Ecuador - Galapagos Islands Private Travel (7 days)

Note: This is a sample itinerary that can be customized based on traveler preferences.

On arrival at Guayaquil airport you will be transferred to your deluxe hotel. Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city, port and financial center; it also features charming cathedrals, cobbled hilly streets and riverfront parks.

This morning you are transferred to the Guayaquil airport for the short flight to Baltra adjacent to Santa Cruz Island. You are transferred to your resort hotel located in the peaceful Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Settle into your plush resort accommodations, your home for the next four nights.

The legendary Galapagos Islands are Ecuador’s main attraction – a vast archipelago of volcanic origin. The islands are home to abundant wildlife on land in the air and underwater – all carefully protected to showcase “time capsule” ecosystems, just as they were thousands of years ago. These Enchanted Islands are a unique living museum of evolutionary changes and a place where you can get to know a variety of exotic endemic species. Most animals here are unafraid of man and are so different from any others in the world. Among the animals found, are the different species of giant “Galapagos” tortoises that gave the islands their name. Other Galapagos wildlife includes sea lions, dolphins, blue-footed birds, turtles, penguins, flamingos and iguanas are just some of the most prolific.

Enjoy three full days exploring the Galapagos and its fascinating wildlife by boat, kayak, snorkeling, hiking or visiting nature reserves – the choice is yours! Relish two, full-day trips to your choice of neighboring islands – watching for dolphins and whales enroute; a picnic lunch is included on each island excursion.

You can also choose among activities including biking, horseback riding, snorkeling or a visit to the Charles Darwin station.

Quito is within 16 miles of the equator, yet thanks to its high altitude, the climate is spring-like all year round – warm during the day and cool at night. Quito is a colorful city with a walkable historic district.

On arrival, you are met and escorted to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city’s Colonial district. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Enjoy Quito until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.