Explore Quito & the Galapagos

Day 1: Quito

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador!

At the airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team who will assist you with your luggage and transfer to your hotel. During the ride, you will receive a brief introduction of Quito and Ecuador along with valuable information regarding your stay in the country.

Day 2: Quito

For the traveler who wants to hit all the bucket list sites in a day… 

CITY TOUR + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD (HALF-DAY)
Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stand proud in the Middle of the World! 

Quito’s vibrant and welcoming Old Town invites you to stroll along its cobblestone streets, admire iconic churches and plazas, and learn about the cultural heritage. Walk around Independence Square, the main plaza, where folklore, history and everyday lives converge, surrounded by four buildings that serve as the pillars of Quito society: the Presidential Palace (Carondelet), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Quito and the Municipal Palace. Enter La Compañía Church, a Jesuit church bathed in gold leaf from tip-to-toe and one of the country’s finest structures and treasures. Discover the beauty and mystery inside San Francisco Church and Monastery — this iconic temple includes a visit to the Baroque church, an extensive museum of Colonial religious art and a wonderful choir. 

This day of exploration will also take you to one of the most iconic monuments of the city. If you are eager to get your photo taken with one foot in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere, then the Middle of the World monument awaits. Located just 8.3 miles (13.5 km) north of Quito, this monument honors the Geodesic Mission that established the shape of the Earth and latitude 0 in the 18th century. Depending on the time, you will be able to explore the surrounding small complex which features hand-crafted houses, a train station, the Cacao Plaza, Colonial Quito and the Planetarium. 

Day 3: South Plaza Island

Shuttle service from your hotel to the Airport of Quito. 

We remind you to be present at the airport 2h00m in advance to carry out the Check In processes. At the airport, will be able to assist you as to where to go for the special luggage X-ray that goes to Galapagos, they will also indicate the process of your TCT (Transit Control Card). Once at the LATAM counter, they will have to check their luggage.

The Flight operates from Quito to Baltra with layover in Guayaquil 

HUMBOLDT ISLES EXPEDITION

Venturing Into the Diverse Wilderness of Southeastern Galapagos

Baltra Airport on Baltra Island

Upon arrival, head directly to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. Your adventure starts with a welcome briefing, safety drill, cabin allocation, and lunch. Then, we’ll sail for our first afternoon exploration of South Plaza Island.

South Plaza Island

The island boasts turquoise waters contrasting against a volcanic landscape. Scarlet sesuvium succulents lead to a grove of prickly-pear cactus, home to colorful Galapagos land iguanas. Lively sea lion colonies and dancing seabirds can be found along the coast. This stunning island offers a perfect introduction to the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos archipelago.

Day 4: Santa Fe Island, San Cristóbal Island

Santa Fe Island

Explore Santa Fe Island, part of the “Humboldt quartet” of islands in the Galapagos. It’s a hotspot for genetic diversity and home to unique species like the Galapagos hawk and the elusive Santa Fe land iguana. Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and coastal exploration in the morning for a memorable visit.

Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat

After a fulfilling lunch, we visited Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos Islands. We then drove to Cerro, Colorado, to see the breeding center for giant tortoises in a captivating deciduous forest. The sanctuary is also home to various bird species. We ended the day by exploring the town and its surroundings.

Day 5: San Cristóbal Island

Punta Pitt

After arriving at Punta Pitt on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, you can enjoy a coastal trail with views of frigates and sea lions. Look out for various species of boobies. If the weather is good, you can take a panga ride or go snorkeling to explore marine life further.

Cerro Brujo

After lunch, take a dinghy ride to Cerro Brujo’s white coral beach, a haven for birdwatching and historical significance, as Charles Darwin explored it in 1835. Enjoy sightings of seabirds, shorebirds, and Galapagos sea lions.

Day 6: Española Island

Punta Suarez

Explore Punta Suarez in the morning to see unique lava terrain and remarkable seabird colonies. Keep an eye out for waved albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the stunning “blowhole” lava formation against the backdrop of the Humboldt Current. Look for colorful marine iguanas. This visit promises unforgettable encounters. End your morning adventure with a delightful lunch back on board.

Gardner Bay

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Gardner Bay’s pristine white coral beach. Here, you can observe playful sea lions, graceful mockingbirds, and charming finches or enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or a glass-bottom boat ride to explore marine life.

Day 7: End of Itinerary

Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island) / Baltra Airport

We visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise captive-rearing program, then traveled by bus across Santa Cruz Island and took a ferry to Baltra.

Flight from Baltra to Quito with layover in Guayaquil.  

Your Stay

2 Nights ( Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel)

Bed and Breakfast

4 Nights

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included

Your cabins

1x Luxury Cabin for Two in a Double Bed (ULAM2)

Yacht La Pinta

Yacht La Pinta offers a completely safe travel experience in the Enchanted Isles. Each cabin provides not only ample space and comfort but a spectacular view of the Galapagos Islands’ unique landscapes. The ship’s modern feel extends to its hot tub, cardio gym, and sundeck.

Land and aquatic activities – from hiking and coastal exploration to kayaking, snorkeling, and even paddleboarding – are complemented by a glass-bottom boat option for curious guests wishing to remain dry. All are accompanied by expert naturalist guides who will bring the stunning natural world of the Galapagos alive.

A splendid dining experience featuring delicious, healthy, and top-quality food along with tasty bar options makes the experience all the more enjoyable, whether traveling with friends, family, or by yourself. The vessel’s 24 cabins are divided into two categories, with four pairs of interconnecting cabins for groups.

Our selection of Galapagos itineraries provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy numerous, Galapagos National Park-approved activities