Expedition to Galapagos through a wild haven of sea lions, iguanas, rare birds, colossal tortoises, and the famed blue-footed boobies
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
May 13 - 17,2025
Ecuador, Galapagos islands
The Galapagos Islands are a living museum of nature, where every moment is filled with unique encounters and discoveries. Imagine yourself gliding over crystal-clear waters, surrounded by marine iguanas. Around you, mesmerizing beaches are dotted with black lava rocks, and sea lions, completely unafraid of humans, lounge nearby.
Dive into the pristine waters to witness remarkable sea turtles and vibrant fish that paint the underwater world with their dazzling colors. Walk the trails once trodden by Darwin himself, and explore the revolutionary ideas that shaped the course of science.
Feel like an explorer as you join scientists in their efforts to protect rare species that make the Galapagos a truly singular place on Earth.
Dive into the pristine waters to witness remarkable sea turtles and vibrant fish that paint the underwater world with their dazzling colors. Walk the trails once trodden by Darwin himself, and explore the revolutionary ideas that shaped the course of science.
Feel like an explorer as you join scientists in their efforts to protect rare species that make the Galapagos a truly singular place on Earth.
SHEDULE AND COST:
Travel dates: May 13 – 17, 2025
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
A 10% discount is available for early booking (by December 13, 2024)
All-inclusive, except for:
Estimated cost of flights from Moscow to Quito and Guayaquil to Moscow: $2,000 – $2,500 (Tickets are purchased independently, and consultation is provided). Estimated cost of flights from Quito to the Galapagos and from the Galapagos to Guayaquil: $300 – $450 for adults or about $250 for children under 12 years (Tickets are purchased independently, and consultation is provided).
Single occupancy supplement: $350 (single occupancy is provided throughout the itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ECUADOR - GALAPAGOS
Day 1. May 13, 2025 (Tuesday). QUITO/GUAYAQUIL – BALTRA ISLAND (GALAPAGOS ISLANDS) – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Flight to the Galapagos Islands, Baltra Airport, from Quito or Guayaquil.
For those who have traveled within Ecuador, a transfer will be arranged from the hotel in Quito to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
We arrive before 10 AM and immediately set off to explore the stunning natural wonders. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, we will be greeted by our guide, who will assist with luggage and accompany us to the bus. The drive to the Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island, takes only 10 minutes. After a short ferry ride, we will continue our journey by private transport through Santa Cruz Island to the town of Puerto Ayora, where our hotel is located. On the way, we will witness a changing landscape, from red rocky plains in the north to green highlands in the south.
En route to the hotel, we will take a stroll in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will visit the agricultural zones of the island and observe its unique flora and fauna, including the famous Galapagos finches. We will see giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how private farms are helping to preserve their environment. After marveling at these ancient creatures, we will head to the lava tunnels. Here, we will walk through ancient channels formed by lava flows and learn about their formation and history. The channels, formed by uneven cooling of lava flowing down the slopes of the volcano, stretch from the highlands to the coast. Some lava tubes have collapsed in places, but there are intact tunnels that can be explored in about 30 minutes.
Afterward, we will have lunch included in the program and then proceed to the Ikala Hotel 4* for check-in.
In the afternoon, we will relax at Tortuga Bay Beach, known for its pristine white sand and secluded atmosphere. Here, we can unwind while observing marine iguanas, sharks, and turtles, as well as enjoy snorkeling. Along the trail leading to the beach, we may spot migratory birds and relish the harmony with nature.
In the evening, we will return to Ikala Hotel for free time to relax after a busy day.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4*
Meals: Lunch
*Recommended flights to the Galapagos:
– LATAM Chile at 6:48 AM, arriving at Baltra Airport at 9:23 AM, or
– Any other flight arriving at Baltra Airport by no later than 10:00 AM.
**Recommended international flights:
– Avianca at 11:10 PM on May 12 from Bogotá to Quito, arriving in Quito at 12:55 AM on May 13, or
– Avianca at 6:59 PM on May 12 from Bogotá to Quito, arriving in Quito at 8:44 PM on May 12, or
– Copa Airlines at 10:08 PM on May 12 from Panama to Quito, arriving in Quito at 12:07 AM on May 13, or
– Any other flight arriving in Quito no later than 2:00 AM on May 13.
