One Week in the Galapagos Islands

7 Days | You’ll never know unless you Galapa-go.

4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
Wildlife
From
ZAR  15,845
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

The Galapagos Islands have a bit of a reputation – think the wildest wildlife, colourful underwater worlds and some of the most remote beaches and rock forms on earth. Spend seven days discovering this explorer’s dream, staying at the bustling centres of Isla San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Volcanoes, marine iguanas, playful sea lions and the giant tortoise all await on this animal-focused island getaway – what’s not to love about the Galapagos?

Trip overview

Map of One Week In The Galapagos Islands including Ecuador
Start
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Finish
Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Theme
18 to 35s, 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
Basix
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 15
Trip code
GGYT
This trip generates 22 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.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip
  • The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unique wildlife on earth – many you may not have heard of before! Spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigate birds and so much more on your island escape.
  • Consider a range of optional activities to enhance your wicked wildlife stops with your small group. Snorkelling at Kicker Rock? Swimming alongside sea lions near Isla Lobos? It’s up to you!
  • Take land-side visits to San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center and Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to discover more about the islands’ history and conservation efforts to preserve this far-flung paradise.
  • By staying on the islands, you’ll get the best of both worlds – discovering the forests, beaches and marine hotspots by day, and chilling out in town by night.
  • Collect solid gold bragging rights after climbing Isla Isabela's volcano. The views up the top don't get much better than this!

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves a lot of travel by boat between the various Galapagos Islands.The good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication and by consulting a health professional before your trip.
  • This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6-7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes that offer good support.
  • Wildlife is a big focus on this trip, with activities like bird-watching, swimming and visits to museums.
  • While you're free to go diving if you so choose, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity. This is part of Intrepid's internal safety policy.
  • As this tour starts and finishes on the islands, there is the opportunity on the final day to forgo your flight back to Quito to stay on for Scuba Diving. We can offer this activity on the final day of the tour but it will require an extra night on the islands. See "Important Notes" below for details.

Itinerary

Map of One Week In The Galapagos Islands including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
  • Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
  • Santa Cruz - Los Kioskos Food market by Night
  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
  • Las Grietas - Swimming Hole & Canyon
Optional activities
  • Isla Lobos. - USD80
  • Snorkelling gear rental - USD5
  • Kicker Rock excursion - USD120
  • Frigate Bird Hill - Free
  • Mann Beach - Free
  • Isla Tintoreras - USD47
  • Kayak rental - USD50
  • Wet Suit rental - USD10
  • Tunneles Snorkelling - USD120
  • Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
  • Quito - Sweet & Culinary Experience - Urban Adventures - USD103
  • Quito - Condors and Culture in Otavalo Urban Adventures - USD156
  • Quito - Old Town & Gastronomic- Urban Adventures - USD99

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. 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.
2. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/altitude-sickness
3. 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.
4. 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.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from USD100 to USD200
When booking, please ensure that your details are correct and they match your passport.
Your passport must match the booking details provided to us; otherwise it could cause issues with your transit card and internal flights resulting in purchasing a new card and flights at your own expense.
5. Single supplements are not available on this trip due to hotel capacity restrictions.

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 14 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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Emily · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 13 Apr 2024

Rachael · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Alexandra · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Michel · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Katherine · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024
One Week in the Galapagos Islands
From
ZAR  15,845