Go on a Galápagos Adventure
Begin your journey in Quito, the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set high in the Andes, the capital is known for its well preserved colonial architecture, historic churches and impressive landmarks, including the Virgin of El Panecillo watching over the city from its hilltop setting. Time here offers a thoughtful introduction to Ecuador’s culture, history and everyday life.
From the highlands, travel onwards to a strikingly different environment as you arrive in the Galápagos Islands. This remote archipelago has long captured the imagination of explorers and naturalists, shaped by volcanic activity and surrounded by rich marine ecosystems. Spread across 13 main islands, the Galápagos offer varied landscapes, from lava fields and coastal cliffs to quiet beaches and highland interiors.
Throughout your stay, encounter wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Observe giant tortoises roaming freely, sea lions resting along the shore, land iguanas warming themselves on dark volcanic rock and red footed boobies nesting in coastal areas. Combined with the islands’ dramatic scenery, these encounters create an unforgettable exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments.
Visit several regions in the Galápagos Islands
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
8 breakfasts
All included as per below
What you'll experience
- Explore colonial Quito and stand on the equator at the Middle of the World monument: Wander historic streets, admire ornate architecture and visit this iconic landmark marking the Earth’s equatorial line.
- Browse Ecuadorian handicrafts and visit a weavers workshop in Otavalo: Discover colourful textiles and learn about traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
- Search for sharks, green turtles and rays at Kicker Rock in the Galápagos: Snorkel or dive in nutrient rich waters around this dramatic volcanic formation, known for its abundant marine life.
- See Galápagos giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island: Observe these iconic creatures in their natural habitat while exploring the island’s cooler, greener interior.
What's Included in the Galápagos Land Adventure holiday?
- International flights
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 8 breakfasts
- Full-day tour of Quito and the middle of the world
- Full-day tour of Otavalo and Cuicocha Laka
- Half-day and full-day tours on the Galápagos Islands
- Galapagos National Park and Ingala Card fees
- Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
Prices from £5,499pp
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- 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
Quick Itinerary
Galápagos Land Adventure 10-day Itinerary
Days 1-3 UK - Quito
On your first full day in Ecuador, you will get to enjoy a full-day tour of Quito’s old town as well as the middle of the world to experience the natural effects of the equator and learn more about the Ecuadorian culture at Museo de Sitio Intinan.
On your second day, you will head north for a full-day tour to Otavalo, exploring its famous indigenous market, visit a weavers workshop, and see Cuicocha Lake, a stunning 3km wide crater lake at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. En route back to Quito, visit the Quitsato Sundial to learn about the astronomical knowledge of the region’s pre-Hispanic cultures.
Days 4-5 San Cristobal, Galápagos
After breakfast, you will take a 2-hour flight to the pristine archipelago of the Galápagos!
Your first two nights will be spent on San Cristobal, the first island Charles Darwin visited on his expedition to the islands. Upon arrival enjoy a private half-day tour to Junco Lagoon, a freshwater lake in an extinct volcano crater. It is a great place to spot frigatebirds, pintail ducks, and the endemic Chatham mockingbird. Continue to Galapaguera to meet the local giant tortoises and enjoy your first Galapagos beach visit to Puerto Chino beach where you may see blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
On your second day, you’ll visit Kicker Rock which, due to centuries of rock erosion, is believed to look like a shoe, hence the name. Here you have the chance to snorkel; marine life seen around Kicker Rock includes sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, tropical fish and even hammerhead sharks. On the cliffs, you may spot blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and masked boobies. You’ll then head to a nearby beach, before returning to San Cristobal.
Days 6-7 Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
On day 6 you will take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, where you will spend the next two nights of your Galápagos adventure.
Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, you will enjoy a full-day private tour exploring the impressive flora and fauna and the unique volcanic features of the island’s highlands. The highlands offer the perfect habitat for giant tortoises and a wide array of birdlife. You’ll have some time exploring the area before continuing to the lava tunnels.
On your last day in the Galápagos, you will have a full-day shared tour of North Seymour Island. This relatively flat island is located at the centre of the archipelago and is home to a large colony of magnificent frigatebirds as well as marine and land iguanas, and sea lions. You’ll then head to Bachas Beach for a swim and snorkel. This beach is an important nesting site for green turtles and there’s a lagoon nearby where flamingos and migratory birds come to feed.
Days 8-10 Quito - UK
You will be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. Staying at a hacienda just outside the city, you have the following morning free to explore nature trails within the property's grounds, keep an eye out for hummingbirds and Andean condors. Later you'll transfer to Quito airport for your onward flight, arriving back in the UK on day 10.
Speak to a dedicated Galápagos Islands Holiday Specialist
All our Ecuador and Galápagos Islands itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Galápagos Land Adventure holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
Every journey we plan is truly individual – created just for you, by our expert team. Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife, culture, food or landscapes, 5* luxury or off-grid adventure, we’ll design a Latin American holiday that’s truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.
We’re recognised by both the industry and our clients for our outstanding personalised service.
We design every trip around you: your interests, your must-sees, your perfect holiday.
Every recommendation is shaped by real experience, true passion and specialist care.
Consistently rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients for our expert planning and personalised attention.
