatic geology up close before lunch back on board the boat. Next, slip into the water for a spectacular snorkeling session among gliding rays, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish before cruising back to Santa Cruz. *Please note that the exact sites visited are determined by the Galapagos National Park's allotments for each day and are subject to change at their discretion.
Drive back to Puerto Ayora following a full day of exploration and adventure.
After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you.
As dusk approaches, the evening is yours to enjoy. Stroll the lively waterfront of Puerto Ayora, seek out a charming local restaurant for dinner, or simply relax at your hotel after a day of discovery.
Accompanied by the songs of Darwin's finches and towering cacti, walk the forested pathway to Tortuga Bay, where plunging seabirds and sunbathing marine iguanas share an expansive stretch of magnificent white sand. Just beyond lies Playa Mansa, a serene, mangrove-fringed cove that invites you to swim through calm waters inhabited by gliding rays and passing sea turtles.
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galapagos tortoise up close - a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galapagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Board a morning speedboat to San Cristobal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls.
Navigate the open waters to the easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristobal.
Trace the fascinating evolution of the islands at the Interpretation Center before following a scenic uphill path to the sweeping coastal overlooks of Tijeretas. Marvel at the frigatebirds flying above while observing marine iguanas and sea lions resting along the rugged shoreline.
Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the town, walk along the seaside malecon, relax in a cafe or laze by the pool at the hotel.
Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galapagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristobal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront cafe. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week.
The day is yours to explore, offering the perfect opportunity to relax in town, unwind on the beach, or arrange an optional excursion to Kicker Rock or La Loberia.
Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport.
Please do not book onward flights departing from Quito earlier than 8pm.
Board your return flight from San Cristobal to mainland Ecuador, where your extraordinary Galapagos expedition comes to a close as you touch down in Quito.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: From The Amazon To The Galapagos tour:
Plaza Isidro Ayora *100
Tungurahua
Banos, Ecuador
Panamericana Norte km. 5
Otavalo, Ecuador
km. 65 via Quito - Baeza
Papallacta, Ecuador
Luis Cordero 444
Quito, Ecuador-170143
Avenida Charles Darwin y e S/N, 179217 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
San Cristobal Island, Ecuador
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
San Pedro de Arajuno 150151
Tena, Ecuador
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: From The Amazon To The Galapagos tour:
Max 16, Avg 12.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Otavalo Weaving Lesson, OtavaloYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Amazon Home Experience, TenaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden, PuyoYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz IslandYour G for Good Moment: Kawsaymi Community Lunch, OtavaloYour Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta. Arrival transfer. Overnight in an historic hacienda. Explore the Otavalo handicraft market. Cloud forest reserve visit. Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions. Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. Quito city tour with local chocolate and cacao tasting. Visit the Intinan Museum at the Equator line. Full-day tour by boat to uninhabited island to spot wildlife with swimming and snorkelling. Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station visit. Visit San Cristobal's Interpretation Centre and Las Tijeretas. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Visit the Otavalo Weaving studio and get a lesson from local weaver. Explore villages and learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from locals. Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide. Learn about the relationship between cultures and the plants around them at the Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas. Walk through Quito's historical heart with a local guide to taste regional cacao and artisanal chocolate. Travel to the middle of the world at the Intinan Museum for interactive experiments right on the equator line. Explore an organic farm, learn about crops, and plant an endemic tree to support island conservation. Sail to an uninhabited island to hike wild trails and snorkel alongside turtles, rays, and sharks. Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about habitat protection. Discover volcanic origins and human history at the Gianny Arismendi Interpretation Center, then hike up to the Tijeretas lookout.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Quito- Quito City Tour & Equator LinePapallacta- Hiking ExcursionBanos- Hiking - Banos (Free)- Horseback Riding - Banos (25USD per person)- Mountain Bike Rental (10USD per person)- Hot Springs - Banos (4USD per person)- Whitewater Rafting (35USD per person)Mindo- Mindo Cloud Forest - Full Day Trip (70-100USD per person)
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number
Hotels (15 nts).
15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your Expedition Leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, Local Guides, Naturalist Guide Expedition Leader in the Galapagos Islands (certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority)
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a National Geographic Expedition Leader. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. In the Galápagos Islands, our Expedition Leaders are naturalists certified by the Galapagos National Park.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private vehicle, motorized canoe, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Amazon:o Knee-length sockso Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pantso Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirtso Pack liners to waterproof bags Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
We recommend the use of a duffel bag, soft bag on wheels or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.Please note that Galápagos is a protected national park so your luggage will be checked before arrival and departure to and from the islands. Don’t bring any food, seeds or other organic material that could affect the delicate ecosystem of the islands.
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your Expedition Leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Also at the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $50-75 USD per person, per week can be used for the Expedition Leader on the mainland portion of the tour, and $100-$150 per person, per week for the Expedition Leader in the Galapagos Islands.