Floreana Island (Galapagos) | Isabela Island (Galapagos) | Papallacta (Ecuador) | Quito (Ecuador) | San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) | Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
The following are Upgraded Land Galapagos tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Arrive at any time.
If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel's reception indicating what time to be ready the next day.
Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the many optional activities available.
The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
Fly to the Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Centre in the afternoon to learn about the natural history of the area. Explore the trails around the centre and opt to snorkel at nearby Las Tijeretas.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Learn about the history of the Galapagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today's conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands' discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galapagos so fascinating.
Snorkel at Kicker Rock, an impressive volcanic rock formation, rich in wildlife diversity both under the surface and above.
Embark on a snorkelling adventure at Kicker Rock, one of the most stunning landmarks in the Galapagos Islands that's home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life that inhabits the nutrient-rich water. Explore the rock which rises 150m (492 ft) above the ocean's surface, and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. See an array of sharks and fish that are drawn to the rock and provide for an exhilarating unique snorkelling experience.
Travel by speedboat to Floreana Island. Walk along the black sand beach until La Loberia with its resident sea lion colony, and enjoy meals at the G Adventures-supported community restaurants that help to support community tourism on the island.
Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Follow the black sand beach to La Loberia a sea lion nursery. The white-sand beach, protected bay, and turquoise waters are perfect for a swim or snorkel.
To further benefit the community on Floreana island G has provided training to residents for all aspects of tourism, including food preparation and service. The community will provide your meals while staying on this small island. The meals are rotated amongst different community members in order to spread out the benefits of tourism. While eating at the community restaurants you will be contributing to the self-sufficiency of the first community tourism operator in the Galapagos.
Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana in the early morning. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history. Then, transfer by speedboat to Isabela Island. In the afternoon, take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins.
Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Hear the tales about the pirates, whalers, seal hunters and buccaneers who once lived in this isolated and unique landscape.
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Go snorkelling at the islet Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil - it's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water's surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay to look for the whitetip reef shark, which are fairly common in the archipelago. (The sharks are called Tintorera in Spanish, which is where the site gets its name.) Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays as well as the sharks.
Enjoy free time to explore Isabela Island. Opt to hike Sierra Negra, go snorkelling at Los Tuneles, or take it easy. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Please note that space may be limited for optional activities during high season, these activities are operated by third-party operators and will be subject to availability.
Enjoy a free morning on the island to explore on your own. Optional activities like snorkelling and hiking can be arranged in destination.
Walk through the town's wetlands to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. With the giant tortoise on its way to extinction in the late 1950s, this program was established to protect these noble creatures.
In the morning, transfer by speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy time for optional activities in Puerto Ayora before an evening out in town.
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Enjoy free time to explore the island on your own and at your own pace.
Say goodbye to the Islands and take a flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival, transfer to Papallacta.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Relax in the hot springs of Papallacta while taking in the volcanic views and opt to go for a hike nearby for prime birdwatching.
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.
The day is yours to relax and explore Ecuador's mountainous spa town.
Depart at any time.
Papallacta is located roughly 35 minutes from the Mariscal Sucre International airport in Quito. The lodge can assist in booking a taxi for you.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Upgraded Land Galapagos tour:
Via a la Loberia 200358
Isla Floreana , Galapagos
Floreana Island, Ecuador
Isabela Island, Ecuador
km. 65 via Quito - Baeza
Papallacta, Ecuador
Calle Moises Brito & Juan Montalvo
Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Luis Cordero 444
Quito, Ecuador-170143
Av. Alsacio Northia y Española
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos
San Cristobal Island, Ecuador
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Upgraded Land Galapagos tour:
Max 16, avg 12
Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana IslandYour Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta. Snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock. Visit a sea lion colony and go snorkelling at La Loberia (Floreana Island). Highlands excursion (Floreana Island). Tintoreras excursion (Isabela Island). Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit. Isabela Municipal Tax. Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. Papallacta hot spring visit. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Encounter marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, Snorkel among volcanic formations, Walk on the black-sand beaches of Floreana Island, Dine at G Adventures-supported community restaurants, Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, Dip into the Papallacta hot springs
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Quito- Quito City Tour & Equator LineCotopaxi- Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day (56USD per person)San Cristobal Island- Las Tijeretas Walk- Puerto Chino Beach VisitPuerto Baquerizo Moreno- La Loberia Beach Visit (8USD per person)Playa Mann- Playa Mann VisitIsabela Island- Sierra Negra Volcano Crater Viewpoint Excursion (60-80USD per person)Isabela Island- Wall of Tears Bike Visit (20USD per person)- Surfing Lesson Isabela Island (120USD per person)- Los Tuneles Snorkelling (140-150USD per person)Santa Cruz Island- Tortuga Bay Kayaking (15USD per person)Puerto Ayora- Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station VisitSanta Cruz Island- Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (50USD per person)- Swimming at Las Grietas
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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 (9 nts).
9 breakfasts, 2 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 leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galapagos Islands (certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority).
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group 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. For the Galápagos, our CEOs 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 speedboat, private vehicle, plane.
Please note that the Quito international airport (UlO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates in 2026 for preventative maintenance on the runway: April 11; May 9, 16 & 30; June 6; September 5, 12 & 26; October 3 between the hours of 2am and 2pm. As well as October 17 between the hours of 6am and 6pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.
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.)Marine:o Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)o External battery packo High UV sunscreeno Locks for bagso Motion sickness tabletso Sandals/flip-flops (Extra pair of deck shoes or sandals recommended)o Sarongo Small travel towelo Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)o Sun hat/bandanaWarm 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.
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. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline a per traveller tip of 5-10 USD, per day for your CEO.