Signature Galapagos: Island hopping
10 days from £7,530
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Upon arrival at high altitude Quito airport in the Andes you will be met and escorted to your boutique hotel in the historic centre of the city.
With a fantastic location on a cobbled street just around the corner from the old city’s central square, Casona de la Ronda is a small converted mansion that has been carefully restored to mirror the rich colonial history of its surroundings. The building abounds with character, and the courteous staff are committed to the highest levels of service.
The stylish, spacious and eminently comfortable guestrooms face out onto a pretty covered courtyard. Décor includes plenty of traditional features such as polished wood floors, stone walls and local textiles and paintings, but delicate floral murals, an impressive living wall of native plants and some bold design choices add a boutique edge. There’s a strikingly decorated viewpoint room looking out across the historic centre to the summit of El Panecillo, and a cosy lounge with an open fireplace. The restaurant, painted in a rich shade of burnt orange and lined with antique mirrors, serves a mixture of excellent local and international fare.
Explore Latin America’s largest and best preserved colonial quarter through the intimate lens of a guided walking tour. Quito was the first city ever to be listed as a World Heritage Site. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed walls and rising above are the steeples and cupolas of the city´s numerous spectacularly decorated historic churches.
Walk through the main plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral and churches built in the 16th and 17th centuries including the richly ornamented San Francisco Monastery, considered one of the most impressive religious buildings in Latin America and Basilica del Voto Nacional, most famous for its quirky gargoyles. View the church of Compania de Jesus, bedecked entirely in gold.
With a fantastic location on a cobbled street just around the corner from the old city’s central square, Casona de la Ronda is a small converted mansion that has been carefully restored to mirror the rich colonial history of its surroundings. The building abounds with character, and the courteous staff are committed to the highest levels of service.
The stylish, spacious and eminently comfortable guestrooms face out onto a pretty covered courtyard. Décor includes plenty of traditional features such as polished wood floors, stone walls and local textiles and paintings, but delicate floral murals, an impressive living wall of native plants and some bold design choices add a boutique edge. There’s a strikingly decorated viewpoint room looking out across the historic centre to the summit of El Panecillo, and a cosy lounge with an open fireplace. The restaurant, painted in a rich shade of burnt orange and lined with antique mirrors, serves a mixture of excellent local and international fare.
Transfer to the international airport and fly by commercial jet to Baltra in the Galapágos Islands (2-3hrs). Connect to your inter-island twin engine light aircraft – which accommodates 5-9 passengers – to continue to Isabela Island.This is a scenic, mind-blowing start to your adventure. (If the flight departure has to be cancelled the journey will be made by speedboat.)
Transfer by road to your lodge – it’s just a 20 minute drive. In the afternoon, you begin to get to know this, the youngest side of the archipelago, exploring wetland lagoons and the giant tortoise-breeding centre.
Visit Sucre cave, in an area of farmland where there’ll be a short guided walk to survey and learn about the endemic plants. Continue to Mango Gazevo with views over the cultivated landscapes of southern Isabela. You will be able to spot finches there too. Wrap up your day at the stunning white beach of Puerto Villamil before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Scalesia Lodge an exciting new property enveloped by natural forest outside the little town of Villamil on Isabela Island in the Galápagos Islands. It’s an innovative mix of style and design, with an ultra-contemporary, glassy main building housing the restaurant and lounge areas and safari camp-style tents providing the accommodation, each fully equipped with modern private facilities. The décor and furnishings throughout are simple but pleasingly up-to-date, creating a fresh and airy ambiance in what is often hot, tropical weather.
It’s an easy going place; you can tailor-make your experience choosing from a range of excursions and activities on the islands including hikes and volcano visits as well as wildlife-spotting.
For a more in-depth Galápagos visit, consider combining your stay with a few days at Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island (linked by air), and get to know another island with a good menu of activities to choose from.
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting out to explore Isabela Island and its most stunning feature: Sierra Negra volcano. Walk along the rim of the world’s second largest caldera (its diameter is a staggering 10km) to observe recent volcanic activity and the resulting fascinating formations. The rim is smothered in vegetation which clambers down the sides of the rim until it reaches the floor of the caldera.
