Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Extended trekking on Isabela Island in the remote Galapagos archipelago is a rare privilege and we are one of only a few operators allowed here. As part of this trip, we enjoy two days of trekking on the Sierra Negra volcano, going to the 7mi (11km) wide crater rim, a hike blessed with striking views of the lava-strewn landscape and smouldering fumaroles. As ...
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$11,745
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Trek to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra volcano
    • Enjoy plenty of island walks to discover the Galapagos landscape
    • Experience incredible wildlife-viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals
    • Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful sea lions and turtles
    • Island hop by motorboat but sleep in hotels and lodges

What's this trip about?

    Extended trekking on Isabela Island in the remote Galapagos archipelago is a rare privilege and we are one of only a few operators allowed here. As part of this trip, we enjoy two days of trekking on the Sierra Negra volcano, going to the 7mi (11km) wide crater rim, a hike blessed with striking views of the lava-strewn landscape and smouldering fumaroles. As well as having five major volcanoes, Isabela is also one of the last remaining habitats of the Galapagos giant tortoise. Elsewhere in the Galapagos, we undertake shorter walks to appreciate the geological features of these enchanting islands and discover their endemic wildlife. Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: “This unique trip combines volcano treks, fascinating geology and encounters with near-tame wildlife. The Galapagos archipelago has been on my bucket list for years. Where else in the world can you see smouldering fumaroles, spot neon-coloured chameleons and snorkel with friendly sea lions on the same day?”Embark on a unique trek amid the volcanic Galapagos archipelago

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityGuayaquil Airport

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Photography

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Quito
  • San Cristobal

Activities

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, seven lunches and one dinner included
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival and departure transfers

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Quito

Aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients – make sure to check the Joining Instructions for information on how to secure your spot. Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Day 2 Quito city tour

This morning, we gather for the first time as a group at the welcome briefing and then take a guided tour of the main city sights. Quito is the second-highest capital in the world, standing at 9,350ft (2,850m) on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the s...

Day 3 Fly to San Cristóbal; visit the Galapagos Interpretation Centre

Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, we settle into our hotel and have time for a light lunch in the small town and a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Centre. This afternoon, we walk to the cliffs at Las Tijeter...

Day 4 Snorkel León Dormido and walk along one of three white-sand beaches

We travel by small motorboat to Kicker Rock (also known as León Dormido), an impressive lava tuft formation. Several species of nesting seabirds reside here, including masked boobies. We have the opportunity to snorkel and, with any luck, spot eagle rays, Galapagos tu...

Day 5 San Cristóbal highlands walk; snorkelling at Puerto Chino

After breakfast, we drive to the San Cristóbal highlands. A one-hour walk brings us to the fringe of El Junco Lake, one of the few permanent freshwater lakes in the Galapagos where frigatebirds can often be seen bathing nearby. The highlands offer panoramic views acro...

Day 6 Boat to Floreana; visit highlands

A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Floreana, one of the first islands to be inhabited in the Galapagos. En route, we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch, we visit the highlands, where one of the few sources of freshwater in the entire arc...

Day 7 Visit sea lion colony on Floreana; sail to Isabela and visit the Wall of Tears

After an early breakfast, we go on a walk to discover the black volcanic beaches, which are home to red iguanas and sea lion colonies. There is also time for snorkelling this morning (please note, the visit to this beach might be done in the late afternoon on Day 6 on...

Day 8 Sierra Negra volcano trek

Our first day of trekking on Sierra Negra. It takes us across stark, lava-strewn highlands punctuated by miconia shrubs and other vegetation. The otherworldly landscapes are incredible and we pass many volcanic features along the way, where we can observe fumaroles and a variety of lava formations. Accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Trek to the Sulphur Volcano

We have a long day to reach the Sulphur Volcano and we need to trek approximately 16mi (26km). If anybody wishes to turn back at a halfway point, we have two local guides and can therefore split the group into two. Please note, we may not be able to descend into the crater to visit the fumaroles, depending on the level of volcanic activity. Accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Snorkelling excursion in the Cabo Rosa area

Today we snorkel in the Cabo Rosa area. On this snorkelling trip, we can swim with sea turtles, manta rays, marine iguanas and many different fish species. Accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Visit Las Tintoreras; afternoon free to relax

We spend the morning sailing to the islets and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the islands to see whitetip reef sharks, plus penguins and sea lions. There is time for snorkelling. On this morning’s excursion, we may be lucky enough to spot t...

Day 12 Sail to Santa Cruz; optional visit to Charles Darwin Research Station; visit Tortuga Bay

We navigate by motorboat to Santa Cruz very early this morning and have breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast, we have the option of visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is home to the headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation. This is the main re...

Day 13 Explore Bartolomé, South Plaza Island or North Seymour

Visit either Bartolomé Island, South Plaza Island or North Seymour (depending on the national park restrictions). South Plaza Island has a remarkable vegetation of succulents and cacti that provide a unique habitat for land iguanas. The iguanas form small colonies at...

Day 14 Fly to Guayaquil; end Guayaquil

After breakfast this morning, we drive to the airport at Baltra and fly to Guayaquil where it’s possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards. You may prefer to arrange post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise your international flights for the following day, in case of delays returning from the Galapagos to mainland Ecuador.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,700
Price per day$621
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
12 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$8,700
8 spots left
16 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$8,700
4 spots left
01 Mar 2025
14 Mar 2025
$9,000
8 spots left
03 May 2025
16 May 2025
$9,000
8 spots left
11 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025
$9,000
8 spots left
25 Oct 2025
07 Nov 2025
$9,000
8 spots left
15 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2025
$9,000
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,551
Great
3,241
Average
608
Disappointing
140
Terrible
179
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Galapagos

The most fabulous trip, worth every penny, saw so much , great accommodation, well organised trips ! Two weeks spent with a lovely bunch of people seeing Seeing th...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Galapagos

An enjoyable trip Walking Excellent Enjoy the trip An enjoyable trip

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fascinating wildlife on land and in the sea

Loved this island hopping adventure exploring the Galapagos on land and by sea. Going snorkling for the first time I was apprehensive but ended up loving it. This ...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Spectacular Galápagos

From snorkelling with sharks, sea turtles and sea horses to watching giant tortoises, swimming iguanas, dancing blue-footed boobies, leaping manta rays, penguins a...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An amazing adventure with awesome wildlife

This was a full-on trip, early morning starts with full days of activity - but SO worth it! Each of the 4 islands visited were very different in both their landsca...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Compulsory Galapagos taxes US$120 paid locally

Accommodation

3 days walking with full porterage Up to 6 other shorter walks Altitude: sea-level to 1200m in Galapagos, 2800m in Quito Group normally 6 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 years 12 nights hotels and guesthouses in en suite rooms and 2 nights full-service wild camping in 2-person tents,We spend 13 nights in hotels and guesthouses. The hotels and guesthouses on the Galapagos Islands are generally small, family-run establishments with limited facilities, yet all have rooms have private bathrooms and hot water.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, seven lunches and one dinner are included. Some days, packed lunches of sandwiches, fruits and juice are provided while at other times, meals are taken at restaurants. For the included meals at restaurants, we usually have a set menu with two or three options. The choice of meals in some areas of the Galapagos can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking. When flying to and from the Galapagos, snacks are usually included on the flights.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Two full days of walking; up to six other walks
  • Altitude: Sea-level to 3,940ft (1,200m) in Galapagos; 9,350ft (2,850m) in Quito
  • 13 nights in hotels and guesthouses
  • Part of the Aldo Kane Collection
Trip ID
exodus-TPG

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