Best of the Galapagos

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7 Days From

~~$3050~~

$2905

Best of the Galapagos

7 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

661

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Tour operated in:

English

From: $3050 $2905 Travel Club discount: -$145

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Best of the Galapagos" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Quito, before flying to the volcanic Isabela Island. Experience the thrill of snorkeling in lava tunnels teeming with sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions, and kayaking alongside penguins and marine iguanas. Hike the majestic Sierra Negra Volcano and visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Encounter the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary archipelago. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in 5-star hotels in Quito and 3-star hotels on the islands, with all transport and transfers included. This small group adventure is perfect for singles and adventure seekers looking to explore one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders.

Highlights

Visit the Sierra Negra Volcano.
Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, penguins, and sea lions.
Kayak in Tintoreras and explore the Lava tunnels.
Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Encounter wild giant tortoises.
Discover the vibrant city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience the unique wildlife and landscapes of Isabela Island.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Quito. Evening Welcome Briefing

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Quito hotel

Welcome to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Cultural Capital of South America! This vibrant city, nestled in a valley on the equator at the base of the Pichincha volcano, boasts the largest and most well-preserved colonial center in the Americas. Upon arrival, you have the option to discover the captivating old town and its surroundings. Our team can assist with arranging a Quito City Tour if you'd like (please request in advance). This evening, join us in the hotel lobby at 6pm for a welcome briefing led by one of our trip leaders, where we'll discuss the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions that may arise. Today is a day for acclimation and gathering information, so relax and enjoy your first taste of Quito!

Day 2 : Fly To Baltra Island And Take A Boat To Volcanic Isabela Island

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we embark on an adventure to the remarkable Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Our journey begins with a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon arrival, we'll transfer to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos, and then hop on a short boat ride to Isabela Island, the archipelago's largest and most volcanically active island. Isabela Island owes its existence to six shield volcanoes, five of which remain active, making it one of the most volcanically dynamic places on Earth. Keep in mind that reaching these remote islands, located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, requires a combination of air, land, and sea travel.

Day 3 : Lava Tube Snorkelling And Kayaking With Penguins, Sea Lions And Turtles

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Prepare to be amazed as we venture along the seashore to witness the awe-inspiring lava formations sculpted by Isabela Island's volcanic eruptions. This captivating landscape, featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a mesmerizing labyrinth of lava tunnels filled with crystal-clear water teeming with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.Here, you'll encounter "Los Tuneles," a natural highway where turtles journey from the mangroves to the open ocean. Snorkel through this underwater wonderland for an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures, including playful Galapagos penguins.In the afternoon, we'll return to Puerto Villamil for a kayaking excursion in Tintoreras, where you can observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.Don't miss this extraordinary snorkeling experience with Isabela's diverse marine life. Before or after your adventure, feel free to explore the island at your own pace. Rent a bike, unwind on the exotic white-sand beaches, or visit the nearby giant tortoise breeding center.

Day 4 : Hike Sierra Negra, Kayak In Tintoreras And Snorkel At Concha Y Perla

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Following breakfast, we'll set off for the Sierra Negra Volcano. Our journey takes us to Isabela's highlands, the usual starting point for the hike. This colossal volcano, towering approximately 1,500 meters high with an outer diameter of about nine kilometers, is the world's second largest lava dome.Later, we'll savour a delightful lunch at a charming highland restaurant; an organic farm where the owners craft delectable dishes using locally grown produce. Indulge in a flavourful meal prepared on a lava rock grill, then take a leisurely stroll through the fruit trails or simply unwind in a hammock beneath a majestic mango tree, breathing in the fresh air.In the afternoon, we'll return to the pier where we'll gear up for a kayaking adventure in the bay, where we'll encounter a wealth of local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and even the occasional juvenile "Tintoreras" shark.To conclude this exhilarating day, we'll make a brief stop at Concha & Perla, a picturesque beach in Puerto Villamil perfect for snorkeling. A short, scenic walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk leads to this turquoise haven, teeming with marine life. Here, amidst fellow tourists, you'll encounter colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and perhaps even marine iguanas!

Day 5 : Head To Santa Cruz Island And Visit The Charles Darwin Research Station

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Santa Cruz Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we embark on a scenic journey from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island, where we'll check into our hotel and then delve into the fascinating world of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you'll gain deeper insights into the many endemic species we've encountered in their natural habitats, as well as the ongoing conservation efforts vital to preserving the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem.In the afternoon, we'll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz, our destination being the 'Primicias' reserve, renowned for its iconic Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through this picturesque landscape alongside these gentle giants is an experience you won't soon forget. Be sure to keep an eye out for other highland wildlife, including pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, who congregate at a freshwater lake to cleanse their feathers of salt.Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

Day 6 : Free Time Before Flying Back To Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Quito hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take advantage of a leisurely morning before we return to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). Upon landing in Quito, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening before bidding farewell to this incredible adventure.

Day 7 : Tour Ends In Quito

Location: Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cherish your memories, treasure your photos, and know that a piece of your heart will forever remain in Ecuador. We hope you'll be drawn back to explore more of this enchanting land soon. Until then, we wish you a fond farewell and a "buen viaje"!Whilst an airport transfer is not included today, this can be arranged on a request basis.

What's Included

Accommodation

5-star hotels in Quito and 3-star hotels on the Galapagos Islands are included.
Transport and Transfers

All transport and transfers as per the itinerary are included.
Domestic Flights

Roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands are included, which may make a stop in Guayaquil.
Airport Transfers

Airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights on days 2 and 6 are included.
Local Guide

Services of a Naturalist Local Guide whilst in the Galapagos are included.
Snorkelling Gear

Snorkelling gear including masks, fins, and life vests are included.
Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary are included.

What's Not Included

International Flights

International flights are not included but are available on request.
Quito Airport Transfers

Quito airport transfers on days 1 and 7 are not included.
Visa Fees

Visa fees are not included.
INGALA Transit Card

The INGALA transit card costs USD 20 per person and is not included.
Galapagos National Park Fee

The Galapagos National Park fee is USD 200 per person and is not included.
Wetsuit Hire

Wetsuit hire costs USD 20 per person and is not included.
Pier-Use Fee

The USD 10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil is not included.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
Meals Not Indicated

Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
Personal Expenses

Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
Tipping

Tipping is not included.
Other Items

Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

Mode of Transport

All transport and transfers are included as per the itinerary, with roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands, and airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights.

Accommodation

Enjoy luxurious 5-star hotels in Quito and comfortable 3-star accommodations on the Galapagos Islands, providing a perfect blend of comfort and convenience throughout your adventure.

Check out our Q&As

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sea turtles, rays, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and the iconic Galapagos tortoises. You may also encounter sharks, eagle rays, and a variety of bird species such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds.
What activities are included in the tour?

The tour includes a range of activities such as hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkeling in lava tunnels and at Concha y Perla, kayaking in Tintoreras, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will also have opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploring the islands at your own pace.
Are there any special requirements for the tour?

Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour. Additionally, there are fees such as the INGALA transit card and the Galapagos National Park fee that are not included in the tour price.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour provides 5-star hotel accommodations in Quito and 3-star accommodations on the Galapagos Islands.
Is snorkeling gear provided during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and life vests is provided during the tour.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
When is my balance payment due?

60 days prior to departure
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

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