Overview
Wild Galapagos: An Ecological Wonderland
South America
9 days
8 nights
10 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. Join Cara Giaimo, wildlife expert and author of Atlas Obscura's "Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living Wonders," on a thrilling tour through this utterly bewitching archipelago. 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.
Global Community: Travel with Cara Giaimo, wildlife expert and author of Atlas Obscura's "Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living Wonders".
Travel with Purpose: Pay a visit to the Punta Suarez wildlife sanctuary, a key habitat for bird species including Galápagos hawks, masked nazca boobies, and the noble waved albatross.
Highlights
- Swim with sea lions & snorkel with sharks.
- Meet the famous giant tortoises that inhabit these exotic islands.
- Snorkel through turquoise waters spotting rays, sea turtles & multi-colored fish.
- Glimpse blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and other incredibly rare birds.
- Spot whales and dolphins on boat rides around the islands.
- Experience the magnificent beauty of one of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
- Travel with Cara Giaimo, wildlife expert and author of Atlas Obscura's "Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living Wonders".
Darwin's legacy, snorkeling, volcanic landscapes & conservation insights.
Day 1
Welcome to Ecuador
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 via private transport and taken to your hotel. Spend some time exploring the streets of Quito with your guide before meeting up with your co-adventurers at a welcome dinner this evening that will highlight the best of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Welcome to Ecuador
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 via private transport and taken to your hotel. Spend some time exploring the streets of Quito with your guide before meeting up with your co-adventurers at a welcome dinner this evening that will highlight the best of Ecuadorian cuisine.
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Casa Q Hotel or similar, Quito
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Welcome Dinner
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Casa Q Hotel or similar, Quito
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Swimming with Sea Lions
Bienvenidos! Fly from Quito to the Galápagos island the locals call The Capital of Paradise - San Cristobal, the quaint seaside capital of the Galápagos. Spend the afternoon immersed in nature's theater at La Loberia, a striking coastal stretch where boisterous sea lion colonies reign supreme. Wriggling pups and yawning bulls beckon you to don your snorkel gear and frolic alongside these charismatic marine mammals in their playground of rugged lava shores and crystalline waters. With luck, you may even be serenaded by their iconic barks! As the Pacific's gentle swell lulls you, drink in the spectacular scenery and scout for rays, turtles and a rainbow of fish - an apropriate welcome to these islands of unrivaled biodiversity.
Swimming with Sea Lions
Bienvenidos! Fly from Quito to the Galápagos island the locals call The Capital of Paradise - San Cristobal, the quaint seaside capital of the Galápagos. Spend the afternoon immersed in nature's theater at La Loberia, a striking coastal stretch where boisterous sea lion colonies reign supreme. Wriggling pups and yawning bulls beckon you to don your snorkel gear and frolic alongside these charismatic marine mammals in their playground of rugged lava shores and crystalline waters. With luck, you may even be serenaded by their iconic barks! As the Pacific's gentle swell lulls you, drink in the spectacular scenery and scout for rays, turtles and a rainbow of fish - an apropriate welcome to these islands of unrivaled biodiversity.
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles & Sharks
Dive into the azure waters around the steep crags of Kicker Rock today, considered one of the best snorkelling sights in the Galápagos. Snorkel through schools of colorful fish, spotting marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and, with some luck, hammerhead sharks. In the crevasses of the rock, you might encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds. Erosion has given the formation its characteristic shape of a shoe (hence the name Kicker Rock). Share stories of today’s animal encounters over lunch and dinner with your fellow intrepid explorers.
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles & Sharks
Dive into the azure waters around the steep crags of Kicker Rock today, considered one of the best snorkelling sights in the Galápagos. Snorkel through schools of colorful fish, spotting marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, and, with some luck, hammerhead sharks. In the crevasses of the rock, you might encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds. Erosion has given the formation its characteristic shape of a shoe (hence the name Kicker Rock). Share stories of today’s animal encounters over lunch and dinner with your fellow intrepid explorers.
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Clifftop Panoramas & Tropical Beaches
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 cliff-top 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 snorkeling with reef sharks, turtles, and many species of tropical fishes.
Clifftop Panoramas & Tropical Beaches
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 cliff-top 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 snorkeling with reef sharks, turtles, and many species of tropical fishes.
