Journeys: Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

Journeys: Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

• Trip code: 417X044
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

From colonial plazas to sun-drenched beaches and volcanic island shores, Ecuador reveals a rich world of wonders. Taste local cacao in Quito's historic heart and stand directly on the equator line. Then fly to the Galápagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and sail across turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Every step draws you closer to this living, breathing archipelago.

Übersicht

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• 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)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Highlights

Walk through Quito's historical heart with a local guide to taste regional cacao and artisanal chocolate. Travel to the middle of the world at the Intiñan Museum for interactive experiments right on the equator line. Explore an organic farm, learn about crops, and plant an endemic tree to support island conservation. Sail to an uninhabited island to hike wild trails and snorkel alongside turtles, rays, and sharks. Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about habitat protection. Discover volcanic origins and human history at the Gianny Arismendi Interpretation Center, then hike up to the Tijeretas lookout

Meal Budget

Plane USD245-320 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

von Quito

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz Island
Dein Welcome-Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting, Quito. Arrival transfer. Quito city tour with local chocolate and cacao tasting. Visit the Intiñan Museum at the Equator line. Full-day tour by boat to uninhabited island to spot wildlife with swimming and snorkelling. Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station visit. Visit San Cristóbal's Interpretation Centre and Las Tijeretas. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader/Naturalist Guide throughout (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority)

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 12

Introduction

From colonial plazas to sun-drenched beaches and volcanic island shores, Ecuador reveals a rich world of wonders. Taste local cacao in Quito's historic heart and stand directly on the equator line. Then fly to the Galápagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and sail across turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Every step draws you closer to this living, breathing archipelago

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo 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

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included

Day 2 Quito

Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden café, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace

Day 3 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fé. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace

Day 5 Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristóbal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls

Day 7 San Cristóbal Island

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galápagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristóbal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront café. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week

Day 8 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Day 2 Quito

Day 3 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island

Day 5 Santa Cruz Island

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Day 7 San Cristóbal Island

Day 8 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Please do not book onward flights departing from Quito earlier than 8pm