Day 2. May 14, 2025 (Wednesday). SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – SANTA FE ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the early morning, we can take a walk to the fish market in Puerto Ayora, located on the waterfront. This interesting spot allows us to see a variety of seafood permitted for capture in the reserve. Sea lions, pelicans, frigatebirds, and some other animals often gather at this market to feast on fish, providing us a chance to observe and photograph them!
After breakfast, we will head to the pier, where our boat awaits to take us on an hour-long journey to Santa Fe Island.
Santa Fe Island features a unique landscape, characterized by majestic prickly pear cacti reaching up to 5 meters in height and palo santo trees, creating an ancient forest atmosphere. Encountering the local wildlife will be a highlight: we will see blue-footed boobies, marine gulls, tropical birds, and shearwaters nesting on the coastal cliffs. Each of these creatures plays a special role in the island's intricate ecosystem.
The lagoon of Santa Fe Island, with its calm and clear waters, will be the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. Here, we can observe playful sea lions, majestic green turtles, marine iguanas, and various manta ray species. This is not just an opportunity to see rare animals but a unique chance to become part of their habitat, even if just for a moment.
After a day filled with adventures, we will return to the boat, where lunch awaits us on board, allowing us to recharge and enjoy views of the open sea.
Around 4:00 PM, we will arrive back at Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will relax and check in to the Ikala Hotel 4*.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3. May 15, 2025 (Thursday). SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
At 7 AM, after breakfast, we will take a boat transfer to Isabela Island. The crossing will take approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the Cormorant Beach House 3*, where we can rest a bit before starting our busy day. The hotel is located on the front line of the beautiful Playa Puerto Villamil beach. This wild beach offers solitude amidst nature, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. At the eastern end, the area is designated for nesting in seagrass. Closer to the end of the beach, hundreds of iguanas rest on the rocks.
After a bit of rest, we will try on snorkeling gear. This is important, as we will soon dive into the fascinating underwater world. However, if someone prefers to just relax, we can go to the Concha de Perla Bay for some leisure time. In this picturesque spot, we can see numerous marine inhabitants, including colorful fish, sea urchins, sea lions, and turtles. Afterward, we will return to the hotel.
For lunch, we will enjoy delicious dishes at a local restaurant. Next, we will embark on a trip to Tintoreras – a small islet located south of Puerto Villamil, at the center of a turquoise bay. Here, we will see sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. But the real highlight of this place is the reef sharks, which we can observe after a short walk over the lava flow.
After completing our exploration, we will return to our hotel.
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House 3*
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4. May 16, 2025 (Friday). ISABELA ISLAND – TORTUGA ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
After breakfast, we will head to Tortuga Island. The journey will take about 30 minutes, and we will have the option for two dives (costing $267 per person) or two snorkeling sessions. The dives will reach a depth of up to 16 meters, allowing us to explore the rich underwater world of this island.
After an active time on Tortuga, we will return to the dock for lunch. Then, we will take a speedboat trip to Los Tuneles, which will take approximately 45 minutes. This region, formed by lava flows, represents a unique natural formation that includes underwater and above-water arches. During the trip, we will stop at Roca Unión, where we can observe Nazca and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and possibly sea lions.
At Los Tuneles, we will have the opportunity to snorkel in one of the most picturesque underwater landscapes in the Galapagos. We will see a variety of marine inhabitants, including fish, rays, sea turtles, and possibly Galapagos penguins. This unique location allows for simultaneous sightings of both penguins and sea lions.
At the end of a fulfilling day, we will return to the hotel in Puerto Villamil for a restful evening.
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House 3*
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5. May 17, 2025 (Saturday). ISABELA ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – BALTRA – RETURN FLIGHT
Today, our day begins very early. At 5:30 AM, we will transfer to the dock, where we will take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. The journey will take approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Baltra Airport (1 hour drive) for our return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival in Guayaquil or Quito, and independent transfer to the international terminal of the airport. Check-in for the international flight and flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: No
*Recommended flights from the Galapagos:
– Avianca at 13:22 from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 16:18, or
– Avianca at 11:38 AM from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 14:34, or
– LATAM Chile at 11:47 AM from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 14:36, or
– Any other flight departing from Baltra Airport to Guayaquil or Quito no earlier than 11:00 AM and no later than 14:00.
