Quito & Galapagos Islands
Overview
Ecuador, your host country, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s truly unique, with four different and spectacular regions: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.
Each of these distinct worlds offers mind-boggling experiences. The Galápagos Islands are considered the living laboratory of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Many species here are found nowhere else. For instance, 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are native to only these islands.
This is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem it has to offer. We will hike, snorkel, and boat across the archipelago as we get to know the wildlife, locals, and remarkable landscapes.
Upon arriving in Ecuador, your Under30Experiences Trip Leader will greet you in Quito and prepare you to explore the capital city.
You'll be provided transportation to your hotel, where you can relax, catch your breath after your flight, and adjust to Quito's high altitude in the Andes Mountains.
Enjoy your first Ecuadorian dinner with your new friends in the evening while admiring the breathtaking landscape.
Get ready for an exciting day in Ecuador! You'll start with a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on Inca ruins, Quito proudly possesses one of Spanish America's best-preserved historic centers.
Explore the marvelous capital city, learn about its rich history from a local guide, and take in the views from the Virgin Mary statue perched high above the city.
Afterward, visit the Middle of the World, where you will stand on the equator and witness the uniqueness of this geographic landmark.
On the third day, you'll take an included flight 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to the incredible Galapagos Islands!
Your island adventure begins with a visit Las Grietas, a natural wonder with stunning rocky crevices filled with crystal-clear turquoise water.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the island on your own and settle into your surroundings.
Today, you will visit Manzanillo Ranch, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This ranch is known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, including Galápagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, and various bird species.
The area is rich in biodiversity, allowing you to observe and appreciate the endemic and native species up close.
In the afternoon, visit the famous and stunning Tortuga Bay beach, one of the archipelago's most extensive white sand beaches. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the beach. Look for marine iguanas, sharks, seabirds, and sea turtles.
Afterward, you can take a peaceful walk through a beautiful lagoon or visit the local sharks that come to the dock at night.
Visit the Charles Darwin Station to learn about the successful efforts to repopulate the islands with the once-endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoises.
In the afternoon, you will take a speedboat ride to San Cristóbal Island. Depending on the group energy you could visit the Interpretation Center this afternoon.
End your day by watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Galápagos.
This morning, you will visit Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe even the harmless Galápagos shark.
In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center and hike to Cerro Tijeretas, aka Frigate Bird Hill, where you will look for two species of frigate birds! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the hill, where you'll find several viewpoints offering stunning views of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the Pacific Ocean.
In the morning, explore El Junco, the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. Here, you can hike along scenic trails surrounding the crater rim, observing endemic bird species such as the Galápagos petrel and the frigate bird.
Enjoy a homemade lunch prepared by one of the oldest coffee farm families in San Cristobal, using primarily ingredients sourced from their farm. After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to learn about their sustainable farming practices, the entire coffee production process, and explore the fruit and vegetable plantations in the area.
End your day at La Loberia, one of the most magnificent beaches on the Galápagos Islands. It is renowned for its abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, and diverse aquatic species.
The included transportation will take you to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) where you'll catch your included local flight back to Quito.
Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, your Trip Leader will help direct you to your connecting flight back home.
We look forward to having you stay in touch.