.webp)
-City tour in Quito
-Visit four different Galápagos Islands
-Get close to giant tortoises in their natural environment
-Swim with penguins, sea turtles, sharks & more
Welcome to Ecuador!
Ecuador, your host country, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s truly unique, with four different and spectacular regions: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.
Each of these distinct worlds offer a mind-boggling experiences. The Galápagos Islands are considered the living laboratory of Darwin's theory of evolution. Many species here are found nowhere else. For instance, 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are native to only these islands.
This is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem it has to offer. We will hike, snorkel, and boat across the archipelago as we get to know the wildlife, locals, and remarkable landscapes.
Please be ready to begin your trip at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 p.m.
Please book your arrival flight a few hours before this time.
Arrival time is not mandatory, but guarantees the included group transportation.
The trip ends at Mariscal Sucre after Airport (UIO) at 7:00 p.m.
Please book your departure flight a few hours after this time.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration; please wait for further instructions before booking your 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.)
This trip is relaxing and includes light activities with optional moderate activities. Participants can decide how much time they spend being active. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the experience.
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.
This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities and participants should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle.
.webp)
This trip has a 30-day cancellation policy. 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.
Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip less $195, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
Below is the 2025 itinerary. Please click here for the 2024 itinerary.
Upon arriving in Ecuador, your Under30Experiences Trip Leader will greet you in Quito and prepare you to explore the capital city.
You'll be provided transportation to your hotel, where you can relax, catch your breath after your flight, and adjust to Quito's high altitude in the Andes Mountains.
Enjoy your first Ecuadorian dinner with your new friends in the evening while admiring the breathtaking landscape.
Get ready for an exciting day in Ecuador! You’ll start with a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on Inca runs, Quito proudly possesses one of Spanish America's best-preserved historic centers.
Explore the marvelous capital city, learn about its rich history from a local guide, and take in the views from the Virgin Mary statue perched high above the city.
Afterward, visit the Middle of the World, where you will stand on the equator and witness the uniqueness of this geographic landmark.
On the third day, you’ll take an included flight 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to the amazing Galapagos Islands!
Your island adventure begins with a visit Las Grietas, a natural wonder with stunning rocky crevices filled with crystal-clear turquoise water.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the island on your own and settle into your surroundings.
Today, you will visit Manzanillo Ranch, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This ranch is known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, including Galápagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, and various bird species.
The area is rich in biodiversity, giving you a great opportunity to observe and appreciate the endemic and native species up close
In the afternoon, visit the famous and stunning Tortuga Bay beach, one of the archipelago's most extensive white sand beaches. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the sand. Look for marine iguanas, sharks, seabirds, and sea turtles.
Afterward, you can take a peaceful walk through a beautiful lagoon or visit the local sharks that come to the dock at night.
At the Charles Darwin Station, you will learn about the successful efforts to repopulate the islands with the once-endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise.
In the afternoon, a speedboat ride will take you to San Cristóbal Island. At the Interpretation Center,. Here you can learn about the natural and human history of the Galápagos archipelago.
Wrap up the day by watching one of the best sunsets in the Galápagos, accompanied by a delicious seafood dinner on the beach.
This morning, you will visit Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe even the harmless Galápagos shark.
After snorkeling, visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the “Enchanted Islands” and the conservation projects dedicated to preserving them.
In the afternoon, hike to Cerro Tijeretas, aka Frigate Bird Hill, where you will, of course, look for two species of frigate birds! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the hill, where you'll find several viewpoints offering stunning views of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the Pacific Ocean.
Discover La Galapaguera, a fascinating tortoise breeding center on the Galápagos. At this center, you will delve into the conservation efforts to safeguard the endangered giant tortoises indigenous to the Galápagos Islands.
After exploring the tortoise breeding center, the journey continues to El Junco, the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. Here, you can hike along scenic trails surrounding the crater rim, observing endemic bird species such as the Galápagos petrel and the frigate bird.
After lunch, you can snorkel at La Lobería, one of the most magnificent beaches on the Galápagos Islands. It is renowned for its abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, and diverse aquatic species.
Wake up and enjoy an early morning stroll on this magical island, or relax at your hotel.
Say adios to the Galápagos and take your included flight back to Quito as a group.
You’re now a part of the Under30Experiences community, and we can’t wait to have you with us.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador, a 200 USD cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands, a 20 USD Galapagos Transit Control Card, and a 10 USD cash fee to enter Isabela Island.
"Signing up for my first Under30Experiences trip was one of the best decisions of my life. I saw incredibly beautiful countries (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, my 4th trip is to Peru and the Amazon in the fall!) and met inspiring people who have touched my life and shaped my heart. These trips challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and rethink my perspective of the world. They showed me different ways of life and landscapes. But most importantly they encouraged me to focus on what I want to discover and chase my next adventure. I've met lifelong friends who have added so much joy and happiness to my world. I encourage everyone I meet to go on a trip- you have nothing to lose and everything to gain." -Cara M.
"Under30 has changed my life! 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!!" -Aly R.
"I just returned from my second trip with u30x, to Bali. My first trip being the starter Costa Rica trip. 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, and that still holds true on my second adventure (but Bali was amazing!). The guides are so down to earth and cool people to hang with, while simultaneously running an incredible travel group. You really feel like a local on these trips, and learn more about the culture and the people than I believe you would with any other trip. 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!" -Casey H.
® 2012-2024 Shadow Concepts LLC.
All rights reserved.
“Under30Experiences,” “U30X” & all associated proprietary marks are trademarks of Shadow Concepts LLC & its related entities.
Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
