(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Quito, Galapagos Islands
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to get the most out of their visit to the Galapagos Islands but prefer to stay in a resort hotel on Santa Cruz Island. It includes private excursions on Santa Cruz with your own naturalist guide and day trips to surrounding islands on your own private, chartered boat.
Begin in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation is in a beautiful hotel on a historic square surrounded by well-preserved Spanish colonial-era architecture. With your private expert guide and driver, tour Quito’s top cultural sights, including interesting neighborhoods, centuries-old churches with spectacular interiors, and traditional artisan workshops.
Next, fly to the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for nature lovers. Stay in a resort hotel on Santa Cruz Island, and enjoy private, naturalist-led day trips on your own private boat to the most interesting surrounding islands, such as Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza and Santa Fe. See incredible volcanic landscapes, and get close to iconic Galapagos wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. Depending on the season, also see mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles, and more. If desired, snorkel in areas frequented by sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and schools of colorful fish. For those interested, we can arrange diving and additional touring options in the Galapagos. Also enjoy two private excursions on Santa Cruz to visit highlights such as the giant tortoise reserve, lava tubes, scalesia forest and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The tour concludes with one night in Quito.
Upon request, this tour can be extended to include time in the Otavalo region, Amazon basin or other highly recommended destinations in Ecuador.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Quito
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Quito
Full-day private touring
Day 3
Quito – Galapagos Islands
Private transfer to flight to the Galapagos Islands. Private transfer to hotel for 4 nights. Private afternoon touring
Day 4
Galapagos Islands
Full-day excursion with naturalist by private boat. Visit surrounding island such as Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza or Santa Fe
Day 5
Galapagos Islands
Private touring on Santa Cruz Island with naturalist guide
Days 6
Galapagos Islands
Full-day excursion with naturalist by private boat. Visit surrounding island such as Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza or Santa Fe
Day 7
Galapagos Islands – Quito
Private transfer to flight to Quito. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night