**Recommended international flights:
– Avianca at 3:50 AM on May 18 from Guayaquil to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 5:45 AM on May 18, or
– Turkish Airlines at 10:10 AM on May 18 from Guayaquil to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 12:05 PM on May 18 (an additional night in a hotel in Guayaquil on May 17 will be required), or
– Avianca at 3:05 AM on May 18 from Quito to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 4:40 AM on May 18, or
– Turkish Airlines at 10:20 AM on May 18 from Quito to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 11:55 AM on May 18 (an additional night in a hotel in Quito on May 17 will be required), or
– Any other flight departing from Guayaquil or Quito no earlier than 20:00 on May 17.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
- $1,690 for 10 – 12 participants, or
- $1,790 for 8 – 9 participants, or
- $1,890 for 6 – 7 participants, based on double occupancy.
A 10% discount is available for early booking (by December 13, 2024)
All-inclusive, except for:
- International flights to Quito and back from Quito or Guayaquil,
- Domestic flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and back from the Galapagos Islands to Quito or Guayaquil,
- Medical insurance,
- Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($100 for adults or $50 for children under 12 years),
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Estimated cost of flights from Moscow to Quito and Guayaquil to Moscow: $2,000 – $2,500 (Tickets are purchased independently, and consultation is provided). Estimated cost of flights from Quito to the Galapagos and from the Galapagos to Guayaquil: $300 – $450 for adults or about $250 for children under 12 years (Tickets are purchased independently, and consultation is provided).
Single occupancy supplement: $350 (single occupancy is provided throughout the itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ECUADOR - GALAPAGOS
Day 1. May 13, 2025 (Tuesday). QUITO/GUAYAQUIL – BALTRA ISLAND (GALAPAGOS ISLANDS) – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Flight to the Galapagos Islands, Baltra Airport, from Quito or Guayaquil.
For those who have traveled within Ecuador, a transfer will be arranged from the hotel in Quito to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
We arrive before 10 AM and immediately set off to explore the stunning natural wonders. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, we will be greeted by our guide, who will assist with luggage and accompany us to the bus. The drive to the Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island, takes only 10 minutes. After a short ferry ride, we will continue our journey by private transport through Santa Cruz Island to the town of Puerto Ayora, where our hotel is located. On the way, we will witness a changing landscape, from red rocky plains in the north to green highlands in the south.
En route to the hotel, we will take a stroll in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will visit the agricultural zones of the island and observe its unique flora and fauna, including the famous Galapagos finches. We will see giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how private farms are helping to preserve their environment. After marveling at these ancient creatures, we will head to the lava tunnels. Here, we will walk through ancient channels formed by lava flows and learn about their formation and history. The channels, formed by uneven cooling of lava flowing down the slopes of the volcano, stretch from the highlands to the coast. Some lava tubes have collapsed in places, but there are intact tunnels that can be explored in about 30 minutes.
Afterward, we will have lunch included in the program and then proceed to the Ikala Hotel 4* for check-in.
In the afternoon, we will relax at Tortuga Bay Beach, known for its pristine white sand and secluded atmosphere. Here, we can unwind while observing marine iguanas, sharks, and turtles, as well as enjoy snorkeling. Along the trail leading to the beach, we may spot migratory birds and relish the harmony with nature.
In the evening, we will return to Ikala Hotel for free time to relax after a busy day.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4*
Meals: Lunch
*Recommended flights to the Galapagos:
– LATAM Chile at 6:48 AM, arriving at Baltra Airport at 9:23 AM, or
– Any other flight arriving at Baltra Airport by no later than 10:00 AM.
**Recommended international flights:
– Avianca at 11:10 PM on May 12 from Bogotá to Quito, arriving in Quito at 12:55 AM on May 13, or
– Avianca at 6:59 PM on May 12 from Bogotá to Quito, arriving in Quito at 8:44 PM on May 12, or
– Copa Airlines at 10:08 PM on May 12 from Panama to Quito, arriving in Quito at 12:07 AM on May 13, or
– Any other flight arriving in Quito no later than 2:00 AM on May 13.
