Itinerary | Trip Details | Bookmark and Share

Visit the Galapagos Islands and witness amazing wildlife both on land and in the sea. On this trip you will experience the Galapagos Islands. Famous for a variety of unusual creatures, from marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies, and you'll get closer to the wildlife than you would anywhere else in the world. The G.A.P Adventurer IV is a comfortable 72-foot motor yacht built to accommodate 16 passengers with 8 double occupancy cabins with a window or a porthole, air conditioning and private bath. This clean and comfy yacht is staffed with an exceptional crew including a bilingual level III naturalist guide, the highest level certified by the Galapagos National Park. The 2-level, wrap-around deck is ideal for ocean views and relaxing in the sun. There is both a bar and a dining room where all meals are provided.

7 days — Quito, Santa Cruz, Seymour, Bartolomé, Santa Fé.

TRIP PRICE

$1,745 plus 300USD local payment, 100USD Galapagos Park Fee & 10USD Transit Control Card. International flights are not included.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Experience incredible wildlife encounters and enjoy daily opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

See the Voyage Galapagos itinerary to review the day-to-day activities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels (2 nights), twin-share cabins on board the motorized yacht (4 nights).

MEALS

All meals while in the Galapagos are included. Please allow USD50 for additional meals. Eating is a big part of traveling. On any BrilliantTrip you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the world. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though food is generally cheap. The groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.

TRANSPORT

Local flight, motorized yacht, van. All local flights are included in the cost of your trip unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

GROUP SIZE

14 on Average / 16 Maximum

BrilliantTips

This BrilliantTrip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. Culturally, you should expect a generally low stress trip, but there may be the occasional remote lodging, market meal or language barrier.

VISAS

All countries require a valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity). The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from; citizens of the U.S. can visit www.travel.state.gov/visa. It is important that you check for yourself. Also see our FAQs and Travel Info. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1.BrilliantTrips will contact you after booking confirmation to obtain your passport information. We will also review prepaid airport transfer options.

2. Once you have confirmed your booking please give us your international flight details and advise us if you have any important issues such as allergies, special diets, etc.

3. In the Galapagos Islands there is currently a park entrance fee of 100 USD per person. This is payable on arrival in the park and is not included in the cost of the trip. This fee must be paid in cash. This fee funds park maintenance and supervision in Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other national parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

4. The Galapagos National Park authorities have implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $10 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH in conjunction with the payment of the $100 USD entry fee into the Galapagos National Park, immediately upon arrival to the islands. Please note that this applies to all tourists entering the Galapagos Islands and is a supplement to the existing entry fee to the National Park and is not controlled by tour operators or travel companies. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago.

5. Please note that the rooming on the Galapagos yachts is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and we are not able to guarantee the specific cabin you will receive on board. The cabins are comfortable and clean, all with private bathrooms. Due to the specific location of the cabins on board, the window sizes vary as well as the noise at times when the boat is navigating, given the proximity of the cabin to the engine room. The friendly and competent crew will ensure the smooth and comfortable journey for the duration of your tour.

TOUR LEADERSHIP

You'll have a Group Leader in Quito and a Level III local naturalist guides (certified by the Galapagos National Park) while in the islands. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Group leaders use local guides where they think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places you are visiting. It's the best of both worlds. For the voyage, you have the services of a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos, (in the event that for whatever reason a Level III guide cannot be secured, the best possible guide, Level II or higher, will be supplied with strict consideration of past experience and performance).

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, the international airport in Quito, is 30 minutes drive from the New Town where your hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi (approximately 5-6 USD). Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find a taxi stand. It is strongly recommend that you pay for the car at set rates from the taxi stand. Therefore you won't need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic with many drivers vying for few clients. Also, the taxis outside the airport area do not belong to the Taxi Airport Union and may charge higher fares.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please make way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

JOINING HOTEL

Quito
Hotel Rio Amazonas
Cordero No 1342 y Amazonas
Quito, Ecuador
Tel: Int. Dailing Code + (593-2)2-556666 1

LOCAL PAYMENT

Local payment USD300. Galapagos Park Fee USD100. Transit Control Card Fee USD10. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as internal transport, entrance fees and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers operational costs so the savings can be passed on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Paid Locally.

