Ecuador · Wildlife

8-Day Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure with Quito and Island Wildlife

8 Days Round trip from Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Quito's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its colonial landmarks and vibrant local culture
  • 02 Stand on the equatorial line at the iconic Middle of the World Monument
  • 03 Hike to Tortuga Bay Beach and swim in its turquoise waters
  • 04 Trek the volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano on Isabela Island
  • 05 Snorkel in Concha Perla Bay and discover abundant marine life
  • 06 Visit Tintoreras Islet to spot white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and sea turtles

Embark on an 8-day journey through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, combining the colonial charm of Quito with the extraordinary natural wonders of Santa Cruz and Isabela. Explore Quito's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and stand on the equatorial line at the Middle of the World Monument before flying to the Galapagos for hikes, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters. Discover giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, visit uninhabited islands, relax at Tortuga Bay, trek the volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano, and spot sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Discover giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, visit uninhabited islands, relax at Tortuga Bay, trek the volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano, and spot sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Quito, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Quito

  • Arrive in Quito and meet your local representative for a private transfer to your hotel.

  • Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize and explore the surroundings.

Overnight: Quito.
Meals: None.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel or similar.

2
Day 02

Quito Old Town and Middle of the World

  • Explore the historic charm of Quito's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

  • Visit the Middle of the World Monument, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and learn about the equatorial line.

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Quito.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel or similar.

3
Day 03

Fly to the Galapagos and Explore Santa Cruz Highlands

  • Take a private transfer to the airport for your included flight to the Galapagos Islands.

  • Arrive at Baltra Airport and continue to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe unique flora and fauna such as giant tortoises.

  • Have lunch before checking in at your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora.
Meals: Breakfast or box breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Deja Vu or similar.

4
Day 04

Shared Yacht Excursion to an Uninhabited Island

  • Embark on a full-day shared yacht excursion to Santa Fe Island or a similar uninhabited island.

  • Explore the pristine landscapes, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and observe native wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, and tropical birds.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora.
Meals: Breakfast or box breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Deja Vu or similar.

5
Day 05

Tortuga Bay Hike and Transfer to Isabela Island

  • Begin the day with a scenic 45-minute hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.

  • Enjoy swimming or relaxing on the beach before returning to town for lunch.

  • In the afternoon, take a public speedboat to Isabela Island, which takes approximately two hours.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Cally or similar.

6
Day 06

Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano Exploration

  • Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano, two of the most impressive volcanic formations in the Galapagos.

  • Take in panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding landscapes during this three-hour trek.

  • Spend the afternoon at leisure or enjoy snorkeling at Concha Perla, a tranquil bay with abundant marine life.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Cally or similar.

7
Day 07

Tintoreras Islet Visit and Return to Santa Cruz

  • Visit Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and snorkeling experience, where you may spot white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and penguins.

  • Return to Isabela for lunch before taking a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island in the afternoon, which takes approximately two hours.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Deja Vu or similar.

8
Day 08

Departure from the Galapagos

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Baltra Airport for your departing flight.

  • Depending on your flight schedule, take a short walk or enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Meals: Breakfast.

Quito's Old Town, Middle of the World Monument, Tortuga Bay, Sierra Negra Volcano

Where this trip takes you

Quito's Old Town, Middle of the World Monument, Tortuga Bay, Sierra Negra Volcano

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • National air ticket (UIO-GPS-UIO)
  • Accommodation at Mercure Hotel or similar (Quito)
  • Accommodation at Deja Vu Hotel or similar (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Accommodation at Cally Hotel or similar (Isabela Island)
  • Accommodation in a double or triple room. Please ask for the price of a single room.
  • Meals as described in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Local tourist guide (Quito)
  • Naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park
  • Local private transportation
  • Guided tour and entrance to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and local ranch
  • Round-trip boat ride between Santa Cruz and an uninhabited island (Santa Fe Island)
  • Visits as per the itinerary
  • Round-trip boat ride between Santa Cruz and Isabela Island
  • Boat ride to Tintoreras Islet
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and flippers (Santa Fe and Tintoreras)
  • Airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Airport drop-off upon departure
  • Water taxis

What's Not Included

  • Tourist card (USD 20.00 per person)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee: USD 200.00 per person (subject to change without prior notice)
  • Transportation from Baltra Airport to Itabaca Channel and back: USD 5.00 per person each way (subject to change)
  • Isabela entrance fee: USD 10.00 per person
  • Dinner
  • Extra beverages, gratuities/tips, laundry or valet services, and additional items
  • Anything not specified in the program
  • Travel insurance

What to bring

  • Take sun protection such as sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Wear a cap or hat to protect against the sun.
  • Bring a bathing suit for swimming and snorkeling activities.
  • Pack a long-sleeved shirt for added sun protection.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
  • Wear appropriate shoes for wet landings and hikes on lava terrain (sneakers or similar) with thick soles.
  • Enjoy lunch served on board the yacht during excursions (Pinzón, Santa Fe, or similar islands).
  • Inform the team in advance of any dietary restrictions or special meal requirements.

Know before you go

  • The program is subject to change without prior notice in accordance with Galapagos National Park regulations.
  • Passport validity: 6 months.
  • Listen to the expedition staff for detailed recommendations and natural history briefings provided the night before each excursion.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Seymour Airport, Seymour, Ecuador
Tour start
Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí, Quito 170183, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $3,274.00 — $3,618.00
Double Sharing $3,274.00

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