Day 2. May 14, 2025 (Wednesday). SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – SANTA FE ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the early morning, we can take a walk to the fish market in Puerto Ayora, located on the waterfront. This interesting spot allows us to see a variety of seafood permitted for capture in the reserve. Sea lions, pelicans, frigatebirds, and some other animals often gather at this market to feast on fish, providing us a chance to observe and photograph them!
After breakfast, we will head to the pier, where our boat awaits to take us on an hour-long journey to Santa Fe Island.
Santa Fe Island features a unique landscape, characterized by majestic prickly pear cacti reaching up to 5 meters in height and palo santo trees, creating an ancient forest atmosphere. Encountering the local wildlife will be a highlight: we will see blue-footed boobies, marine gulls, tropical birds, and shearwaters nesting on the coastal cliffs. Each of these creatures plays a special role in the island's intricate ecosystem.
The lagoon of Santa Fe Island, with its calm and clear waters, will be the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. Here, we can observe playful sea lions, majestic green turtles, marine iguanas, and various manta ray species. This is not just an opportunity to see rare animals but a unique chance to become part of their habitat, even if just for a moment.
After a day filled with adventures, we will return to the boat, where lunch awaits us on board, allowing us to recharge and enjoy views of the open sea.
Around 4:00 PM, we will arrive back at Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will relax and check in to the Ikala Hotel 4*.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3. May 15, 2025 (Thursday). SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
At 7 AM, after breakfast, we will take a boat transfer to Isabela Island. The crossing will take approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the Cormorant Beach House 3*, where we can rest a bit before starting our busy day. The hotel is located on the front line of the beautiful Playa Puerto Villamil beach. This wild beach offers solitude amidst nature, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. At the eastern end, the area is designated for nesting in seagrass. Closer to the end of the beach, hundreds of iguanas rest on the rocks.
After a bit of rest, we will try on snorkeling gear. This is important, as we will soon dive into the fascinating underwater world. However, if someone prefers to just relax, we can go to the Concha de Perla Bay for some leisure time. In this picturesque spot, we can see numerous marine inhabitants, including colorful fish, sea urchins, sea lions, and turtles. Afterward, we will return to the hotel.
For lunch, we will enjoy delicious dishes at a local restaurant. Next, we will embark on a trip to Tintoreras – a small islet located south of Puerto Villamil, at the center of a turquoise bay. Here, we will see sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, and rays. But the real highlight of this place is the reef sharks, which we can observe after a short walk over the lava flow.
After completing our exploration, we will return to our hotel.
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House 3*
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4. May 16, 2025 (Friday). ISABELA ISLAND – TORTUGA ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
After breakfast, we will head to Tortuga Island. The journey will take about 30 minutes, and we will have the option for two dives (costing $267 per person) or two snorkeling sessions. The dives will reach a depth of up to 16 meters, allowing us to explore the rich underwater world of this island.
After an active time on Tortuga, we will return to the dock for lunch. Then, we will take a speedboat trip to Los Tuneles, which will take approximately 45 minutes. This region, formed by lava flows, represents a unique natural formation that includes underwater and above-water arches. During the trip, we will stop at Roca Unión, where we can observe Nazca and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and possibly sea lions.
At Los Tuneles, we will have the opportunity to snorkel in one of the most picturesque underwater landscapes in the Galapagos. We will see a variety of marine inhabitants, including fish, rays, sea turtles, and possibly Galapagos penguins. This unique location allows for simultaneous sightings of both penguins and sea lions.
At the end of a fulfilling day, we will return to the hotel in Puerto Villamil for a restful evening.
