

South America
8 days
7 nights
14 people
Moderate
Wildlife & Nature
The Galápagos Islands aren’t simply the place that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution; they continue to advance it, showcasing how unique life develops in distinct environments. Track species that can’t be found anywhere else, from encounters with “Christmas” iguanas and curved beaked albatrosses to glimpses of the finches that changed our understanding of the natural world. Snorkel through crystal clear waters, hike along wild volcanic ridges, and get a living lesson on ecology and conservation in one of the planet’s most fascinating, unique and wondrous habitats.
Join our upcoming November departure and travel with the award-winning photojournalist and conservationist Lucas Bustamante.
Arrive into Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the jumping off point for your wild adventure on the Galápagos Islands. You will be picked up from the airport and brought to a nearby hotel to meet your co-adventurers at a welcome dinner that will highlight the best of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Arrive into Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the jumping off point for your wild adventure on the Galápagos Islands. You will be picked up from the airport and brought to a nearby hotel to meet your co-adventurers at a welcome dinner that will highlight the best of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Wyndham Quito Airport, Quito
Welcome Dinner
Wyndham Quito Airport, Quito
Welcome Dinner
Bienvenidos! Welcome to what locals call The Capital of Paradise, San Cristobal Island. Fly from Quito to the Galápagos island of San Cristobal, the quaint seaside capital of the Galápagos. Your introduction to the archipelago’s unique wildlife begins in the azure waters around the steep crags of Kicker Rock, where you will snorkel through schools of colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, spot a shark or two! In the crevasses of the rock, you might encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds. Sharing stories of today’s animal encounters over lunch and dinner with your fellow intrepid explorers.
Bienvenidos! Welcome to what locals call The Capital of Paradise, San Cristobal Island. Fly from Quito to the Galápagos island of San Cristobal, the quaint seaside capital of the Galápagos. Your introduction to the archipelago’s unique wildlife begins in the azure waters around the steep crags of Kicker Rock, where you will snorkel through schools of colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, spot a shark or two! In the crevasses of the rock, you might encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds. Sharing stories of today’s animal encounters over lunch and dinner with your fellow intrepid explorers.
Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hop over to Española Island, quite possibly the most spectacular Galápagos island, to visit the Punta Suarez wildlife sanctuary. Hike through unique windswept scenery towards Suarez Point, and enjoy panoramic clifftop views. Keep an eye out for painted “Christmas” marine iguanas, Galápagos hawks, masked nazca boobies, and the noble waved albatrosses. Then you will head to Gardner Bay, a beach full of sea lions and hood mockingbirds, where you will have time to relax on the beach, and go snorkelling It’s likely you will swim with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fishes.
Hop over to Española Island, quite possibly the most spectacular Galápagos island, to visit the Punta Suarez wildlife sanctuary. Hike through unique windswept scenery towards Suarez Point, and enjoy panoramic clifftop views. Keep an eye out for painted “Christmas” marine iguanas, Galápagos hawks, masked nazca boobies, and the noble waved albatrosses. Then you will head to Gardner Bay, a beach full of sea lions and hood mockingbirds, where you will have time to relax on the beach, and go snorkelling It’s likely you will swim with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fishes.
Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as dolphins and whales. On the island, there will be plenty of time to snorkel in the clear blue waters in search of large, smiling sea turtles and sting rays. After lunch, venture to a black sand beach that belongs to the Witmers, descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galápagos. The town here, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances, and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela (approximately 2 hours).
Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as dolphins and whales. On the island, there will be plenty of time to snorkel in the clear blue waters in search of large, smiling sea turtles and sting rays. After lunch, venture to a black sand beach that belongs to the Witmers, descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galápagos. The town here, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances, and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela (approximately 2 hours).
Departures before May 1, 2024: Iguana Crossing, or similar, Isabela Island
All other 2024 departures: Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departures before May 1, 2024, will instead spend the day on island Isabel and snorkel the coves of Concha Perla.
Departures before May 1, 2024: Iguana Crossing, or similar, Isabela Island
All other 2024 departures: Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the active Sierra Negra volcano today, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos, and explore its crater, sitting amongst the island’s lush flora. Experience a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. The hike will be approximately 3 – 3.5 hours (dependent on weather), so comfortable footwear is a must! Make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Hike the active Sierra Negra volcano today, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos, and explore its crater, sitting amongst the island’s lush flora. Experience a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. The hike will be approximately 3 – 3.5 hours (dependent on weather), so comfortable footwear is a must! Make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Departures before May 1, 2024: Iguana Crossing, or similar, Isabela Island
All other 2024 departures: Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departures before May 1, 2024: Iguana Crossing, or similar, Isabela Island
All other 2024 departures: Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your second day on Isla Isabela snorkeling around Tintoreras. Board small pangas (nflatable, motorized dinghies) for Tintoreras, better known as Shark Alley. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
Start your second day on Isla Isabela snorkeling around Tintoreras. Board small pangas (nflatable, motorized dinghies) for Tintoreras, better known as Shark Alley. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
Departures before May 1, 2024: Solymar Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
All other 2024 departures: Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departures before May 1, 2024 will instead head over to Santa Cruz Island and head to the highlands to witness the incredible Los Gemelos, the Twin Craters.
