Complete Galapagos

All content by Intrepid

10 days (ex Quito)

Destinations visited: Ecuador, The Galápagos Islands, Quito, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,590

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Description

Travel to Ecuador and tune into the buzz of lively Quito before catching a flight out to the remote and remarkable Galapagos Islands. This ten-day tour is an incredible introduction to arguably the most unique flora and fauna habitat on earth. From the miniature-monster-like iguanas to the gigantic wingspans of the waved albatrosses, there are unfamiliar creatures at every turn. Enjoy relaxing strolls on remote white sands, go on snorkelling adventures through crystal clear waters and hike within volcanic vistas. The Galapagos Islands offer an experience unlike any other travel adventure - a once in a lifetime trip not to be missed!

Highlights

Experience Ecuador's lively Quito.
Meet the Galapagos's peculiar marine iguanas.
Stroll the idyllic white sands of Gardener Bay.
Post a letter at the iconic Post Office Bay.
Visit the twin volcanoes of Los Gremolos.
See flashes of flamingos frolicking in pristine lagoons.
Hike the summit trail to the top of Bartolome.
Journey to the iconic Pinnacle rock.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Travel to Ecuador and experience the buzz of lively Quito. Brimming with colonial history and architecture, navigate the winding streets and cobblestone alleyways and be rewarded by this enigmatic city. Why not relax with a cup of Ecuador's finest at a cafe on the Plaza Grande.

Day 2 Isla Santa Cruz

Take a flight to the tiny island of Baltra. Cruise to the beautiful beach of Las Bachas on Isla Santa Cruz, a haven for sea turtles come egg-laying time.

Day 3 Isla Santa Fe

Encounter a myriad of wildlife at Las Plazas, where marine and land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds and brown pelicans can be glimpsed. Sail to the relatively undisturbed Isla Santa Fe, where those who want a really close look at the wildlife can opt for a snorkel in the radiant green waters.

Day 4 Isla Espanola

The journey heads due south to Isla Espanola. Spot waved albatross, hood mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks and blue-footed boobies. Head to Gardener Bay to stroll a stretch of the idyllic white beach.

Day 5 Isla Floreana

Visit Isla Floreana and learn about the early inhabitants of the Galapagos archipelago. Take part in the tradition of leaving a letter or a postcard at Post Office Bay, where it will be collected by the traditional mariner mail the following day.

Day 6 Isla Santa Cruz

Travel to Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest of the Galapagos Islands. Discover the research and preservation practices that happen at the Charles Darwin Research Station before heading to the twin volcanic craters of Los Gemelos for some lava tunnel exploration.

Day 7 Isla Rabida - Isla Santiago

Visit Isla Rabida and learn about the Galapagos's geological gems. As sea lions soak up the sun on the red-sand beach below, and flamingos frolic in the local lagoon, why not kick back and relax too? With hiking, swimming and snorkelling opportunities, there's every chance to mix with the locals.

Day 9 Isla Bartolome

Hike the Summit Trail to the top of Bartolome and admire the stunning vista of the Galapagos Islands sprawled out across the horizon. Visit Pinnacle Rock, the definitive icon of Galapagos landscape images, and learn about its contribution to World War II target practice.

Day 9 North Seymour Island

Head to the ever-popular North Seymour Island, where a short hike leads to the lookout over Daphne Major and Minor. Admire one last view over the archipelago before boarding a return flight to Quito.

Day 10 Quito

Head back to the bubbly city of Quito and perhaps end this Galapagos adventure with an anise flavoured mistela, a drink unique to the city.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Motorised yacht (7 nts), Hotel (2 nts)

Transport

Boat

Budget

Allow USD $100 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,590

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