Galapagos Cruise Discovery

Discover the Galapagos Islands With an Introduction to Ecuador

Our 9-day Galapagos Cruise Discovery holiday is the perfect choice for exploring the Galapagos Islands and visiting Ecuador along the way. The holiday spends three nights in Quito at the start which is perfect for learning about Ecuador’s way of life.

On day four, it's straight off to the Galapagos Islands for a four-day cruise around the archipelago to see the unique wildlife that calls these islands home. 

If you would like to increase your cruise length, change the route or upgrade. Latin Routes has access to a large range of expedition ships from a 12-person catamaran able to anchor in the heart of the action, to a 100-passenger motor yacht offering expedition cruising with all the comforts of a 5* hotel.

To see our full range of Galapagos cruises – click here >

Highlights

• Visit Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the middle of the world and stand on the equator.
• Explore the Otavalo market in search of Ecuadorian handicrafts.
• Observe the endemic species of the Galapagos archipelago and enjoy its beautiful scenery.
• Enjoy a 4-day / 3-night cruise visiting the famous Galapagos islands

Quick Itinerary

Days 1 - 3 - Quito

Days 4 - 6 - The Galapagos Islands

Day 7 - Quito 

Day 8 - Depart Quito

Day 9 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Days 1 -  3 - Quito

Arrive in Quito where you will spend three nights discovering Ecuador. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical centre on your first full day and learn about Quito’s vibrant history and lasting cultural practices followed by a visit to the middle of the world. 

On your second full day, you will head north for a full-day tour to Otavalo, exploring its famous indigenous market, and Cuicocha Lake, a stunning 3km wide crater lake at the foot of the Cotachi volcano.  

Days 4 - 6 - Galapagos Islands

Early in the morning you will take a two-hour flight to the Galapagos National Park and go on to board the Archipel I. Over the next three nights, you will sail between San Cristobal, Santa Fe, Floreana and Santa Cruz coming into close contact with unique species such as giant tortoises, San Cristobal mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies and plenty of sea lions. Enjoy a range of activities such as gentle hikes, snorkelling and sea-kayaking during this wildlife experience of a lifetime!

Day 7 - Quito

After breakfast you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about the biological research and conservation management of this unique archipelago. You will also be able to visit the centre’s giant tortoise breeding centre and enclosures. 

In the afternoon you will be transferred to Baltra airport where you will get a flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Day 8 - Depart Quito

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. 

Day 9 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Ecuador.

Price from £4,999 per person

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 7 nights’ accommodation 

• Meals: 3 breakfasts while staying in Quito then Full Board while on Archipel I

• Water, tea and coffee while aboard the Archipel I

• Full-day tour of Quito and the Middle of the World

• Full-day tour to Otavalo and Cuicocha Lake

• 4-day, 3-night cruise on the Archipel I

• Snorkelling equipment

• Bath and beach towels while onboard the Archipel I

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

• Galapagos National Park and Ingala Card fees

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Optional wetsuit

• Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites

Archipel I - Comfort

The Archipel l offers space and comfort; the stability and speed make this catamaran a perfect partner for a Galapagos Islands holiday. The catamaran's eight cabins are minimalistic, light and bright and all come with private bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning. The eight cabins are all on the main deck, six with twin beds and two with double beds. Cabin doors face inwards towards the communal areas, creating more of a friendly group atmosphere. You will be sure to come away with a new set of friends by the end of the cruise.

The Archipel l also has a comfortable dining room, library, an indoor bar, a bar on the upper deck and a spacious sun deck. The boat also has a complete crew including a naturalist guide level III, who has been trained and licensed by the Galapagos National Park at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The ships detailed above are for indication only. Latin Routes works with a wide range of ships in the Galapagos and the exact ship will depend upon your preferences and departure date. The ship chosen may affect the price.

To see our full range of Galapagos cruises – click here >