Quito & Galapagos Islands

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Early signup: From 2,695 USD

Regular: From 2,895 USD

or $195 Down

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 offer a 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 p.m.

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

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

Finish

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

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 short layover in Guayaquil, normally about 30 minutes, 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 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!

Below is the 2025 itinerary. Please click here for the 2024 itinerary.

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!

On the third day, you’ll take an included flight 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to the amazing 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, giving you a great opportunity 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 sand. 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

At the Charles Darwin Station, you will learn about the successful efforts to repopulate the islands with the once-endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise.

In the afternoon, a speedboat ride will take you to San Cristóbal Island. At the Interpretation Center,. Here you can learn about the natural and human history of the Galápagos archipelago.

Wrap up the day by watching one of the best sunsets in the Galápagos, accompanied by a delicious seafood dinner on the beach. 

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. 

After snorkeling, visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the “Enchanted Islands” and the conservation projects dedicated to preserving them.

In the afternoon, hike to Cerro Tijeretas, aka Frigate Bird Hill, where you will, of course, 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

Tortoise Breeding Center

Discover La Galapaguera, a fascinating tortoise breeding center on the Galápagos. At this center, you will delve into the conservation efforts to safeguard the endangered giant tortoises indigenous to the Galápagos Islands.

After exploring the tortoise breeding center, the journey continues to 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.

After lunch, you can snorkel at La Lobería, 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!

Wake up and enjoy an early morning stroll on this magical island, or relax at your hotel. 

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

You’re now a part of the Under30Experiences community, and we can’t wait to have you with us.

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 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 box lunch, 7 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
  • Galápagos sustainability educational experience with local ecology  club
  • 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
What’s not included

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador, a 200 USD cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands, a 20 USD Galapagos Transit Control Card, and a 10 USD cash fee to enter Isabela Island.

Duration:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Early signup: From 2,695 USD

Regular: From 2,895 USD

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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.

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