Day 5: Transfer to Quito
An early morning ferry transfer brings us back to Coca, where we’ll catch our domestic flight (included) back to Quito. The afternoon will be yours to chill and rest.
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B
Day 6: Quito City Tour
We’ll start our journey in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A stunning city nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 2,850, it’s known for its dramatic mountain backdrop, rich history, and vibrant culture. We’ll visit La Compañía de Jesús, a stunning gold-adorned church, and enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo. At the Mitad del Mundo, we’ll stand on the equator and experience zero latitude. Finally, wander through the charming streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We’ll end the day with a dinner to kick off the second leg of our adventure together. Our Galapagos adventure starts tomorrow!
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Transfer to Galapagos
After our domestic flight to Baltra (at own expense), we will get picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz. Our first stop will be a visit to the giant tortoise ranch, where we’ll be able to see these unique animals close up in their natrual ecosystem. Following that, we’ll also visit the natural lava tunnels, before settling down at our hotel for the night!
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Full day of Diving/Snorkelling
For divers, we’ll go to Daphne Minor and Mosquera today! Daphne Minor is a wall dive with minimal current, where manta rays frequently visit. The waters will be murky with plankton, but the rays come so close that it’s not a problem. Juvenile Galapagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays are also common sightings there!
Our second dive site is Mosquera, where we will relax underwater and wait for schools of eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the occasional, elusive, Galapagos shark. On the sandy bottom, thousands of Galapagos garden eels crane out of their tunnels as far as the eye can see.
For snorkellers, we’ll head to Bartholomew Island today! Known for its crystal clear waters, snorkelling here promises to be a magical experience with its volcanic landscape and iconic pinnacle rock creating a dramatic backdrop. You’ll likely encounter Galapagos penguins darting through the water at lightning speed. Other frequent spottings include sea turtles, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks or rays resting on the sandy seabed.
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Station
We’ll spend the day at Tortuga Bay’s pristine white beach, where we can either relax, swim, or even rent kayaks! Spot wildlife like finches or marine iguanas in its waters. After lunch, we’ll embark on a tour at the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galapagos tortoises!
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Full day of Diving/Snorkelling
For divers, we’ll dedicate the day to Gordon Rocks, a must-dive site in the Galapagos with a minimum requirement of 25 dives! We’ll hope to encounter large schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, and playful sea lions. The vibrant reefs are also home to colorful fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and moray eels, making this dive a true highlight of the trip.
For snorkellers, you’ll be going to North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach! This will be the best place to see blue footed boobies, frigate birds nesting, land iguanas, sea lions, and even flamingos! The calm shallows are ideal for swimming with a variety of marine life, including stingrays, sea stars, sea lions and even green sea turtles.
Savour your last night on this otherworldly island, before we head back to the mainland tomorrow.
Accoms: Hotel
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Fly Home 🙁
Transfer to Baltra airport in the morning where we’ll take our domestic flight (at your own expense) to Guayaquil. From Guayaquil, catch our international flight back to SG.
Another option is to take the domestic flight back to Quito. You’ll have to stay an extra night in Quito at your own expense, before catching the international flight back to SG the next day.