Quito & Galapagos Islands

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

From 2,795 USD

Deposit:

$195 Down

Quito & Galapagos Islands

-Tour the colonial city of Quito
-Visit three different Galápagos Islands
-Get close to giant tortoises in their natural environment
-Snorkel among brilliant wildlife
-Swim with sea turtles, sharks & more
-Eat fresh seafood out of the Pacific

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THE EXPERIENCE

Welcome to Ecuador!

Ecuador, your host country, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s truly unique, with four different and spectacular regions: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.

Each of these distinct worlds offers mind-boggling experiences. The Galápagos Islands are considered the living laboratory of Darwin's theory of evolution. Many species here are found nowhere else. For instance, 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are native to only these islands.

This is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem it has to offer. We will hike, snorkel, and boat across the archipelago as we get to know the wildlife, locals, and remarkable landscapes.

Start

Please be ready to begin your trip at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 pm.

Please book your arrival flight a few hours before this time.

Arrival time is not mandatory but guarantees the included group transportation.

(Please note that there will be a ~45-minute layover Guayaquil, and you do not have to exit the plane.)

Finish

The trip ends at Mariscal Sucre after Airport (UIO) at 7:00 pm.

Please book your departure flight a few hours after this time.

‍Airfare booking details will be sent after registration; please wait for further instructions before booking your flight.

(Please note that there will be a ~45-minute layover Guayaquil, and you do not have to exit the plane.)

Physical Activity:

Light

This trip is relaxing and includes light activities with optional moderate activities. Participants can decide how much time they spend being active. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the experience.

Physical Activity:

Moderate

This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. Participants should expect to be active for 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required to enjoy the trip.

Physical Activity:

High

This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities, and participants should expect to be active for 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle.

Cancellation Policy:

Very Flexible

This trip has a 30-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 30 days’ notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Cancellation Policy:

Moderately Flexible

Because this trip has non-refundable tickets, your $195 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Give us at least 60 days' notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Cancellation Policy:

Moderately Flexible

This trip has a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days’ notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Trip Overview

Day 1

Welcome to Ecuador!

Upon arriving in Ecuador, your Under30Experiences Trip Leader will greet you in Quito and prepare you to explore the capital city.

You'll be provided transportation to your hotel, where you can relax, catch your breath after your flight, and adjust to Quito's high altitude in the Andes Mountains.

Enjoy your first Ecuadorian dinner with your new friends in the evening while admiring the breathtaking landscape.

Day 2

Explore Quito: “The Light of America”

Get ready for an exciting day in Ecuador! You’ll start with a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on Inca runs, Quito proudly possesses one of Spanish America's best-preserved historic centers.

Explore the marvelous capital city, learn about its rich history from a local guide, and take in the views from the Virgin Mary statue perched high above the city.

Afterward, visit the Middle of the World, where you will stand on the equator and witness the uniqueness of this geographic landmark.

Day 3

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands!

On the third day, you’ll take an included flight 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to the incredible Galapagos Islands!

Your island adventure begins with a visit Las Grietas, a natural wonder with stunning rocky crevices filled with crystal-clear turquoise water.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the island on your own and settle into your surroundings.

Day 4

Highlands and Tortuga Bay Snorkel

Today, you will visit Manzanillo Ranch, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This ranch is known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, including Galápagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, and various bird species.

The area is rich in biodiversity, allowing you to observe and appreciate the endemic and native species up close.

In the afternoon, visit the famous and stunning Tortuga Bay beach, one of the archipelago's most extensive white sand beaches. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the beach. Look for marine iguanas, sharks, seabirds, and sea turtles.

Afterward, you can take a peaceful walk through a beautiful lagoon or visit the local sharks that come to the dock at night.

Day 5

Charles Darwin Station & San Cristóbal Island

Visit the Charles Darwin Station to learn about the successful efforts to repopulate the islands with the once-endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoises.

In the afternoon, you will take a speedboat ride to San Cristóbal Island. Depending on the group energy you could visit the Interpretation Center this afternoon.

End your day by watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Galápagos.

Day 6

Snorkel at Kicker Rock & Cerro Tijeretas

This morning, you will visit Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays, and maybe even the harmless Galápagos shark.

