Ecuador: Galapagos Island hopping Quito,San Cristobal, Isabela,Santa Cruz and Quito

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Galapagos island hopping

No cruise, but an active adventure takes you from island to island

  • Natural Wonders Galapagos – Exceptional Flora and Fauna
  • Discover fascinating underwater worlds with snorkel and diving goggles
  • Conquer the Sierra Negra volcano
  • Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz
  • Go photo stalking in a kayak
  • Stunning views from Cerro Tijeretas

Breathtaking wilderness on land and sea awaits you on this exciting adventure tour of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover the special and at the same time special animal world. Like Darwin, let yourself be enchanted by the nature and history of this unique archipelago. About 1,000 km from the mainland of Ecuador, nature and wildlife on the Galapagos Islands show their most beautiful side – and give us incomparable moments. A real highlight is the view from Cerro Tijeratas of the bay below – the climb is worth it. Giant tortoises, flamingos, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins – the fauna of Isla Isabela takes our breath away! A fire breather also impresses us: the Sierra Negra volcano, the most active volcano in the archipelago.

Difficulty Condition

Travel Program

Welcome to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands! At the beginning of this trip in the Galapagos Islands you have two options to join the group as described in the specific information below. After teaming up with your fellow travelers, head to La Loberia together, where you’ll don your snorkeling gear for the first time and swim among sea lions and maybe see sea turtles. Back in town, you have the evening at leisure. You might go out with the group and enjoy some of the fresh seafood available here.

Extra Info: As you start this trip in the Galapagos Islands, you have two options to join the group:

SUNDAY DEPARTURES: Meet the group at 11:30am at San Cristobal Airport. Your guide will be waiting for passengers from Quito in the arrivals hall with a sign.
DEPARTURES FRIDAY & WEDNESDAY: You will meet the group at 12:30pm at San Cristobal Airport. Your guide will be waiting for passengers from Quito in the arrivals hall with a sign.

Alternatively, you can also meet the group at the hotel (Casa de Nelly) if they arrive here about 1 hour after the meeting time at the airport. The check-in time at the hotel is 12:00 p.m. If you’re making your own way to the hotel, we recommend taking a short taxi ride, which will cost around $2.

Please let us know where you would like to start this trip at least 15 days before departure.

Optional activities:
– Wetsuit rental (short sleeve) for 5 days – USD60

Activities included:
– Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 hours)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Flight
Arrival to Ecuador.

Driving
1 hour aprox.

Hiking
1 hour aprox

Meals
-/-/-

Today begins with a 45 minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). Along the way we may spot nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. There is also the opportunity to swim among playful young sea lions. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look out for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. The currents can be quite strong so it is important that you are a confident swimmer to take part in this activity. If you have any concerns, please speak to your guide. Lunch will be taken on the boat, after which we will go to the Interpretation Center. Here you can learn more about the history of the “Enchanted Islands” and the conservation projects, who strive to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), located two kilometers from the Interpretation Center. It’s quite a strenuous climb, but the stunning views of the bay are well worth it. In the late afternoon or early evening we return to the city.

Extra Information: If we are unable to visit Leon Dormido, we will alternatively visit Isla Lobos where sea lions, seabirds and marine iguanas are abundant.

Activities included:
– Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
– Visit to the Interpretation Center on Isla San Cristobal (45 minutes)
– Hike to Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint (1 hour)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

Early in the morning we take the boat towards Isla Floreana, which should take around 2.5 hours. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like dolphins and whales along the way. Upon arrival on the island, you can snorkel in the clear waters and stop for lunch. Afterwards, continue to a black sand beach owned by the Witmers, descendants of the first settlers in Galapagos. This town, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and a fascinating history of deaths, disappearances and murders. In the late afternoon we say goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela (approx. 2 hours). From Isabela Port it is a short transfer to the hotel where we will spend the night (about 15 minutes).

Please note that a port fee of USD 10 is payable upon arrival at Isla Isabela.

