Isabela Island Cultural Tours & Trip Packages

Isabela Island Cultural Tours & Trips

55 Isabela Island trips. Tours from 35 tour companies. 893 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

27 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Cultural
13 Day Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Quito

Highlights

  • In the lush tropical lowlands of Ecuador visit a working Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation Visit Guayaquil's Seminario Park, a favorite place of bird watchers and home to arboreal Iguanas Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands Explore stunning Tintoreras Islet with its sea lions, turtles, iguanas and whitetip reef sharks Stand before the historic ‘Wall of Tears,’ monument to prisoners who constructed the barrier Hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on the Galapagos Islands At the Los Humedales complex, see all four species of mangroves found in the archipelago Visit the Turtle Breeding Center - hear about programs to save the iconic Galapagos Tortoises Visit the "Middle of the World" monument at the Equator that marks latitude 0º Enjoy the wonders of nature and the hot steamy thermal springs at Papallacta in the Andes Journey deep into the Amazon, a living jewel with rare beauty and astonishing natural wonders From atop the canopy walkway pause to view amazing panoramas and vibrant colored birds Meet with women at an Interpretation Center to learn more about the Kichwa lifestyle A native guide shows you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed Piranha - a real challenge! Listen to the symphony of frogs and birds on a nocturnal jungle walk by flashlight Discover Quito's historic colonial quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour a rose plantation and learn about Ecuador's major rose cultivation industry †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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Explore Machu Picchu & Cruise The Galápagos
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4.8/5 Excellent
64 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Explore two of Latin America’s crown jewels on one amazing two-week adventure!
  • Discover rich Andean culture and deep history in the charming, UNESCO-listed city of Cusco and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu
  • Journey through the Galápagos on a private yacht and see incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, giant tortoises, sea lions and much, much more
  • Enjoy moments of magical discovery every step of the way and learn from expert naturalist guides

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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Galapagos Islands
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Visit three different Galapagos Islands
  • Hang out with Giant Tortoises in their natural environment
  • Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, home of the one of the largest volcanic craters in the world
  • Swim, snorkel, and hike with tons of wildlife like the Galapagos penguins, blue footed boobies, sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, manta rays, and much more
  • Learn how to experience the Galapagos responsibly from your certified naturalist guide.
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Themes

18 - 30's, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"I had an amazing time on the Costa Rica starter trip. This was my first time traveling solo and U30X was a great way for me to safely see another part of the world and meet new people. Our trip leaders were Adrian and Delphine; they were very knowledgeable and fun. It felt more like we were just hanging out with our friends who happened to know a lot about the country rather than following around tour guides."

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Ecuador in Depth | Diversity & Traditions
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4.5/5 Excellent
17 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Cuenca, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Isla Baltra, Isla Bartolome, Isla Santa Fe, Otavalo, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Visit the “San Juan Mirador” you will have a beautiful view of The Colonial Center of Quito
  • Explore Teleférico, one of the best ways to enjoy the city with views of beautiful valleys
  • Enjoy your visit to the Antisana Volcano
  • Drive into the hacienda and visiting the wetlands
  • Visit the complex of Nambillo waterfalls
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I can't say enough about how great my experience was with Latin Adventures Tour. Our tour guide, Diageo, was great. Very knowledgeable, friendly and fun and just made our overall tour very enjoyable. Highly recommended and will definitely use again!"

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First Class Galapagos Cruise | Millenium Catamaran
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4.5/5 Excellent
17 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

  • Explore Fernandina Island
  • Visit Moreno Point, a young volcanic landscape with numerous fresh-water pools and lagoons
  • Explore Isabela is the only island in the Galapagos that is actually crossed by the Equator
  • Discover Galapagos
  • See the exciting Santiago Island fourth largest island in the Galapagos

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I can't say enough about how great my experience was with Latin Adventures Tour. Our tour guide, Diageo, was great. Very knowledgeable, friendly and fun and just made our overall tour very enjoyable. Highly recommended and will definitely use again!"

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Photograph Galapagos
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Guayaquil, Isabela Island, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Galapagos Islands with world-class photographers, expedition leaders and lecturers
  • The 96-passenger vessel is ideal: small enough to get in close, but big enough to go far afield
  • Travel with top National Geographic photographers and certified photo instructors—at your side and at your service to inspire and assist you
  • Take advantage of talks, presentations, slideshows and sharing events we call “laptop galleries.”
  • All skill and interest levels are welcome; our expert photographers and instructors can meet you wherever you are on your journey. All you need to participate is a camera— point-and-shoot, smartphone, DSLR, whatever—and a sense of adventure. And you’re sure to return home with the best photos of your life
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Themes

50 plus, Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Jill is a delight! From the initial conversation our experience was nothing but pleasurable! Every question was responded to quickly and thoroughly. Our Tanzanian Safari was beyond wonderful. Flights, accommodations, cuisine and our guide was 5 star plus! We look forward to many more wonderful adventures!"

