10 Day Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands

AVG Travels Trusted Partner Tour

Small Group Tour Max 16 Travellers

English-speaking Local Guides

Active Itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
Quito, Baltra, Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Fe, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Sierra Negra Volcano
Highlights

- Marvel at the famous Galapagos Tortoises in the wild in Santa Cruz
- Learn from a local ex-fisherman about the island’s history in Puerto Ayora
- Explore Santa Fe Island and its special marine reserve where you can swim with sharks
- Take time to explore Floreana and it’s easy walks allowing you to view the local wildlife
- Explore the pirate caves and freshwater springs during a walk through Asilo de la Paz
- Visit the local giant tortoise breeding centre in Isabela
- Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano – the archipelago’s youngest volcano
- Enjoy a historical walking tour of Ecuador’s capital – Quito
Itinerary
Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Quito!
On arrival at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO), please make your way to the starting hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meals: n/a
Accommodation: Wyndham Quito Airport 4* or similar
Quito
Baltra
Isla Santa Cruz
Today, make your way to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) in time for your included flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Upon arriving at Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos, you’ll find that this small island once served as a military base during World War II and now houses the main airport for the archipelago. The airport, known for its pioneering environmental design, was the first in the world to integrate advanced techniques aimed at minimising emissions and energy consumption. You’ll notice some of these eco-friendly features as you walk through the facility.
Our adventure kicks off as soon as we land! We’ll enter the airport through a special VIP lounge where you can change clothes, apply sunscreen, and enjoy a refreshing drink before we head to the Itabaca Channel. There, we’ll explore the stunning turquoise waters and have the opportunity to kayak, snorkel, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Expect to see some of the Galapagos’ iconic wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, various herons, and white-tipped reef sharks. There’s no better way to start your Galapagos experience than by getting on the water right away! We’ll glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along dramatic lava rock cliffs, with crystal-clear water allowing us to see the marine life below. We offer both double and single ocean kayaks, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will accompany us throughout our activities, ensuring safety and offering water, snacks, and towels as needed.
After our time at the Itabaca Channel, we’ll head to the Santa Cruz highlands and visit a private reserve adjacent to the National Park to see the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Following lunch, we’ll drive to Puerto Ayora town.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4* or similar
Please note: a USD$20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Quito Airport and a USD$200 per person national park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands. Please have cash on hand for these transactions as credit cards are not accepted.
Please note: please remember that the Galapagos enforces strict quarantine rules on bringing food to the islands, including many fruits and vegetables that are restricted. You’ll have time to purchase snacks at the airport after check-in and before departure.
Isla Santa Cruz
Isla Santa Fe
Isla Santa Cruz
Embark on a full-day sea adventure aboard a motorboat with a former fisherman, his friendly crew, and a knowledgeable naturalist guide, exploring the waters near one of the Galapagos’ more remote islands. The recent transformation of the Galapagos Islands has shifted the local economy from subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture to a tourism-driven model, which now employs around 40% of the local population. We have partnered with local fishermen to help them transition from traditional fishing to promoting and preserving the Galapagos’ rich marine ecosystem through sustainable tourism.
As we head towards Santa Fe Island and its unique marine reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the area’s remarkable biodiversity. Enjoy a range of marine activities, including swimming with sharks and snorkelling to observe colourful fish, sea cucumbers, and other marine species. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes featuring sparkling turquoise waters and white sand. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat, including one of the most significant sea lion colonies in the reserve.
This full-day excursion includes both snorkelling and swimming opportunities. Please note that excursions are subject to availability and may be subject to changes without prior notice.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4* or similar
Isla Santa Cruz
Isla Floreana
After breakfast, we set off for Floreana Island with an early departure for our two-hour speedboat journey.
Floreana Island, home to the Galapagos’ smallest human population with just 150 residents, is the least developed and most natural of the four inhabited islands. It was the first island settled in the Galapagos, and descendants of the original settlers still live here. Once a hideout for pirates, the island is steeped in mystery and legends about its early inhabitants.
During our visit, we’ll hike, explore the island’s intriguing history, and observe some of the Galapagos’ unique wildlife. We might encounter giant tortoises, frigate birds, sea lions, Darwin’s finches, petrels, and marine iguanas, among other species.
