Galapagos Island Hopping

Tour Inclusions

• Flights: Return flights from Heathrow with Avianca via Bogotá.
• Accommodation: 11 nights in great quality hotels plus 2 nights in flight.
• Meals:
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 10 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners (including a welcome dinner)
• Guides: Travelsphere Tour Manager and Specialist Local Guide.
• Transfers: Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation, and porterage included.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Ecuador’s Cloud Forest and Galapagos Islands:
  • Explore Mindo Cloud Forest and Galapagos with expert guides.
  • Stay on three Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal.
  • Visit Charles Darwin Research Station and see the conservation efforts for giant tortoises.
  • Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, and other marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Galapagos.
  • Visit local towns like Otavalo and Cotacachi, and enjoy shopping for unique handicrafts and leather goods.
  • Hike through cloud forests, spot hummingbirds, and see exotic butterflies.
  • Relax on beautiful beaches and experience local culture in the Galapagos.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Quito

• Fly from the UK to Quito, Ecuador.

Day 2: Quito at Leisure

• Arrival in Quito, transfer to hotel.
• Explore Old Town, enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo.

Day 3: Quito to Otavalo

• Visit Otavalo Market, one of South America’s largest markets.
• Stop at Mira Lago for views of San Pablo Lake and nearby volcanoes.
• Explore Cotacachi for leather goods shopping.

Day 4: Quito to Mindo

• Travel to Mindo Cloud Forest, visit butterfly garden and orchid park.
• Learn how Ecuadorian chocolate is made and enjoy tasting.
• Spot hummingbirds in the Alambi Cloud Forest.

Day 5: Mindo to Quito

• Hike through cloud forest, visit Mitad del Mundo to stand on the Equator.
• Return to Quito for dinner and a briefing on the Galapagos Islands.

Day 6: Quito to Santa Cruz

• Fly to the Galapagos Islands, meet a local guide in Santa Cruz.
• Visit a private ranch in the Highlands to see giant tortoises.

Day 7: Santa Cruz to Isabela

• Travel to Isabela Island by boat.
• Practice snorkeling and explore Tintoreras Islet.
• Snorkel with sea lions and marine iguanas.
• Try Encocado de pescado (fish in coconut sauce) for dinner.

Day 8: Isabela Island

• Visit a wetland home to flamingos and pintail ducks.
• Explore the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
• Walk to the Wall of Tears, a historical monument.

Day 9: Santa Cruz

• Free day to relax or take an optional snorkeling excursion at Los Tuneles.
• Return to Santa Cruz in the evening.

Day 10: San Cristóbal

• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
• Travel to San Cristóbal and explore the Interpretation Centre.
• Hike to Frigatebird Hill for birdwatching.

Day 11: San Cristóbal

• Take a coastal cruise for more snorkeling and wildlife spotting.
• Visit Kicker Rock for a chance to see Galapagos sharks and spotted eagle rays.

Day 12: San Cristóbal to Quito

• Free time in the morning to relax or shop.
• Fly back to Quito for a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Quito to UK

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Day 14: Arrive in the UK

• Arrival in the UK, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.

Key Experiences

• Galapagos Islands: See giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and unique wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Mindo Cloud Forest: Spot exotic birds, including hummingbirds, and visit a chocolate farm.
• Snorkeling: Explore underwater life in the Galapagos, including colorful fish, sea lions, and rays.
• Cultural Discovery: Visit Otavalo Market and Cotacachi for authentic local experiences.