Darwin's Galápagos: Ecuador

11 days
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Group Tour
Majestic colonial cities, artisan markets full of world-famous handicrafts, and colorfully attired indigenous people are just some of the wonders on this incomparable journey. After a historical tour of Quito and a visit to the Equatorial Line Monument, fly to the Galápagos to begin your cruise through the islands on a luxurious ship with daily excursions to ...
From$8,995
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Tour Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its preserved city center and Baroque-inspired monasteries
    • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard a luxurious ship and explore remote coastlines
    • Snorkel and kayak with sea lions along the shores and be awed by their underwater acrobatics
    • Immerse yourself in topaz-blue waters on a glass-bottom boat tour
    • Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing program to learn about these gentle creatures
    • Learn more about the evolution of species at the Charles Darwin Research Center
    • Browse the local markets of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city

What's this trip about?

    Majestic colonial cities, artisan markets full of world-famous handicrafts, and colorfully attired indigenous people are just some of the wonders on this incomparable journey. After a historical tour of Quito and a visit to the Equatorial Line Monument, fly to the Galápagos to begin your cruise through the islands on a luxurious ship with daily excursions to select islands. Snorkel with sea lions and observe flightless cormorants, so unthreatened by predators that they have lost the ability to fly. Observe endemic birds like the blue-footed booby and other animals found nowhere else on Earth. End your journey with an exploration of the city of Guayaquil on Ecuador’s mainland.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityQuito
End CityGuayaquil

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Education / Learning
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Galapagos
  • Guayaquil
  • Quito

Activities

  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • All transfers and sightseeing provided in a private deluxe vehicle when possible
    • Local English?speaking guide for sightseeing
    • Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
    • Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
    • Local taxes
    • Travel Guard Medical Emergency and Assistance Plan

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 & 2: Quito, Ecuador

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Casa Gangotena, Quito

You are met upon arrival and escorted to your hotel in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Day 2, tour the colonial old town and drive up to see the “Virgen de Quito” statue and enjoy the view. Visit the Equatorial Line Monument and the Ethnographic and Intiñan museums.

Day 3: Quito & Baltra, Galápagos Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: M/V Evolution, Galápagos Island; M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands and board the elegant 16-passenger M/Y Grace, your home for the next seven nights. Your cruise begins with a visit...

Day 4 – 9: Galápagos Islands

Meals: 6 Breakfast, 6 Lunch, 6 Dinner

Accommodation: M/V Evolution, Galápagos Island; M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island

Explore eight of Darwin’s “enchanted islands” accompanied by an onboard naturalist guide. Observe an amazing variety of wildlife and countle...

Day 10 & 11: San Cristobal, Guayaquil & Depart for Home

Meals: 2 Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil

On Day 10, disembark the M/Y Grace on San Cristobal Island, and visit the comprehensive Galápagos National Park Visitor Center. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On Day 11, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,995
Price per day$818
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Travcoa.

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.

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Other Travcoa Reviews

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A. Bendig

Dec 2019

Written on

The wildlife viewing was incredible!

The wildlife viewing was incredible! We were able to take superb photos and the knowledge guides were enjoyable. We were impressed with our accommodations and especi...

J

J. Faulkner

Dec 2019

Written on

The trip exceeding all my expectations

The trip exceeding all my expectations. My travel companions, guides and local support were all great people, and soon like long time friends. The World Expeditions ...

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Tour Operator

Travcoa

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Since 1954, Travcoa has paved the way to some of the most remote regions on Earth. We were first to bring guests to places where others had not previously ventured. Along the way, we befriended village chieftains, dignitaries and government officials who opened doors long closed to Western travelers.

Travcoa is part of TUI Group, a global leader in leisure travel, and has been nominated a preferred supplier to the prestigious organizations Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Travcoa has been consistently recognized as a top international tour operator by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and many other leading publications. Travcoa is a member in good standing of USTOA and participates in its $1 Million travelers Assistance Program.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air transportation
    • Airport taxes passport and visa expenses
    • Laundry, alcohol, and all items of a personal nature
    • Excessive baggage charges
    • Health, accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance
    • Gratuity for any personal services
    • Gratuity to the Travel Director

Accommodation

,Casa Gangotena, Quito Casa Gangotena occupies a pivotal place in Quitos historic heart, at the corner of Plaza San Francisco. Its history stretches back to the time of the Incas when, according to the early Spanish chroniclers, in the 15th century the square featured Inca temples, one of them on the site of the present house. Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena features 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-paneled library, or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace. M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island This 16-passenger Camper & Nicholsons yacht has traversed the waters of the globe under many names. She has been rechristened with a name which intimates her very best era named after her late owner, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco, the name Grace is a representation of her elegance, beauty and prestige. Grace is the ideal yacht for the traveler who seeks a true explorer experience complemented by excellent service, superb accommodations and fine dining. All nine cabins feature private bathrooms, hot showers and air-conditioning, and quarters are cleaned twice daily during landings. The galley and dining staff create quality meals using both local and international cuisine, and all meals can be served inside or al fresco. The yacht is well-stocked with a library containing a wealth of information on the natural history of the Galápagos plus an entertainment center complete with DVDs and videos. The main salon is truly spacious, equipped with luxurious sofas and chairs, and a bar and entertainment center. Passengers gather here for briefings, to watch films, enjoy a drink at the bar or simply relax. Plenty of area to lounge in the sun or shade is available, and the bar is always open for refreshments. The front sun deck offers a hot tub and plenty of space to sunbathe, read a book, take pictures, or just enjoy the journey to the next island. Sea kayaks are available for some additional fun, as is snorkeling gear. Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil Welcome to the Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where elegant service in a timeless European setting is promised to you. This full-service, downtown hotel offers the ultimate in sophistication and comfort for business and leisure travelers alike. Oro Verde's superb location in the Guayaquil commercial and financial district means you are within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping, and cultural and historical sites. The hotel is also just a quick eight-minute drive from the airport and the World Trade Center. All 230 guest room accommodations feature luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs with premium cable stations, direct-dial telephones, clock alarm radios compatible with iPhones and iPods, mini bar, in-room safe, individual climate control with remote, and reading lights over the bed.
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

10 Breakfast, 6 Lunch and 7 Dinner

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
travcoa-dargaltra

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