Charting the Galapagos Islands
Journey to the equator and explore the wonders of Ecuador—including visiting the Galápagos Islands, some 620 miles off the country’s Pacific coastline. Retrace the footsteps of Charles Darwin by hiking, touring and even snorkeling. Some of the wildlife you may see include penguins, sea lions, turtles, blue-footed boobies, and other exotic birds. On the mainland, the girls will explore Quito, enjoy a Salsa dance lesson, and straddle the Equatorial Line with one foot on the northern hemispheres and one foot on the southern hemisphere.
The physical rating of this program is: Active: 3 (out of 3)
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Day 1: Fly to Ecuador
Arrive in Quito
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Day 2: Quito
Take a tour of Quito
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Independence Plaza
- Government Palace
Visit Santo Domingo Church
Take an excursion to the equatorial line
Visit the Intinan Museum
Participate in salsa dance lessons
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Day 3: Baltra • Isabela Island
Fly to Baltra
Continue on to Isabela Island
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Day 4: Isabela Island
Enjoy a full day of activities on Isabela Island:
- Explore a volcano walk and visit a pink flamingo habitat
- Enjoy a snorkeling excursion
- See local wildlife including: penguins, flamingos, sea lions, iguanas and exotic birds
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Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
Take a boat excursion to Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
Travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises
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Day 6: San Cristobal Island
Take a boat excursion to San Cristobal Island
Enjoy activities on San Cristobal Island:
- Hike up Tijeretas Hill
- Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center
- Take a snorkeling excursion
- Enjoy a coastal walk along La Loberia
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Day 7: San Cristobal • Quito
Spend the morning on San Cristobal Island:
- Choose between a walk to Punta Carol, a beach where you'll see exotic wildlife and fauna or
- Head in to town and explore the local crafts and shops
Fly to Quito
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Day 8: Quito
Visit Otavalo handicraft market
Visit Cotacachi leather market
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Day 9: Quito
Depart for home
-
Day 1: Fly to Ecuador
Arrive in Quito
-
Day 2: Quito
Take a tour of Quito
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Independence Plaza
- Government Palace
Visit Santo Domingo Church
Take an excursion to the equatorial line
Visit the Intinan Museum
Participate in salsa dance lessons
-
Day 3: Baltra • Isabela Island
Fly to Baltra
Continue on to Isabela Island
-
Day 4: Isabela Island
Enjoy a full day of activities on Isabela Island:
- Explore a volcano walk and visit a pink flamingo habitat
- Enjoy a snorkeling excursion
- See local wildlife including: penguins, flamingos, sea lions, iguanas and exotic birds
-
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
Take a boat excursion to Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
Travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises
-
Day 6: San Cristobal Island
Take a boat excursion to San Cristobal Island
Enjoy activities on San Cristobal Island:
- Hike up Tijeretas Hill
- Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center
- Take a snorkeling excursion
- Enjoy a coastal walk along La Loberia
-
Day 7: San Cristobal • Quito
Spend the morning on San Cristobal Island:
- Choose between a walk to Punta Carol, a beach where you'll see exotic wildlife and fauna or
- Head in to town and explore the local crafts and shops
Fly to Quito
-
Day 8: Quito
Visit Otavalo handicraft market
Visit Cotacachi leather market
-
Day 9: Quito
Depart for home
Interested in leading this tour?
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip airfare on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach; Internal flights; Boat
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Hotels
7 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
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Regional-style meals
Breakfast and dinner daily; 3 meals on Days 3-5
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Guided Sightseeing
2 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed guides
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Entrances
Santo Domingo Church; Intinan Museum; Charles Darwin Research Station
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.