Experience Overview
Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the main drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. On this ten-day trip through the best of the Galapagos, you’ll uncover the outstanding natural beauty of these islands both on foot and by boat, looking for giant tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, seals, iguanas, dolphins, whales and birdlife along the way. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, go snorkelling across multiple islands, hike up a volcano for the best views and soak up the experience with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
Highlights
- Encounter the nearly extinct giant Galapagos tortoises, as well as blue-footed boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and maybe even dolphins and whales!
- Go snorkelling on multiple days throughout different islands, looking out for sea turtles and the harmless Galapagos shark.
- Get your blood pumping as you scale the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater!
- Learn how to make the famed encebollado – a local fish soup considered one of the best in the world! Your expert chef will take you through a fun cooking class, then you’ll tuck into the hearty dish for lunch.
- Enjoy a land-based Galapagos trip, using locally owned hotels on the islands instead of staying on a boat, which means you’ll have more opportunities to interact with the locals.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galápagos.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1937
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,Speed Boat,Private Vehicle,Taxi,Public bus
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGTF
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4),Accommodation: Hotel ( 9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3956 (CAD 396 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, you’ll join your local leader for a tour of the historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its facade representing Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, considered by many to be the most beautiful church in the Americas. The tour will finish at San Francisco Square, then you’ll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!
Included Activities:
- Quito - Historic District Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) (100 USD)
- Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) (70 USD)
- Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour (95 USD)
- Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you will not need to disembark the plane). After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide on San Cristobal, head to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim among sea lions and maybe even some sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening tonight and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
Optional Activities:
- Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days (60 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Then, return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an early morning boat ride to Isla Floreana and look for dolphins and whales along the way. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach belonging to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Floreana - Snorkeling
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island and spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
Included Activities:
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Included Activities:
- Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds freely. Here, you’ll meet with an expert chef for a cooking class to make the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the soups of your labour for lunch, then wander the grounds with the slow-paced residents. After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane and cacao and how they work with the local community.
Included Activities:
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
- Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
- Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later, you’ll head to the local fish market for a dose of local life on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy, who help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
- Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy visit
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time – maybe you’d like to extend your stay and head out for a final dinner with your group. If you need additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time. Because there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. If you choose to stay on, we’d be happy to assist you with booking accommodation.
Ecuador has some of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, including the lavish La Companie de Jesus, which is decorated with seven Tonnes of gold. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs and Incan ruins to explore. Consider doing one of our one-day sightseeing tours of Quito, which can include the Old Town, markets and the city's culinary delights (see urbanadventures.com).
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Barbara - Traveled, February 2024
Best of Galapagos was a superb experience - cannot recommend it enough. The trip was well organised with a good balance of organised activities (alternatives given). Our guide, Cesar, is so knowledgeable and his passion and love for the Galapagos was infectious. Being a single, older lady I was made to feel safe and a welcome member of the Intrepid family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Nathalie - Traveled, February 2024
The Galapagos Islands offer an unparalleled adventure. I wholeheartedly endorse the Best of Galapagos 10-day tour with Intrepid. From captivating biodiversity to impeccable service, every moment is unforgettable. It's an experience beyond compare, etched in memory—a truly transcendent journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, February 2024