City Tour of Quito

You visit the new and old town of Quito, including the Palace of Congress, Presidential Palace, Independence Square and the Churches of San Francisco, La Compania and La Catedral. After this you go to the Panecillo (a lookout point in the old town), which affords the best view of Quito, then return to the hotel. This trip takes about 3.5 - 4 hours and can depart everyday at anytime. Price: $24 USD pp, minimum 2 persons. Entrance fees for the churches and Panecillo are not included in the price and are about $4USD pp.

City Tour and the Equator Line

After the city tour you go to the Equator line located 45 minutes away from Quito to visit the world monument and shops. Here you also visit the Inti Ñan local museum where you can see different experiments to prove that you are at the Centre of the Earth. This trip takes about 5 hours and can depart everyday at anytime. Price: $32USD pp, minimum 2 persons. Optional visit to The Pululahua crater 10 minutes away from the monument. Entrances fees for City Tour (Churches): total approx $4USD Equator line USD5 Museums Entrance fee: Total approx $9USD.

Cotopaxi National Park

A spectacular 2-hour drive in private transport takes you to Cotopaxi Volcano, 5897m, the highest active volcano in the world. Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Then continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4500m. You then walk approximately 1.5hrs to the refuge at 4800m, and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Head back to the Pan-American Highway to have lunch somewhere near Latacunga, or buy a box lunch on the way to have more time in the park. Return to Quito in the afternoon. The full-day trip has departures every morning at 8AM. Price: $55USD pp, minimum 2 persons (private services) Entrance fee to the National Park: $10USD.

Saquisili Market and Cotopaxi National Park

Saquisili is another important market close to Quito, located in the south of Quito. A wonderful scenic drive of approximately 3 hours gives you the opportunity for great views of the volcanoes. Here, the local natives bring their products from over the highlands to sell, such as handicrafts from Salasaca, Otavalo and Chimborazo. You will also find an animal market. This is an intensive day and leaves at 6AM every Thursday. Price: $65USD pp, minimum 2 persons. Entrance fee to the National Park: $10USD.

Otavalo Market

Otavalo market is considered one the biggest and best native markets in South America. Here you can find all the handicrafts that are made in Ecuador. Head north along the Pan-American Highway for 2.5 hours. On the way we visit the village of Calderon to see the bread figures and Cayambe to taste the typical 'biscochos' (local biscuits). After you have explored the Otavalo market, go to the leather market at Cotacachi or to Cuicocha Lake for a hike. The official Market Day is Saturday, but any other day is still interesting, and has less tourists. This is a full-day tour, leaving at approximately 8AM any day. Price: $45USD pp, minimum 2 persons.

Cotopaxi Biking

Your biking adventure begins as you drive south to the Coattail National Park along the Pan-American Highway. Within two hours you reach the trailhead (4600 m) at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. After donning your biking gear and catching your breath in the thin, high-altitude air, you begin your downward descent. Get ready for high-speed adventure and hang on tight, as the dirt road will take you on a wild ride. The road will whisk you past silvery smooth Limpiopungo Lake and eventually through a pine forest, until you reach the park's guard station, where you can see a corralled Llama herd. Our 4-wheel-drive vehicles will drive you to Inca ruins (tolas), where a box lunch will be served. After a snack we return to Quito by jeep, bikes loaded on top. Departures daily at 7AM. Ride approximately 50 kilometers on bike (5 - 6 hours) and 4 hours in the jeep. Included: box lunch, 21-speed mountain bikes, all transportation and veteran bilingual guides. Price: $45USD pp (pool services) Entrance fee to the National Park: $10USD.

Bellavista Cloud Forest

To see the cloud forest and to experience the changes in the temperature and vegetation, you have to go to Bellavista cloud forest. Bellavista cloud forest reserve is located at 0,00,46 latitude in northwestern Ecuador, on the edge of Choco which is among the most diverse places in the word. Things to do: a) Birds here are always active, from the joy of watching hummingbirds on your private balcony, to exploring in search of elusive forest species, 320 species of birds have been recorded in the Tandayapa valley. b) Hikes through primary and secondary forest. c) Naturalist guides and specialist birding guides available (extra cost). This trip is a full day and starts at 7AM. Price: $50USD pp, minimum 2 persons. Entrance fee to the reserve $10USD pp.

