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- Destination: Ecuador
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Island-Hopping
About This Trip
Begin your 10-day adventure with an immersive tour of Quito’s historic city center. Continue with an unforgettable Galápagos island-hopping experience from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island. Get up close to remarkable wildlife including sea lions, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. Marvel at the dramatic volcanic scenery of Sierra Negra, snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unwind on the white sands of Tortuga Bay—an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Quito
Giant Tortoise Reserve, Twin Craters, Charles Darwin Research Station, Las Grietas, Tortuga Bay
3 - 5
Santa Cruz Island
Volcano of Sierra Negra, El Muro de las Lagrimas, Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
6 - 7
Isabela Island
Volcano of Sierra Negra, El Muro de las Lagrimas, Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
8
Santa Cruz Island
North Seymour
9 - 10
Quito
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Quito Arrival
Upon arriving in Quito, you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace to relax and settle in.
- Quito
- Day 2: Quito Old Town Tour & Intiñan Equator Experience
Located just 24 km from the Equator, Quito holds the distinction of being the world’s closest capital city to the equatorial line. Its historic center, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978, is among the largest and best-preserved colonial districts in the Americas, featuring around 130 landmark buildings rich in art, history, and architecture. This morning, enjoy a guided walk through Quito’s Old Town as your guide shares insights into its iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Church of La Compañía, then continue to El Panecillo Hill for sweeping 360-degree views over the city and surrounding landscapes.
Following lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum, located near the official Middle of the World monument. Believed to sit closer to the true Equator, the museum offers hands-on demonstrations that bring science to life. Take part in fun experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail, observing the Coriolis effect through draining water, and walking along the equatorial line with your eyes closed.
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- Quito
- Day 3: Quito to Santa Cruz Island | Galápagos Arrival
Fly to Baltra Island and continue by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, the heart of tourism in the Galápagos and an ideal gateway for exploring the archipelago. En route, pass the dramatic Twin Craters before arriving at the Lava Tunnels, fascinating underground formations created by flowing lava. Walk through these natural passages and keep an eye out for wildlife such as barn owls and finches that often shelter inside.
After lunch at a countryside ranch, continue to El Chato Reserve, where Santa Cruz’s famous giant tortoises roam freely in their natural environment. Observe these gentle creatures up close while your guide shares insights into their life cycle and conservation. Conclude the day at the Charles Darwin Research Station, exploring exhibits on tortoise species, native shells, and the impact of introduced animals on the fragile Galápagos ecosystem.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 4: Santa Cruz Island | Snorkeling Adventure & Leisure Time
Start your day with a boat excursion that takes you to several prime coastal sites, offering excellent opportunities to snorkel alongside the Galápagos’ remarkable marine life. Visit La Lobería, home to a lively sea lion colony and vibrant tropical fish. Continue to the Channel of Love, a scenic lookout famous for its striking rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for photos. Next is Dogs Beach (Playa de los Perros), known for its bright red Galápagos crabs. The journey also includes a stop at Sharks Channel, where you can often spot reef sharks resting, before ending at Las Grietas, one of Santa Cruz Island’s most stunning natural swimming spots.
After returning to town for lunch, enjoy a leisurely 45-minute walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the Galápagos’ longest white-sand beaches. Spend the afternoon as you wish—swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the shore and soaking in the island atmosphere.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 5: Santa Cruz Island | Coffee Plantation Visit & Garrapatero Beach Escape
Spend your morning exploring a local organic coffee farm such as Lava Java or Schullo. Guided by the farm’s host, walk through lush surroundings filled with coffee plants while learning about each step of the process—from harvesting and drying to roasting the beans. The visit ends on a relaxing note as you sit back with a freshly brewed cup of aromatic coffee, taking in peaceful ocean views.
In the afternoon, transfer to the entrance of Garrapatero Beach and enjoy a short 10–15 minute walk to this beautiful stretch of shoreline on Santa Cruz’s eastern coast. With nearly 3 kilometers of golden sand, Garrapatero is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. The beach is also known for its wildlife encounters, where you may share the space with playful sea lions, vibrant sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 6: Santa Cruz to Isabela Island | Tortoise Conservation & Tintoreras Adventure
Following breakfast at your hotel, travel by public speedboat to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a brief rest before beginning the day’s activities.
Later, take a leisurely walk along the wetland trail, where flamingos are often spotted, on your way to the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center. Set among attractive gardens filled with native vegetation, the center protects and nurtures five different species of giant tortoises, including young hatchlings. In the afternoon, continue to Tintoreras Islet for a guided hike and snorkeling experience, offering close encounters with Galápagos marine life.
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- Isabela Island (Galapagos)
- Day 7: Sierra Negra Volcano Trek & Return to Santa Cruz
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano is one of Isabela Island’s signature experiences. As one of the few active shield volcanoes in the Galápagos open to visitors, it offers an unforgettable adventure. Rise early, prepare your gear, and set off on a guided trek across landscapes that transition from lush greenery to stark volcanic terrain. Along the way, learn about the volcano’s history as well as the unique plants and wildlife that thrive in this environment, all while taking in breathtaking views from the rim.
After returning to the hotel for lunch, transfer to the pier and board a speedboat for your journey back to Santa Cruz Island.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 8: Santa Cruz | Full-Day Excursion to an Uninhabited Island
The Galápagos archipelago is made up of 18 major islands, several smaller islands, and over 100 rocks and islets, many of which remain uninhabited and rich in wildlife. Today, enjoy a full-day adventure discovering one of these pristine islands, such as North Seymour, located near Baltra Island.
Covering just 1.9 square kilometers, North Seymour was created by the uplift of underwater lava and is blanketed with low, scrubby vegetation. The island is famous for its extraordinary wildlife encounters, including blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dances, large frigatebirds soaring overhead in search of prey, and marine iguanas basking on dark volcanic rocks. The day also features classic Galápagos activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 9: Santa Cruz | Return to Quito
Spend your morning at leisure, enjoying the final moments on Santa Cruz Island, before a private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight back to Quito.
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- Quito
- Day 10: Quito | Departure
At the appropriate time, a private transfer will escort you to the airport. Bid farewell to Ecuador as you board your international flight home.
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