Day 1: Arrival at Santa Cruz Island and Adventure at Las Grietas

Galápagos Ecologic Airport - Upon arriving at Baltra Island Airport, guests will be greeted by a bilingual guide. After a seamless transfer to the hotel, a delightful lunch will be served. A team member will then provide an orientation, detailing the upcoming days and offering a brief introduction to the marvels of Santa Cruz Island.

Las Grietas - In the afternoon, a visit to “Las Grietas” is planned, a stunning location featuring volcanic rock formations and pristine waters. Guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Discovering Isabela Island and Tintoreras Islet

Isabela - After breakfast, embark on an exciting journey with a navigation to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, a short boat ride will take guests to Tintoreras Islet, named after the white-tipped reef sharks known as Tintoreras. This area is inhabited by sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and the unique Galapagos penguins. Snorkeling in a secluded bay will reveal a variety of fish, starfish, sea urchins, manta rays, and playful sharks and sea lions.

Santa Cruz - After this remarkable experience, return to Isabela’s dock and begin the navigation back to Santa Cruz. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station and Travel to San Cristobal Island

Charles Darwin Research Station - After breakfast, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see land iguanas from Baltra Island, baby tortoises at the breeding center, and giant tortoises in captivity. Photos can be taken with the preserved “Lonesome George.”

San Cristobal - In the afternoon, navigate to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and relax. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Scenic Hike at Cerro Tijeretas

Day 5: Relaxing at Playa Mann with Sea Lions

Playa Mann - After breakfast, visit Playa Mann to enjoy the beach alongside playful sea lions. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, exploring the island at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay.

Kicker Rock - Alternatively, consider participating in one of two optional excursions for the day: either a visit to Kicker Rock for snorkeling* or a tour of San Cristobal’s highlands (assistance in organizing this full-day excursion before the trip begins is available). Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 6: Departure from the Enchanting Galapagos Islands

Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport - Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, known for its stunning views of the Andean mountains and rich Incan heritage. Upon national arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting, holding a sign with the guest’s name.

Afterward, travel through the Ecuadorian Highlands, ascending to the highest point of the road in the moors of Papallacta. Descend into the eastern jungle of the country until reaching the eco lodge.

Termas de Papallacta - Enjoy relaxation time at Papallacta hot springs en route to the jungle rainforest. Papallacta is renowned for its thermal waters, believed to have medicinal properties. The lagoon in Papallacta supplies a significant portion of Quito’s drinking water, with 80% of its territory comprising the moors ecosystem.

Take the opportunity to admire the lagoon and, if desired, indulge in a soak in one of its hot springs for an additional cost (approximately 15 USD per person). Continue the journey to the ecolodge in the Napo Amazon rainforest.

*Please note: Entrance to the thermal waters is not included and can be paid for on-site. This activity is subject to availability.

Tena - To conclude the day, embark on a night exploration of the Amazon. Take a leisurely walk around the wildlife reserve, where various nocturnal creatures such as toads, night monkeys, owls, fishing bats, tarantulas, frogs, and possibly snakes, grasshoppers, and various species of insects can be observed. With a bit of luck, bioluminescent mushrooms might also be encountered, offering a visual delight! Overnight stay in accommodation at the Ecolodge on the Upper Napo River.

Day 7: Jungle Napo River & Cultural Immersion

Tena - After breakfast at the ecolodge, the day is open for customization. Guests can explore the Ecuadorian jungle at their own pace or enjoy the amenities offered by the hotel.

Two full-day excursions are included:

Misahualli - Option 1: Waterfall Walk & Kichwa Culture Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey with a guided walk to breathtaking views of the waterfall, immersing in the tropical fauna and flora along the way. After enjoying a box lunch, venture to the Huaroani Reserve Lagoon for a serene canoe ride, observing curious large fish swimming and surfacing. Continue to the tranquil Misahualli Monkey Village, where its most charming residents, the monkeys, can be encountered! Conclude the day by visiting a Kichwa community to gain insight into their traditional way of life. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night in the jungle.

Rio Arajuno - Option 2: Immerse in the heart of the Amazon with a thrilling wildlife walk through lush forests, spotting exotic creatures along the way. Then, embark on a scenic canoe ride to Anaconda Island, encountering prehistoric birds and playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Amazonian Kichwa community. Experience their traditional way of life, learn about their customs, and share in their festivities by sampling the famous “chicha” drink and savoring delicious traditional dishes.

Round off the day with a visit to Amazoonico, a vital rescue center dedicated to protecting endangered Amazonian wildlife. Get up close to incredible animals and support their conservation efforts. Return to the Ecolodge. Dinner & jungle lodging.

Day 8: Baños Adventure: Waterfalls, Mountains, and Volcanoes

Tena - Breakfast at the ecolodge marks the beginning of the journey to Baños de Agua Santa, often referred to simply as Baños, a renowned Ecuadorian city nestled in the Tungurahua province, celebrated for its enchanting waterfalls.