You’ll also visit Volcán Chico, which too is active: sulphur vents can be observed steaming in its vicinity. This volcano is bald of foliage, the rust-red lava tubes with across the barren lunar landscape. You’ll have a guided walk across the lava fields and volcano slopes
Back at the lodge, stroll along the beach at Puerto Villamil, explore the little port or just take it easy in the afternoon. Enjoy an evening drink while catching the sunset – a veritable artist’s palette of pinks, lilacs and golds.
Scalesia Lodge an exciting new property enveloped by natural forest outside the little town of Villamil on Isabela Island in the Galápagos Islands. It’s an innovative mix of style and design, with an ultra-contemporary, glassy main building housing the restaurant and lounge areas and safari camp-style tents providing the accommodation, each fully equipped with modern private facilities. The décor and furnishings throughout are simple but pleasingly up-to-date, creating a fresh and airy ambiance in what is often hot, tropical weather.
It’s an easy going place; you can tailor-make your experience choosing from a range of excursions and activities on the islands including hikes and volcano visits as well as wildlife-spotting.
For a more in-depth Galápagos visit, consider combining your stay with a few days at Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island (linked by air), and get to know another island with a good menu of activities to choose from.
Today will feature exploration of both the Galápagos National Park and the Marine Reserve. From Puerto Villamil it’s just a short boat ride to the islets of Tintoreras, ringed by coves and hidden beaches. You take a guided walk to observe marine iguanas, various species of sea birds and sea-lions, and basking white-tipped reef sharks.
There will also be a boat ride where you can look out for penguins. Your guide will then take you to the aquamarine waters of La Calera or Loberia Chica for some snorkelling among marine turtles, rays, reef fish, starfish and octopus. There’s also a visit to the turtle breeding centre.
In the afternoon you can discover a melancholy bit of the history of Isabela Island at the Wall of Tears, constructed between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners in the now defunct penal colony on the island.
Scalesia Lodge an exciting new property enveloped by natural forest outside the little town of Villamil on Isabela Island in the Galápagos Islands. It’s an innovative mix of style and design, with an ultra-contemporary, glassy main building housing the restaurant and lounge areas and safari camp-style tents providing the accommodation, each fully equipped with modern private facilities. The décor and furnishings throughout are simple but pleasingly up-to-date, creating a fresh and airy ambiance in what is often hot, tropical weather.
It’s an easy going place; you can tailor-make your experience choosing from a range of excursions and activities on the islands including hikes and volcano visits as well as wildlife-spotting.
For a more in-depth Galápagos visit, consider combining your stay with a few days at Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island (linked by air), and get to know another island with a good menu of activities to choose from.
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted back to Puerto Villamil’s airport. A short flight will take you back to Baltra, where you board the motor yacht Sea Lion for a short cruise to North Seymour Island. Marvel at the sight of Galápagos sea lions and fur seals, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Torchwood trees and prickly pears, pillow lava boulders and white sand add to an unforgettable landscape.
In the afternoon cruise to Itabaca Channel and drive across the island Santa Cruz to reach Puerto Ayora, the islands’ largest settlement, a lively town with many shops, bars and restaurants.
This beautiful beachfront hotel is located near the main settlement of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This unique volcanic archipelago presents visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible diversity of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas and boobies.
While most explore the islands on a cruise, Finch Bay is an excellent option for those preferring a land-based stay, or indeed for anyone who likes the idea of seeing the Galápagos from both perspectives.
Its rooms and suites are simply furnished with private bathrooms, a terrace or balcony and air-conditioning. It sits near the beach, a short water taxi transfer from the town, and offers guests a large pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, restaurant, bar and large sun terrace to supplement the attractions of the lovely sands on the water’s edge.
After breakfast, you set off for El Manzanillo. Situated in Santa Cruz’s rugged highlands, which are blanketed in grassland dotted with palms, Manzanillo is within the natural path of one of the species of giant tortoise. A short walk will lead you to the grazing areas and water ponds where these giant reptiles roam at liberty and wallow in pools. The cooler uplands are also home to many interesting land birds, plants and trees exclusive to the archipelago.
You will stop briefly at the volcanic ‘Gemelos’, or Twin Craters (actually collapsed magma chambers surrounded by Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids, where there is a good opportunity to observe Darwin’s finches). In the afternoon, you will stop briefly at a farm where tropical crops such as sugar and cocoa are cultivated before returning to enjoy the hotel facilities.
