Welcome to Ecuador!
The Galapagos Islands are considered the living laboratory of Darwin's theory of evolution. It's no wonder 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles & land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are native to only these islands.
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem it has to offer. We’ll hike, snorkel, and boat our way across the archipelago as we get to know the wildlife, locals, and remarkable landscapes.
Duration: 6 days & 5 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at Seymour Airport (GPS) at 12:00 p.m.
Finish: Trip ends at Seymour Airport (GPS) at 10:00 a.m.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration-–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador, 100 USD cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands, 20 USD Galapagos Transit Control Card, and 10 USD cash fee to enter Isabela Island.
Do you see yourself soaking up the sun in one of the most biodiverse places on our planet?
The Galapagos are a haven for animal lovers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. You'll have experiences only found on this tiny archipelago as we hike active volcanoes, swim with sharks and turtles, and lounge with iguanas.
WiFi will be available but may be unreliable because of the remote location of the islands. We encourage you to take this opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in one of the most unique places on our planet.
-Age Requirement: 21+
-Group Size: 8-15 travelers
-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful though not required to enjoy the trip.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances, including weather, operation of local ferries, and restrictions to protect the environment.
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners will be enjoyed at local restaurants a short walk away.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
You will be traveling by private ground transportation and public speed boat.
You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Please be eco-friendly!
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.
Do not forget: reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, light day pack, and a hat!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.
The tap water in Ecuador is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Ecuador beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Ecuador from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers.
More specific Health information for Travelers to Ecuador can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
We suggest bringing 250 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency in Ecuador is the United States Dollar (USD).
There will be opportunities to withdraw from an ATM during the trip.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.
The Galapagos Islands have warm weather. The average temperature is around 87 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 degrees Celsius.
We recommend light clothing, comfortable and water resistant shoes, and a sweater or jacket for some cold nights. We also recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat, bug repellent, and sunscreen.
Ecuadorian culture consists of a mix of indigenous practices and European colonial influence.
Spanish is the official language in Ecuador, however, as tourism develops in this country you can occasionally find people who speak English.
Two of the most popular leisure activities in Ecuador are soccer and dancing. You can find Ecuadorians enjoying a variety of music like salsa, bachata, and merengue.
Tipping 10-20% is acceptable for wait staff, maids and drivers.
Tipping Customs
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (USD) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
The activities below will be paid in USD.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always do your best to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
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U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!
There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!
Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.
I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!
My Hike the Inca Trail trip was beyond amazing, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a trip. Our leaders made us all feel instantly comfortable, and the group was fantastic. The trip was well planned and the hike was unforgettable. Memories to last a lifetime.
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