Ecuador Galapagos Islands Land & Sea Multi-Adventure Tour
Culture in Quito, Galapagos Cruise on Alya & Isabela Island Boutique Hotel Stay
Experience the best of the Galapagos by land and sea, combining the incomparably rich wildlife sightings of a 5-day cruise with the active options and flexibility of a 3-day island stay. Begin with a carefully curated cultural immersion in UNESCO-listed Quito, then cruise the Galapagos Islands in style aboard the elegant 16-passenger catamaran Alya. Hike, snorkel, and kayak at Genovesa and other remote islands, for amazingly close wildlife encounters both underwater and on land. Top it off with an action-packed stay on Isabela, the archipelago's largest yet one of the least populated islands. From the comfort of your beachside ecohotel, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, snorkel amid tubes and bridges formed by lava flows, stroll the beach, and explore the charming town.
Experience the best of the Galapagos by land and sea, combining the incomparably rich wildlife sightings of a 5-day cruise with the active options and flexibility of a 3-day island stay. Begin with a carefully curated cultural immersion in UNESCO-listed Quito, then cruise the Galapagos Islands in style aboard the elegant 16-passenger catamaran Alya. Hike, snorkel, and kayak at Genovesa and other remote islands, for amazingly close wildlife encounters both underwater and on land. Top it off with an action-packed stay on Isabela, the archipelago's largest yet one of the least populated islands. From the comfort of your beachside ecohotel, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, snorkel amid tubes and bridges formed by lava flows, stroll the beach, and explore the charming town.
MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
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Highlights
Cruise to enchanting remote islands in the Galapagos aboard a 16-passenger luxury catamaran
Snorkel top locations with chances to swim with sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, and sea turtles
Hike a volcanic crater, snorkel lava flows, and stroll white sand beaches from your Isabela hotel
Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. An MT Sobek representative will meet you outside customs at the airport and escort you to your deluxe boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to unwind, take advantage of the spa services or begin your exploration of this dynamic city. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer from airport to hotel
Explore Quito's Old Town & Meet Local Artisans
Day 2
Set out this morning on a guided tour of colonial Quito. The city's UNESCO-listed old town contains the best examples of Colonial Baroque architecture in South America! After lunch at a local restaurant, participate in one of the interactive Illa Experiences and learn how local artisans make a local product using authentic ancestral methods. Gather for an evening briefing about the upcoming Galapagos portion of the adventure, followed by a special tasting dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel
Activity: AM 1-2 hours/1 mile walking in Quito Historic Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to the Galapagos Islands
Day 3
Rise for breakfast and an early transfer flight from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, take a short transfer from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island and board your private luxury catamaran. Enjoy an afternoon excursion by panga in Santa Cruz Island's Black Turtle Cove and see a variety of bird and small shark species, as well as sea turtles, in this protected mangrove lagoon. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.
Accommodation: Alya
Activity: PM panga cruise
Transportation: 1-hour private vehicle transfer, 2-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Rich Birdlife of Genovesa Island
Day 4
Genovesa Island is known as Bird Island and is one of the most interesting for visitors! Make a wet landing and hike along the north side of Darwin Bay, formed by the rim of a sunken crater. The highlight is the incredible abundance of red-footed boobies (rarely seen outside of Genovesa Island), great frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls. The bay also offers several places to snorkel or kayak, with opportunities to get close to wildlife such as Galapagos fur seals, and bird life. After lunch, explore the cliffs by panga before climbing Prince Phillip's Steps to the island's plateau. Walk through massive colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about. Snorkelers can explore below the cliffs, where there are chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions. Return to the boat for cocktail hour and dinner.
Accommodation: Alya
Activity: AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 3 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike & Snorkel on Santiago & Bartolome Islands
Day 5
Get a sense of the primordial beginnings of our planet, walking across a recent lava flow at Santiago's Sullivan Bay where dramatic contrasting black pahoehoe flow and the reddish-yellow tuff cones are the stars of this visit. You will also have the option to swim or snorkel where the sea is teaming with life. After lunch, make a wet landing at Bartolome Island, one of the best snorkeling locations in the Galapagos, not only for its clear and calm waters, but also because of the presence of Galapagos penguins, which are relatively easy to find while snorkeling, along with an incredible diversity of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks. End the day with a climb up to the pinnacle of this ancient cinder cone, with spectacular views of iconic Pinnacle Rock, as well as Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor.
Accommodation: Alya
Activity: AM 2 hours easy walk (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling; PM 1.5-hour easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sombrero Chino & Mosquera Islet
Day 6
This morning, anchor off the small islet of Sombrero Chino and make a wet landing on shore. Snorkel with Galapagos penguins along the cliff face or swim with sea lion pups - another highlight of the trip! On a guided walk, enjoy additional encounters with the colony of sea lions and their pups that often play along the coral beaches and tide pools, and marvel at the fantastic volcanic scenery. This afternoon, make a wet landing at Mosquera Islet, located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, and boasting a white sand beach framed by a reef of rocks and coral. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions in the archipelago, as well as several species of shore birds. Enjoy a final dinner on board tonight.