Would highly recommend this tour. Three days are spent travelling in total (between islands, getting to and from the Galapagos), but once there, the surroundings and activities are unforgettable, especially the snorkelling and hikes. Our tour guide contributed in making this an amazing trip, and I cannot thank her enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2024
Ian - Traveled, January 2024
Great trip and guide (Katty), really well organised activities and itinerary. We had some amazing experiences snorkeling with turtles, sea lions, fish, sharks, penguins and iguanas. Also saw giant tortoises and climbed a volcano. A great way to explore the Galapagos.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing trip! Would highly recommend. The wildlife you see is incredible and you get to be so close to the animals… we even swam with Hammerheads at Kicker Rock which was my ultimate goal, so I was thrilled! Our guide Cesar (Che Che) was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the islands. All in all, an amazing trip and I shall cherish the memories! (Ps. Definitely take a go pro for snorkelling and a zoom camera for such amazing wildlife!)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
Fabulos destination with knowledgable helpful and enthusiastic guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
Paula - Traveled, February 2024
The Galápagos is a truly beautiful place, abundant with the most beautiful rare creatures and a paradise unspoilt and truly cared for and preserved by its people. I felt humbled by the beauty of the flora, fauna and the kindness of the people. I feel I have learned a lesson on how to be a better person! Truly inspired! Don’t let life pass you by without visiting here. It reminds us how to live! ?? Paula from Ireland. ????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Alison - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic trip, absolutely beautiful! Our guide César was superb, knowledgeable and caring of us all. The snorkelling was such a delight, especially seeing the baby sea lions ! The brochure suggests that this would be a life changing trip, they’re not wrong. We didn’t want to come home from The Galapagos!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Deborah - Traveled, January 2024
Fabulous trip. Lots of snorkeling, amazing opportunities to see wildlife on land and sea, good use of our time with sufficient but not too much down time. Group lead (Jessica) was outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was well organised and fantastic the hole way through
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, December 2024
Water safety was not consistently followed on my trip, which is terrifying when you are on a remote island where swimming/snorkeling is the main activity. I had a terrible guide who left the trip due to a "family emergency" after he failed to report a potential incident of theft. The replacement guide was great, but only with us a day. The Galapagos are amazing, but this tour left me disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Jasmine - Traveled, December 2023
Itineraries didn’t match between passengers or with the guide which made for several errors and frustrations. 2 guides got fired and we were tossed around between whoever was available. There were some safety concerns on the boats. Group of 16 people was too much. Islands are beautiful and you see a ton of unique animals on this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Julie - Traveled, November 2023
Responsible tourism supporting local communities at its best. Excellent value for money. Diverse group of travellers from many countries who started as fellow intrepid tour members but parted as friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2023
Cynthia - Traveled, November 2023
As a full time traveler for the past 6 years, I was hesitant to do a group tour but had heard rave reviews about Intrepid. I booked this tour and ended up loving it! The ease of moving from island to island, the insider knowledge our guide Karla, provided because she’s a Galapagos native, the tips and recommendations she offered. I don’t think I could have created the same trip on my own! It was a welcome change to have everything figured out and ready as opposed to doing all the work and planning myself. Thank you!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Peter - Traveled, November 2023
I had the most amazing experience with intrepid on our Best of Galapagos trip. A very well put together tour and Wilson was an amazing local tour guide. Learnt so much about the Galapagos and its history and current challenges. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Sinead - Traveled, November 2023
An action packed adventure on the most unique and mesmerising group of islands on the planet. With 97 % wildlife inhabitants you see an abundance at every corner both on land and in the water. Flamingos, penguins, blue footed boobies, sharks, iguanas, turtles, sea lions, orcas, pelicans and tortoises are just some of the nature we saw. A trip of a lifetime to cherish and a privilege to experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Theresa - Traveled, November 2023
Such an amazing experience! From the wildlife we saw, the knowledge we learned, the adventures we went on, the friendly locals we met, and the tour group that became like family. Our tour guide, Cesar, was phenomenal. He went above and beyond the title “tour guide” and his love and passion for the animals of the Galapagos and the Islands in general was truly inspiring!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Susanne - Traveled, September 2023
Our Galapagos tour was absolutely incredible. Seeing everything in its natural habitat was incredible. Our group leader was incredible Highly recommend this tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Sydney - Traveled, August 2023
When I originally booked this trip, I thought it would be once in a lifetime, but I definitely will return. I learned so much and saw so many incredible things. The food was amazing and Katty was a great guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2023
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
Fabulos destination with knowledgable helpful and enthusiastic guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
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