Compare Galapagos Island Explorer by Adventure Unbound vs Galapagos Islands Retreat by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,009 | $ 4,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 501 | $ 500 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
Four Island Tour. GALAPAGOS GUARANTEE SPECIALNot only are we offering $200 off per person, we are also guaranteeing you'll see all of the Galapagos Big 5&nb. Our Galapagos Island Explorer offers a sweeping exploration of the Galapagos archipelago as well as an introduction to mainland Ecuador. Our multisport adventure has you kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and biking throughout a range of Galapagos islands, allowing you to truly experience the Galapagos rather than viewing it from the sidelines--or well-worn railings of a cruise ship deck. |
Be inspired by the serenity of yoga on this wellness tour of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife frolics unfettered and free on this wildlife and wellness vacation. The journey begins in Quito, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then visits four Galapagos Islands where you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin. Imagine the thrill of spotting penguins, flamingos, and giant tortoises, watching the dance of marine iguanas and seeing a parade of blue-footed boobies as frigate birds soar overhead. |
Day 1:
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sebastian
Arrive in Quito on mainland Ecuador. Nestled high in the Andean valley, Quito is surrounded by towering volcanic peaks and incredible views. Depending on your arrival time, Galalagos Unbound is happy to arrange plenty of activities for you so that you can explore Quito's UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic museums and bustling downtown. This evening, meet with your guide and fellow guests for an orientation as well as a delicious Ecuadorian dinner.
Day 2:
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Blanca or Hotel Miconia
After breakfast, begin your day with a brief flight San Cristóbal's Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and truly begin your Galapagos adventure. Relax with a fresh lunch before setting off on a downhill bike ride taking you from the heights of La Soledad down to La Loberia, a sunny beach known for its frolicking swarms of sea lions. Watch the sea lions snuggle and play while sea birds wheel in the sky while you take a break from your pedal. Cool off with a dip in the ocean and join the fray. After, pedal back to town for a relaxing dinner at a tasty local restaurant.
Day 3:
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Blanca or Hotel Miconia
Today we explore more of the Galapagos Island's maritime wonders. We cruise along San Cristóbal's coastline looking out for the bobbing Blue-footed booby and the Great frigatebird wandering the rugged coastline. Catch a glimpse of the colorful life below as we snorkel through the lively channel at Kicker Rock (otherwise known as Leon Dormido). Passing sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, rays and a variety of fish make this an incredible snorkeling experience. After our swim, we relax on a sun-baked beach; explore or soak in the sun next to the salt-sneezing marine iguanas.
Enjoy a tasty lunch on board the boat as we head back to town. We visit the informative Interpretation Center, learning more about this unique archipelago, before discovering a great place for dinner.
Day 4:
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Wittmer Lodge
Wake up to a fresh breakfast before setting off on a boat ride to Floreana. As we journey toward this less-populated island, look out for passing dolphins surfing the wake or the elegant waved albatross searching for the perfect current. We also stop for a quick dip and snorkel excursion before we dock at the renowned Black Beach. Relax with lunch at Puerto Velasco Ibarra and learn more about Floreana's mysterious, haunting history.
This afternoon takes us into the highlands, where we look for secluded caves where pirates and whalers often sought refuge and fresh water. Take in the marks of history and see the island from a unique perspective before returning for dinner.
Day 5:
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle
We continue our island-hopping ways today as we travel eary to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago formed from 6 merged volcanoes. There, explore the lush wetlands blanketed in mangroves and dotted with bright flamingoes searching for food in the brackish waters. Up next, we stop by the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, an incredible opportunity to view the endangered tortoises in every stage of development. Learn more about these vulnerable creatures and roam with them in their natural habitat.
This afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Relax on a white sand beach, explore what the town has to offer or rent a bike to journey to the nearby Wall of Tears-- a historical landmark denoting the island's evocative history as a penal colony. Later, rejoin the group for another delicious dinner.
Day 6:
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle
Today we head inland with excursions to Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcan Chico. Hike up from Sierra Negra's base to the volcano's extensive caldera--the world's second largest caldera on an active volcano--stretching over 5 miles wide. Enjoy the views and catch your breath before continuing around the rim. Our trek takes us through the lunar-esque lava fields to Volcan Chico. At the summit, you're greeted by panoramic views of Isabela and the surrounding islands. This evening, return to town and relax from your full day with a refreshing dip or a cocktail before dinner.
