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-Tour the colonial city of Quito
-Visit three different Galápagos Islands
-Get close to giant tortoises in their natural environment
-Snorkel among brilliant wildlife
-Swim with penguins, sea turtles, sharks & more
-Eat fresh seafood out of the Pacific
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 offers 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 pm.
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 pm.
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 ~45-minute layover Guayaquil, 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 for 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 for 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle.
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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 we purchase non-refundable tickets on your behalf, we have a 60-day cancellation policy, and your $195 deposit is non-refundable. Give us at least 60 days' notice, and you can switch your trip or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use, only forfeiting your deposit.
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.
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 incredible 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, allowing you 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 beach. 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, you can learn about the 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.
In the afternoon, hike to Cerro Tijeretas, aka Frigate Bird Hill, where you will 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.
In the morning, explore 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.
Enjoy a homemade lunch prepared by one of the oldest coffee farm families in San Cristobal, using primarily ingredients sourced from their farm. After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to learn about their sustainable farming practices, the entire coffee production process, and explore the fruit and vegetable plantations in the area.
End your day at La Loberia, 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.
Book with confidence: it's free to switch your trip more than 60 days out.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador.
Transportation for optional activities is not included.
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.
"Went on my first under 30 experience and it was great. I had a really good group and an AMAZING guide. Katty Célleri is an amazing guide for the Galapagos tour! Extremely knowledgeable, fun, professional, makes sure her group has a top notch experience and just a wonderful human being!" -Alissa B.
"I have been on 8 trips (Colombia, Ecuador/Galapagos, France to Spain, Spain, Starter Costa Rica, Explore Iceland, Costa Rica Rain Forest, and Turkey) with U30X. U30X has been my favorite company to travel with and excels at finding the most unique and amazing accommodations and activities while maintaining their sustainability values. Their tour leaders are also phenomenal and are way more like friends that know the area than just a tour guide. I highly recommend traveling with U30X if you enjoy meeting like-minded travelers, having adventures of a lifetime, and have a genuine desire to explore and try new things." -Nicole R.
"I had an amazing time with 2 trips so far with U30X, Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. If you are thinking about doing a trip, do it! It's worth it. I made a lifetime friend in Costa Rica and now we plan to do more trips with U30X like Morocco, Thailand, Peru, and Belize, etc. It's worth the money, promise, and you will see things you would never imagine on your own! 10/10!" -Anna J.
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