CASCADA EL PAILON - The day commences with an extraordinary trek, guided to awe-inspiring vistas of the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. Following this, venture to the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where crossing the Rio Verde Canyon via a cable car can be enjoyed. (Lunch not included)

Mega Adventure Park Río Blanco.. - Here, the option to partake in additional adventure activities such as canyoning, zip-lining, and more awaits—though these activities are not included.

La Casa del Arbol - After a delightful lunch, ascend into the mountains to encounter the famed “Swing at the End of the World” at Casa del Arbol, boasting breathtaking panoramas of the Tungurahua Volcano. Concluding the excursion, visit the charming city of Baños before continuing the journey to the capital city of Quito.

Cotopaxi Volcano - En route, pause for a panoramic view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, offering a chance encounter with the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi volcano, potentially showcasing its majestic activity in full display!

Quito - Transfer to the hotel or the Quito airport to conclude the tour.

• Accommodation in a double room
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Naturalist English-speaking guide and transportation according to the itinerary
• Galapagos: Snorkeling equipment (mask & tube)
• Rainforest: Rubber boots (Size 35 to 44), Life jackets, kayak and tubes

• Air tickets
• Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $200 (Subject to change) per person
• Migratory Control Card: $20.00 per person
• Isabela local tax: $10 per person
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities

Embark on an 8-day adventure with Viator to explore the best of Ecuador!

Visit four stunning islands with our FULL PACK: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands over six unforgettable shared tour days, experiencing vibrant local life.

On Day 6, return to Quito airport, where our private transport will take you on a journey into the heart of the tropical rainforest for an immersive wildlife and cultural experience

But the excitement doesn’t end there!

Day 8: Discover the charming city of Baños de Agua Santa and its breathtaking waterfalls, including the Pailon del Diablo and the iconic Casa del Árbol, also known as The Swing at the End of the World

And as if that wasn’t enough, prepare to be awed by the majestic Cotopaxi volcano along the famous Volcanoes Route. The tour concludes at Quito airport or your hotel.

Don’t miss out on this epic journey filled with fun and adventure! Book now and let the exploration begin!

• Itineraries for tours and cruises in the Galapagos Islands can indeed change according to regulations set by the Galapagos National Park.
• The Galapagos National Park Directorate enforces strict guidelines to protect the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the islands. These regulations can affect visitor sites, allowable activities, and the number of visitors to certain areas
• Wildlife Protection: Certain areas might be temporarily closed to allow for the undisturbed breeding or nesting of wildlife
• Environmental Conservation: Some sites might be restricted to limit human impact and allow for ecological recovery
• Safety: Weather conditions, volcanic activity, or other natural events can make certain areas unsafe, leading to itinerary changes
• Management Policies: The park authority might change policies on the maximum number of visitors per site to reduce overcrowding and minimize environmental impact
• Our travel experts typically adapt their plans to comply with these regulations while still providing a rich experience of the Galapagos Islands. It’s always a good idea to check with your tour provider for the most up-to-date information regarding your itinerary
• We don’t offer trip insurance, but we highly recommend purchasing it before your trip.
• You have to fly to Ecuador first, either to Quito or Guayaquil, and from there you will fly to Galapagos..
• Galapagos Dry Season (cool & misty) From July to December (approximately), the southern trade winds bring the cold Humboldt Current to Galapagos and with it, cooler days, cooler water temperatures and blue skies. The highlands of the larger islands have a persistent misty fog known as Garua that keeps them lush and green, while shorelines and islands closer to sea level have little precipitation or a few midday showers. During this season, tourists may observe a rich variety of species around the islands and in the sea such as giant tortoises, humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, and penguins. While water visibility may be decreased, the currents and winds bring tons of ocean life, making it the perfect time for diving.
• Galapagos Wet Season (warm & rainy) The time period between December and June (approximately), is known as the wet or warm season in Galapagos. During this season, the climate in the Islands is more “tropical” with daily rain and cloudier skies. The northern Panama Current heats the water temperature and this causes hot days with periodic rains that often clear up by the evening. Ocean conditions are calmer during the wet season resulting in excellent underwater visibility and with a warmer water temperature, swimming and snorkeling can be more enjoyable. During this wet/rainy season, lush green leaves and landscapes provide an abundance of food for many land animals. Tourists may observe a large number of species around the islands such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, albatross, and blue-footed boobies.
• Galapagos Weather for Divers The Humboldt Current’s influence brings cold waters especially during the misty, cool season (cool & dry weather) from July to December approximately. Natural Ocean occurrences like the Panama Current and “El Niño”, bring warm waters to the Galapagos and will make the surface warmer and rainfall increase (December to June approximately). The water temperature varies during the year. December to June: from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C) July to November: from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.