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Land-Based Safari

Galapagos Islands

The perfect expedition for anyone who doesn’t wish to stay aboard a ship. Explore the incredible islands of the Galapagos staying in a variety of unique accommodation.

Take in the highlights of Quito on a historic city tour. Sleep on the slopes of a volcano in the highlands of Isabela Island. Your safari-style camp is the best place to explore this exciting island. Take the chance to hike to the most active volcano in the Galapagos Islands, Sierra Negra. You’ll take a kayaking adventure to drift alongside Galapagos Penguins – a species only found in specific parts of the archipelago.

Observe giant tortoises at the breeding center which is working towards increasing the number of this endemic species. Take daily tours by kayak and yacht to visit the national parks to find fur seals, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas and so much more.

St Galapagos Sea Turtle Shutterstock Laverne Nash

Galapagos Islands Land Iguana Will Bolsover

WHY BOOK THIS TRIP

Stay in a historic Jesuit house in Quito's historical center.
Experience safari-style tents in the Galapagos highlands and a beachfront eco-resort with wellness options.
Explore volcanoes, coral gardens, and massive walkable lava tunnels.
Encounter giant tortoises, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and snorkel with turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Your Day By Day Itinerary

Here's an example of how your adventure might unfold:

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred into the Old Town of Quito to your historic boutique hotel. Take some time to relax and adjust to the altitude before your city tour tomorrow.

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

Where to Go

Quito

The atmospheric Old Town of Quito is a mesmerising place of grandiose buildings, immense green plazas and brilliantly white cathedrals, all worthy of exploring as part of your visit to Ecuador. Set at a dizzying altitude of nearly 3000 metres, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is surrounded by volcanoes and the Andes mountain range. It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by the views of the city, sprawled along the sides of the long, narrow valley that envelops it. The many panoramic vantage points to be found make it one of the most spectacular settings to be found all South America’s major cities

Day 2: Quito City Tour

Stroll the cobbled street with your guide who will point out historic churches and fine examples of colonial architecture. From the top of the hill in the south of the city, take in spectacular views across and admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo.

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

Isabela Island

The sea-horse shaped island of Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands and at only one million years of age, it is also one of the youngest. Thought by many to be the most beautiful, Isabela is home to the typical white-sandy beaches, palm trees, rocky islets and mangroves you would expect from a pacific island. Despite being the largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is one of the least visited as the main areas of interest are so far apart. Usually, it is only accessed by those on faster ships or on longer itineraries, stopping at Isabela on either side of a visit to Fernandina Island.

Day 3, Quito – Baltra – Isabela

Today you’ll be transferred from Quito back to the airport in time for your flight to Baltra. You’ll take a connecting flight onwards to Isabela where you’ll experience your first lodge activity in the highlands.

Accommodation: Scalesia Lodge

Santiago Island

Santiago Island is popular on Galapagos expeditions for those close encounters with the un-fearing wildlife. The island has a volcanic landscape, with cliffs and pinnacles attracting quite a few species of marine bird. A stop here offers the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters with the Galapagos fur seal, the world's smallest fur seal.

Days 4-5, Exploring Isabela & Nearby Islands

Over the next few days choose from a wide range of activities at your safari style camp. Climb Sierra Negra, the second largest volcanic crater in the world, snorkel through lava tunnels with mantra rays. Observe marine life such as white tipped reef sharks, octopus and starfish as well as birdlife on Tintoreras. Learn to surf or kayak, cycle to the wall of tears – looking out for giant sleeping tortoise along the way.

Accommodation: Scalesia Lodge

Pinta Island

The rugged Pinta Island is the northernmost of the main Galapagos group. Named Abingdon Island by the English, after the Earl of Abingdon, Pinta Island has no visitor sites, it does have some landing sites, however a special permit is required from the Galapagos National Park authority to go ashore.

Pinta Island is a shield volcano with numerous young lava flows and fissures, its landscapes relatively arid and dry.

How to Get to Pinta Island

Unfortunately, Pinta Island cannot be visited on a normal Galapagos Island cruise, but it is worth mentioning for its most famous resident, Lonesome George, the last ever Pinta tortoise.

Day 6, Isabela – Santa Cruz Island

After your final breakfast in the forest you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight back to Baltra where you’ll be picked up and transferred to your eco hotel to Puerto Ayora, where you’ll take a five minute water taxi to your hotel.

Accommodation: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Wildife

GAL St Galapagos Humboldt Penguin Shutterstock Jgolby

Wildlife in Galapagos Islands

The overwhelming biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's seminal book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection". Such is the extent of the rigorous protection and respect for these islands that visitation numbers are tightly regulated, and the inimitably photogenic wildlife is fearless of man; a place where nature and man enjoy a rare equilibrium. Nowhere on earth is it possible to observe so many of the planet’s species at unfeasibly close range as the Galapagos Islands, which justifies its unwavering popularity as the pinnacle destination of any wildlife holiday.

Days 7-9, Exploring Finch Bay & Galapagos National Park

Spend two of your days exploring the National Park on the hotel’s private yacht – the itinerary will depend on when you travel days are but can include Sante Fe, South Plaza and North Seymour Islands. You’ll discover volcanic landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. On one of your days here we recommend taking a kayaking trip to Bahia Divine -this beautiful cove is a natural haven for wildlife.

Accommodation: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Discover the Wonders of Galapagos Birdlife

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galapagos bird life is its diversity; the islands are home to over 60 bird species, with nearly half being endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

Best Time To Go

Best Time To Go To Galapagos

The best time to go to the Galapagos Islands is between December and June. The archipelago does not experience any particularly drastic changes in climate throughout the year due to it straddling the equator; however, there are two distinct seasons, although the differences between them are less pronounced than in many other places.

Learn more

Day 11, Depart Quito

Today make the short journey back to Quito airport for your international flight home.

Your Accommodation List

La Casona de la Ronda

Originally a Jesuit house built in 1738, a stay here is a step back in time to Ecuador’s rich history. This boutique hotel focuses on an authentic atmosphere in the heart of the colonial centre, the bright interior courtyard has been beautifully restored. You’ll be taken well care of by their friendly staff.

Scalesia Galapagos Lodge

Hidden within 40 acres of forest with spectacular views over the coast of Isabela Island and the pacific ocean you will find Scalesia Lodge. With just sixteen safari style tents, each with a deck surrounded by lush vegetation. Their naturalist guides will give you a fascinating insight into the unique geography and wildlife of the island.

Finch Bay Hotel

Within walking and hiking distance of some of the island’s best attractions such as Tortuga Bay beach, the Charles Darwin Research Station and Las Grietas there’s so much to do if you can tear yourself away from your balcony’s hammock. There are bountiful wellness activities on offer on top of all the wildlife excursions to discover.

Wyndham Quito Airport

A contemporary business hotel, this is your best choice for a stay close to the airport for connecting flights during your Ecuador adventure. Enjoy 24-hour room service and mountain views from your spacious room.

LocationGALAPAGOS ISLANDS