Upon arrival, we’ll take an open-air ‘chiva bus’ to the Floreana Lava Lodge, which offers views of one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful and secluded bays. The lodge is run by Claudio Cruz, a descendant of the island’s original inhabitants. Claudio will share his extensive knowledge of Floreana’s history with us, and we’ll have the chance to meet his family, gaining unique insights into life on the island.
Once settled, we can either walk or kayak to nearby Black Beach for snorkelling. After our aquatic adventure, we’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the village, part of a community tourism initiative developed with Tropic’s support since 2012.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a walk to La Loberia, a sea lion breeding ground. There, we can snorkel and swim in the clear, calm waters with sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and a variety of tropical fish.
Later, we’ll return to the lodge for a refreshing shower (a 30-minute walk) and watch the spectacular sunset before heading to the village for dinner, celebrating another remarkable day in the Galapagos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lava Lodge 4* or similar
Isla Floreana
After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the Floreana highlands aboard an open-air bus (chiva)—a charming, historic, and comfortable way to experience the island.
Our naturalist guide will share intriguing stories about some of Floreana’s early inhabitants, including the Wittmers (whose descendants still reside on the island), the ‘Baroness,’ and the pirates who once frequented the area. We’ll also learn about the “Enigma of Floreana,” a mysterious series of deaths from the 1930s that remains unsolved and was featured in the film “The Galapagos Affair.”
Upon reaching the highlands, our hike begins at Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven). We’ll explore the historic pirate caves, visit the freshwater spring that supplies the entire island with water, and hear more about the island’s history and stories from our guide. As we walk, we might spot giant tortoises moving through the vegetation or even along the trail.
From Asilo de Paz, we’ll descend through a rural area where locals grow produce for their own use. This offers a fascinating glimpse into how island residents have adapted to their remote environment and developed methods to preserve their unique agricultural practices. On our way back to the coast, we’ll visit Claudio’s farm, La Primavera, where we can observe the impressive behaviour of frigate birds as they ‘dance’ while washing their wings in the farm’s freshwater lake. With some luck, we might see the males inflating their red pouches to attract females. We’ll also see where some of the fresh fruit and vegetables served at the lodge are grown.
We’ll enjoy a special barbecue lunch featuring delicious recipes from the Cruz family. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Lava Lodge 4* or similar
Isla Floreana
Isla Isabela
Today, we begin with an early morning speedboat ride to Isabela Island, where we will check into our hotel.
Our adventure on Isabela starts with a visit to the local giant tortoise-breeding centre. On the way, we might spot pink flamingos feeding in a nearby lake. At the centre, our guides will explain the breeding process and the efforts to release these slow-moving giants into the wild. The breeding centre plays a crucial role in the conservation and recovery of the giant tortoise population, whose Spanish name (meaning “saddle”) inspired the name of the Islands.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Tintoreras, a cluster of small islands near Puerto Villamil, named after the white-tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that inhabit these tranquil waters. Often described as a Galapagos in miniature, Tintoreras showcases almost all of the archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and, of course, pelicans and blue-footed boobies. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the bay, where you might even have some playful interactions with penguins or sea lions joining you in the water.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Isamar Hotel 3* or similar
Sierra Negra Volcano
The Galapagos Islands were all formed by volcanic eruptions, and today you’ll have the opportunity to witness this geological process firsthand as we explore Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands.
We’ll spend the entire day discovering the Isabela highlands, beginning with a hike up to the crater of the colossal Sierra Negra volcano, followed by a trek to the rim of Volcan Chico. Our journey often starts with morning fog and drizzle, which may linger around the volcano, adding to its enigmatic allure. Despite the drizzle, we might spot Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers, and Short-Eared Owls along the way.
Upon reaching the rim of the Sierra Negra crater—second in size only to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro—you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that are hard to capture in photos, though you should still bring your binoculars and camera.
As we continue toward Volcan Chico, the landscape may make you feel as if you’re on Mars due to its otherworldly appearance. Despite the seemingly barren terrain, you’ll notice small lizards darting among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, we’ll take in more stunning vistas and explore lava tubes and fumaroles.
After our adventure at Volcan Chico, we’ll relax under the shade of a beautiful jaboncillo tree and enjoy a box lunch with expansive views of the central and northern parts of Isabela. On a clear day, we can see Fernandina, Pinzon, and Santa Cruz Islands in the distance. We’ll then head back down to complete our 16-kilometre (9.94-mile) hike and unwind on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Isamar Hotel 3* or similar