Accommodation: Alya
Activity: AM 1-1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling; PM 1 hour easy walk (1 mile)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Giant Tortoises in the Wild on Santa Cruz & Journey to Isabela Island
Day 7
Arrive this morning back at Santa Cruz Island. Disembark the Alya and transfer by private vehicle to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz for a special opportunity to see giant tortoises in their wild and natural habitat. The Galapagos Islands are named after these magnificent, ancient creatures and the experience with them is magical. Return to the port and board a privately chartered speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest of the islands, and transfer to your beachfront hotel in Puerto Villamil. Take the remainder of the day to swim and snorkel at the beach and explore the village with your guide. Be sure to keep an eye out overhead for blue-footed boobies and along the shoreline for Galapagos sea lions. Formed by six volcanoes, Isabela is home to roughly 60% of the flora and fauna found in the Galapagos.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Activity: AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile)
Transportation: 1-hour private vehicle transfer; 2.5-hour speedboat transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano
Day 8
Take an awe-inspiring hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano (4,890'), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. Hike two hours up a gradual incline to the massive crater's edge, walking among fumaroles and petrified lava formations. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands, and watch for endemic Galapagos hawks, martins, and vermilion flycatchers. From the top, you can hike back down or extend your hike by continuing along the crater's rim.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Activity: 4-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Snorkel at Los Tuneles
Day 9
Set out by privately chartered motorboat to Los Tuneles, a marine paradise where stunning natural tubes and bridges were formed by the impact of lava flows on ocean waves. Enjoy spectacular snorkeling in shallow, clear waters brimming with parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish, and green sea turtles, as well as manta rays and small white tipped sharks. It's an unforgettable experience to discover the diversity of species that have taken up residence in the unique geological formations of arches and tunnels both under and above water. Return to the hotel for a festive farewell evening. NOTE: the entrance to this site is shallow and the waves can be strong. If conditions prohibit the stop, we will substitute another snorkeling option on this day.
Accommodation: Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Activity: Snorkeling
Transportation: 2-hour speedboat transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from the Galapagos & Return to Quito
Day 10
Awake early to swim or take a nature walk before your transfer to Puerto Villamil airport for the short flight to Baltra, connecting with a flight back to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito Airport and provide assistance to meet your connecting late-night flight home, or opt to stay on in Quito for an exciting extension in Ecuador or Peru!
MT Sobek was one of the first North American companies to bring visitors to the Galapagos Islands, with an inaugural charter for the Sierra Club in 1970.
We charter truly small (maximum 16-passenger) deluxe vessels for a fully MT Sobek-operated experience with our own expert naturalist guide and a dedicated Quito office.
This trip is the perfect blend of cruise- and land-based explorations of the Galapagos Islands, with an exploration of historic Quito, joined into one deluxe adventure.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Luis D.
Luis was born in Seville, Spain, and graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid with a degree in Environmental Biology. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French and has guided in Galapagos since 1999. In addition to being a professional nature photographer, Luis has a Master's Degree in Geographic Ecology and is active with conservation groups. A born teacher, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge of Galapagos with people of all ages. He lives in Quito with his wife, twin sons, and daughter and is MT Sobek's head naturalist guide.
Fernando O.
Fernando is an Ecuadorian marine biologist who has worked and lived in Galapagos for over 25 years. An accomplished diver, he has enjoyed more than 5,000 dives in the Galapagos, Ecuador, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Baja California, Palau, Malaysia, and Costa Rica. He joined Conservation International in 2005 after working for the Galapagos National Park as Head of the Department of Control and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems. Fernando returned to guiding to re-encounter the environment that he is so passionate about and loves inspiring MT Sobek travelers on their adventures in the Galapagos.
Patricia S.
Patricia has been guiding diving trips in Galapagos since 1999. A native of Switzerland and originally a journalist for the Swiss News Agency, Patricia started her career in guiding as a divemaster in Honduras in 1995 and as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica. She is fascinated by wildlife, is a passionate teacher, and an active conservationist in the islands. As a resident of Galapagos, she will be able to give you an insider's viewpoint of life in the islands. Patricia is fluent in English, German, and French.
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[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => -.833
[Longitude] => -91.17
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[8] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 9
[DayTo] => 9
[Headline] => Snorkel at Los Tuneles
[ActivityOverview] => Snorkeling
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => Set out by privately chartered motorboat to Los Tuneles, a marine paradise where stunning natural tubes and bridges were formed by the impact of lava flows on ocean waves. Enjoy spectacular snorkeling in shallow, clear waters brimming with parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish, and green sea turtles, as well as manta rays and small white tipped sharks. It\'s an unforgettable experience to discover the diversity of species that have taken up residence in the unique geological formations of arches and tunnels both under and above water. Return to the hotel for a festive farewell evening. NOTE: the entrance to this site is shallow and the waves can be strong. If conditions prohibit the stop, we will substitute another snorkeling option on this day.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 2-hour speedboat transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => -1.03
[Longitude] => -91.23
)
[9] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 10
[DayTo] => 10
[Headline] => Depart from the Galapagos & Return to Quito
[ActivityOverview] =>
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] => Awake early to swim or take a nature walk before your transfer to Puerto Villamil airport for the short flight to Baltra, connecting with a flight back to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito Airport and provide assistance to meet your connecting late-night flight home, or opt to stay on in Quito for an exciting extension in Ecuador or Peru!