Activities included:
– Snorkeling at Floreana

Driving time: approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

We start the second day on Isla Isabela with a short bus ride (approx. 15 minutes) to the Arnaldo Tupiza Turtle Center where you can observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. The center is home to almost a thousand giant tortoises preparing for their life in the wild. We then head to a brackish water lagoon to spot flamingos. In the afternoon we board a small zodiac (panga) and drive to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley). Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Upon arrival we take a short walk on this isolated island and popular iguana nesting site. Snorkel in a tranquil bay teeming with colorful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles, who like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. In the late afternoon, head back to town in search of your own sandy resting place and enjoy your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful on the island.

Activities included:
– Las Tintoreras or Shark Alley visit (2.5 hours)
– Flamingo Lagoon visit (30 minutes)
– Giant Tortoise Breeding Center (1 hour)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

We start this day on Isla Isabela with a trip to the Sierra Negra volcano (about 45 minutes by bus), one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. If the weather permits, you will undertake a challenging hike of about 17 kilometers up the rocky mountain, which takes 5-6 hours. After the hike we make our way back to town where you can curl up with a book or take a relaxing swim in the sea before dinner.

Extra Info: Please make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes that offer good grip for today’s hike. It can get quite muddy during the rainy season. There is an option to rent rubber boots on site if you wish. It can get quite hot during the hike and there isn’t much shade along the way, so make sure you’re equipped with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water (we recommend 2 liters per person).

Activities Included:
– Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

Start the day with a kayak tour around Isabela before we take a private speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz. Once there you can visit a restaurant that offers a typical Ecuadorian lunch menu. This usually consists of a fresh juice, a simple starter (usually a soup) and a main course. These lunch specials are popular throughout Ecuador and it’s a great way to dine like a local. In the afternoon you have free time to further explore the city or take an optional excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Center.

Optional Activities:
– Visit to Charles Darwin Research Center (45 minutes) – Complimentary

Activities included:
– Kayaking on Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

In the afternoon we visit the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to observe the giant tortoises in the wild. We then visit a local sugar cane farm. Here the farmers will show us how the sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol. Along the way, look out for eagle rays, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies. Later it’s back to Puerto Ayora.

Activities Included:
– Visit the Santa Cruz Highlands
– Tortuga Bay Hike

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

Your Galapagos island hopping ends today after breakfast.

Special Information: This trip ends in Santa Cruz and departures should be booked from Baltra Airport. To get to Baltra Airport you need to take a taxi to the port. From there, take a $1 ferry across the channel and then a $5 bus to the airport.

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
3 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

We say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands and fly back to Quito (Please note that the flight has a stopover in Guayaquil).
In the late afternoon we arrive back in Quito. Maybe you’ll head out for one last dinner with your fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
6 hours aprox.

Hiking
5 hours aprox

Meals
B/L/-

This morning your adventure ends in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the last day, you can leave at any time.

As there is little time spent in Quito on this trip, we recommend staying a few days longer to see more of Ecuador. If you decide to stay longer, we are happy to help you book accommodation.

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
1 hour aprox.

Hiking
1 hour aprox

Flight
Go back home by plane.

Meals
B/-/-

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What's Included

Services included in the prices:

  • Galapagos round trip according to program
  • Overnight stays and meals according to the program
  • All transports as described
  • Excursions, activities and visits as per itinerary
  • Snorkeling in La Loberia
  • Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
  • Visit to the information center
  • Visit to the Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint
  • Snorkeling on Floreana
  • Kayak excursion on Isla Isabela
  • Excursion to the Santa Cruz highlands
  • Visit Tortuga Bay with hike on Santa Cruz Island
  • Tintoteras or Shark Avenue, visit to the Flamingo Lagoon, giant tortoise feeding station and hike up the Sierra Negro Volcano on Isla Isabela

Not included:

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Personal expenses, tips
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Galapagos National Park Fee (USD 100)
  • Galapagos Transit Card (USD 20)
  • Isabela Port Fee (USD 10)
  • airport taxes and departure taxes

What to Bring

What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition

This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, climbing or mountain expeditions tours is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.

