Galapagos Uncovered

Galapagos Uncovered

16 Views
10 Days From

$4800

Galapagos Uncovered

10 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

662

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

From: $4800

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Galapagos Uncovered" tour, a captivating journey through Ecuador's most iconic natural wonders. Begin your adventure in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before flying to the Galapagos Islands, where you'll explore the unique ecosystems that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. Snorkel at Kicker Rock, swim with sea lions in Academy Bay, and discover the vibrant marine life at the Lava Tunnels. Visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela Island and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station. With luxurious accommodations and expert guides, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. Enjoy seamless transport and transfers, including domestic flights, as you uncover the breathtaking beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Highlights

  • Explore the diverse wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

  • Discover Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest colonial center in the Americas.

  • Snorkel at Kicker Rock, home to a vibrant underwater world with tropical fish and sharks.

  • Visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela Island and learn about giant tortoises.

  • Experience the mesmerizing lava formations and marine life at the Lava Tunnels.

  • Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation efforts.

  • Swim and snorkel alongside playful sea lions in Academy Bay.

Itinerary

Expand All

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 San Cristobel Island. Afternoon Wildlife Viewing And Snorkelling

Location: San Cristóbal Island

Accommodation Name: San Cristobel Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, our adventure begins as we journey to the Galapagos Islands, the breathtaking archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution. After a scenic morning flight from Quito to San Cristóbal Island, we'll settle into our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and receive a briefing on the exciting days ahead (please note that this flight normally makes a touch down Guayaquil, though no change of aircraft is required). This afternoon, we'll explore "La Loberia," a haven for Galapagos sea lions. Witness playful pups frolicking amidst the waves and adults basking on the sandy shore. Keep an eye out for yellow warblers, frigate birds, and diverse species of Darwin finches that call this beach home. As we venture further, we might encounter the unique marine iguanas, found only in the Galapagos. And of course, no visit to La Loberia is complete without a refreshing swim and snorkeling session in the crystal-clear waters.

Day 3 : Snorkelling At Kicker Rock And Cerro Brujo

Location: San Cristóbal

Accommodation Name: San Cristobel Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we embark on a thrilling speedboat adventure to Kicker Rock, an iconic geological formation aptly nicknamed the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido) for its striking resemblance. Situated off the coast of San Cristóbal, this eroded lava cone presents two towering rock faces rising dramatically from the ocean, forming a narrow channel navigable only by small vessels. As we approach, we'll be greeted by a mesmerizing aerial display of tropicbirds, frigate birds, and boobies, who frequent this Galapagos Islands natural monument. Beneath the surface, a vibrant underwater world awaits. The crystalline waters teem with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, including the aptly named rainbow fish, and a variety of sharks, such as hammerheads, reef sharks, and white tips. In the afternoon, we'll venture to Cerro Brujo, a lively island brimming with playful sea lions eager to welcome us. This enchanting locale not only offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities but also the chance to observe the iconic blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Day 4 : Exploring Isabela Island Including Tortoise Breeding Centre

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, a short flight transports us to Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galapagos archipelago. Formed by six shield volcanoes, five of which remain active, Isabela boasts one of the most dynamic volcanic landscapes on Earth. In the afternoon, we'll delve into the island's remarkable ecosystem, encountering a diverse array of wildlife. We'll be captivated by the sight of flamingos and marine iguanas basking in saltwater lagoons, explore pristine white sand beaches, and wander through lush mangrove forests. This area teems with birdlife, from American oystercatchers and herons to flamingos, finches, and numerous shorebirds. Of course, we'll also encounter the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas that call Isabela home. A highlight of our day is the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where we'll witness the fascinating life cycle of giant tortoises, from tiny eggs to hatchlings, juveniles, and sub-adults. We'll also visit the Wall of Tears, a poignant reminder of the island's past as a penal colony. This imposing lava rock wall stands as a testament to the isolation and hardships endured by prisoners forced to build it in the 1950s. As evening descends, we'll gather on the beach of Puerto Villamil to savor a spectacular sunset, a fitting end to a day filled with wonder and exploration.

