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Luxury Galapagos Tour: Essential (6 Days)

Quick overview by day
Photos
Day by day itinerary
Pricing
What’s Included
When to Travel
Tour Info

Introduction

The Columbus Archipelago is the official title of the Galapagos Islands situated some 600-miles west of mainland Ecuador. The islands consist of thirteen main islands and six smaller islands and were discovered by Tomás de Berlanga Bishop of Panama in 1535. He christened them as the Enchanted Isles and that appellation still holds true today. These cradles of evolution are ever- changing and your luxury Galapagos vacation will take you on a voyage through the colonial streets of Quito and then across the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos lands of fire straddling the Nazca and South America tectonic plates. If Charles Darwin were to visit today he would still witness the evolutionary wonders that so fascinated him in 1835. Our expertly guided cruises will allow you explore and learn of the wide diversity of land and aquatic life that abound in this flourishing bastion of creation.

Quick overview by day:

Day
1
Arrive Quito
Day
2
Morning Tour of Quito
Day
3
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
Day
4
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
Day
5
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
Day
6
Luxury Galapagos Cruise. Flight to Guayaquil/ Quito.

Galapagos Luxury Vacations - Kicker Rock

Galapagos Land Iguana,

Galapagos National Park

Blue Footed Boobies - Galapagos Islands

Bartolome Island, Galapagos Islands

Two pelicans, Galapagos Vacations

Luxury Vacations Galapagos Cruises

Luxury Galapagos Cruises

Galapagos Sea Lions

Basilica Of National Vote, Quito

Colonial Quito, Ecuador

1
Day 1
Arrive Quito
Arrival to Quito Airport, collection by our representative and transfer to your Quito Hotel.
2
Day 2
Morning Tour of Quito
We begin with a visit to the colonial heart of Quito founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro. The city was made a UNESCO world culture site in 1978 denoting its exemplary preservation of some of the finest buildings in all of the Americas. The finest churches are included on our tour of La Compania, the monastery of San Francisco and we follow with an insight to working life in Quito at La Ronda. We conclude our Quito visit to learn of high-quality chocolate making and the passionate journey taken by Republica del Cacao right here in the heart of Quito.
3
Day 3
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
This morning we take a flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos archipelago. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your luxury Galapagos cruise boat. One onboard you will be given a briefing on the features of the boat and an insightful talk about the island of San Cristobal. After lunch we shall venture to Isla Lobos and observe the many sea-lions which inhabit this rocky isle. The final stage of the day sees a visit to the two rocks of Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) to partake in some bird-spotting on these towers of the sea.
4
Day 4
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
Our first port of call today is to Pitt Point. Here you will have an opportunity to spot some Chatham mockingbirds, lava lizards, Madeiran storm petrels and perhaps even the rarer red-footed boobies. Following on after lunch we will set course for the beautiful white beach of Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill) and its resident sea-lions, blue-footed boobies, herons, pelicans and marine iguanas.
5
Day 5
Luxury Galapagos Cruise
Morning will see us take a visit to Floreana Island and Post Office Bay, so named as the passing sailors practiced the art of leaving and receiving their mail in a barrel in this unlikely post office. We will continue our day at Floreana with a visit to Cormorant Point to capture the residing flamingo colony in their natural setting. The last adventure of the day is to the Devil’s Crown for a spot of snorkeling in one of the most abundant marine environments throughout the Galapagos. On occasion you can encounter Hammerhead Sharks, sea turtle and even Manta and Eagle Rays in these waters.
6
Day 6
Luxury Galapagos Cruise. Flight to Guayaquil/ Quito.
Our final morning onboard will allow us visit the mangrove estuary of Black Turtle Cove where we will get to observe pelicans and herons on the shore and the rich waters with turtles, white tipped reef sharks and numerous rays. In the afternoon we will disembark and transfer to the airport for a flight to Guayaquil or Quito as required for your onward departure. Your luxury Galapagos vacation will by now have your mind full of the wonders of the Galapagos and perhaps it is just the start of learning.
NOTE: Due to Galapagos National Park regulations, tour descriptions are subject to change at any time. Photos shown on this page are for reference only. The cruise ship included in the program may vary depending on the level you require and departure availability.

Tour Information

Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Contact a luxury Galapagos Vacations expert for a comprehensive itinerary and pricing:

US$ 750+ per person per day (based on 5-star hotels)**
US$ 700 – 750 per person per day (based on 4-star hotels)**
US$ 600 – 700 per person per day (based on 3-star hotels)**

**NOTE: The price of the trip varies greatly depending on the level of cruise and hotels that are included in your trip. Talk to a travel expert about the level of cruise and hotels that best meets your budget expectations.

Included in the Price:

Guided excursions as described in itinerary.
Hotel nights + breakfasts.
Airport collections and drop-offs with check-in and baggage assistance.
24 Hour emergency contact number and assistance (in-country).

Not Included in the Price:

International flights.
Domestic flight package. Flights needed Quito – Galapagos – Quito/Guayaquil. Approximate cost US$ 460 – 600. We can purchase these flights on your behalf.
INGALA Transit Control Card – US$ 20 pp (subject to change at any time).
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: US$ 100 pp (adult) / US$ 50 pp (child) (subject to change at any time).
Tips or gratuities.
Other meals not stated in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.

Summary
You can travel to the Galapagos anytime of the year. There isn’t really a good or bad time to travel, simply different times. When you travel could depend on the wildlife that you want to see, breading patterns or when the water is warmer for snorkeling. There are many considerations! December – February offers a warmer climate, and sea temperatures also start to increase meaning that you’ll probably not need a wet suit for snorkeling come February. Over Christmas and New Year cruise prices are usually higher and cruises are usually difficult to find (often booked up 12-16 months in advance). March – April: These are the warmest months of the year and an increasingly popular time to travel. During these months you’ll want air-conditioning in your hotel / cruise to offset the scorching sun. May – July: Temperatures in the Galapagos start to cool off, so a great time for exploring the islands. This is a popular period to travel, so booking with lots of anticipation is important during this period. Towards the end of these months, nighttime temperatures can get a little nippy, so you’ll need to be prepared with a light jacket or jumper. August – November: These are the coolest months in the Galapagos. This period is known as the “garua” period as the islands and seas are encapsulated in a light mist. If hiking in the highlands you may require a light water-proof jacket. August and September are known for having choppier seas. These months are good for snorkeling as the water is clearer, but due to the lower sea temperatures a wetsuit is usually required. This would be considered low season in the Galapagos.

Booking With Anticipation
We highly recommend that you plan your Galapagos vacation with as much anticipation as possible. It is not uncommon over holiday periods and during high-season (April – July) that cruises are booked up 12- 16 months in advance.

Departure Dates:
Dates are flexible and customized to meet your needs. Let us know which dates work best for you and we will tailor the itinerary accordingly.

Suitability:
This Galapagos vacation package is suitable for people looking for an active trip that includes light-adventure. It is suitable for all ages, but consider carefully taking young children or babies to the Galapagos. We recommend a minimum age of 8 years for children.

Difficulty:
Easy – Moderate: This Galapagos travel package is suitable for most people. It is recommended to have a good level of fitness and mobility as island excursions can include moderately-challenging hikes of 1-2 hours (often in warm conditions). Some island excursions require wet landings, meaning that you’ll be taken close to the shore in a zodiac boat, and you’ll disembark in shallow water.

Destinations Visited:

Quito
Galapagos Islands

Vacation Package Type:

Sightseeing
Hiking
Light-adventure
Cruise
Wildlife

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