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Opuntia Hotel, or similar, San Cristobal
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Floreana Snorkeling & Black Sand Beaches
Take a spectacularly scenic 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 which belongs to the Witmers, decendents 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.
Floreana Snorkeling & Black Sand Beaches
Take a spectacularly scenic 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 which belongs to the Witmers, decendents 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.
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Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Casa Marita Hotel, or similar, Isabela Island
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Shark Alley
Hop on small pangas (inflatable, motorized dinghies) this morning and make a beeline for Tintoreras, better known as Shark Alley. Spend an idyllic day hiking and snorkelling your way around this exquisite isolated islet, a popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish, giant manta rays and spectacular underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
Shark Alley
Hop on small pangas (inflatable, motorized dinghies) this morning and make a beeline for Tintoreras, better known as Shark Alley. Spend an idyllic day hiking and snorkelling your way around this exquisite isolated islet, a popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish, giant manta rays and spectacular underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
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Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Rare Birds & Sea Turtles
Today, you'll rub shells with the real stars of North Seymour - its resplendent residents! This uninhabited islet is a prime rookery for boisterous blue-footed boobies, with their laugh-out-loud courtship dances. Keep an eye skyward for magnificent frigatebirds and other feathered characters soaring overhead. But the headliners are undoubtedly North Seymour's thousands of lumbering land iguanas - Godzilla-esque vegetarians who've roamed here for millennia. After the morning's wildlife theatrics, it's off to lovely Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz. This nesting refuge for sea turtles also hosts the occasional flamingo flamboyance in its serene lagoon. Cap off your final day in paradise with a snorkel through turquoise waters before a farewell feast recounting your wild Galápagos escapades!
Rare Birds & Sea Turtles
Today, you'll rub shells with the real stars of North Seymour - its resplendent residents! This uninhabited islet is a prime rookery for boisterous blue-footed boobies, with their laugh-out-loud courtship dances. Keep an eye skyward for magnificent frigatebirds and other feathered characters soaring overhead. But the headliners are undoubtedly North Seymour's thousands of lumbering land iguanas - Godzilla-esque vegetarians who've roamed here for millennia. After the morning's wildlife theatrics, it's off to lovely Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz. This nesting refuge for sea turtles also hosts the occasional flamingo flamboyance in its serene lagoon. Cap off your final day in paradise with a snorkel through turquoise waters before a farewell feast recounting your wild Galápagos escapades!
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Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Ikala Hotel, or similar, Santa Cruz
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Charles Darwin & A Farewell To Paradise
On your final day in the Galápagos, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the islands. Meet Lonesome George, one of the Island’s most famous residents, now preserved at the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Then it’s time to say goodbye to this one-of-a-kind archipelago and fly back to mainland Ecuador. In Quito, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel. We'll celebrate the adventure we've just shared with a festive farewell dinner.
Charles Darwin & A Farewell To Paradise
On your final day in the Galápagos, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the islands. Meet Lonesome George, one of the Island’s most famous residents, now preserved at the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Then it’s time to say goodbye to this one-of-a-kind archipelago and fly back to mainland Ecuador. In Quito, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel. We'll celebrate the adventure we've just shared with a festive farewell dinner.
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
Day 9
Departure Day
After checkout from the hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport based on your flight time. Or if you want to extend your trip, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Ecuador for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
Departure Day
After checkout from the hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport based on your flight time. Or if you want to extend your trip, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Ecuador for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
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National Park entrance fee
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Entry/exit airport taxes (including Transit Control Card)
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $990USD.
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.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $990USD.
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.
Activity Level
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.
Activity Level
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.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 9. Quito International Airport (UIO) connects to a range of flight hubs in North America and Europe. The best flight connections to Quito are offered by American Airlines and Avianca Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 9. Quito International Airport (UIO) connects to a range of flight hubs in North America and Europe. The best flight connections to Quito are offered by American Airlines and Avianca Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Internal Flight
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.
Internal Flight
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.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
Trip Leader
Cara Giaimo
Cara Giaimo is the author of the upcoming Atlas Obscura: Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living Wonders. A former Atlas Obscura staff writer, Cara loves uncovering fascinating stories about the creatures we share our planet with. You can find her work in the New York Times, The Plant, Fabrikzeitung, and elsewhere. Her favorite Galapagos species is the red-lipped batfish.
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Wild Galapagos: An Ecological Wonderland? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Wild Galapagos: An Ecological Wonderland? 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.