Galapagos Island Hopping
7 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Visiting: Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Baltra
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Galapagos Island Hopping tour, where you'll explore the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes of Ecuador's famed archipelago. Witness the enchanting Galapagos Penguins and Red Iguanas on Los Tintorera Islets, marvel at the Flamingo Lagoon, and encounter Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Isabela Island for an unparalleled snorkeling experience, and sail around the islands for breathtaking views. Visit the Charles Darwin Station and Tortoise Breeding Center, swim with sea lions and manta rays at La Loberia, and hike to the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano's crater. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless transfers, making this a truly immersive and hassle-free journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: - Quito (Arrival)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel, which is walking distance from the airport.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2: Baltra Arrival – Transfer In Santa Cruz – Highlands – Lava Tunnels (-/L/-)
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Head to Quito Airport, to catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands.Your journey begins upon arriving at the Baltra airport, where you will be met by a member of our staff. From the airport, youll be transported by shuttle to the Itabaca Channel, and, after a short ferry ride, you will arrive on Santa Cruz Island. Once on Santa Cruz, youll journey across the island into the highlands, experiencing the islands variety of wildlife and landscapes along the way. In the highland area, youll make a stop at one of the ranches where you will have the chance to have lunch surrounded by the archipelagos iconic giant tortoise species, which are easily observable in the area. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit, and walk through, a tunnel formed by lava flows after a volcanic eruption. Later on, you will have time to visit the Santa Cruz Brewery, a small business that produces one of the local artisanal draft beers. Here, you will have the opportunity to understand the complex and delicate processes that the brewery applies to get delicious and unique types of beers on the isolated Galapagos Islands. Youll then have time to taste some of the beers before continuing the journey to Puerto Ayora, where you will have the rest of the day off for leisure.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
Day 3: Charles Darwin Station – Transfer To Floreana Island – Local Farm – Highlands – Barbeque On The Beach (B/L/D)
Location: Floreana Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will have a short visit to the Charles Darwin Station. The center is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, in order to fully take advantage of your visit to the Galapagos Islands, you will be able to visit the station where legendary “Lonesome George” is exhibited as the last of his species. In 2012, after his death, he was shipped to New York to the American Museum of Natural History in order to start an embalming process for his conservation. Lonesome George was exhibited in the museum for one year. Now Lonesome George is back in the Charles Darwin research station, as a \"symbol\" of conservation. After this visit, you will head to Puerto Ayora´s pier where youll take a private speed boat to Floreana Island; this ride will take 2h30 minutes approx. Floreana has, arguably, the most interesting human history of all of the Galapagos Islands. Arriving on the island, youll visit a local farm which will teach you more about peoples way of life on the island. Here, far from technology and development, the inhabitants wish to optimize their resources to achieve a very self-sustaining lifestyle. During this visit, youll visit a lagoon where it is possible to observe frigate birds and youll also have the opportunity to feed the farm animals and harvest vegetables. You will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with the produce harvested from the farm. After lunch, youll continue with the the visit, to the “Asilo de la Paz” in the Highlands as well as a Tortoise Breeding Center.
Overnight in Floreana
Day 4: Snorkeling In “La Loberia” – Transfer To Isabela Island ( B/L/-)
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, after breakfast, you will meet your guide and proceed for the excursion to “La Loberia”, a sea Lion breeding area. Youll start your first marine excursion in the bright turquoise water where you might be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays and a variety of colorful reef fish. After a delicious lunch, youll take the speed boat to Isabela Island; this ride will take us 2h30 minutes approx. Arriving on Isabela, youll have a leisurely free afternoon.
Overnight in Isabela Island
Day 5: Tintoreras – Breeding Center – Flamingo Lagoon ( B/-/-)
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After having breakfast, you will visit the Tintorera Islets located a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. The turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions, It is also one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. Once you reach the Tintoreras islets, youll get to know a lot of these species. As well as the biodiversity, this area of the island has a very rugged volcanic landscape, which changes as you travel to each island. In the afternoon, youll have a short ride to the Isabela Breeding Center, where youll learn more about the efforts taken to preserve and promote the reproduction of some of the Giant Tortoise species found in the Galapagos. Later on, you will continue through a mangrove path that connects with a series of lagoons where flamingos rest and feed. This walk is ideal for understanding Galapagos biodiversity, and how local species have adapted to the Enchanted Islands harsh conditions.
Overnight in Isabela Island
Day 6: Sulfur Mines Of Sierra Negra – Transfer To Santa Cruz ( B/L/-)
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you will meet the guide and drive to the highlands of Isabela and the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the islands active volcanoes, which also happens to possess one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. The volcano is host to many sulfur mines along its western slopes. During your visit, you'll drive to the edge of the volcanos crater and hike along a mile long trail where you will encounter an alien landscape surrounded by the sights and sounds the areas sulfur mines. After your rest, you will continue your hike until reaching Sierra Negras furthest lookout point. Later on, youll return to Puerto Villamil, to have lunch and then board your private speedboat, and continue your journey back to Santa Cruz Island. Once you arrive at Puerto Ayora, you will be free to enjoy and explore this iconic town for the last night on the Enchanted Islands.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
Day 7: Baltra (Departure) (B/-/-)
Location: Baltra
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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Meals
Daily buffet breakfast, 4 lunches at local restaurants, and a special dinner on Floreana Island.
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Transfers
All arrival and departure airport transfers.
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Private Speed Boat
Private speed boat for passengers.
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Snorkeling Equipment
Snorkeling equipment during the tour.
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Transportation
All transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles.
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Guided Tours
Services of English-speaking guide during the tours.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.
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Taxes
All local applicable taxes.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities.
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Transit Control Card and Lobito Fee
Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person) and Lobito Fee – Baltra Island (USD 10 per person).
Pre-tour purchase is mandatory.
$30 Fee must be paid with the final payment 75 days prior to departure. -
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person, to be paid locally in cash only).
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Isabela Dock Fee
Isabela dock fee entrance (USD 10 per person).
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Unmentioned Items
Any items not mentioned as included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with all arrival and departure airport transfers, private speed boats for island transfers, and all transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, with daily buffet breakfast and special dinner on Floreana Island.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes all arrival and departure airport transfers, private speed boats for island transfers, and all transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes daily buffet breakfast, 4 lunches at local restaurants, and a special dinner on Floreana Island.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 5 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided during the tour.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What activities are included on Floreana Island?
On Floreana Island, you will visit a local farm, learn about the self-sustaining lifestyle of the inhabitants, visit a lagoon to observe frigate birds, feed farm animals, harvest vegetables, and visit the 'Asilo de la Paz' in the Highlands as well as a Tortoise Breeding Center.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Charles Darwin Station?
At the Charles Darwin Station, you will see the Tortoise Breeding Center, view tortoises of different shapes and sizes, and learn about the conservation efforts. You will also see 'Lonesome George,' the last of his species, now exhibited as a symbol of conservation.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the snorkeling excursion at 'La Loberia'?
During the snorkeling excursion at 'La Loberia,' you might be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays, and a variety of colorful reef fish.
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What is the highlight of the visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano?
The highlight of the visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano is hiking to the edge of the volcano's crater, exploring its sulfur mines, and reaching the furthest lookout point for stunning views.
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Are there any additional fees not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional fees not included in the tour package are the Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person), Lobito Fee – Baltra Island (USD 10 per person), Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person), and Isabela dock fee entrance (USD 10 per person).
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.