7-Day Ecuadorian Adventure from Quito To The Galapagos Islands
Highlights
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora
nature, Snorkeling, Wildlife
Group Tour
7 Days
Medium
English, Spanish
Description
Embark on a captivating tour beginning with your arrival at Quito Airport, followed by a transfer to the city center. Next, head to Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands via a meticulously arranged flight. Enjoy leisure time on Santa Cruz Island before a thrilling kayaking adventure at Tortuga Bay. Conclude your journey with an excursion to an uninhabited island, rich with unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, before returning to Quito.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Quito Airport and Transfer to your hotel
- Upon arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), your driver will meet you for the one-hour transfer to your accommodation in the city center.
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Day 2: Hola Galapagos! Santa Cruz - Discover Puerto Ayora
- The big day is here! Today you will be taken to the airport to catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands! Your private transportation will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the Airport. This ensures you arrive 2 hours before your flight so you have time to purchase the TCT, get your luggage ready, and get everything neat for your flight!
- Welcome to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island! After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.
- You will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
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Day 3: Afternoon Bay Tour in Santa Cruz
- In the afternoon, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
- You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería, named for the great colony of sea lions.
- You can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish, displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
- Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies.
- You will come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
- Taking a 10-minute walk, you will see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
- Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, which are two large cliffs separately filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and saltwater below.
- Arrive back to Santa Cruz and return back to town.
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Day 4: Kayaking on Tortuga Bay
- You will start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. This stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots.
- Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective.
- Observe colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora.
- You may spot an interesting array of birds residing here; pelicans and finches are locals here, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you may even spot flamingos wandering.
- After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach or head back under the waves for some snorkeling before returning to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon.
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Day 5: Santa Cruz Island through your eyes: Leisure Time
- With no planned activities today, you are free to enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace.
- Lay back and enjoy the hotel amenities or discover the following activities:
- Hike to Tortuga Bay
- Go for a stroll in the peaceful town of Puerto Ayora
- Shop for souvenirs
- Explore hidden coves
- Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of beautiful photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.
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Day 6: Excursion to an Uninhabited Island
- After a very early breakfast, you will enjoy a fantastic day trip to an uninhabited island today.
- Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions the National Park grants, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
- On these islands, you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon, you can explore the waters around. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows.
- On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
- Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.
- Lunch, walking, and snorkelling are included onboard to maximise your experience.
- In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.
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Day 7: Transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito
- If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora.
- At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry.
- For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal.
- Your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and international connection.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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No refund in case of any cancellation.