Quito & Galapagos Islands Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Ecuador!

Afternoon/Evening

  • Meet at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 p.m. for included transportation to the hotel.
  • After your international flight, you can take some time to relax and acclimate to the altitude at your hotel while getting to know your fellow travelers.
  • We will enjoy our first dinner together before our adventure tomorrow.

Day 2

Explore Quito: “The Light of America”

Morning

  • Enjoy breakfast together at our hotel with your new friends.
  • Take included transportation into Quito to explore its historic city center.

Afternoon

  • A guided city tour will introduce you to Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
  • Sample some traditional dishes at a local Ecuadorian restaurant while exploring the marvelous city.
  • Visit the “middle of the world” where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Engage in interactive exhibits showcasing the scientific significance of the equatorial line.

Evening

  • Have a delicious dinner at the hotel and rest before our early morning flight and island adventure tomorrow.

Day 3

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands!

Morning

  • After breakfast, take an included early morning flight to the Galápagos (~3-hour flight).   (Please note that there will be a short layover in Guayaquil, normally about 30 minutes, and you do not have to exit the plane.) 
  • To enter the Galápagos Islands, travelers must pay a $200 cash fee upon arrival to the Baltra Airport , which is not included in the trip.
  • Fly to Baltra Island, a small island of the Galápagos. After landing, we’ll make our way to neighboring Santa Cruz island by taking a quick local ferry and bus ride to your hotel. 
  • Explore your hotel and the beautiful surroundings of Santa Cruz.

Afternoon

  • In Santa Cruz, you can explore the breathtaking natural wonder known as Las Grietas. This remarkable site is adorned with magnificent rocky crevices and crystal-clear turquoise water. While there, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the volcanic cliffs while enjoying activities such as swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters.

Evening

  • Before we get together for dinner, you can explore Santa Cruz or simply relax.
  • Later, we will come together for a traditional Ecuadorian dinner in Puerto Ayora.

Day 4

Highlands and Tortuga Bay Snorkel

Morning

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • Our first stop will be in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we’ll visit a local giant tortoise reserve where giant tortoises live in their natural habitat. 
  • You will also be able to explore nearby lava tunnels and learn about the natural volcanic forces that created these islands.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy the included lunch before heading out for a scenic walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the longest white sand beaches in the Galápagos.
  • Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot, and a leisurely 45-minute path leads to the beach. Along the way, you may spot lava lizards, native birds, and massive marine iguanas.
  • There are plenty of activities to choose from at Tortuga Bay. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, surf, or just hang out with your friends and enjoy the local marine life.
  • Snorkeling here is a real treat for those who love nature. It gives you a great chance to see marine life, including friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and many types of fish.

Evening

  • Walk around the town of Puerto Ayora, have a drink, or just take some time to relax at the hotel.
  • Later, enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian dinner with your friends at a local restaurant.

Day 5

Charles Darwin Station & San Cristóbal Island

Morning

  • On your last day on Santa Cruz Island, you can visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here, you'll discover the remarkable successes in restoring the island's biodiversity, from rescuing once-endangered land iguanas to preserving various species of giant tortoises. 
  • This visit is a unique chance to see the most iconic animals of the Galapagos Islands.

Afternoon

  • After lunch, you will board a speedboat for San Cristóbal Island with your luggage. Depending on sea conditions, the journey typically takes two to three hours. You’ll be staying on San Cristobal Island for the next three nights.
  • Upon arrival, you will have a walking tour and visit the Interpretation Center. Here, you can learn about the natural and human history of the Galápagos archipelago. The exhibit focuses on the unique ecosystems and conservation efforts within the region. 
  • At the Interpretation Center, visitors can engage with informative exhibits, displays, and interactive presentations about the islands' geological formation, the diverse flora and fauna, and the ongoing conservation initiatives to preserve this natural environment.

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional dinner by the beach of San Cristobal Island and reflect on the day’s adventures.
  • You can choose to explore the nightlife near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or simply relax at the hotel and unwind before tomorrow’s activities.

Day 6

Snorkel at Kicker Rock & Cerro Tijeretas

Morning

  • Today, you will take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). On the way, you might see nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You will also have the chance to swim among the sea lions again.
  • At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe even the harmless Galapagos shark. 

Afternoon

  • After snorkeling, enjoy lunch on the boat.
  • Explore Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) with a 45-minute hike. It is quite a climb to the top, but the views of the bay are well worth it. In the late afternoon, you'll return to town for a free evening in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, here on San Cristobol Island.

Evening

  •  Discover the enchanting town that radiates a charming, laid-back vibe, and savor the delightful local cuisine in San Cristobal.
  • Afterward, feel free to check out the town for a fun night out or just kick back and relax at the hotel after your busy day!

Day 7

El Junco - Coffee tour and Loberia

Morning

  • Your day will start with a delicious breakfast right at the hotel on San Cristobol Island.
  • This morning we will be visiting El Junco, the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. Scenic trails surrounding the crater rim offer a peaceful walk. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this natural oasis while observing endemic bird species such as the Galápagos petrel and the frigatebird.

Afternoon

  • Lunch will be at one of the oldest coffee farming families in San Cristobal to learn about their sustainable practices and the coffee process.
  • After your unch and prepare for your final activity of the day: snorkeling at La Loberia. 
  • La Loberia is famous for its abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, and other diverse aquatic species. Snorkeling here offers thrilling encounters with marine wildlife and a chance to appreciate the Galápagos marine reserve's pristine beauty and ecological importance.

Evening

  • Relax at the hotel or do some last-minute shopping before heading out for the final dinner and night out on San Cristobol.

Day 8

¡Adios Ecuador!

Morning

  • The included transportation will take you to Seymour Airport on Isla Baltra, a one-hour drive, where you’ll catch your included local flight back to Quito.
  • Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, your Trip Leader will help direct you to your connecting flight back home.
  • We look forward to having you stay in touch with the Under30Experiences community.

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