Escape and freedom in the Galápagos 8 days
Explore the Galápagos at your own pace.
Duration
8 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Navigation & Cruises
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This 8-day travel package is designed for those who want to discover the hidden treasures of the Galápagos archipelago islands.
Indeed, this stay takes every traveler from one peninsula to another where each stop offers a unique and tropical adventure. They will notably see Isabela Island with the richness of its marine depths. It's the ideal place to enjoy the pleasures of snorkeling. Next, they will make a stop at Santa Cruz to be able to walk its idyllic beaches. Then heading to San Cristobal to encounter its giant tortoises. As a self-guided tour, this excursion in Équateur will allow everyone to write their own vacation memories on the Galapagos Islands.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Quito, Baltra and Isabela Island
Quito → Baltra
We start our journey in Quito, the capital of Équateur. We are transferred to the airport at first light.
We take a flight there that will take us to the Galápagos Islands (duration of 2 to 3 hours).
This beautiful archipelago is made up of 13 islands, 17 islets and 47 volcanic reefs. It is located 1000 km off the equatorial coast. This magical destination lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1978. It stands out notably for its rich nature and the conservation of its continental biodiversity. Among the treasures it contains, we find its amazing fauna bringing together penguins, frigatebirds, giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, Darwin's finches, etc
Baltra → Isabela Island
Upon docking at Baltra, we are immediately transferred by boat to Isabella Island.
Hotel check-in.
We then set off to enjoy its Concha Perla bay. The clear and crystalline water offers pleasant swimming prospects. It is shallow and allows for snorkeling explorations to observe the seabed.
The Tunnels of Isabela
We take you by boat to « the tunnels », one of the famous sites on Isabela Island and also one of the most popular places in the archipelago for snorkeling in calm, shallow waters. This exceptional location is captivating for its surprising geological formations: its arches and tunnels are the result of a long sequence of lava flows. These sculptural works can be found both underwater and at the surface. In addition to offering a unique setting, this site attracts visitors for its many animal species (turtle, seahorse, manta rays, etc.).
We will have an hour to enjoy the pleasures of snorkeling, mask and snorkel in hand.
With a bit of luck and good weather conditions, we will sail to a bird watching spot, where we can observe sharks and turtles.
In the afternoon, return to Isabela.
Note: snorkeling equipment provided at the hotel, Wetsuit rental available, tunnel visit depending on weather conditions
Free day on Isabela Island
Of all the islands in the archipelago, Isabela is the largest. It is the result of the merger of 6 volcanoes, 5 of which remain active. It is the only Galápagos peninsula located on the axis of the Equator line.
Today, we will set out to discover this island, home to 4000 giant tortoises and other wildlife species. For this adventure, we will have a choice among several stops:
Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas). This name surely comes from the fact that this island was home to a penitentiary colony between 1945 and 1959. Today, only the ruins of a wall nicknamed "The Wall of Tears" remain. To access this place, you will need to walk 7 km along a trail from the hotel.
Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza (giant tortoise breeding center). This establishment aims to preserve endangered tortoises.
Los Humedales. This area offers us walking alternatives along trails bordered by very varied biodiversity.
Sierra Negra volcano. At an altitude of 1124 meters, this imposing relief presents itself as a very trekking walking option.
From Isabela to Santa Cruz
Isabela Island → Santa Cruz Island
Early in the morning, we board a boat for a 2-hour crossing. Our destination: the main island of the Galápagos, Isla Santa Cruz. It sits in the center of the archipelago and is home to several sea turtle breeding spots.
We will spend this day at leisure with a range of visits on hand (optional):
The Charles Darwin Research Station. This is a research center established in 1961. Scientists from all over the world gather here to study and preserve the life of the islands. Discovery of this place is done through a guided tour. Those who rush there will enjoy a botanical walk presenting the biodiversity specific to the Galápagos.
Tortuga Bay. This alternative takes us through a lush tropical forest. In addition to enjoying the "relaxing" atmosphere of this white sand beach, we set out to admire birds and iguanas
Santa Cruz Island in free discovery
Santa Cruz remains the most populated island in the archipelago. It contains many sites of interest that can brighten our free day including:
The Las Grietas Beach: this place stands out for its lava fissure setting. On site, we follow marked trails to enjoy the calm beaches of Loa Perros and Punta Estrada.
The El Chato Reserve: we go there by vehicle. Here, we set out without a guide to encounter sea turtles in captivity.
From Santa Cruz to San Cristobal
Santa Cruz Island → San Cristóbal Island
We set sail to reach the San Cristóbal Island. After 2 hours and 30 minutes of navigation by speedboat, we dock.
The program includes optional excursions:
At Cerro Tijeretas: we reach this site by taking a path lined with cacti and mangroves. Once there, we enjoy magnificent landscapes and white sand beaches. Among the most beautiful spots to see: Baquerizo Beach.
At the turtle breeding center, Galapaguera: created in 2002, this place exists to breed giant island tortoises on a large scale, which are threatened with extinction. On site, we will observe them thriving in an environment specially designed within the center. After this nature break, we are driven to Puerto Chino Beach.
San Cristobal Island: heading to El Leon Dormido
Today, a boat excursion. We are heading towards El Leon Dormido (the "sleeping lion") or Kicker Rock. This is an enormous volcanic tuff formation 150 metres high. It rises in the middle of the sea. It is the natural habitat of countless species of seabirds.
Back in Quito
San Cristóbal Island → Quito
We take you directly to San Cristobal airport. From there, we'll catch a flight to the Ecuadorian capital Quito. We arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the city center. End of trip!
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Flight ticket Quito/Baltra - San Cristobal/Quito
- Galápagos National Park entrance + Ingala migration card + Isabela: $125
- All taxis, Baltra-Canal transfers ($5), water taxis and other transfer fees
- All meals and dinners except 2 picnics
- Beverages & Tips
- Everything that is not listed in "the price includes"
Included
- Shared transfers and navigations as indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking Guide Days 2 and 7
- Accommodation: Standard double room with breakfasts at the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent
- 2 picnic meals taken on board on Days 2 and 7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Équateur dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Équateur, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours par période de 12 mois sur le territoire équatorien.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Équateur.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Équateur pour les voyageurs en provenance d'Europe ou du Canada, sauf en cas d'arrivée depuis un pays à risque de fièvre jaune, auquel cas un certificat de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune peut être exigé.
À titre préventif, il est recommandé de se renseigner auprès d'un médecin ou d'un centre de vaccination avant le départ, notamment concernant :
la fièvre jaune (recommandée pour certaines régions du pays, notamment en Amazonie),
la typhoïde,
l'hépatite A et l'hépatite B.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Les autorités équatoriennes peuvent également demander des documents justifiant la situation familiale du mineur.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de l'Équateur de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Ecuador visa-free, provided they present a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry, a return ticket, and mandatory travel insurance upon arrival. Visa exemption conditions and authorized stay lengths depend on nationality; check the rules applicable to your situation with the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 280 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. The Galápagos represent a separate budget (cruise or inter-island navigation).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match traveler profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Équateur
Accomplice in Ecuadorian adventures, based in Quito
Ecuador is a country where you can shift between completely different worlds in just a few hours. It's this constant diversity—between volcanoes, forests, villages, and encounters—that still fascinates me today.
— Carole
