Value Galapagos: Budget cruising in the Enchanted Islands
10 days from £5,030
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.
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s captivating Andean capital, perched dramatically at 2,850 metres above sea level – making it one of the highest capitals on Earth. The city stretches along a narrow valley beneath the watchful presence of Guagua Pichincha, an active volcano that dominates the skyline. Quito is a city of contrasts: its modern sector gleams with glass-fronted towers, bustling commercial centres, and cosmopolitan restaurants, while the historic heart – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is a treasure trove of colonial splendour. Here, cobbled streets wind past elegant Spanish-style mansions, ornate churches, and lively plazas filled with open-air markets, offering a glimpse into centuries of tradition amid the rhythm of contemporary life.
The Casa Gardenia is a little boutique-style bed and breakfast hotel, located uphill from the historic centre of Quito. It has spectacular views out over the city from the comfy sofa on the rooftop balcony – these are particularly magical at night when the city is ablaze with lights.
The property is imaginatively designed to combine traditional taste and style with contemporary flair, retaining the traditional balconies and original adobe walls of the old building. Service is particularly attentive, with all the staff really eager to please, and English is spoken.
Enjoy a half day walking tour exploring the colonial treasures of Quito’s historic centre. Stroll along narrow cobblestone streets framed by whitewashed façades, while the elegant spires and domes of centuries-old churches rise above. The route takes you through the city’s main plaza, home to the Government Palace and the Cathedral, before continuing to some of Quito’s most iconic religious landmarks from the 16th and 17th centuries. Highlights include the grand San Francisco Monastery and the striking Basilica del Voto Nacional, renowned for its unusual gargoyles inspired by Ecuador’s native wildlife.
The Casa Gardenia is a little boutique-style bed and breakfast hotel, located uphill from the historic centre of Quito. It has spectacular views out over the city from the comfy sofa on the rooftop balcony – these are particularly magical at night when the city is ablaze with lights.
The property is imaginatively designed to combine traditional taste and style with contemporary flair, retaining the traditional balconies and original adobe walls of the old building. Service is particularly attentive, with all the staff really eager to please, and English is spoken.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Embark on your explorer for your 8 day cruise around the archipelago.
The Galápagos expedition cruiser Cachalote Explorer was originally constructed in Canada in 1988 as a fishing boat, and externally its tubby frame still recalls its original purpose, offering guests a real nautical experience. Inside, the eight cabins, renovated in 2018, are spacious and bright, with sailor-blue décor and porthole windows with en suite bathroom and air-conditioning. There’s a large dining area cum-saloon. It’s a great budget choice for you if you are looking for an friendly, informal and intimate experience in the archipelago, and the opportunity to get to know your like-minded fellow guests.
The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean six million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique animal and plant species.
The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘The Origin of the Species’, published in 1859. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you to approach them and observe them up close.
Although geologically constantly on the move, these islands remain suspended in time, with giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, frigate birds, waved albatross and blue-footed boobies and a wealth of rare flora all thriving there. For many, the fascinating and unique wildlife and natural beauty of the islands are matched by the thrill of being at sea. Find a spot on deck as you make your way through the ocean, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.
The itinerary for your days in the Galápagos will depend on your date of departure and is subject to change. There are normally two landings a day to seek out the different types of wildlife which inhabit the islands.
The Galápagos expedition cruiser Cachalote Explorer was originally constructed in Canada in 1988 as a fishing boat, and externally its tubby frame still recalls its original purpose, offering guests a real nautical experience. Inside, the eight cabins, renovated in 2018, are spacious and bright, with sailor-blue décor and porthole windows with en suite bathroom and air-conditioning. There’s a large dining area cum-saloon. It’s a great budget choice for you if you are looking for an friendly, informal and intimate experience in the archipelago, and the opportunity to get to know your like-minded fellow guests.
Disembark and fly back to the mainland for your international flight home.
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.
It doesn’t have to break the bank to spend a whole week’s cruise observing the unique fauna of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. You’ll sail on a small motor cruiser offering the informal atmosphere favoured by those who prefer the laid-back approach of smaller craft to the larger luxury vessels. You will have ample opportunity to make new friends among people with shared interests. In addition to landings on the islands you will have the opportunity to snorkel or swim with sea-lions. Travel by night and awaken next day with a new island to discover.
Spend a day exploring the colonial capital, before heading across the ocean to embark on a cruise to see the greatest wildlife show on Earth. It was on a similar trip over 200 years ago that Darwin returned to the archipelago to write the seminal book ‘The Origin of the Species’. Step into his shoes and explore the diversity of land and marine life which inhabit these enchanting islands. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide range of bird, mammal, reptile and insect species in a hugely contrasting variety of natural habitats, not to mention a plethora of exotic flora. The twisted lava, dense forests and white sand beaches are a great attraction too, as are the snorkelling and swimming experiences.
Hannah Waterhouse
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.
- Transport
2 flights (longest 3hrs); 8 day cruise.
- Accommodation
This holiday incorporates a small mid-range hotel and a small motor yacht in the Galápagos.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 4-9.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors.
The sea can be choppy around the Galápagos islands.
- Summary Of Nights
10 days, 9 nights: Quito 2; Galápagos 7.
- Climate
In the Galápagos, from January to April it’s hot and the sun is relentless, with some sudden showers. May to July, and October to December is cloudier; August and September it’s often cloudy and cool, and a stiff breeze makes the waters choppier. High and Low seasons reflect demand rather than the best time to go. Many boats are in dry dock in September.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well on the Galápagos Islands. Long-sleeved shirts will protect you from insects and sun burn.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block, hat and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for ocean swimming (Galápagos). You can hire snorkelling equipment but may prefer to bring your own. Aqua-socks or rubber sandals are useful for embarking and disembarking on wet landings. Bring a light waterproof jacket in case of rain. For June to November departures, wetsuits are recommended, as the waters can be chilly for snorkelling.
Don’t forget your binoculars, camera, charger and cards.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America and Galápagos.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Ecuador is the US dollar; in the Galápagos it is the US dollar.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can spend as the dollar is the local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35 per day should cover the cost of good quality meals on those days in the holiday itinerary when not on the cruise, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the very best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP.
For admission to the Galápagos a yellow fever certificate is required for anyone over 1 year old coming from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
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.
- 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.
Discover the Galápagos Islands for yourself – this is one of the most sought-after experiences in travel, and the reality does not disappoint.
Spot birds on guided nature walks in the Galapagos Islands, visiting nesting and feeding sites.
Stroll with sea birds and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas on guided expeditions in the pristine natural wonderland of the Galápagos.
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
Cachalote Explorer is a converted fishing boat, renovated in 2018, offering economical cruises in the Galapagos for those who prefer a small vessel.
Casa Gardenia is a boutique-style bed and breakfast hotel overlooking Quito’s historic centre.
Papagaio
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