Escape Freedom in the Galápagos 8 days
8 days in the Galápagos between Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal. Volcanoes, lava tunnels, giant tortoises and freedom to set your own pace on the program.
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 itinerary invites you to discover three islands in the Galápagos archipelago: Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal. A route designed to explore different facets of the archipelago, between volcanic landscapes and wildlife observation.
The journey alternates guided excursions and free time, allowing you to enjoy the planned visits while retaining moments to discover each island at your own pace.
From Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal, via Isabela, you gradually change environments at each stage before returning to Quito at the end of your stay.
A circuit that thus offers a balance between guided discovery and independence, to explore the Galápagos without multiplying constraints and fully enjoy each stage.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Quito, Baltra & Santa Cruz
We begin our journey in Quito, the capital of Équateur. We are transferred to the airport at first light.
From there we take a flight that will take us to the Galapagos Islands (duration of 2 to 3 hours).
You dedicate this day to exploring the upper part of the island, starting with Los Gemelos, "the twins". These two volcanic depressions are surrounded by dense vegetation that reflects the natural wealth of this part of the Galápagos.
You then head out to meet the Galápagos giant tortoises, which you will be able to observe in their natural habitat.
Entrance is to be paid on site ($10).
The day continues with the exploration of the lava tunnels, remarkable for their scale and depth. Their discovery provides a better understanding of the volcanic origins and formation of the Galápagos Islands, which began several million years ago.
You then join Puerto Ayora, where you settle into your hotel for two nights.
You have free time to visit the Charles-Darwin scientific station, established in 1961. This center is dedicated to research and conservation of the Galápagos Islands and hosts scientists from around the world.
A trail also allows you to discover the characteristic flora of the Galápagos during a botanical walk among different species representative of the archipelago.
Santa Cruz Island in Free Discovery
You enjoy a free day on Santa Cruz Island to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
You can reach Tortuga Bay on foot by crossing the dry tropical forest. There, you discover a white sand beach where you can observe iguanas as well as many birds, including blue-footed boobies.
To complete this day, you have the option to go kayaking ($20 per hour).
The Tunnels of Isabela
Ile Isabela → Santa Cruz Island
Early morning departure from Santa Cruz by fast boat, in shared service, heading to Isabela Island. After approximately two hours of navigation, you reach the largest island of the Galápagos archipelago.
Isabela is formed by six volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Équateur, Sierra Negra and Wolf. Its size and the diversity of its environments explain the richness of its flora and fauna.
Upon arrival on the island, you have a short time to drop off your luggage before heading out to explore the Tunnels.
You then board to reach the tunnels, a site shaped by ancient lava flows that created a series of arches and tunnels, both on the surface and underwater.
You enjoy a snorkeling session in shallow, clear and calm waters. You will be able to observe penguins, turtles, seahorses and manta rays. Then you continue sailing to another site to observe birds, turtles and sharks.
A picnic lunch is served on board, before your return to Isabela in early afternoon.
You then have free time and can discover Concha Perla.
Hiking to Sierra Negra Volcano and Sulfur Mines
Departure from your hotel to reach the Sierra Negra volcano and its caldera, the second largest in the world. The hike allows you to discover the different vegetation levels of the upper part of Isabela Island and observe the fumaroles and lava flows from various volcanic eruptions.
From the caldera, you descend to the bottom of the crater before crossing drier landscapes and recent lava flows to reach a sulfur mine. You then return to the vehicle and to Puerto Villamil.
The afternoon is free to discover the island at your own pace. Among the suggested activities: kayaking and snorkeling at Tintoreras, swimming and snorkeling in Concha Perla bay, mountain biking from the beaches to the Wall of Tears, or exploring the mangroves that surround the island's beaches.
From Isabela to San Cristóbal by Plane
Ile Isabela → Ile San Cristóbal
You enjoy a free morning in Isabela before continuing your journey to San Cristóbal.
At 2:00 PM, you board a small 5/9-seater plane for a 45-minute flight to San Cristóbal. Upon arrival, you proceed freely to your hotel/hostel.
In the late afternoon, meet at the Ecofishing agency office to prepare for your sea excursion scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
Free day in San Cristóbal
You enjoy a free day to discover San Cristóbal Island at your own pace.
You can visit the environmental interpretation center, dedicated to the origin and evolution of the species that make up the fauna and flora of the archipelago.
A marked trail also allows you to reach Tijeretas Bay, where you can snorkel with the turtles.
You can continue your exploration on Carola Beach, frequented by sea lions and turtles, or enjoy Mann Beach, located just opposite the interpretation center.
San Cristóbal - island tour
In the morning, you embark on a complete discovery of San Cristóbal Island by boat, during a 360° tour.
Your navigation passes notably by León Dormido, "the sleeping lion", a rock formation 150 meters high located in the open sea. You will be able to observe the many seabirds that come to nest there.
During this day, you also enjoy three snorkeling sessions at different sites and a stop on a beach.
A picnic meal is served on board.
Back in Quito
San Cristóbal Island → Quito
You enjoy a last free morning in San Cristóbal. You can visit La Lobería or Carola Beach to observe the many sea lions on the island.
You then freely make your way to San Cristóbal airport for your flight to Quito, with a short stopover in Guayaquil.
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 from Quito to Baltra (Santa Cruz) then from San Cristobal to Quito. Expect approximately 500usd$
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $200.
- Ingala Migration Map: $20.
- Port fee Isabela: $10.
- Baltra-Canal Transfer: $6.
- Water taxi: $1 per port.
- All meals and dinners except those indicated in "What's Included".
- Drinks & tips.
- Everything that is not listed in "the price includes".
Included
- Private transfer Day 1 to Sta Cruz.
- Navigation in shared services as indicated in the itinerary.
- Small aircraft with 6/9 seats for air transfer from Isabela to San Cristobal.
- Spanish/English guide during excursions – Days 3, 4 and 7.
- Accommodation: base single room with breakfasts in the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent.
- 2 picnic meals on board during excursions – Days 3 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
Concernant l’achat de billets d’avion :
Annulation : 100 % du prix du billet, car les billets achetés sont non remboursables.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Ecuador for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
To date, this exemption allows for a stay of up to 90 days per 12-month period on Ecuadorian territory.
The authorities may also request:
a return ticket or proof of onward travel (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Ecuador.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Ecuador for travelers coming from Europe or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
yellow fever (recommended for certain regions of the country, particularly in the Amazon),
typhoid,
hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. Ecuadorian authorities may also request documents certifying the minor's family situation.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should consult the embassy or consulate of Ecuador in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have coverage for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage options and rates, please follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these policies, the full policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
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
