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Charting the Galápagos Islands

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9 or 12 days

Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island; extension to Riobamba


Your perspective on the world evolves when you walk in Darwin's footsteps on this fascinating archipelago. On Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands, observe the giant tortoises, finches and mockingbirds that helped solidify Darwin's theory of evolution. On mainland Ecuador, the discoveries are more culturally oriented at Quito's Independence Plaza, the Intiñan Museum and Otavalo.Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Charting the Galápagos Islands tour

Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

Meet your Tour Director at the destination airport

Day 2: Quito

Take a tour of Quito

With your Tour Director you will see:

  • Independence Plaza
  • Government Palace

Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus

Take an excursion to the equatorial line

Visit the Intiñan Museum and witness the natural forces at work near the equator 

Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island

Fly to Baltra Island

Visit the Twin Craters

Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island

Travel by boat to Isabela Island

Visit a pink flamingo habitat

Visit a tortoise breeding center

Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet

Go snorkeling

Day 5: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island

Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island

Hike to Tortuga Bay

Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa

Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center 

Hike Tijeretas Hill 

Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach

Day 7: San Cristóbal Island • Quito

Enjoy free time in the morning on San Cristóbal Island  

Fly to Quito

Day 8: Quito • Otavalo • Depart for home

Take a day trip to Otavalo

Enjoy a demonstration from a local artisan

Explore the local market

Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi

Day 9: Arrive home


Add 3 more days


Day 9: Quito • Riobamba

Travel to Riobamba

Visit the Devil's Cauldron waterfall

Day 10: Riobamba

Enjoy a hike through the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

Day 11: Riobamba • Guamote • Quito • Depart for home

Participate in a cultural exchange with a local community 

Travel to Quito

Day 12: Arrive home



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Your experience includes

Airfare & transportation
Hotels
Regional-style meals
Guided sightseeing
Entrances
Full-time Tour Director
Expert Local Guides
Personalized Learning Support
Continuous Support
Worldwide Presence

Lowest Price

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

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We're sorry, this departure date is not available. Please choose another date.


Are you interested in traveling on or after Oct. 1, 2027?

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