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Journeys: Wildlife Of The Galapagos Islands
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Quito (Ecuador)
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Ends in
Quito (Ecuador)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 29, 2028 to FEB 5, 2028
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam - all without sacrificing comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,999.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
From colonial plazas to sun-drenched beaches and volcanic island shores, Ecuador reveals a rich world of wonders. Taste local cacao in Quito's historic heart and stand directly on the equator line. Then fly to the Galapagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and sail across turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Every step draws you closer to this living, breathing archipelago.
Visited During Tour
Quito (Ecuador) | San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) | Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Journeys: Wildlife Of The Galapagos Islands tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code SEGNG-11952
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Day
1Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
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.
Accommodations: NH Collection Royal Quito -
Day
2Quito
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Quito City Tour
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.
Intiñan Museum Visit
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.
Accommodations: NH Collection Royal Quito -
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3Quito/Santa Cruz Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
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.
Plane
Fly from Ecuador's capital to Baltra Island as the Pacific Ocean unfolds beneath you.
Private Vehicle
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.
Organic Farm Visit
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.
Private Vehicle
After lunch, continue driving to the southern edge of Santa Cruz Island, to the town of Puerto Ayora.
Accommodations: Hotel Barranco -
Day
4Santa Cruz Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Drive north from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel where the boat awaits for today's adventure.
Galápagos Wildlife Excursion
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.
Private Vehicle
Drive back to Puerto Ayora following a full day of exploration and adventure.
Accommodations: Hotel Barranco -
Day
5Santa Cruz Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
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.
Tortuga Bay and Playa Mansa Excursion
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.
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
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.
Accommodations: Hotel Barranco -
Day
6Santa Cruz Island/San Cristobal Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Boat
Navigate the open waters to the easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristobal.
Interpretation Centre and Tijeretas Visit
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.
Free Time
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.
Accommodations: Hotel Casa Opuntia -
Day
7San Cristobal Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
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.
Accommodations: Hotel Casa Opuntia -
Day
8San Cristobal Island/Quito
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Plane
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.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: Wildlife Of The Galapagos Islands tour:
Quito
NH Collection Royal Quito
Location
Luis Cordero 444
Quito, Ecuador-170143
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
San Cristobal Island
Hotel Casa Opuntia
Location
Avenida Charles Darwin y e S/N, 179217 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
San Cristobal Island, Ecuador
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Santa Cruz Island
Hotel Barranco
Location
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: Wildlife Of The Galapagos Islands tour:
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz IslandYour Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting, Quito. Arrival transfer. 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
Highlights
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.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
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.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (7 nts).
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches
What are the meals like on this trip?
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.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader/Naturalist Guide throughout (certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority)
International Flights
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.
Transportation
Private vehicle, plane, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking
Minimum Age
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.
Checklist
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.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
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.
Service Level
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
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 $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.