Departures before May 1, 2024: Solymar Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
All other 2024 departures: Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meet the residents of the small uninhabited island of North Seymour today. This island is famous for being the home of thousands of majestic land iguanas, one of Galápagos’ most iconic animals. Don’t forget to turn your eyes to the sky - North Seymour is also home to large populations of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, common noddies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Return to the boat for lunch, then sail to Bachas’ beach on Santa Cruz Island. This is a nesting area for sea turtles and there’s a small lagoon where flamingoes can occasionally be seen. Strap on your mask one last time for some snorkeling through more beautiful waters. Savor your last evening in paradise with a farewell dinner, recounting the many splendid sightings and shared adventures.
Meet the residents of the small uninhabited island of North Seymour today. This island is famous for being the home of thousands of majestic land iguanas, one of Galápagos’ most iconic animals. Don’t forget to turn your eyes to the sky - North Seymour is also home to large populations of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, common noddies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Return to the boat for lunch, then sail to Bachas’ beach on Santa Cruz Island. This is a nesting area for sea turtles and there’s a small lagoon where flamingoes can occasionally be seen. Strap on your mask one last time for some snorkeling through more beautiful waters. Savor your last evening in paradise with a farewell dinner, recounting the many splendid sightings and shared adventures.
Departures before May 1, 2024: Solymar Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
All other 2024 departures: Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departures before May 1, 2024: Solymar Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
All other 2024 departures: Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Galápagos Islands. Then it’s time to say goodbye to this one-of-a-kind archipelago and fly back to mainland Ecuador. From Quito, continue to explore more of South America, or make your way back home after a truly exhilarating adventure!
On your final day, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Galápagos Islands. Then it’s time to say goodbye to this one-of-a-kind archipelago and fly back to mainland Ecuador. From Quito, continue to explore more of South America, or make your way back home after a truly exhilarating adventure!
Breakfast
Departures before May 1, 2024 will not visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Breakfast
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
For departures through May 1, 2024:
Internal flight costs are not included in the price and charged at a supplemental cost of $620 per person.The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
For departures through May 1, 2024:
Internal flight costs are not included in the price and charged at a supplemental cost of $620 per person.You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $995 USD (for departures through May 1, 2024). For departures from May 1, 2024 onwards, the supplemental cost is $1,230USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $995 USD (for departures through May 1, 2024). For departures from May 1, 2024 onwards, the supplemental cost is $1,230USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Participants should be comfortable walking 2 to 4 miles over the course of a day. You should also be prepared to participate in the itinerary’s various water activities, which include swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as these are a highlight of the trip and some of the best ways to observe the local wildlife and geology. Please contact us directly if you have further questions about health and fitness level for this trip.
Participants should be comfortable walking 2 to 4 miles over the course of a day. You should also be prepared to participate in the itinerary’s various water activities, which include swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as these are a highlight of the trip and some of the best ways to observe the local wildlife and geology. Please contact us directly if you have further questions about health and fitness level for this trip.
You should aim to arrive in Quito by 4 p.m. on Day 1.
For departure on Day 8, we will aim to arrive in Quito around 6 pm and do not recommend booking outbound flights home earlier than 11 pm. There are a few air carriers with late flights, however, we suggest staying overnight in Quito if possible.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
You should aim to arrive in Quito by 4 p.m. on Day 1.
For departure on Day 8, we will aim to arrive in Quito around 6 pm and do not recommend booking outbound flights home earlier than 11 pm. There are a few air carriers with late flights, however, we suggest staying overnight in Quito if possible.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
As part of the trip, we will have a domestic flight on Day 2 from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and on Day 8 from the Galapagos Islands to Quito. The flight is approximately 2 1/2 hours in duration and may include a stop in Guayaquil depending on the flight. Atlas Obscura will book this domestic flight on your behalf, but the cost is charged in addition to your trip price. Please refer to the Pricing section for more information.
As part of the trip, we will have a domestic flight on Day 2 from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and on Day 8 from the Galapagos Islands to Quito. The flight is approximately 2 1/2 hours in duration and may include a stop in Guayaquil depending on the flight. Atlas Obscura will book this domestic flight on your behalf, but the cost is charged in addition to your trip price. Please refer to the Pricing section for more information.
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Send us a
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip for more details.
Trip Leader
Lucas Bustamante
Lucas Bustamante is a biologist and an award-winning wildlife conservation photojournalist from Ecuador. He co-founded Tropical Herping and Savia Fund, an Ecuadorian non-profit that works in the legal defence of nature, a visual storytelling, and environmental and cultural conservation. A Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice prizewinner, Lucas has also been named a Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His photographic work has been featured in National Geographic, Audubon, BBC Wildlife, GEO and Smithsonian, as well as many other magazines, books, photo exhibitions and articles. He is also a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers ( iLCP), and Nature Picture Library proudly represents his images. Having lived with indigenous Amazonian tribes, dived with whale sharks, been bitten by countless snakes and chased by elephants, Lucas is the perfect expert to introduce and lead us through the incredible biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.
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Have a question for us? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.