Isla Isabela
Baltra
Quito
This morning, take an early morning speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz, then transfer by road to Baltra Airport in time for your included flight to Quito.
On arrival into Quito, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the heart of the colonial district of the city.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Packed breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz 4* or similar
Please note: today, some passengers may be departing from the tour.
Quito
Today you will be met by your local guide who will take you on a colonial tour of Quito.
Ecuador offers a rich blend of history, captivating indigenous cultures, meandering rivers, lush tropical forests, dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, and some of the world’s most thrilling wildlife.
Our journey begins in Colonial Quito, a city known for its narrow cobblestone streets and charming whitewashed buildings, all framed by the impressive steeples and domes of its beautifully decorated historic churches. Quito boasts one of the best-preserved colonial centres in South America, a status recognized in 1978 when the United Nations designated it a World Cultural Heritage site.
We’ll stroll through the Main Plaza, where you’ll encounter the Government Palace and several significant churches from the 16th and 17th centuries, including La Compañía and the San Francisco Monastery, which began construction just five days after the city’s founding in 1534.
Our exploration will also take us to La Ronda, Quito’s most famous colonial street, where we’ll delve into traditional trades and crafts from Colonial Quito.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz 4* or similar
Depart Quito
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your time in Ecuador. At a suitable time, you will be transferred to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) in time for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Small group tour – no more than 16 travellers
- Return domestic, economy class flight from Quito to Baltra
- 9 nights in 3 & 4-star accommodation
- Private transportation via boat through the Galapagos Islands
- 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 2 dinners plus a box breakfast
- Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide whilst in the Galapagos Islands
- Guided tour of Quito by an English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers on day 8 & 10 from/to Quito Airport (UIO)
Excluded
- International airfares
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Transit control card: US$20
- Galapagos entrance fee: US$200 (adults) – US$100 (children)
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour.
- First payment: You will be required to settle a $300 per person deposit online through our website link
- Second payment: You will be required to settle the second payment $2,000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice
- Third payment: $1,000 per person due within 40 days of deposit payment
- Fourth payment: $1,000 per person due within 90 days of deposit payment
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure
However, you will have a 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This is a land package only.
If you would like to add airfares to your booking, please select the departure city where we have the economy return flights add-on for your selection. If you would like to book the business class or premium class, please contact us anytime and our ticketing expert would assist you. Currently we use Emirates Airlines or similar.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
AVG Travels Trusted Partner Tour
AVG Travels have sourced a local, trusted partner to operate this tour. Our team has carefully vetted the itinerary and on-ground operations to ensure our AVG Travels clients are in good hands.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,215 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach and ships, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2-kilometres per day or more. Whilst on your hike to visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, this walk will be approximately 16-kilometres (9.94 miles), the trail walks over lava flows, through brush and on natural walking paths – we recommend sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package.
Industry standard is USD$10-15 per person per day – however the final amount you may wish to give, is completely at your discretion.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 16
Visa & Passport Information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
AU Passport holders:
No visa is required for a stay of less than 90 days in Ecuador.
Travellers must complete a transit control card that the Galapagos Government Council issues.
Travellers must complete the pre-registration form online at least 24 hours before the flight to issue the transit control card.
This transit control card can be obtained via this link here.
IMPORTANT: Visa requirements may change at any time without notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Children
Children under the age of 12 years will not be permitted to travel on this tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling. We have partnered with NibTravel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi- trip journeys simply with us.
How to Extend Your Stay
Pre and post tour accommodation is not offered as part of this itinerary.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
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Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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