Treasures of the Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

13 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Embark on an immersive journey through the Galapagos Islands and experience the best of the western and central regions. Visiting isles such as Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Plaza Sur, Espanola and Santiago, you’re bound to encounter wild giant tortoises, stunning beaches, soaring seabirds, land iguanas, pink flamingos and volcanic landscapes – not to mentio...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • As you fly from quito to the galapagos islands, located in the equatorial water of the pacific ocean, you will suddenly find yourself in a very different world.
    • As you board your vessel, m/y grand queen beatriz, and follow in the footsteps of charles darwin, you will encounter nature at its finest.
    • Explore the islands from on deck, on foot and in the water, no doubt with your eyes open for your next unique sight.
    • You'll encounter giant galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
    • Because of the extreme isolation of the islands, nearly a quarter of all species are endemic and much of the wildlife has no instinctive fear of man, allowing you to observe nature in its full glory.
    • This 13-day program is the ultimate galapagos exploration.
    • It includes the volcanic wonders of isla isabela and offers the best opportunities to encounter the magnificent flora and fauna that make the galapagos unique.

What's this trip about?

    Embark on an immersive journey through the Galapagos Islands and experience the best of the western and central regions. Visiting isles such as Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Plaza Sur, Espanola and Santiago, you’re bound to encounter wild giant tortoises, stunning beaches, soaring seabirds, land iguanas, pink flamingos and volcanic landscapes – not to mention those must-see icons of the Galapagos, Kicker Rock and Pinnacle Rock. In 13 days there is a lot to cover, but a well-paced itinerary, bookended by one of South America’s most beautiful cities, ensures plenty of time to absorb the spoils of this unique, wildlife-rich archipelago.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Isabela Island
  • Isla Santa Fe
  • Isla Santiago
  • Quito
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Fe
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Culture
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Quito

Quito sits at high altitude under the towering Pichincha Volcano. It is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most beautiful in South America. The city stretches along the valley and is surrounded by the Andes. On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airpor...

Day 2 Baltra – Punta Carrion

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time will usually be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays a...

Day 3 Isla Isabela – Las Tintoreras – Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Today you will wake up on the south coast of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all of which are still considered active. The island is located in one of the youngest geological areas in the world...

Day 4 Isla Floreana – Post Office Bay – Devil's Crown – Punta Cormorant

The island of Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, rich in natural wonders and wildlife. Enjoy a Zodiac ride around the loberia to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th-century whalers use...

Day 5 Isla Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Station – Santa Cruz Highlands

Today you will visit Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also mak...

Day 6 Isla Santa Fe – Isla Plaza Sur

Isla Santa Fe is home to many sea lions and these ones are very eager for swimming partners! It’s a lovely place to take a dip, offers a dense concentration of wildlife, and is a fantastic place to see many of the stars of the Galapagos in one relatively small area. E...

Day 7 Isla Espanola – Bahia Gardner – Punta Suarez

After an overnight night sail you will wake up on the island of Espanola – the southernmost island of the Galapagos and one of the most spectacular. Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It is the breeding site for nearly...

Day 8 Isla San Cristobal – Leon Dormido – Isla Lobos – Punta Pitt

This morning you will visit Punta Pitt on the eastern end of San Cristobal Island. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates. On a panga ride you...

Day 9 Isla San Cristobal

Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This centre brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of the Gala...

Day 10 Bartolome – Bahia Sullivan

Bartolome is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. It is a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as...

Day 11 Isla Santiago – Espumilla Beach – Buccaneer Cove – Puerto Egas

Today you will visit some wonderful places. Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay, is one of the most idyllic locations in the Galapagos Islands and is an important nesting site for marine turtles. With large waves, it is also often a ...

Day 12 Isla Santa Cruz – Puerto Ayora

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid morning, it is an early start for our last morning on the islands. Depending on the time of our flight, our time spent on this final excursion could be limited. Our final excursion will be a visit to the Santa Cruz ...

Day 13 Quito

Your Galapagos adventure will come to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, so please speak to our customer ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $12,643
Price per day$973
Last Updated: 9/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

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Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (10 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac
Guides
On our Galapagos trips you will be meet on arrival by our experienced local representatives. They will conduct the group briefing on the evening of day 1 of the trip and also transfer with you to the airport on day 2 for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met your Guide. Our Guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The Guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. Our boats are also staffed by highly experienced shipboard staff and crew.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials.
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent. ECUADOR VISA Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians and British do not currently require a visa for Ecuador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. COVID-19 ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS As of 1st of July 2021, all travelers arriving in Ecuador must provide proof of a negative COVID RT-PCR test taken no more than three (3) days before entering the country or present a vaccination card showing the traveler received a complete series of the COVID vaccine. In addition, all persons present in Ecuador wishing to travel to the Galapagos Islands must present negative RT-PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel (counting from the time the sample was taken until you arrive into the Galapagos) AND present a vaccination card showing the traveler received a complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel. Before leaving for Galapagos, please allow enough time to get test result in Quito which may take up to 24 hours via email. As you are travelling to a remote area, please ensure that your travel insurance includes cover for COVID-19 related medical expenses, including medical evacuation by air. Many governments and airlines require travellers to produce proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before flying, entering, or exiting a country, or transiting through an airport. Please ensure you check the foreign travel advice for your destination for the most up to date requirements. We can help assist you to get a PCR test in Quito at the end of your trip. Your leader will be able to provide further information at the group meeting on day one. Please ensure you allow enough time at the end of your trip to wait for a PCR test result which can take up to 24 hours to come through to you via email. Visa requirements for Galapagos Islands are the same as Ecuador.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Hotel Le Parc República de El Salvador N34-349 & Irlanda Quito ECUADOR Phone: +593 22276800
Trip ID
peregrine-PSGQJ

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