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 0
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour flight transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => -.147
[Longitude] => -78.453
)
)
[ActivityHighlight] => This trip is considered easy to moderate, which is usually appropriate for travelers in generally fit condition. Your days will be filled with nature walks on the islands, plus swimming, snorkeling, daily panga (zodiac) rides, and kayaking on the cruise portion. There is one moderate hike of 10 miles with gradual elevation change of 400\' up and down (and option to do a shorter version of the hike). Please note that terrain is often varied and uneven, and can be slippery.
[Trip_Level] => 2
)
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip is considered easy to moderate, which is usually appropriate for travelers in generally fit condition. Your days will be filled with nature walks on the islands, plus swimming, snorkeling, daily panga (zodiac) rides, and kayaking on the cruise portion. There is one moderate hike of 10 miles with gradual elevation change of 400' up and down (and option to do a shorter version of the hike). Please note that terrain is often varied and uneven, and can be slippery. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
AM 1-2 hours/1 mile walking in Quito Historic Center
Day 3
PM panga cruise
Day 4
AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 3 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling
Day 5
AM 2 hours easy walk (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling; PM 1.5-hour easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling
Day 6
AM 1-1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling; PM 1 hour easy walk (1 mile)
Day 7
AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile)
Day 8
4-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Day 9
Snorkeling
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Deluxe accommodations throughout, from a boutique hotel in Quito and a Galapagos catamaran with private balconies, to a premier beachfront lodge on Isabela Island.
Illa Experience is a deluxe boutique hotel with just 10 rooms, housed in a restored colonial mansion in the historic San Marcos neighborhood of Quito's Old Town. The family owners take great care in providing an immersive experience to capture the traditions, flavors, and scents of a local, traditional home, as well as chances to meet local artisans who make the neighborhood such a special place. The elegant contemporary rooms overlook the Old Town or quiet internal patios. An award-winning gourmet restaurant and rooftop bar celebrate local ingredients, and the spa features a Jacuzzi, sauna, and small fitness center, with massage treatments available.
Indulge in exceptional style and comfort aboard Alya, a 103-foot catamaran. Eight comfortable cabins each have a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, feather pillows and luxury cotton sheets. An additional ninth cabin is available for single accommodations, and is the only cabin with no private balcony. The lounge and deck areas are spacious and beautifully designed, with a Jacuzzi, movable sunroof, and indoor and outdoor dining options! Wi-Fi is available on board, and use of paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are included.
This premium small hotel occupies the island's best location, between a pristine beach and a wildlife filled natural lagoon, just outside the town of Puerto Villamil. The name derives from its strategic location next to the paths used by marine iguanas to cross from the wetlands to the beach, and guests can observe this daily pilgrimage. Rooms are spacious with ocean views and air conditioning. The excellent restaurant offers a variety of regional cuisine. An outdoor pool, terrace, and Jacuzzi all feature gorgeous views of the white sand beach, just steps away.
Weather
In Galapagos, Dec-May expect 76-86°F and water temperatures of 70-75°F. Jun-Nov expect 67-77°F and water temperatures of 65-72°F.
Jan
Mar
May
Dec
Galapagos
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Galapagos
85
70
88
75
78
72
84
70
Quito
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Quito
66
49
66
49
66
49
67
48
FAQs
How qualified are your guides in the Galapagos?
Our Galapagos Naturalist Guides are all rated Level 3 by the Galapagos National Park, which is the highest level of qualification, and means each guide has passed the Naturalist Level II course certifying that he/she has expert knowledge of the Galapagos Islands. This level guide will also hold a university degree in biology, biology related fields, and/or tourism, and must be fluent in 3 languages.
Do I need a wetsuit for snorkeling in the Galápagos?
With cooler water temperatures, most people prefer using a wetsuit. This way, you will enjoy snorkeling longer. Wetsuits rentals are included in our program price.
When is the best time to go to the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with something to see and do every month. The warmer season (December to May) is the best time for warmer, calmer seas and good underwater visibility. Late spring brings the mating and nesting season for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies! The water is choppiest in September.
How does MT Sobek support conservation in the Galapagos?
MT Sobek is a proud supporting travel partner of the Galapagos Conservancy. All of our highly-experienced naturalist guides are also active in conservation and work closely with the Galapagos National Park.
When and where should I arrive?
Arrive in Quito any time on Day 1. An MT Sobek representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Most flights from the US arrive late at night.
Am I able to extend my stay before or after my Galapagos cruise?
Absolutely! There are several ways to extend your stay in Ecuador and Peru before and after the trip. Visit the Hacienda Zuleta and Otavalo Market on our 2- or 3-day extension. We recommend a 4- or 5-day excursion to the Sacha Jungle Lodge in the Upper Amazon Rainforest, where we see toucans and monkeys among many other creatures. Or choose to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu on our 6-day extension in Peru.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
This trip is great for all ages and the standard minimum age for scheduled group departures is 8; for private departures, the minimum age is 6.