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Galapagos Island Hopping
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4.7/5 Excellent
20 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Otavalo, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • See the Otavalo Market
  • Visit Mindo cloud forest
  • Visit a working chocolate farm
  • See hummingbirds and listen to a frog symphony
  • Hike through the Mindo cloud forest
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"It took us two days, four airports to get to the start of our tour and then additional four days to get our luggage. We spent most of days shopping for essentials rather than enjoying our holiday. I had paid £8,000 for this holiday. 1) Travelshere tried to take money out my account twice. I had to contact my bank to get the transaction number to prove to them that I had paid. 2) Three weeks before departure they completely changed our flights ( presumably they got a cheaper deal) 3) Sent to us to wrong terminal for our flight, had to rush over to the right terminal 4) Madrid was snowed under, so the flights were delayed and there was no way we were going to make the connection, so they split the group. The main group was sent direct to destination from London and two couple with Indian names were sent to Madrid, knowing well that they were not going to make the connection. 5) The guide went with the main group and we were left to organise our way to the destination. 6) After four airports, endless queuing and two days we got to our destination ( so we lost two days holidays and the excursion), minus the luggage. No glutton free meals, so my wife traveled long distance without any food. 7) It took five days to get our luggage, so we spent most our spare time shopping for essentials in foreign land with limited local language skills. No help from any one. 8) When I complained, I got this terse letter while I am on holidays. Unfortunately, I can’t copy and paste this letter, which would have conveyed their attitude to whole mess. There were so many issues that I can’t list all of them. Needless to say I shared my experience of this company with my family, friends, work colleagues and fellow travelers."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Charles Darwin Research Station, Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Island-hop the galapagos islands by public speedboats
  • Visit charles darwin research station
  • Hike the sierra negra volcano on isabela island
  • Go snorkelling to spot marine life

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

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Upgraded Land Galapagos
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Encounter marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies
  • Snorkel among volcanic formations
  • Walk on the black-sand beaches of floreana island
  • Dine at g adventures-supported community restaurants
  • Visit the giant tortoise breeding centre
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

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Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cotacachi, Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi Volcano, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island, Otavalo, Puerto Villamil, Quilotoa, Quito

Highlights

  • 6-Day Cruise Around the Galapagos Islands
  • Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Your Yacht
  • Going to Centuries-Old & Indigenous Markets
  • Seeing Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth!
  • Donkey-Riding Around a Caldera
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Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"CharlieTheTraveler far exceeded our expectations. You took care of our every need and I feel spoiled. We did not have to worry about anything. We will definitely use CharlieTheTraveler again on a future trip. Thank you so much for your attention to detail."

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Volcanoes and Galapagos
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Bar, Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi National Park, Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Mindo, Otavalo, Puerto Villamil, Quito, Santa Cruz, Sucre

Highlights

  • Discover the wild paradise of the Galapagos as well as local life on mainland Ecuador
  • Visit local communities living in the mountainous highlands around Otavalo
  • Stay in hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands and search for iconic Galapagos wildlife

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Overall an excellent trip, easy cycling with an e-bike (which is needed on the last two days of cycling unless you are very used to riding up hills). Very good standard of hotels. Martin was a brilliant guide and also arranged some lovely restaurants for the group meals. Lots of beautiful coastal scenery. This was the first trip on the refreshed itinerary and there is some fine tuning needed on timings on the day we get the short Ferry."

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Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure 7D/6N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Isabela Island

Highlights

  • Hikethrough active volcanoes’ moon-like landscape Snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Galapagos Chill out on paradisiacal white sandy beaches View abundant marine life and endemic species

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

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Generous cancellation

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27 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Isabela Island Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
893  Reviews
See all Isabela Island tour reviews
Excellent
5
Great
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Average
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0
R

Robert

Oct 2022

Written on

The trip to the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador included everything I loved

I’ve always been interested in natural landscapes, so the trip to the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador included everything I loved. I appreciated that CharlieT...

H

Henry

Oct 2022

Written on

The trip to the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador amaze

The trip to the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador amazed me at every turn! The accommodations, including the travel to and from each activity, made for a great ...

C

Claire

Oct 2022

Written on

Loved it.

I have never taken a vacation with a tour group, so I had no idea what to expect. I chose CharlieTheTraveler as a friend of mine had recently returned from a tour th...

L

Lizzy

Oct 2022

Written on

Fantastic

I was teetering on the fence about going abroad, but what helped me make the decision to do so was how well-prepared CharlieTheTraveler seemed to be. They had all po...

N

Natalie

Oct 2022

Written on

Galapagos Islands were beautiful

I knew the Galapagos Islands were beautiful, but I had no idea the mainland Ecuador was just as beautiful and also had so much to do! CharlieTheTraveler managed to p...

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Isabela Island Tour Selection Trips

  • Isabela is one of the main islands visited by tourists to the Galapagos. It is here where you'll discover and learn a lot of cultural and historical context that will be make your journey through the islands more meaningful. 
  • When observing the wildlife, you can get very close, but never, ever attempt to pet, touch, or feed the animals of the Galapagos.
  • Bring sun protection! It will be warm, and you'll be spending a lot of time out on the water and in unprotected areas on land.
  • When packing for the Galapagos, it is a good idea to bring water shoes and a pair of close toed hiking or tennis shoes. Dress in lightweight layers, and avoid cotton materials that absorb sweat rather than let the body breathe. 

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