In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center and hike to Cerro Tijeretas, aka Frigate Bird Hill, where you will look for two species of frigate birds! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the hill, where you'll find several viewpoints offering stunning views of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7

El Junco: Coffee Tour and Loberia

In the morning, explore El Junco, the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. Here, you can hike along scenic trails surrounding the crater rim, observing endemic bird species such as the Galápagos petrel and the frigate bird.

Enjoy a homemade lunch prepared by one of the oldest coffee farm families in San Cristobal, using primarily ingredients sourced from their farm. After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to learn about their sustainable farming practices, the entire coffee production process, and explore the fruit and vegetable plantations in the area.

End your day at La Loberia, one of the most magnificent beaches on the Galápagos Islands. It is renowned for its abundant marine life, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, and diverse aquatic species.

Day 8

¡Adios Ecuador!

The included transportation will take you to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) where you’ll catch your included local flight back to Quito.

Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, your Trip Leader will help direct you to your connecting flight back home.

We look forward to having you stay in touch.

Day 9

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Quito & Galapagos Islands

What's Included:

Certified Galápagos Naturalist guide for 5 days in the Galápagos
Under30Experiences Trip Leader
Round trip flight to the Galápagos
2 nights in boutique accommodations in Quito
5 nights in boutique accommodations in the Galápagos Islands
7 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 box lunch, 5 dinners
Roundtrip transportation to Quito Airport
Roundtrip transportation to the airport in the Galápagos
Speedboat between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Island
Guided tour and entrance to a local ranch and Giant Tortoise Reserve
Snorkeling and hiking experience on the Galápagos Island
Visit to the largest white sand beach in the Galápagos at Tortuga Bay
Visit to the Las Grietas
Countless encounters with native marine life and wildlife
Guided city tour of Quito
Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Book with confidence: it's free to switch your trip more than 60 days out.

‍Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador.
Transportation for optional activities is not included.

What’s Not Included

‍Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador, a 200 USD cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands, and a 20 USD Galapagos Transit Control Card.

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

From 2,795 USD

Deposit:

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U30X Trip Reviews

yelp reviews

"Went on my first under 30 experience and it was great. I had a really good group and an AMAZING guide. Katty Célleri is an amazing guide for the Galapagos tour! Extremely knowledgeable, fun, professional, makes sure her group has a top notch experience and just a wonderful human being!" -Alissa B.

Facebook reviews

"I have been on 8 trips (Colombia, Ecuador/Galapagos, France to Spain, Spain, Starter Costa Rica, Explore Iceland, Costa Rica Rain Forest, and Turkey) with U30X. U30X has been my favorite company to travel with and excels at finding the most unique and amazing accommodations and activities while maintaining their sustainability values. Their tour leaders are also phenomenal and are way more like friends that know the area than just a tour guide. I highly recommend traveling with U30X if you enjoy meeting like-minded travelers, having adventures of a lifetime, and have a genuine desire to explore and try new things." -Nicole R.

google reviews

"I had an amazing time with 2 trips so far with U30X, Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. If you are thinking about doing a trip, do it! It's worth it. I made a lifetime friend in Costa Rica and now we plan to do more trips with U30X like Morocco, Thailand, Peru, and Belize, etc. It's worth the money, promise, and you will see things you would never imagine on your own! 10/10!" -Anna J.

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Quito & Galapagos Islands

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

From 2,795 USD

Taxes included!

Deposit:

$195 Down

Quito & Galapagos Islands

THE EXPERIENCE

Start

Finish

Physical Activity:

Light

Physical Activity:

Moderate

Physical Activity:

High

Cancellation Policy:

Very Flexible

Cancellation Policy:

Moderately Flexible

Cancellation Policy:

Moderately Flexible

Trip Overview

Day 1

Welcome to Ecuador!

Day 2

Explore Quito: “The Light of America”

Day 3

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands!

Day 4

Highlands and Tortuga Bay Snorkel

Day 5

Charles Darwin Station & San Cristóbal Island

Day 6

Snorkel at Kicker Rock & Cerro Tijeretas

Day 7

El Junco: Coffee Tour and Loberia

Day 8

¡Adios Ecuador!

Day 9

Quito & Galapagos Islands

What's Included:

What’s Not Included

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

From 2,795 USD

Taxes included!

Deposit:

OR JUST $195 Down!

U30X Trip Reviews

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