Guayaquil & Galapagos Explorer main - tortoise santa cruz
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Embark on an express tour of the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz from the Ecuadorean capital of Quito. Spot giant tortoises roaming in the Highlands and snorkel alongside sea lions and turtles. Hike to one of the island's finest viewpoints and embark on a yacht cruise of the island to take in the best wildlife and scenery. End your tour back in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador's second city.

Inclusions
Itinerary
3-4 Star
4-5 Star
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Quito - Enjoy free time to stroll around Ecuador's lofty capital city and explore at your own pace.
Galapagos Islands - Cruise the waters surrounding this unique archipelago on a full day yacht excursion, taking in incredible wildlife and scenery
Santa Cruz - Explore the Highlands to see endemic giant tortoises, Darwin's finches and dramatic lava formations

Included

4 breakfasts & 2 lunches
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and airport departure transfer on day 5
Transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
Guided sightseeing of the Galapagos Islands as per itinerary (Please note that for some included sightseeing on this tour, you may join travellers from outside the group and the group size may exceed 16 passengers)
4 nights 3-4 star hotels (4-5 star upgrade available)
Services of expert bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guides for sightseeing
Return ferry tickets Baltra - Santa Cruz
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights and visa
Domestic return flights Quito - Baltra and Baltra - Quito/Guayaquil (we can assist with booking this flight)
Other entrance fees - unless specified in the Inclusions
Optional excursions
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 per adult/$50 per child under 12)
Tourist transit card (Ingala) (US $20 per person)

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Ecuador

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador's capital city. On arrival, there is an included transfer to the hotel. You can spend the evening exploring at leisure, before our Galapagos adventure begins tomorrow.
Overnight: Quito

Day 2

Baltra, Santa Cruz & tortoise camp

Quito - Baltra (Galapagos) - Santa Cruz. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra, gateway to the Galapagos. Note that your flight to Baltra is not included. See the Trip Notes for suggested flight information. We can assist with booking your flights to and from the Galapagos.

From Baltra, we take the ferry to Santa Cruz. We then spend the rest of today exploring the Highlands on a guided tour. You will visit shelters for the endemic giant tortoises, see lava tunnels and other geological formations. We also have a great chance to spot some of Darwin's famous finches. After a day of wonderful wildlife, we make our way to tonight's hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Snorkelling, sea lions & marine iguanas

Today we enjoy a half-day exploration of Puerto Ayora's bay. We will pay a visit to the huge sea lion colony on La Loberia Island and can enjoy snorkelling amongst sea turtles and colorful fish, as well as the curious sea lions.

Next we embark on a hike to the Tunel del Amor (Lover's Tunnel). From this viewpoint we may be able to see white tip reef sharks prowling in the shallow waters. We then head to Punta Estrada, a good spot for catching sight of the Galapagos Island's famous marine iguanas.

Please note: If you prefer, a full day tour is available today, for an additional fee. You will visit Cerro Meza and enjoy kayaking at Garrapatero instead.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Exploring by boat

This morning we set out to sea with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide, for a full day motor yacht excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos' more remote islands. After our full day of exploration taking in the wonderful wildlife and beautiful scenery, we return to our hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Quito

Santa Cruz - Baltra - Quito. After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer back to the airport on Baltra and return to Quito, or Guayaquil, where our tour ends. Note that the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil is not included. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information. We can assist with booking this flight.
Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Wyndham Quito Airport, Quito

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Surrounded by mountains, this modern airport hotel is located 1 km from Quito International Airport, 22 km from Quito Zoo, and 25 km from the Casa Museo María Augusta Urrutia. The warmly decorated, soundproof rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, iPhone/iPod docks, and safes, along with sitting areas and mountain views. Room service is available 24/7. A breakfast buffet is served in a glass-enclosed restaurant and bar with stunning mountain views. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, with massages available for a fee.

Dejavu, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

This laid-back hotel offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi, and features a bar, a lounge, and an outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast. The hotel is child-friendly and includes an on-site restaurant for convenient dining.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Quito
Ends
Quito
Departs
Tuesdays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
3-4 star hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast: 4, Lunch: 2
Countries
Minimum Age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Ecuador's capital city, Quito, surrounded by mountains
Marine iguana on a rock on the Galapagos Islands
Marine iguana on a rock on the Galapagos Islands
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