October 19 to October 28, 2027
Strike a balance between genuine encounters with Mother Nature and the comfort of land accommodations on this 10-day Galápagos tour. Explore Ecuador's capital, Quito, on your own before hopping on a flight to the Galápagos Islands, where an incredible diversity of wildlife awaits. Go snorkelling at the dramatic Kicker Rock, visit a sea lion nursery, and go birdwatching in the highlands of Floreana. With upgraded hotels and private speedboat transfers, you'll be well-rested and ready to take in the unique splendour that these islands offer.
Highlights
- Snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock
- Visit a sea lion colony and go snorkelling at La Lobería
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit
- Guided wildlife walks
- Soak in the Papallacta Hot Springs
- Relax and enjoy this tour escorted by an experienced Canadian Tour Leader, CEO, and Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands
RATES: October 19 to 28, 2027
Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy CAD $5,799 per person
Single Room Supplement CAD $1,099
Air Fare: Contact our office for air fares and flight information
Tour price includes:
- Hotel accommodation as per itinerary or similar, based on twin share
- All transfers and transportation are by private, air-conditioned coach
- Internal flights
- Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and a local guide
- Meals as noted below:
- 9 x Breakfasts
- 2 x Lunches
- 2 X Dinners
- Local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours
- Hotel porterage (1 piece of luggage per person)
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 16
Not included: Travel insurance, international airfare.
Galapagos Island Park Entry Fee: The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galapagos Islands Park entry fee of $200 USD per person. This is payable at the airport upon arrival in the park. It is not included in the cost of the tour and must be paid in CASH. This fee funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks.
Transit Control Cards: The Consejo de Gobierno (local government council) has implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $20 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH at the welcome meeting. Please retain this card along with your passport as you will be required to present this upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control, and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government, in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago.
Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travelers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion, please let us know, and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.
Transfers: Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance are optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away, and the cost of your tour. The cost of your insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule:
Tour Deposit: $750.00 per person, non-refundable
Final Payment: August 4th, 2027
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa, Master Card, or email. For information regarding e-mail payments, contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient.
Itinerary
October 19 - Welcome to Quito
NH Collection Royal Quito (or similar)
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative
The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Quito City Tour & Equator Line - $76 USD per person
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at
the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande
and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Cotopaxi Volcano - 8hrs - $79 USD per person.
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude.
Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening.
October 20 - Quito to San Cristóbal Island B
Blue Marlin Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights
Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Centre in the afternoon to learn about the natural history of the area. Explore the trails around the centre and opt to snorkel at nearby Las Tijeretas.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
Las Tijeretas Walk
Walk to 'Las Tijeretas' located just past the Interpretation Centre. Feel free to go on your own – this walk does not need a guide and is well marked. Walk quietly up the hill and you might find some nesting frigatebirds. Cool off at the beach or go snorkelling off the rocks to spot schools of colourful fish.
October 21 – San Cristóbal Island
Embark on a snorkelling adventure at Kicker Rock, one of the most stunning landmarks in the Galápagos Islands that’s home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life that inhabits the nutrient-rich water. Explore the rock which rises 150m (492 ft) above the ocean's surface,and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. See an array of sharks and fish that are drawn to the rock and provide for an exhilarating unique snorkelling experience.
Breakfast
October 22 – San Cristóbal Island/Floreana Island
Floreana Lava Lodge (or similar) 1 night B/L/D
Travel by speedboat to Floreana Island (3hrs). Walk along the black sand beach until La Lobería with its resident sea lion colony, and enjoy meals at the G Adventures-supported community restaurants that help to support community tourism on the island.
Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.
October 23 – Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Hotel Cally (or similar) 2 nights B/L/D
Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana in the early morning. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history. Then, transfer by speedboat to Isabela Island. In the afternoon, take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins.
October 24 – Isabela Island
Enjoy free time to explore Isabela Island. Opt to hike Sierra Negra, go snorkelling at Los Tuneles, Walls of Tears Bike Visit, or take it easy. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. With the giant tortoise on its way to extinction in the late 1950s, this program was established to protect these noble creatures.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
Sierra Negra Volcano Crater Viewpoint Excursion - 1-2hrs $60-80 USD per person
Lace up your hiking boots to explore the landscape around the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. The volcano last erupted in June 2018, making it the most recent eruption in the Galápagos.
Wall of Tears Bike Visit - 1-2hrs $20 USD per person
Cycle to the 'Wall of Tears' and tour this sombre historical site that pays homage to the prisoners of an on-island penal colony, who were forced to build a wall out of huge blocks of lava. Many prisoners died during the wall's construction between 1946 and 1959.
BREAKFAST
October 25 - Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island
Villa Laguna (or similar) for 1 night B
In the morning, transfer by speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy time for optional activities in Puerto Ayora before an evening out in town.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Tortuga Bay Kayaking - 2-3hrs - $15 USD per person
Grab a life jacket and go for a kayak adventure in the mangroves of Tortuga Bay. Keep an eye out for a wide variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, rays, and sea turtles, as you paddle the blue waters. Relax on a beautiful, fine white sand beach, and soak up some sun – you may spot some iguanas also trying to catch some rays on the shore.
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a great place to observe many species of tortoises.
Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three, when their shells have hardened.
This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion - 2-3hrs - $50 USD per person
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible wildlife.
October 26 - Santa Cruz Island to Papallacta
Hotel Termas Papallacta (or similar) for 2 nights B
Say goodbye to the Islands and take a flight back to the mainland. Relax on your two-hour flight. Upon arrival, transfer to Papallacta. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
October 27 - Santa Cruz Island to Papallacta
Relax in the hot springs of Papallacta while taking in the volcanic views. Opt to go for a hike nearby for prime birdwatching.
Your Wellness Moment - Papallacta Hot Springs
Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialties.
BREAKFAST
October 28 - Papallacta
Depart at any time. Papallacta is located roughly 35 minutes from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.
BREAKFAST
In the event that you have to cancel you must notify McPhail Travel & Discovery Tours immediately in writing. By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with G Adventures Inc. you (“you”) agree to these Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) https://www.gadventures.com/terms-conditions/booking-terms/. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
