Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please contact our 24 hour emergency number which is located on these trip notes. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. At the meeting you will be offered a duffle bag to use for the duration of your time in the Galapagos, please see the packing section in the trip notes for more information. Qui...

Today we have a long travel day ahead and it begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight of about three hours to Baltra Island, Galapagos. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to purchase a Transit Control Card before checking in to your Galapagos flight. This card costs about USD 20 and grants you access to the islands. Departure time will be between 8.20 am and 10.30 am depending on flight schedule time. Your flight will stop once in Guayaquil for a about 45 minutes to pick up more passengers. When the flight lands in Balra, you’ll go through immigration and need to pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash (small bills please). We then transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora and board a speed boat ride to Isabela Island, which takes about two and a half hours. Once we arrive...

Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program of this unique species. Next is a visit to the Sierra Negra Wetlands where you can observe exotic migratory birds like sandpiper, common stilt, plovers, flamingos and American oystercatcher. Soon after take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between five and six hours, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. Please ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes that offer g...

Enjoy a free day on Isabela Island. You may like to visit Las Tintoreras one of the highlights of the Galapagos and where you are likely to see the rare Galapagos penguin and "shark alley" where white tipped sharks hang out. You can also see marine iguanas here, as this is a popular nesting site. There’s also the chance to go snorkelling, relax on the beach or visit the Wall of Tears which was built by the prisoners once kept here.

Wake up early for a morning speedboat ride to Isla Santa Cruz, which takes about two and a half hours. After settling into the hotel, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the repopulation of the islands once-endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. Return back to town where you'll have some free time.

In the morning, you’ll have some more free time to make the most of Isla Santa Cruz.. You’ll have some free time to pursue optional activities of your choosing, such as snorkelling with rented equipment or taking at dip in the pure waters of Tortuga Bay. Later, travel to Isla San Cristobal, which takes about 2.5 hours. In the afternoon, go on a casual orientation walk of San Cristobal.

Today is a free day to experience the best of San Cristobal Island. Perhaps go for a hike to Frigate Bird Hill for panoramic views of the Pacific Islands and some bird watching. You may find it hard to leave Mann Beach, with its luscious setting and the opportunities to swim with adorable sea lions. Perhaps the most popular optional activity is an excursion to Kicker Rock. Go snorkelling and see swarms of Galapagos colourful marine life. Sea turtles, eagle rays and harmless sharks all live in these waters.

Our last excursion today is a guided visit to the Interpretation Center, which houses exhibitions on natural history, human history and conservation. Learn more about the conservation movement and the process of sustainable tourism on the Galapagos Island. After the visit, say goodbye to these enchanting islands. The flight back to Quito leaves at midday, we get back to Quito in the late afternoon. A representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel, then you’ll be free to explore more of Quito. You may like to get out and enjoy the nightlife of this vibrant Latin city.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities. As there's little time spent in Quito, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of your time in here. Ecuador has some of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, including the lavish La Compania de Jesus which is decorated with seven tonnes of gold and the pale art filled La Merced. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs and Incan ruins to explore. Consider doing our one-day sightseeing tours of Quito, including tours of the town, markets and culinary delights (see urbanadventures.com).