Compare Upgraded Land Galapagos by G Adventures vs Galapagos cruise on the Yolita II by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,479 | $ 5,445 |
| Price Per Day | $ 348 | $ 545 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Strike a balance between genuine encounters with Mother Nature and the comfort of land accommodations on this 10-day Galápagos tour. Explore Ecuador's capital, Quito, on your own before hopping on a flight to the Galápagos Islands where an incredible diversity in wildlife awaits. Go snorkelling at the dramatic Kicker Rock, visit a sea lion nursery, and go birdwatching in the highlands of Floreana. With upgraded hotels and private speedboat transfers, you'll be well-rested and ready to take in the unique splendour that these islands offer. |
Visiting one of the city's museums, such as the pre-Hispanic art museum Casa del Alabado. You'll spend the day walking the paths of Darwin Bay and El Barranco as well as snorkeling in the sunken caldera. Visit to Punta Espinoza will get you up close to the largest marine iguana colony in the Galapagos. |
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.
If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready the next day.
Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the many optional activities available.
Day 2 Quito/San Cristóbal Island
Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Centre in the afternoon to learn about the natural history of the area. Explore the trails around the centre and opt to snorkel at nearby Las Tijeretas.
Day 3 San Cristóbal Island
Snorkel at Kicker Rock, an impressive volcanic rock formation, rich in wildlife diversity both under the surface and above.
Day 4 San Cristóbal Island/Floreana Island
Travel by speedboat to Floreana Island. Walk along the black sand beach until La Lobería with its resident sea lion colony, and go snorkelling from the beach. Enjoy meals at the G Adventures-supported community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.
Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.
Day 5 Floreana Island
Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history. Later, opt to go snorkelling or relax on the white-sand beach.
Day 6 Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Transfer by speedboat to Isabela Island. In the afternoon, take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins. Later, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Day 7 Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
Enjoy free time to explore Isabela Island. Opt to hike Sierra Negra, go snorkelling at Los Tuneles, or take it easy. In the afternoon, transfer by speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy an evening out in Puerto Ayora.
Please note that space may be limited for optional activities during high season, these activities are operated by third-party operators and will be subject to availability.
Day 8 Santa Cruz Island/Papallacta
Say goodbye to the Islands and take a flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival, transfer to Papallacta.
Day 9 Papallacta
Relax in the hot springs of Papallacta while taking in the volcanic views. Opt to go for a hike nearby for prime birdwatching.
Day 10 Papallacta
Depart at any time.
Papallacta is located roughly 35 minutes from the Mariscal Sucre International airport in Quito. The lodge can assist in booking a taxi for you.
Day 1: Quito
Accommodation options: Hotel Hilton Colon, Casa Gangotena, La Casona de la Ronda & Patio Andaluz
On arriving in Quito you're met by your private guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. It usually takes an hour to get there, and your guide will provide you with all the relevant introductory information needed for your trip, such as hotel vouchers. Relax in your hotel after your flight.
Day 2: Quito
Accommodation options Hotel Hilton Colon, Casa Gangotena, La Casona de la Ronda & Patio Andaluz
Take a private guided walking tour of the highlights of Quito. Your guide shows you the city's highlights, such as colonial temples, monasteries and plazas. They'll also help you unravel the grand architecture of the Church of San Francisco. The tour lasts for three hours, ending at a viewpoint over the city. In the afternoon, you're free to keep exploring Quito at leisure. We recommend visiting one of the city's museums, such as the pre-Hispanic art museum Casa del Alabado.
Day 3: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
A private transfer will take you to the airport in time for your two hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arriving, you're met by members of the crew who will take you to the Yolita II. After being welcomed aboard and given a safety briefing, you'll set sail to Las Bachas, a beautiful beach area to get your Galapagos experience started. You'll begin excursions in the afternoon.
Day 4: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
Genovesa Island is a highlight of many Galapagos trips with the collapsed volcano formation playing host to large populations of frigates and the unforgettable red footed booby. You'll spend the day walking the paths of Darwin Bay and El Barranco as well as snorkeling in the sunken caldera.
Day 5: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
The cruise continues on to Bartolome Island where you'll hike to the summit, which offers panoramic views over Pinnacle Rock. After you'll experience the volcanic rock of Sullivan Bay which makes way to a white coral sand beach, home to Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions.
Day 6: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
This morning enjoy a visit to Isabela Island's tortoise breeding centre to see and learn about the Galapagos tortoise. In the afternoon you take a guided hike to the top of Sierra Negra Volcano. It's a steep climb but the views from the crater rim (the second largest in the world) are expansive.
Day 7: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
Continuing up the western coast of Isabela, the ship will stop at Elizabeth Bay for a panga ride to explore the mangroves, spotting sea turtles and penguins along the way. The afternoon will be spent at Urbina Bay, a reef that was raised out of the water from tectonic movement. You'll be able to snorkel here in addition to spotting land iguanas, sea turtles, rays and flightless cormorants.
Day 8: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
The morning visit to Tagus cove will allow you to walk this former whaler and pirate shelter, with stunning views of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes in the distance. The afternoon visit to Punta Espinoza will get you up close to the largest marine iguana colony in the Galapagos. The beauty of this remote part of Isabela puts the amazing wildlife into perspective.
Day 9: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)
Accommodation options: Yolita II
Today you'll visit Rabida Island for a walk along the red sand beaches created by unusually high iron deposits. Sea lions are typically abundant here and the trails will take you past an interesting lagoon surrounded by palo santo trees. After lunch you'll be able to relax at Playa Espumilla, one of the Galapagos' most beautiful beaches, with snorkeling options available to explore the coast.
Day 10: Return home
The trip finishes with a visit to Daphne Island where the blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and finches will wish you farewell. You'll then transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to mainland Ecuador and connection home.
