Best of Galapagos

10 Days | Go wildlife spotting on ad adventure through the best of the Galapagos Islands

4.9 out of 5 based on 145 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
EUR €2,971
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Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the main drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. On this ten-day trip through the best of the Galapagos, you’ll uncover the outstanding natural beauty of these islands both on foot and by boat, looking for giant tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, seals, iguanas, dolphins, whales and birdlife along the way. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, go snorkelling across multiple islands, hike up a volcano for the best views and soak up the experience with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.

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 79 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
  • Encounter the nearly extinct giant Galapagos tortoises, as well as blue-footed boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and maybe even dolphins and whales!
  • Go snorkelling on multiple days throughout different islands, looking out for sea turtles and the harmless Galapagos shark.
  • Get your blood pumping as you scale the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater!
  • Learn how to make the famed encebollado – a local fish soup considered one of the best in the world! Your expert chef will take you through a fun cooking class, then you’ll tuck into the hearty dish for lunch.
  • Enjoy a land-based Galapagos trip, using locally owned hotels on the islands instead of staying on a boat, which means you’ll have more opportunities to interact with the locals.
  • 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 visits places that are 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 for more detail.
  • This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes with good support. Please see Day 6 of the Itinerary for more information.
  • This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
  • From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
  • Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
  • This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.
  • Many travellers express interest in diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, but only through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to your agent at the time of booking for more information.
  • The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.
  • Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
  • If you would like a trip that starts and ends in the Galapagos, please search the website for our trip Galapagos Island Hopping (GGTG).

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Map of Best Of Galapagos including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel ( 9 nights)

Activities
  • Quito - Historic District Walking Tour
  • 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 - Kayaking
  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
  • Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
  • Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
  • Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
  • Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy visit
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre
Add on activities
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
  • Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
  • Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
  • Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
  • Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days - USD60

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. 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. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.
4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$200) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
5. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/

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 145 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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Yvonne · Traveled August 2024
See my comments written before
Review submitted 08 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled August 2024
This trip was amazing! After travelling for nearly a year this is a highlight! We learnt so much about wildlife (land and marine), the different projects going on in the Galapagos & the people who live here! Our guide Katty was fantastic - so knowledgeable, passionate & friendly! Can’t fault this trip at all! We loved it!
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Rebecca · Traveled August 2024
I loved this trip, our guide Katty was excellent. The activities really enhanced our experience of the Galapagos. All in all trip of a lifetime.
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Kylie · Traveled August 2024
Galapagos Island hoping is a great way to get a taste of this amazing destination. This trio takes you to 4 islands (5 if you count Baltra where we flew out of) and allows you to see adaptations of various species to their differing habits, as observed by Charles Darwin. A fabulous trip...thank you Joel!
Review submitted 16 Aug 2024

Peter · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
Best of Galapagos
From
EUR €2,971