Compare Galapagos Family Holiday by Intrepid Travel vs Galapagos cruise on the Yolita II by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,035 | $ 5,445 |
| Price Per Day | $ 379 | $ 545 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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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 | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and this trip gives the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about the biology and diversity of this paradise. Everyone will enjoy spotting the myriad animals in their natural environment as they graze, sleep and play on the beaches, mountains and rocks of the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Snorkel beside sea lions, marvel at the plodding majesty of giant tortoises, spot frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos crabs, and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks as you explore this natural paradise. You’ll experience (animal) life like never before together on this beautiful family-focused expedition to the Galapagos. |
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
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you have time beforehand, take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. La Ronda is a peek into the colonial past of the city. This awesome street offers the city's best in one place. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early and explore further beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest.
Day 2 Quito
After breakfast, explore the historic centre of Quito on a walking tour. Stroll through Plaza Grande (main square) and by the Archbishop's Palace. From here, walk about 800 metres uphill to reach the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Time permitting, you may wish to spend more time exploring this church and its views from the top towers. Finally, walk to La Ronda Street and pass by La Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus) and San Francisco churches From here we travel to the Equator line The famous Mitad del Mundo monument is an impressive 30-metre-tall structure that marks where the equator is located— or, at least, that’s what many people believe. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city more, or simply just relax at the hotel, getting ready for tomorrow’s adventure!
Day 3 Isla Santa Cruz
Today you will take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Purto Ayora, after which you’ll take a walk to Tortuga Bay. The walk to Tortuga Bay beach takes approximately 45 minutes (one way). The rest of the day is free for you to further explore. Perhaps visit the buzzing local fish market, where cheeky pelicans try to get in on the daily catch! You might like to simply stay in Puerto Ayora, soak up the seaside ambience and make some of your own discoveries. The town itself is nice and small, perfect for exploring on foot.
Day 4 Isla Santa Cruz
After breakfast, head off to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This not-for-profit organisation has been operating since 1959. The station's visitor centre is an essential stop for anyone interested in the archipelago's natural and human history. It's great for learning about the local conservation of the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. It offers the chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises, and you can see many newborn and young giant turtles too – they're here as part of the breeding program to reintroduce the creatures to their natural habitat. In the afternoon you will venture to the higher part of Santa Cruz to observe giant tortoises roaming around in the wild. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kilograms and are very popular with kids.
Day 5 Isla San Cristobal
Today, head by boat to your second island, Isla San Cristobal. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and have time to relax before heading to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the islands and the challenges local conservationists face. Then you'll head to the Cerro Tijeratas (Frigatebird Hill) which is located 2 kilometres from the centre, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It is a bit of a climb to the top, but your reward is an amazing view of the bay. From here you can see the 140-metre-tall Kicker Rock, its twin volcanic slabs looming large in the ocean. Soon after you will travel to La Loberia to enjoy some snorkelling, perhaps spotting sea lions and sea turtles as you paddle around – they love friends swimming nearby!
Day 6 Isla San Cristobal
You second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Isla Lobos (approximately 1 hour). This island boasts the second-largest sea lion colony in the world, not to mention the tallest lighthouse on the entire continent. Along the way you can observe the abundant sea life that the Galapagos is renowned for. You might be lucky enough to spot nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. On arrival you might want to head out into the water for some quality swimming and snorkelling time. You could find yourself in the midst of turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd Galapagos shark (don't worry – they're harmless!). Then it's time to head back to base and relax.
Day 7 Quito
You will have a free morning to further explore the unique sights of Isla San Cristobal – maybe some last-minute shopping or a visit to the beach one last time. The best thing is, you decide! Late in the afternoon, take a flight back to Ecuador’s capital, Quito.
Day 8 Quito
Welcome back to the mainland! With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. Hotel check out is normally at midday. If you would like to spend more time in Quito, good for you! We’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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.
