Quito · Galapagos
Quito & Galapagos · Galapagos Legend South
8 days / 7 nights combining Quito with a Galapagos expedition cruise. Authentic quotation itinerary with handpicked hotels.
Visual Day-by-Day Route
Expedition Itinerary
DAY
01
Welcome to Quito & Private Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Quito & Private Hotel Transfer
Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.
Upon your arrival, a personal representative will give you a warm welcome in the arrivals hall and accompany you on a comfortable private transfer to your hotel. Rest, settle in, and acclimate to the Andean mountain altitude (2,850m / 9,350ft).
DAY
02
Middle of the World & Historic UNESCO Colonial Quito
Middle of the World & Historic UNESCO Colonial Quito
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out on an unforgettable journey through the Middle of the World. Our first stop is the Pululahua Crater, whose name means “smoke of water” in the indigenous Quichua language. Pululahua is an inactive volcano and one of the few places on Earth as spectacular as this natural wonder. It is also home to one of only two inhabited volcanic craters in the...
After lunch, the adventure continues with a transfer to Quito's historic center, the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Declared the first World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, this enchanting area invites you to step back in time and experience its narrow cobblestone streets, volcanic stone buildings, historic monasteries, and stunning baroque and gothic churches. Enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s m...
DAY
03
Galapagos Arrival & San Cristóbal Highlights
Galapagos Arrival & San Cristóbal Highlights
Galapagos Arrival & San Cristóbal Highlights Breakfast at the Hotel & Check-out Transfer to the airport for your flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands. Departure from Quito to San Cristobal Island (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by expert naturalist guides who will assist you and accompany you on a short transfer to the pier, where you this moment, enjoy your cruise experience with full board included. The Galáp...
, visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where you will gain valuable insight into the geological formation, history, and conservation of the Galápagos Islands. Continue with a hike to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), one of the few places where both species of frigatebirds—magnificent and great—can be observed nesting in the same area. During a walk of approximately 1 hour, enjoy panoramic views over the bay and learn about these fasc...
DAY
04
Española Island: & Wildlife & Pristine Beaches
Española Island: & Wildlife & Pristine Beaches
Española Island: Wildlife & Pristine Beaches Galapagos on Galapagos on
(Española Island) In the morning, relax at Gardner Bay, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Its long stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise waters creates an idyllic setting, perfect for unwinding after the morning’s exploration. This tranquil bay is home to a large colony of sea lions, often seen resting or playing along the shore. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach or take part in snorkeling activiti...
DAY
05
Floreana Island: & History & Wildlife
Floreana Island: & History & Wildlife
Floreana Island: History & Wildlife Post Office (Floreana Island) In the morning, visit Post Office Bay, home to the famous Post Office Barrel established in 1793 by whalers. This historic tradition continues today: visitors leave postcards and hand-deliver others, making it one of the most unique and interactive experiences in the Galápagos. Enjoy a short walk, snorkeling (1 hour), or kayaking. Punta Cormoran (Floreana Island)
, visit Cormorant Point, one of Floreana Island's most unique spots, known for its striking contrasts in landscape and color. After disembarking, enjoy a guided walk along a unique greenishsand beach, its color due to volcanic olivine crystals, that leads to a lagoon, frequently inhabited by pink flamingos. These elegant birds create a vivid contrast with the dark volcanic terrain, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife vi...
DAY
06
Dragon Hill & Mosquera: Wildlife & Coastal Wonders
Dragon Hill & Mosquera: Wildlife & Coastal Wonders
Dragon Hill & Mosquera: Wildlife & Coastal Wonders Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) In the morning, visit Dragon Hill, one of the most iconic sites on Santa Cruz Island, known for its important population of land iguanas. After a dry landing on a small lava dock, the excursion begins with sightings of marine iguanas perfectly camouflaged among the dark volcanic rocks. During a hike of approximately 45 minutes over rocky terrain, the trail passes t...
In the afternoon, explore Mosquera Islet, a small, low-lying island of coral sand located between North and South Seymour Islands. After a wet landing, enjoy a leisurely walk of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes along flat, sandy terrain, ideal for a relaxed exploration. This site is home to a large colony of sea lions that rest along the shore, offering excellent opportunities to observe their natural behavior up close. It is also a great loca...
DAY
07
Santa Cruz & Highlands & Return to Quito
Santa Cruz & Highlands & Return to Quito
Santa Cruz Highlands & Return to Quito Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) Conclude your Galápagos experience with a visit to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to observe giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat, roaming freely through humid highland forests. These iconic reptiles, which can weigh over 250 kg, are one of the most emblema...
Baltra Airport to Quito After this memorable visit, transfer to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the city. Check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind after your exciting journey through the Galapagos. The evening is free to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Quito, perhaps exploring nearby restaurants, walking through the histo...
DAY
08
Farewell Ecuador & International Airport Transfer
Farewell Ecuador & International Airport Transfer
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Quito. Depending on your flight departure time, explore local artisan markets or relax.
Check out of your hotel. Your private airport transfer departs approximately 4 hours before your flight departure. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for your international connection home.
Daily routing may be adjusted by the Galapagos National Park authority or vessel captain according to weather and sea conditions.
Accommodation options
- HOTEL COMBINATION
- HOTEL DANN CARLTON 5* IN QUITO
- GALAPAGOS LEGEND CRUISE 5* IN GALAPAGOS
- HOTEL MERCURE ALAMEDA QUITO 5* IN QUITO
- GALAPAGOS LEGEND CRUISE 5* IN GALAPAGOS
- HOTEL WYNDHAM GARDEN QUITO 4* IN QUITO
- GALAPAGOS LEGEND CRUISE 5* IN GALAPAGOS
Choose your preferred combination with our team. Hotels and cabin availability are confirmed in your quotation.
Plan with clarity
Included in this plan
- Accommodations, meals, entrances and tours as mentioned on the itinerary.
- 7 nights accommodations: 3 nights Quito / 4 nights Galapagos Islands
- 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Private transportation according to the itinerary description, except in Galapagos, where the airport shuttle bus transfer
- to the cruise ship is shared.
- Services of English-speaking local guides in Quito.
- Services of English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos.
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges.
Not included / confirm separately
- International flights
- Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200)
- Galapagos Airport Transit Card fee (USD 20)
- Tips for staff, tour guides and drivers.
- Meals, entrance fees and tours not mentioned on the itinerary.
- Travel and health insurance (highly recommended).
Important expedition details: Payment Policy: 30% initial deposit within 7 days of reservation request; remaining 70% balance due 90 days before departure. Cancellation Policy: 30% penalty if cancelled 91+ days prior; 70% between 90-61 days; 100% within 60 days of trip.