Best of Galapagos

10 Days | Take an adventure to the natural wonderland of the Galapagos Islands

4.9 out of 5 based on 111 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
EUR €2,777
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Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot and boat on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Galapagos including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
Ecuador
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGTF
This trip generates 77.99 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore the islands on this in-depth adventure, coming face-to-face with some of the most extraordinary wildlife on earth.
  • Get your blood pumping as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island.
  • Acquaint yourself with the beautiful churches and graceful boulevards of Quito, Ecuador's capital.
  • Get up close and personal with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. These nearly extinct creatures are one of the greatest drawcards to the Galapagos.
  • This is a land based Galapagos trip, meaning you'll use locally owned hotels on the islands and have more opportunities to interact with the locals as opposed to staying on a boat.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galápagos.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves a lot of travel by speed boat between the various Galapagos Islands, the rides can be quite bumpy at times. The good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Consult a health professional before your trip.
  • This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. It's recommended you bring comfortable walking shoes that offer good support.
  • The sun in the Galapagos islands is incredibly strong due to its close proximity to the equator, ensure you are well prepared with sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and a rash guard if desired.
  • This trip does include snorkelling on multiple days throughout the itinerary. Confident swimming skills are required to take part in this tour.
  • This trip visits Quito which is at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information. 

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Best Of Galapagos including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Transport

Plane, Speed Boat, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel ( 9 nights)

Activities
  • Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
  • San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
  • Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
  • Floreana - Snorkeling
  • Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
  • Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
  • Isla Isabela - Kayaking
  • Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
Add on activities
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
  • Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
  • Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
  • Urban Adventures: Quito Market Discovery - USD98
  • Urban Adventures: Quito Sweet & Culinary Experience - USD104
  • Urban Adventures: Quito Legends and Culture Tour - USD79
  • Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days - USD60
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes) - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Galapagos Transit Card fee of US$20 is payable on departure from Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from). The Galapagos park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
2. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands aimed at protecting and preserving its unique biodiversity. Intrepid strongly agrees and supports these rules which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife and especially not removing anything from the environment ( shells and corals for example) – all these rules will be explained in more detail by your Leader on the ground. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and can result in Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands – these rules must be adhered to by all, without exception. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in being removed from the trip without refund.
For more information, please follow this link: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. This trip has a shorter version GGTG which doesn't include flights to and from Quito and starts in the Galapagos.
6. Ecuador has implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for entry to the country, including special conditions for Galapagos. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 111 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Theresa · Traveled November 2023
Such an amazing experience! From the wildlife we saw, the knowledge we learned, the adventures we went on, the friendly locals we met, and the tour group that became like family. Our tour guide, Cesar, was phenomenal. He went above and beyond the title “tour guide” and his love and passion for the animals of the Galapagos and the Islands in general was truly inspiring!
Review submitted 16 Nov 2023

Elijah · Traveled October 2023
Review submitted 14 Oct 2023

Susanne · Traveled September 2023
Our Galapagos tour was absolutely incredible. Seeing everything in its natural habitat was incredible. Our group leader was incredible Highly recommend this tour
Review submitted 02 Oct 2023

Sydney · Traveled August 2023
When I originally booked this trip, I thought it would be once in a lifetime, but I definitely will return. I learned so much and saw so many incredible things. The food was amazing and Katty was a great guide!
Review submitted 28 Aug 2023

Peter · Traveled June 2023
This trip to the Galapagos was the best excursion I’ve ever been on. Organisation was brilliant, and so was our guide Genesis. We never had to worry about anything. Definitely highly recommend.
Review submitted 13 Jul 2023
Best of Galapagos
From
EUR €2,777