This beautiful beachfront hotel is located near the main settlement of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This unique volcanic archipelago presents visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible diversity of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas and boobies.
While most explore the islands on a cruise, Finch Bay is an excellent option for those preferring a land-based stay, or indeed for anyone who likes the idea of seeing the Galápagos from both perspectives.
Its rooms and suites are simply furnished with private bathrooms, a terrace or balcony and air-conditioning. It sits near the beach, a short water taxi transfer from the town, and offers guests a large pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, restaurant, bar and large sun terrace to supplement the attractions of the lovely sands on the water’s edge.
After breakfast, board the yacht Sea Lion and cruise to Santa Fé, an impressive volcanic island 16nm from Puerto Ayora. After a wet landing on a pure white sandy beach among basking sea lions, you take as guided walk along a rocky terrain in search of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana patiently waiting under the enormous giant cacti for falling fruits and pads.
Other species to be spotted are pelicans, boobies and the archipelago´s top predator, the Galápagos hawk. Return to the yacht and enjoy one of Galápagos best snorkelling sites. Cruise back to Puerto Ayora, scanning the sea’s surface for marine birds and whales. Enjoy cocktails around the pool and stay for dinner or make it a night out in town.
This beautiful beachfront hotel is located near the main settlement of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This unique volcanic archipelago presents visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible diversity of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas and boobies.
While most explore the islands on a cruise, Finch Bay is an excellent option for those preferring a land-based stay, or indeed for anyone who likes the idea of seeing the Galápagos from both perspectives.
Its rooms and suites are simply furnished with private bathrooms, a terrace or balcony and air-conditioning. It sits near the beach, a short water taxi transfer from the town, and offers guests a large pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, restaurant, bar and large sun terrace to supplement the attractions of the lovely sands on the water’s edge.
After breakfast you’ll leave for Tortuga Bay, voted Ecuador´s best beach. Take a guided walk from Puerto Ayora for 2Km along a paved path to discover more about the arid zone´s deciduous forest and its wildlife inhabitants.
You reach Playa Brava, a stunning 1km long snow-white beach, a seasonal nesting site for the green sea turtles. A few minutes further on Playa Mansa, a secluded natural mangrove cove, has clear and tranquil waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddling on tandem kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Or simply enjoy the landscape in the shade of mangroves.
Sail back to The Hotel´s dock at Academy Bay. In the afternoon, you can stroll around the Charles Darwin Research Station where the conservation programme for the giant tortoises was founded.
This beautiful beachfront hotel is located near the main settlement of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This unique volcanic archipelago presents visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible diversity of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas and boobies.
While most explore the islands on a cruise, Finch Bay is an excellent option for those preferring a land-based stay, or indeed for anyone who likes the idea of seeing the Galápagos from both perspectives.
Its rooms and suites are simply furnished with private bathrooms, a terrace or balcony and air-conditioning. It sits near the beach, a short water taxi transfer from the town, and offers guests a large pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, restaurant, bar and large sun terrace to supplement the attractions of the lovely sands on the water’s edge.
Transfer to Baltra Island airport and fly to the mainland to connect with your international flight or continue with an extension in Ecuador.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Quito
Quito, Ecuador built around colonial history and Andean drama, sharing the highland valley. At 2,850m and ringed by volcanoes, the historic centre mixes cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and colourful churches with a modern city beyond. Quito holidays combine both, and work just as a standalone city break or the start of a longer trip.
- Isabela (Albemarle)
Active volcanoes and dramatic lava flows give Isabela Island the most striking landscapes in the Galápagos. Around Puerto Villamil, spot flamingos in coastal lagoons and giant tortoises at the breeding centre. Further afield, Punta Vicente Roca is one of the Galápagos’ outstanding marine sites, making Isabela Island an unforgettable addition to any Galápagos holiday.
- Santa Cruz Island (Indefatigable)
Over 12,000 residents live in Puerto Ayora with services for visitors who board cruise vessels or stay in hotels and in the highlands There are lava tunnels to explore and giant tortoises to spot roaming wild in the mountains.
- Santa Fe (Barrington)
An exquisite island with a turquoise lagoon. Some of the giant cacti here grow 10m high. Some rocks are 4 million years old. A couple of trails lead past sea-lion colonies inland.
