Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands

8 days
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River Cruise
This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the “Center of the World.” You’ll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists, taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory, and visit a nature reserve....
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Quito
    • Birdwatching in the Alambi Reserve, walking tour of Quito to visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compañía Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner.
    • Fly to the Galápagos Islands; embark Treasure of Galápagos; visit Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.
    • Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling.
    • North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet:
    • Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling.
    • Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling.
    • Disembark Treasure of Galápagos; visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center; fly to Quito.
    • Welcome to Quito
    • Birdwatching in the Alambi Reserve, walking tour of Quito to visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compañía Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner.

What's this trip about?

    This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the “Center of the World.” You’ll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists, taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory, and visit a nature reserve. Before taking to the sea, a highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. Then, embark on an exciting 4-night cruise among various Galápagos Islands on the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, several species of Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Each day venture to a new island which is home to species found nowhere else in the world! During your cruise, you’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays. A remarkable cruise adventure!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City QUITO, ECUADOR
End CityQUITO

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Galapagos Islands
  • Otavalo
  • Quito
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR

Bienvenido a Ecuador! South America’s Most Biodiverse Country

Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galápagos adventure or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing.

Day 2: QUITO

A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day

DISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Chocó cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, includin...

Day 3: BALTRA–GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)–SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

The Theory of Evolution—and Giant Babies

This morning, take a flight to the Galápagos Island of Baltra where you’ll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galápagos.

DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Islan...

Day 4: SANTIAGO ISLAND

Volcanoes, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes

DISCOVERY This morning, you will find yourself anchored in the western-central part of the archipelago where volcanoes are still active, attributing to the dramatic scenery. Take a Naturalist Led Excursion of Sulli...

Day 5: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

Masterful Marine Iguanas and Birds of a Different Color

CLASSIC Take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to see colonies of remarkable bird species, including blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and magnificent frigate birds—with its inflated red chest and nearly...

Day 6: SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

Tracing Darwin’s Footsteps and Audubon’s Muses

DISCOVERY This morning, take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to South Plaza Island to observe wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrid iguanas (only found on this island and a result of a...

Day 7: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)–SAN CRISTOBAL–QUITO

The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago

DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You’ll learn about the Galápagos’ fascinating volcanic origins, remote location,...

Day 8: QUITO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,119
Price per day$765
Last Updated: 3/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
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Availability
26 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$6,309
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23 Apr 2025
30 Apr 2025
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21 May 2025
28 May 2025
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04 Jun 2025
11 Jun 2025
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25 Jun 2025
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16 Jul 2025
23 Jul 2025
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24 Sep 2025
01 Oct 2025
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08 Oct 2025
15 Oct 2025
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22 Oct 2025
29 Oct 2025
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05 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
$6,119
Available

Land/Cruise price includes the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($220 value). Price is per person based on double room occupancy. Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included. Call for single accommodation details and prices. Triple rooms are not available.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Feb 2025

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My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

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James Allen

Jan 2025

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Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

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Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

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Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Swissotel

This contemporary hotel is located in the commercial district of Quito, minutes away from historical Old Town. The hotel offers a wide variety of dining with six restaurants and two bars. Other features include a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts, beauty salon, gift shop, and business center.

Quito

Ecuador

12 de Octubre 1820 y Luis Cordero

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WBG

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