Hiking backpack for hiking 50 to 60 liters

Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)

Medium weight socks

Sleeping bag (-15º to 20ºC)

Small daypack for one day hiking 30 liters

Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)

Hiking boots or shoes

Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down

Rain poncho (or rain gear)

Long-sleeved shirts

Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers

Lightweight pants

Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

Water bottle for hiking or trekking

Strong waterproof duffel bag

Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb

Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit

Regular and long underwear

Knife or multi-tool

Light cap and wool hat

Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips

The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike

Grooming and personal hygiene kit

One Hiking Buff per person

3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person

We recommend 2 ice screws for each client

1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person

2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company

1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains

2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)

Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters

Harness for climbing

Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress

Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company

Walking sticks – Trekking Poles (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company

Down Jacket for expedition

Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification

First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients

Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things

Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.

In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.

Prices & Dates

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 JUN 2024 / 10 JUN 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 JUL 2024 / 10 JUL 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 AUG 2024 / 10 AUG 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 SEP 2024 / 10 SEP 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

Please note: Insurance for emergency evacuation is required for this trip. Call for more details.

» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays

Prices (per person):

1 PAX2 PAX4 PAX6 PAX8 PAX10 PAX12 PAX14 PAX
7900 USD3950 USD3850 USD3750 USD3650 USD3550 USD3450 USD3350 USD

Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!

Places: 🟢 *Available
Trip-code: Number ►ECU-
Duration: 10 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2024

Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya

Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions

Hans Honold | Certified Mountain and Ski Guide

For a trip with a Professional Certified Mountain Guide from abroad with your own language that you speak, please request us to get in touch. We have guides working for our company from all over the world who are members of IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA Certified Guides.

It is very important to have accident coverage for trekking and climbing mountains, more if you go a technical mountains over 6 thousand meters, we oblige and recommend buying travel insurance with our partner Global Rescue, you get the peace of mind that the finest medical, security evacuation, field rescue, intelligence and telehealth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.

Suggested FAQs

Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.

Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.

Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.

For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.

Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.

Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.

If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.

If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.

Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.

We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide

In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.

Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.

In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .

For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Additional information

We help in the purchase of air tickets: we set up convenient flight options with each participant of the trip and book tickets such as international flights and domestic flights in each destination city of the countries that we offer our trips. We recommend you booking international flights tickets well in advance so we can find current flights offer prices from the airlines. In order for us to search for and book your flight, please contact us and we will be happy to help you!. → More information click here
About a Satellite Phone or inReach® Messenger - GARMIN: On each trip we recommend having a satellite phone at your disposal. The possibility of quick contact from anywhere on the mountain will guarantee your safety on the road. In case of need (for example, contact with the family or the travel company), for this service the participants have to request to rent a satellite phone, of course this service has an additional cost, contact us or ask our office for more information. A practical device is to have an inReach® Messenger - GARMIN also helps for any emergency. → More information click here
Many of the participants or clients of our adventures, hikes and expeditions in the mountains are people who sign up alone, but in some of our trips you will be able to find a travel partner companion to join a group. We have many options for you from day tours, short treks, long duration tours, and even the most extreme climbing high mountains on each country or South American continent and other destinations, as like the destinations you can see on our website. The mountains are a great place for rapid integration and a very healthy sport. → More information click here
Our mountain guides or tour leaders: All of our Tour Leaders are multiple conquerors of the peaks they lead the expeditions to. Each of our cultural guides, high mountain guides, mountainbike guides, among others are internationally recognized and certified guides, such as the certifications of (UIMLA) Union of International Mountain Leader Associations & (IFMGA) International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. The mountaineering experience, skills and knowledge of your guides are a priority for us. → More information click here

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