Day 5 : Snorkelling In Tintoreras

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today's adventure takes us to the Tintoreras Islet, a short distance from Puerto Villamil and a haven for diverse wildlife. Prepare for an unforgettable snorkeling experience in the islet's crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you'll encounter white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and playful sea lions. Following our underwater exploration, we'll embark on a leisurely stroll along the islet's beaches, framed by lush mangroves. Tintoreras Islet is a unique nesting site for marine iguanas, offering us a rare opportunity to witness their breeding grounds.

Day 6 : Exploring And Snorkelling At The Lava Tunnels

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Isabela Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the mesmerizing lava formations sculpted by recent volcanic eruptions along the seashore. This enchanting location has even been featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries! Prepare to be awestruck by a labyrinth of lava arches within the crashing waves, where crystal-clear waters teem with an abundance of marine life. Here, we'll encounter graceful sea turtles, majestic eagle rays, playful sea lions, a kaleidoscope of fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and countless other underwater wonders.

Witness the incredible sight of sea turtles navigating their own "highway" through the lava tunnels known as "Los Tuneles," as they journey from the mangroves to the open sea. This extraordinary site offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience, allowing us to swim alongside these magnificent creatures and even encounter the inquisitive Galapagos penguin.

Following our underwater adventure, you'll have the option to further explore the underwater world at "Concha de Perla" or simply unwind on the pristine white-sand beaches of Isabela Island.

Day 7 : Santa Cruz And Acadamy Bay Exploration

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Santa Cruz Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we'll journey to Santa Cruz for a captivating half-day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack your essentials, and don't worry about snorkel gear – we'll provide it free of charge for those who wish to explore the underwater world.

Our boat will take us to Academy Bay, a vibrant underwater paradise teeming with exotic fish and marine life. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside playful sea lions, known for their curiosity and underwater acrobatics. Keep an eye out for the iconic blue-footed boobies as they grace the skies above.

Next, we'll ascend to a nearby viewpoint, where, with a bit of luck, we might spot white-tipped reef sharks patrolling the depths below. Our adventure continues with a scenic walk along Playa de los Perros, a haven for sunbathing sea iguanas. The stark contrast of giant cacti against the deep red rocks and turquoise waters creates a photographer's paradise.

Day 8 : Visit The Charles Darwin Research Station

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Santa Cruz Island hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub of scientific discovery and conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands. Here, we'll delve deeper into the unique endemic species we've encountered in their natural habitats, learning about their behaviors, adaptations, and ecological significance. We'll gain valuable insights into the challenges facing these vulnerable species and the innovative strategies being implemented to protect them. The station's dedicated researchers and conservationists will share their expertise and passion, offering us a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance of this extraordinary ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to ensure its preservation for generations to come.

Day 9 : 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 10 : 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.

  • Domestic Flight from San Cristobel to Isabela

    Includes 10kg checked luggage.

  • Airport Transfers in Quito

    Airport transfers in Quito for the Galapagos flights on days 2 and 9 are included.

  • Naturalist Local Guide

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

  • Snorkelling Gear

    Snorkelling gear including masks, fins, and life vest 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 on Days 1 & 7

    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.

  • Isabela Fee

    The Isabela fee is USD 20 per person and 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 a domestic flight from San Cristobel to Isabela.

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 type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in luxurious 5-star hotels in Quito and comfortable 3-star accommodations on the Galapagos Islands.

  • Are domestic flights included in the tour package?

    Yes, roundtrip domestic flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands, as well as a domestic flight from San Cristobel to Isabela, are included in the tour package.

  • Is snorkeling gear provided during the tour?

    Yes, snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and life vests are provided as part of the tour.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of a Naturalist Local Guide are included while in the Galapagos.

  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Galapagos sea lions, yellow warblers, frigate birds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and playful sea lions.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes activities such as snorkeling at Kicker Rock, exploring the Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela Island, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, and swimming alongside sea lions in Academy Bay.

  • Are there any additional fees not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional fees not included are the INGALA transit card (USD 20 per person), Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200 per person), wetsuit hire (USD 20 per person), and the Isabela fee (USD 20 per person).

  • 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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Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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