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House 3*
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5. May 17, 2025 (Saturday). ISABELA ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – BALTRA – RETURN FLIGHT
Today, our day begins very early. At 5:30 AM, we will transfer to the dock, where we will take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. The journey will take approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Baltra Airport (1 hour drive) for our return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival in Guayaquil or Quito, and independent transfer to the international terminal of the airport. Check-in for the international flight and flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: No
*Recommended flights from the Galapagos:
– Avianca at 13:22 from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 16:18, or
– Avianca at 11:38 AM from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 14:34, or
– LATAM Chile at 11:47 AM from Baltra Airport, arriving in Guayaquil at 14:36, or
– Any other flight departing from Baltra Airport to Guayaquil or Quito no earlier than 11:00 AM and no later than 14:00.
**Recommended international flights:
– Avianca at 3:50 AM on May 18 from Guayaquil to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 5:45 AM on May 18, or
– Turkish Airlines at 10:10 AM on May 18 from Guayaquil to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 12:05 PM on May 18 (an additional night in a hotel in Guayaquil on May 17 will be required), or
– Avianca at 3:05 AM on May 18 from Quito to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 4:40 AM on May 18, or
– Turkish Airlines at 10:20 AM on May 18 from Quito to Bogotá, arriving in Bogotá at 11:55 AM on May 18 (an additional night in a hotel in Quito on May 17 will be required), or
– Any other flight departing from Guayaquil or Quito no earlier than 20:00 on May 17.
Cost includes:
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
To take with:
- Accommodation in hotels based on double occupancy
- Breakfasts throughout the itinerary, as well as other meals as specified in the program
- Transfers and transportation as outlined in the program, including buses and cars with comfortable seating, working air conditioning, and experienced drivers
- All boats and ferries along the route with skilled captains
- Activities and excursions specified in the program
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- All permits for visiting protected areas (including the INGALA migration card for the Galápagos Islands) and national parks (including the fee for Isabela Island in the Galápagos), except for the entrance fee to Galápagos National Park
- Payment for local guides
- Services of English-speaking and Spanish-speaking guides, as well as a Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader throughout the program
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
- International flights to Quito and back from Quito or Guayaquil
- Domestic flights from Quito to the Galápagos Islands and back from the Galápagos Islands to Quito or Guayaquil
- Medical insurance
- Ecuador visa (not required for Russian citizens)
- Entrance fee to Galápagos National Park ($200 for adults or $100 for children under 12 years old; prices may vary)
- Meals not specified in the program
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses and tips
- Payment for excess baggage at the airport
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
- Single occupancy
To take with:
- 2 or 3 sets of clothing (pants, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts)
- Comfortable and practical footwear: 1) lightweight for the city and beach; 2) trekking shoes or closed boots for light trekking
- Lightweight hiking jacket
- Fleece
- Sun hat or cap
- Rain jacket
- Swimwear and accessories
- Snorkel mask and snorkel (optional)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit (pain relievers, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, multivitamins, rehydration solutions, and any necessary personal medications)
- Personal hygiene items
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Hiking backpack (preferably waterproof) with a capacity of around 80 liters, or a travel duffel bag, or a small suitcase
- A small backpack for personal items and photo/video equipment for day trips
- Water bottle or hydration flask
- Mosquito net for sleeping
- Mosquito repellent
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Waterproof case for documents
- Photo and video equipment
- Power bank
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO ECUADOR, GALAPAGOS AND PERU
Ecuador. Galapagos Islands. Peru
Best season: all year round
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
See the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Rainbow Mountains of Palccoyoc
Live in the Huaorani tribe in the Napo River Basin of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Explore the fauna and flora of Yasuni National Park
Galapagos Islands – it is a place which is not spoiled by man, a real paradise for a naturalist or scuba diver
Snorkeling with turtles, sharks, sea lions, penguins stingrays and other animals
Volcanoes of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa
The famous swing over the abyss in Banos
The amazing Inca cities of Quito and Cuzco
Ecuador. Galapagos Islands. Peru
Best season: all year round
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
See the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Rainbow Mountains of Palccoyoc
Live in the Huaorani tribe in the Napo River Basin of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Explore the fauna and flora of Yasuni National Park
Galapagos Islands – it is a place which is not spoiled by man, a real paradise for a naturalist or scuba diver
Snorkeling with turtles, sharks, sea lions, penguins stingrays and other animals
Volcanoes of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa
The famous swing over the abyss in Banos
The amazing Inca cities of Quito and Cuzco
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5LOW PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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