Essential Quito and Galapagos
Essential Quito and Galapagos
Essential Quito and Galapagos
6 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Galapagos, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur703
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Quito and Galapagos" tour, a captivating journey through Ecuador's most iconic destinations. Begin in Quito, nestled in the Andes Mountains, where you'll explore the historic downtown, visit La Ronda, and enjoy panoramic views from Penecillo Hill. Then, fly to the Galapagos Islands and discover the natural wonders of Santa Cruz. Walk the scenic trail to Tortuga Bay, relax on the beaches of Brava and Mansa, and marvel at the Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit the Charles Darwin Station and Tortoise Breeding Center for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Enjoy superior accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transportation throughout your adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: - Quito (Arrival)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2: Quito (B/-/-)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you may head on a guided city tour of Quito. The tour will begin with a visit to the downtown core, one of the biggest in South America. Your first point will be La Ronda, the oldest street in the city, which used to be home to musicians, poets, and politics back in time. Here, you will learn about the traditions of the city by first stopping in the gastronomic capsule for an explanation of the different local spices which are used for the typical Ecuadorian gastronomy (no tasting is included). Discover the house of handicrafts, made of metal and wood — most of them designed for the traditional churches and created by hand for furniture decoration. Then, visit Independence Square, surrounded by significant historical buildings. Visit the Cathedral (XVI Century), the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century) —one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Finally, drive to the viewpoint at the Penecillo Hill, where the Virgin of Quito lies, the most unique winged virgin of the world. Enjoy the wonderful view of the city and the surrounding mountains and volcanos.
Overnight in Quito
Day 3: Quito - Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz) (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the most famous Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel on the island of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you will head on a tour of the highlands where you will get the opportunity to see the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. After lunch in the Highlands, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Day 4: Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz) (B/-/-)
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trail to Tortuga Bay will start from the main street in Puerto Ayora and take about an hour of walking. The trail extends through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way. Arriving at Tortuga Bay Beach, you will find the first beach “Playa Brava”. This beach boats open waters and strong undercurrents which make it not recommendable for swimming. If you continue walking to the right side (15 minutes) you will arrive at “Playa Mansa”, the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, and taking photos. You will also find marine iguanas along the shore. From there, make your way to the Charles Darwin Station. The centre is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation, as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to see tortoises of different shapes and sizes. Travellers may freely walk and get their photos taken with the tortoises. Among other inhabitants at the centre, you can see the land and marine iguanas and different species of birds.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Day 5: Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz) (B/-/-)
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the island at your own pace, relax, or book an optional tour.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Day 6: Galapagos Islands - (B/-/-)
Location: Galapagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
05 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Meals
Daily buffet breakfast.
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Airport Transfers
All arrival and departure airport transfers.
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Transportation
All transportation in AC modern vehicles.
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Guided Tours
Services of English-speaking guide during the tours.
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Natural Bilingual Guide
Natural bilingual guide in Galapagos.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.
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Domestic Airfare
Domestic round-trip airfare to Galapagos Islands.
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Taxes
All local applicable taxes.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities.
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Galapagos National Park Fee
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person - to be paid locally in cash only).
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Transit Control Card
Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person).
Pre-tour purchase is mandatory.
$20 fee must be paid with the final payment 75 days prior to departure. -
Unlisted Items
Any items not mentioned as included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including airport transfers and domestic round-trip airfare to the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in listed hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including airport transfers and domestic round-trip airfare to the Galapagos Islands.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in listed hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Daily buffet breakfast is included in the tour package.
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Will there be a guide during the tours?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours, and a natural bilingual guide will be available in the Galapagos.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What additional costs should I be aware of?
Additional costs include personal expenses, tips and gratuities, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person, to be paid locally in cash), and the Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person, which must be purchased pre-tour and paid with the final payment 75 days prior to departure).
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What activities are planned for the first day in Quito?
On the first day, you will arrive in Quito, where you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
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What can I expect during the city tour of Quito?
The city tour of Quito includes visits to La Ronda, Independence Square, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church, and La Compañía de Jesus. You will also drive to the viewpoint at Penecillo Hill to enjoy a wonderful view of the city and surrounding mountains and volcanos.
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What will I see on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos?
On Santa Cruz Island, you will visit the highlands to see the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment, explore Tortuga Bay Beach, and visit the Charles Darwin Station and Tortoise Breeding Center.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, on Day 5, you will have a full day at leisure to explore Santa Cruz Island at your own pace, relax, or book an optional tour.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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