Devil's Nose Train

Day 1: Drive south towards the Cotopaxi Volcano. You head to the Pan-American highway to have lunch near Latacunga and then continue south, arriving in Riobamaba. Spend the night there in a basic hotel.

Day 2: Get up at 5:30am for breakfast. You need to be at the train station at 6:15am in order to get the best place on the roof of the train. The train takes approximately 5 hours to get to Alausi and the Devil's Nose, once the train ride has finished, a car will be waiting for you with your bags to return to Quito.

Note: This is a 2-day trip and starts at 9AM only on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Price: $110USD pp, minimum 2 persons. Entrance fee to Cotopaxi Park: $10USD. Train ticket $12USD. The hotel in Riobamba is not included and costs around $15 pp.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Two hours drive to the east are the Termas de Papallacta. They are located on the Cinnamon trail, (65km from Quito) which is the same route that Francisco de Orellana took in 1542 when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, and discovered the Amazon River. Take a short cut, passing by the church of Guapulo and have a wonderful ride in the paramo (tundra). The highest point reached is 4150m; descend to a spectacular setting at 3300m. Things to do: a) Hot springs (different temperatures) big and small ones, while enjoying views of the Antisana volcano 5750m. Entrance $5USD. b) Trekking up the river c) Horseback rides d) Relax in the new spa recently inaugurated (ask for details in the hotel). Lunch at the restaurant offers typical dishes such as trout. Return to Quito in the afternoon. This full-day trip departs daily at 8AM. NOTE: Optional overnight at the hot spring resort $29USD pp Price: $50USD pp, minimum 2 persons.

1 Day Rafting Tour — 2 rivers in 1 day

The Ríos Toachi and Blanco are fantastic introduction to the rivers of Ecuador. Flowing off the coastal side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the forest environment you pass through and you are guaranteed a day to remember. You travel west down from Quito for about 3 hours through beautiful cloud forest to the bank of the river. Rafting time approx 3 to 3.5 hrs. (NB. From March to May we usually run the upper Blanco river - 43km, approx. 4 hrs). River Grading: III - IV (Depending on the time of year). Includes: Professional guides, top of the line rafting equipment, lunch, transport to and from Quito. Departures: Daily with a minimum of 4 people Price: $ 75 USD pp.

Horseback Riding

Transport from Quito to the Green Horse Ranch, inside the National Reserve Pululahua, about 25 miles north from Quito. Quiet sure footed mountain horses will take you through the stunning landscape of this ancient volcanic crater, the biggest one on the whole American continent and one of only two inhabited craters in the world. With its constantly changing sceneries and bio-diversity it's a great day. Guided day tours are available for all standards of riders — and if you've never ridden before what better place to start than in the Andes. Minimum 2 person. USD65 USD pp.

NOTE: These prices are based on 2 clients but if you are a single traveler they can accommodate your trips as well. If there are more than 2 clients booking, the prices may be less than those quoted above.

MONEY EXCHANGE

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, traveler's cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Please bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than 100, as they can be hard to exchange in Ecuador. 100 dollar bills of certain series (e.g. CB B2) can be especially hard to cash!

Traveler's checks are easier to cash during the week, however if you do need to cash them over the weekend, the following places offer this service: on Saturdays you can cash them at the Banco del Pacifico in the Mall el Jardin until 13:00, and on Sundays they can be cashed only at Quito's international airport.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

HEALTH & MEDICAL

As of March 1st, 2008 all travelers entering the jungle regions of Ecuador are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. If your trip is travelling to Tena or you are doing one of our independent adventures into the jungle please be sure to speak to your travel doctor about this vaccination. Please note your adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can affect some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are affected on your adventure, please consult your physician.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It is recommended that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes you are in remote areas and away from medical facilities and, for legal reasons, group leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug, including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip, please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel.

It is very important that you are aware, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake the easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While group leaders work hard to ensure that all travelers are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to our BrilliantTips for more information.

FINE PRINT

While the intention is to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and, on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as you never know exactly where your journey will take you. Due to the style of travel and the regions you visit, travel can be unpredictable. The itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.