Quito & Galapagos Islands

Duration:

8 days / 7 nights

Early Signup: $2,695

Regular: $2,895

Or $195 Down

THE EXPERIENCE

Our most immersive wildlife experience, in one of the most biodiverse places in the world!

80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles & land mammals, & more than 30% of the plants are native to only the Galapagos Islands.

We’ll hike, snorkel, and boat our way across the archipelago to get to know the wildlife, the locals, and some truly remarkable landscapes.

Start

Trip begins at Quito International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 pm
Please book arrival flight a few hours before this time

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

Finish

Trip ends at Quito International Airport (UIO) at 7:00 pm
Please book departure flight a few hours after this time

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 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 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:

Flexible

Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip less $195, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Cancellation Policy:

Flexible

Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have 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!

Arrive in Ecuador where Under30Experiences will welcome you to Quito.

At your boutique hotel you can relax and acclimate to the altitude of Quito--a colonial city high in the Andes Mountains.

Get to know your new travel buddies over your first traditional Ecuadorian dinner, and rest up! We’ve got a big week ahead.

Day 2

Explore Quito: “The Light of America”

Embark on a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Founded by the Spanish in 1534, on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito possesses one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.

Explore the marvelous capital, learn about its rich history, and take in the panoramic views from El Panecillo.

Back at your hotel, enjoy a delicious meal with your group before tomorrow's adventure.

Day 3

Welcome to the Galapagos!

Take an included flight 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to the epic Galapagos Islands. Start your island experience with a bang, observing the famous giant tortoise in its natural habitat.

After lunch in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, you’ll head to Puerto Ayora where you'll have the option to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, or natural wonders like Las Grietas.

In the evening, take a walk to the piers and catch a glimpse of the famous Galapagos reef sharks.

Day 4

Snorkel + Hike on an Uninhabited Island

Swim and hike with the local wildlife and expect to see friendly sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds on one of the archipelago’s uninhabited islands.

Following your snorkeling adventure, experience spectacular views as you hike through the island and learn about its history, flora, and fauna.

Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk through a beautiful lagoon called Las Ninfas or grab a drink with some of your new friends.


Day 5

Tortuga Bay Beach + Isabela Island

Experience the stunning beach at Tortuga Bay, one of the largest white sand beaches in the Galapagos. Go for a swim, rent a kayak, or just relax on the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for marine iguanas, sharks, seabirds, sea turtles, and more!

In the afternoon, take a speedboat to Isabela, the largest island of the archipelago. This remarkable island is home to a chain of six volcanoes that are intermittently active.

Wrap up the day with a picturesque sunset over the water and then try some local seafood on the beach.

Day 6

Volcano Hiking

Enjoy a stunning, scenic ride through the many different landscapes of Isabela on your way to one of her most impressive natural wonders: the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Hike up one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago and watch the  terrain change from forest to dry volcanic soil as you make your way to a mindblowing view of the second largest crater in the world.

After the hike, you’ll decide what your afternoon looks like, with options to go snorkeling in Concha de Perla, surfing, biking to the Wall of Tears, or visiting Poza de Flamingos.

Day 7

Snorkel with Sharks

For your final morning in Isabela, hop over to "Islote Las Tintoreras,” a chain of small islands named after the white tipped reef sharks who like to hang out there.

Cruise around the bay to look for the famous Galapagos penguin, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, sea lions, and more. Visit the shark tunnel where sharks can often be seen resting during the day.

Then hit the water for another snorkeling adventure where you’ll have a chance to see sea turtles, manta rays, marine iguanas, and sharks.

Head back to Santa Cruz Island by speedboat for the last night in Puerto Ayora, and do some last minute shopping or wildlife spotting before our final group dinner in the Galapagos.

Day 8

Departure

Wake up and enjoy an early morning stroll around Puerto Ayora, or just relax at your hotel before heading to Baltra airport.

Say adios to the Galapagos and take your included flight back to Quito as a group.

You’re now a part of the Under30Experiences Community.

Be bold and extend your South America adventure to Peru & Machu Picchu.

Day 9

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Quito & Galapagos Islands

What's Included:

  • 8 days / 7 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotels
  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners
  • Certified Galapagos Naturalist guide for 5 days on the Galapagos Islands
  • Domestic round-trip flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands
  • Round-trip speedboat between Santa Cruz and Isabela Island
  • Round-trip boat ride between Santa Cruz and an uninhabited island
  • Guided tour and entrance to Giant Tortoise Reserve and Local Ranch
  • Galapagos Sustainability experience with Local Youth Ecology Club
  • Snorkeling and hiking experience on an uninhabited island
  • Experience the largest white sand beach in the Galapagos at Tortuga Bay
  • Guided hike on Sierra Negra Volcano
  • Snorkeling and hiking on Tintoreras Islet
  • Countless encounters with native wildlife
  • Guided city tour of Quito
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card
  • Airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Airport drop-off upon departure
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences community
  • 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, $100 cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands on Day 3, and $10 cash fee to enter Isabela Island on Day 5

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration – please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

All Under30Experiences trip prices are in USD.

Duration:

8 days / 7 nights

Early Signup: $2,695

Regular: $2,895

OUR travelers LOVE US

U30X Trip Reviews

"Signing up for my first Under30Experiences trip was one of the best decisions of my life. I saw incredibly beautiful countries (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, my 4th trip is to Peru and the Amazon in the fall!) and met inspiring people who have touched my life and shaped my heart. These trips challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and rethink my perspective of the world. They showed me different ways of life and landscapes. But most importantly they encouraged me to focus on what I want to discover and chase my next adventure. I've met lifelong friends who have added so much joy and happiness to my world. I encourage everyone I meet to go on a trip- you have nothing to lose and everything to gain." -Cara M.

"Under30 has changed my life! I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!" -Aly R.

"I just returned from my second trip with u30x, to Bali. My first trip being the starter Costa Rica trip. There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me, and that still holds true on my second adventure (but Bali was amazing!). The guides are so down to earth and cool people to hang with, while simultaneously running an incredible travel group. You really feel like a local on these trips, and learn more about the culture and the people than I believe you would with any other trip. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!" -Casey H.

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