Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)

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10 Days From

$8400

$6401

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)

10 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Santa Cruz, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

WGAD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $8400 $6401 Operator discount: -$1680 Travel Club discount: -$319 -24%

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

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)" tour, exploring the enchanting Galapagos Islands aboard the comfortable Archipel I catamaran. Over seven nights, immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and unique wildlife of this iconic archipelago. Experience close encounters with near-tame animals, including the famed Galapagos giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, and playful sea lions. Snorkel alongside vibrant marine life, and enjoy guided excursions with an experienced naturalist. The Archipel I offers a cozy atmosphere with eight air-conditioned cabins, a spacious sundeck, and excellent onboard service. Begin your journey in Quito, explore the islands' diverse landscapes, and conclude in Guayaquil. This adventure promises incredible wildlife viewing, photographic opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the Galapagos' ecological wonders.

Highlights

  • Spend seven nights aboard Archipel I exploring the Galapagos Islands.

  • Experience incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals.

  • Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful sea lions, and turtles.

  • High chance of spotting Galapagos giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.

  • Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz to see tortoises up close.

  • Explore the historic Post Office Bay on Floreana Island.

  • Discover the unique wildlife of Española Island, including colourful marine iguanas.

  • Walk among the extensive seabird breeding colony on North Seymour.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona de la Ronda

The adventure starts in Quito, aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients – check the Joining Instructions for more information. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.



Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 2 : Discover Quito At Your Leisure

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona de la Ronda

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito, the second-highest capital in the world, standing at 9,350ft (2,850m) on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals in South America. Because of the altitude, visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.



Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 3 : Fly To Baltra Airport On The Galapagos And Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz)

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Fly to Galapagos



Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht.



Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz)



On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to capture a photo for your wall back home.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 4 : Floreana Island

Location: Floreana Island

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Cormorant Point



You have the chance to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy or a flamingo lagoon against the backdrop of extinct tuff cones and scented palo santo bushes. Don't expect to see flightless cormorants here, though, they live exclusively in west Galapagos.



Afternoon: Post Office Bay



Bring your postcards and drop them in the traditional barrel at this historic site. They might arrive home quicker than you!



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 5 : Española Island

Location: Española Island

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Gardner Bay



One of the jewels of the Galapagos, Española provides the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.



Afternoon: Suarez Point



The west tip of Española is a dream for birdwatchers and photographers. Feel as though you're within an exciting nature documentary and hike a short distance from colourful marine iguanas.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 6 : San Cristóbal

Location: San Cristóbal

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Pitt Point



Two wind-sculpted tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land for the crew of Darwin’s HMS Beagle.



Afternoon: Witch Hill



Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Witch Hill's crescent-shaped beach of soft powdery sand.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 7 : San Cristóbal Island

Location: San Cristóbal Island

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Lobos Islet



The Asylum of Peace hike goes past a mesmerising cave and visits a freshwater spring. La Loberia beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the ocean and see the cute sea lions that live there.



Afternoon: Interpretation Centre



The Interpretation Centre provides a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago – the exhibition reveals what makes it so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes and dioramas delve into the background and conservation stories of the islands.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 8 : South Plaza And Santa Fe

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: South Plaza



Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This Jurassic islet is the best place to see the emblematic Galapagos dragons, which crawl across it.



Afternoon: Sante Fe



Sante Fe is another jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 9 : North Seymour And Chinese Hat

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: North Seymour



North Seymour is another cruise highlight. It’s home to the most extensive seabird breeding colony in the archipelago and you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.



Afternoon: Chinese Hat



Though recently born out of the fire, the volcanic islet of Chinese Hat does not appear to be any more inhospitable than Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 10 : Disembark Santa Cruz; Fly Baltra To Guayaquil And End

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters



El Chato Reserve is a protected area and part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island.



Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport



Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to San Cristóbal, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners

    All meals including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are provided throughout the tour.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation is included for the duration of the tour.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transportation and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Tour leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the journey.

  • Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on board

    Snorkeling equipment is available for use at no additional charge.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional charge.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.

  • Compulsory Galapagos taxes US$120 (US$220 as of August 1st, 2024), paid locally

    Compulsory Galapagos taxes are not included and must be paid locally.

Food

All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included.



On board meals are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine. Breakfasts usually consist of cheese, meats, eggs, cereal, toasts, yoghurts, and fruits. Snacks are provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and for lunches and dinner soup usually precedes the main course.



Alcoholic drinks are available on board (approximately US$4 per beer, US$35 for a bottle of wine, around US$8 for selected cocktails) and the crew request you do not bring your own alcohol with you. Drinking water, tea, coffee, and juice is freely available at no additional charge.



Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

Cruise around the Galapagos on Archipel I, a catamaran with a spacious sundeck, loungers, dining areas, and a lounge with a stocked bar. The vessel has eight cabins, all with air conditioning and private bathrooms, and offers snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks for guided adventures.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes flights from Quito to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands, with transfers to the Archipel I catamaran. Travel between islands is often done overnight, providing a unique experience of the Galapagos archipelago.

Check out our Q&As

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

    During the Galapagos Encounter tour, you have a high chance of spotting Galapagos giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, great and American frigatebirds, marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, Galapagos sea lions, and green sea turtles.

  • What activities are included in the Galapagos Encounter tour?

    The tour includes snorkeling with iridescent fish, playful sea lions, and turtles, as well as wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals. You will also have the chance to use double sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment on guided adventures.

  • What is the accommodation like on the Archipel I catamaran?

    The Archipel I catamaran features a spacious sundeck, loungers, a dining area, a lounge with a stocked bar, and another dining space. It has eight cabins: two with double beds and six with two single beds, all equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The vessel is overseen by nine crew members and an experienced naturalist guide.

  • Are there any special considerations for solo travelers on the Galapagos Encounter tour?

    Solo travelers cannot have single cabins on the catamaran and will be paired with another guest of the same sex for the seven nights on board. Single rooms can be arranged for a supplement for the hotel nights in Quito, subject to availability.

  • What should I know about the meals provided during the tour?

    All breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners are included. Meals on board offer a wide choice of international and local cuisine, with snacks provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and drinking water, tea, coffee, and juice are freely available. Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with prior notice.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the Galapagos Encounter tour?

    The adventure starts in Quito, where you should aim to arrive at the hotel in the afternoon or evening. Free transfers are available for all clients, and a local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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