Day 7:
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle
We return to the seas today with a morning sea kayaking excursion. Paddle along a secluded bay and look out for wildlife such as the Galapagos penguin. Our paddle takes us to Las Tintoteras, or Shark Alley, an islet knwon for its wealth of sea lions, sea birds, marine iguanas and, of course, Galapagos and white tipped reef sharks. Take in the diverse, stunning wildlife before heading back on our return battle.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy before rejoining for dinner in the highlands.
Day 8:
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Maineo or Posada Del Mar
We continue our way around the archipelago with a stop at Santa Cruz. Enjoy the boat trip and its views before docking; then, we head into the island's lush interior. The Santa Cruz highlands offers plenty to see with a network of underground lava tunnels and a local, working ranch. At this last stop you have the opportunity to engage with the Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural, protected habitat as they cool off in mud pools and munch on grass. On our way back to town, we can also make a stop to purchase freshly ground Galapagos coffee--the islands' only export!
Relax with some lunch before stopping at the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, learn about the center's incredible conservation efforts and their mission to protect the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem. After our tour, travel to the sunny beach of Tortuga Bay. Accessible only by foot, walk to this secluded beach and enjoy another dip in the refreshing water. Then, return to your hotel and freshen up for your final Galapagos dinner.
Day 9:
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sebastian
After breakfast, explore the relatively bustling town of Puerto Ayora. There's plenty of final Galapagos adventures to be head before we catch our return flight to Quito. After landing, you have some more time to fit in some more mainland activities before meeting for our final, farewell dinner.
Day 10:
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in one last breakfast before heading to the airport to catch your return flight home. Or, if you're up for some more adventure, there's plenty to explore on mainland Ecuador!
Visit the lush Amazon rainforest, explore the grandiose heights of the Highlands or walk through history in the Quito or Cuenco. Whatever your Ecuadorian adventure goals, our adventure consultants can make it happen!
Day 1 - Home - Quito, Ecuador
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, we transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Quito, Ecuador
Following breakfast, we head out to explore Quito. Our city tour of Quito includes: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo which is a statue of the virgin of Quito that overlooks and protects the city.
Then, we travel to the middle-of-the-world, Mitad-del-Mundo. At 0 degrees latitude, you can stand with both feet in each hemisphere and learn the gravitational forces at work along this imaginary line. We have some free time this afternoon before our included dinner this evening at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Quito - Galapagos Islands
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the Quito airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands. We arrive on the island of Baltra and transfer to our hotel in Santa Cruz. After check-in, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the Island’s unique wildlife and history. The Charles Darwin Research Station works to preserve the unique and balanced ecosystem. Here, we have a thorough introduction to the flora and fauna that make these islands so special.
Later, we travel to Rancho Chato, in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and get up-close and personal with the giant Galápagos tortoise. The area also has volcanic lava tubes we can explore underground. We top off our time in these spectacular natural surroundings with a local, traditional lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we hop-over by speed boat and visit South Plazas, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, it has the island chain’s largest population of land iguanas. Birdlife is also abundant. Look out for red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions frolicking the water as we tour the area. Our time on South Plaza includes lunch before we return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Galapagos Islands
We begin our day with a yoga lesson in Tortuga Bay. Tortuga bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise waters in the Galapagos Islands.
This morning, we depart for San Cristobal to witness amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations. Each island in the Galapagos is truly a different experience and San Cristobal is one of the most unique. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we head into the highlands of San Cristobal and have a yoga lesson in the typical highlands of the San Cristobal.
San Cristobal is the fifth largest and easternmost island in the Galapagos. It consists of a few fused volcanoes and is the island where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. (B,D)
Day 6 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we take a small boat to Isla Lobos. We have a guided tour and will learn about frigate birds, blue footed boobies and sea lions that inhabit the island from our Naturalist Guide. Afterwards, we have time to snorkel and swim with playful sea lions and observe rays and turtles. We continue to a local restaurant for lunch before ending our Lobos excursion on Playa Ochoa ~ a white coral beach. Here, we have a yoga lesson surrounded by views of the Pacific Ocean.
After, we transfer back to our hotel and have dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Galapagos Islands - Quito
Today, after our last yoga session, we have some free time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing around San Cristobal. Some great sites to explore include:
Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center
A giant tortoise breeding center where you can view various species of these incredible creatures that can to be over 100 years old!
Early this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, we will check-in for our overnight flight home to Bradley International Airport. (B)
Day 8 - Arrive USA
Arrive back in the USA this morning and transfer home rested and relaxed with incredible memories.
*Yoga lessons and snorkeling are included activities. They are not mandatory to participate in.
