The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History

11 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Galápagos as you learn about iconic wildlife, delicate ecosystems, volcanic activity and the science-altering legacy of Charles Darwin.
From$5,299
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
    • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
    • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

What's this trip about?

    Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Galápagos as you learn about iconic wildlife, delicate ecosystems, volcanic activity and the science-altering legacy of Charles Darwin.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive to Quito, Transfer to Hotel Quito

Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuo...

Day 2 Orientation to Quito, Ecuador, UNESCO World Heritage Site Quito

This leisurely-paced day in Quito is very important as it will give the group time to acclimate to highland elevations.

8:30 a.m. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any cha...

Day 3 Baltra Flight, Board Boat, Bachas Beach Galapagos Islands

The flight to/from the Galapagos makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain on board. This flight allows each person to bring a 50 lb checked bag/suitcase, plus a carry on. Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito until our return. Actual cruise itinerary ...

Day 4 Genovesa, Prince Phillip's Steps & Darwin Bay Galapagos Islands

Prince Philip's Steps: difficult dry landing onto rocky shore; ascending/descending a steep stone staircase (about 40 steps) carved into the approximately 82-foot stone cliff. The staircase has a wooden railing; individual steps are irregular in both shape and size an...

Day 5 South Plaza, Santa Fe Galapagos Islands

South Plaza: dry landing and moderate difficulty due to slippery rocks and uneven trail conditions. Santa Fe: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, uneven trail conditions.

Following our dry landing on Plaza Sur (South Plaza) Island we will embark on...

Day 6 Santa Cruz, Highlands & Charles Darwin Station Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Highlands: dry landing at Puerto Ayora and moderate to difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven (and possibly muddy) trails.

We will tender ashore to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, then we'll board a bus and ride to the highlands. Our natur...

Day 7 Floreana, Baroness Point & Post Office Bay, Champion Islet Galapagos Islands

Mirador la Baronesa: walking on trails, including uphill sections. Post Office Bay: easy trail conditions. Punta Cormorant: wet landing and easy trail conditions.

After a wet landing at Post Office Bay, we’ll walk along a sandy path to a historic spot once used ...

Day 8 Española Island, Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay Galapagos Islands

Punta Suarez: dry landing and difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven terrain. Gardner Bay: wet landing and easy, sandy trail conditions.

We'll make a dry landing at Punta Suarez this morning in preparation for our approximately 2 hour hike. Our walking ...

Day 9 Breeding Ctr., Interpretation Ctr., Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock Galapagos Islands

Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock): no landing. Cerro Brujo: wet landing and easy walking on sandy trails.

We'll board pangas and navigate around Leon Dormido (a.k.a. Kicker Rock) to get a closer look at the iconic stone formation and search for nesting sea birds. The t...

Day 10 Black Turtle Cove, Flight to Quito Quito

Black Turtle Cove: no landing, dinghy ride.There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to and from the islands. Participants with international flights departing very late this evening/before dawn next morning will check out of the hotel after din...

Day 11 Program Concludes, In Transit from Program In Flight

Hotel check out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

At the hotel (dependent on flight times). If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,299
Price per day$482
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

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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Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

Accommodation

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
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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 10
  • Number of Lunch: 8
  • Number of Dinner: 9
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-18921

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