Hop between islands on this innovative lodge-based holiday with guided explorations by motor yacht and by hiking, snorkelling and kayaking to observe wildlife and wild volcanic landscapes.
For a while now you could visit the Galápagos by expedition cruise, or base yourself at a lodge or hotel on one of the islands. Now you can combine the experience with a few days staying at top quality lodges on two contrasting islands, but also make day visits to other sites by motor yacht.
This way you get the best of both worlds. Based at your lodges, you venture forth to explore an active volcano, and visit many other sites within the National Park and Marine Reserve in search of wildlife. These excursions offer you the opportunity for more active experiences (some included, others charged locally) such as snorkelling, paddling, kayaking, cycling and walking than you’d get on some cruise-only holidays.
Finch Bay Eco Hotel (Santa Cruz Island) is in a tranquil location close to the Galápagos principal town Puerto Ayora and a lovely beach, while Scalesia Lodge has you glamping in luxury fixed tents in the highlands of Isabela Island.
Mary Anne Nelson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
10 days, 9 nights: Quito 2; Isabela Island 3; Santa Cruz Island 4.
- Accommodation
We use a mix of hotel standards from mid-range upwards, choosing accommodation we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties will vary in heritage from modern to traditional-style countryside properties (haciendas). but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. Accommodation in the Galapagos includes a deluxe tented lodge on Isabela Island and a first class beachside eco-lodge on Santa Cruz Island.
- Transport
4 flights (longest 2-3hrs).
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board at Scalesia Lodge
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- Altitude
Your stay in Quito (2,800m) is at high altitude. Please refer to the Country Information page or your briefing dossier for further information on altitude, including how to avoid and treat altitude sickness.
- When is the best time to visit Ecuador and Galapagos?
The country is an all-year-round destination. The highlands, at about 2,800m but astride the Equator, have a permanent spring-like climate. Most days have a sunny morning but there may be rain in the afternoon. The coast is very hot (30°C) and humid from Jan-Apr. It’s a bit cooler and drier from May-Dec. The jungle is hot and humid all year.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is Spanish.
- What is the official currency in Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card.
- What is the time difference between Ecuador and Galapagos and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is GMT-5 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Ecuador and the Galapagos?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Ecuador and Galapagos?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Ecuador and Galapagos?
The Galápagos Islands, (1.5 – 3 hours by air from Guayaquil of Quito); a tour in Colombia to the north, with daily flights from Bogotá to Quito taking just 1.5 hours; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Lima to Quito take 2 hours 20mins).
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Ecuador?
There are carnivals throughout the country, usually around February-March. Be warned that the boisterous festivities include water fights from which no visitor is safe.
Semana Santa (Easter) takes place throughout the country usually between March-April. There will be religious processions throughout this period.
Todos los Santos (all souls day, day of the dead) is also celebrated throughout the country on the 2nd November. Flower laying ceremonies in will take place in cemeteries. These are particularly striking in rural areas.
- How do I adapt to the altitude in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s high Andean spine is bookended by the Pacific coast and Amazon Rainforest, with Quito at 2,850m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking. We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the historic centre of the Ecuadorian capital in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Stroll with sea birds and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas on guided expeditions in the pristine natural wonderland of the Galápagos.
Explore the Galápagos Islands on an hotel- based holiday hopping from island to island by boat, with the opportunity to hike, bike, kayak and snorkel.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Scalesia Lodge is an innovative new property on Isabela island, where you sleep in spacious and stylish safari-style tents enveloped by tropical forest and enjoy the restaurant and lounges in a smart, contemporary building with great views.
Finch Bay is a small beachfront hotel catering for guests individually with an array of excursions and activities to choose from. A stay here is a great alternative or complement to a cruise if you want to explore an island more intimately.
Small boutique-style colonial mansion conversion mixing traditional features with bold design choices, including an impressive living wall and striking viewpoint room.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Ecuadorian Amazon
The rainforest of the Amazon of Ecuador, whence spring rivers which flow down to the Amazon proper, is conveniently accessible from Quito. Following a short flight and canoe trip you arrive at Sacha Lodge to begin your jungle adventures. Day 1: A 35min flight takes you over the snow-capped Andes to Puerto Francisco de Orellana,…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
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