From
$3,142
NZ $1,886

Galapagos Essentials

7 days
Start and end in Quito
4.5
9 traveler reviews
Galapagos Essentials - Adventure Journeys
  • Explorer
  • Family
  • Wildlife
  • Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Christmas & New Year
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 2 - 16
Age range 8 to 89
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial center
  • Walk with giant tortoises in Santa Cruz highlands
  • Snorkel with sea lions in Academy Bay
  • Discover sea life around Isla Lobos
  • Relax in Santa Cruz before your flight

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 ARRIVAL IN QUITO
  2. Day 2 Quito- Galapagos -Santa Cruz
  3. Day 3 Bay tour Exploration
  4. Day 4 Santa Cruz and San Cristobal
  5. Day 5 ISLA LOBOS TOURS
  6. Day 6 SAN CRISTOBAL FREE MORNING -QUITO
  7. Day 7 Quito
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

25

Age Range

8 to 89 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

100%

Adventure Journeys was created by a group of knowledgeable expert leaders, in...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.2
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.1
  • Food
    Good
    3.9
  • 4.7
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • DV
    · October 11th, 2024
    We had a number of different guides but it was very well organized and everyone was on time. It seemed like the schedule changed several times and there was at times a number of activities in one day. We walked uphill in the morning and then snorkeling and more walking in the afternoon. Would have liked to have had things stretched out a bit more. You can of course opt out of activities. Navigating to the hotels is no problem from anywhere in town. The first hotel was a very nice facility but the street light was at the height of the room and could keep you awake. The staff all spoke English and were very helpful. The second hotel was a bit worn. The staff did not speak English,
    Show more
    Trip date: September 2024
  • Galapagos Essentials reviewer 2
    · October 2nd, 2024
    The trip to the Galapagos was eye-opening and exciting, being so close to the wild life animals on land and under the water. All the tour guides are nice and helpful, in particular Rafael Arevalo from Quito who is informative and shared the interesting things about the daily life of the people living in the city. Rafael is also knowledgeable
    Show more
    Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 1Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 2Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 3Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 4
    Trip date: September 2024
  • SW
    · February 6th, 2024
    My husband & I had one other traveler with us on our Adventure Journeys "Galapagos Essentials" land-based tour so this allowed for a more personalized experience. We flew to Baltra but immediately went to Santa Cruz for 2 nights, then San Cristobal 2 nights. We thoroughly enjoyed most of our experiences there however for all the flights/expense required to get to/from the Galapagos, seemed like a lot of travel for just a few hours/day/3 days of sightseeing: lesson learned. Be advised, the 2+ hour boat ride between the 2 islands, especially if the afternoon winds/swells are up, is NOT fun (insist on a seat up top)! Our guides on each island were excellent: knowledgeable locals who love their home and were good company while sightseeing! One can choose to spend a lot or not so much for meals on both islands, some delicious vegan options available (Agave Studio, a few minutes walk from our Hotel Fiesta on San Cristobal, makes a delish vegan ceviche!). Unlike mainland Ecuador, the islands are busy with tourists; obviously, a safe place to visit/explore.
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Hey there, Susan! (Long time no see, right?) We are glad you enjoyed your trip to the islands and had a good time! Please let us know if there is anything else to improve; we will work on it. We guarantee your next trip will be even better. Take care
    Trip date: January 2024
  • DM
    · February 4th, 2024
    Great snorkeling seeing marine life around Isla...
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Hey there! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! Be sure we will keep on growing and improving our services. So don't hesitate to try other adventures with us. Take care!
    Trip date: January 2024
  • Galapagos Essentials reviewer 5
    · April 5th, 2021
    Adventure Journeys is a great company to trust...
    Show more
    Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 1Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 2Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 3Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 4Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 5Galapagos Essentials customer review photo 6
    Trip date: March 2021
  • RT
    · October 17th, 2019
    An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable...
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Thanks for your comment Rosalind and thanks for giving us the opportunity to show you the wonders of Galapagos Islands, it was our pleasure.
    Trip date: September 2019
  • JH
    · July 3rd, 2019
    We absolutely enjoyed our time on Galapagos....
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Thank you Janine. We are happy to know you had a great time.
    Trip date: June 2019
  • OB
    · April 28th, 2019
    Very well organized tour, well-balanced...
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Dear Oddbjoern, if you liked Galapagos, there are so many destinations in Ecuador mainland you will love, lets plan your next visit!
    Trip date: April 2019
  • Galapagos Essentials reviewer 9
    · April 7th, 2019
    Maritza was an absolutely fantastic guide. Do...
    Show more
    Adventure Journeys commented on this review
    Thank for yout review, Trista! Plan your next adventure in Ecuador, we will be very happy to receive you taking into account your opinion to always improve our trips.
    Trip date: March 2019

Dates & Availability

7 days
Galapagos Essentials
From Quito to Quito

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • N

    Nadia

    Asked on March 31st, 2025

    Is there a possibility of seasickness on boat trips?

    Other
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten March 2025

      If you are not accustomed to traveling by boat, there is a possibility of seasickness. We recommend not eating right before and considering seasickness pills if needed.

  • H

    Hannah

    Asked on March 24th, 2025

    What are the air travel arrangements from Quito to Galapagos?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten March 2025

      The flight from Quito to Galapagos typically takes approximately 2.5 hours with airlines like Avianca or LATAM.

  • C

    Carsten

    Asked on March 16th, 2025

    Are vaccinations required for the trip?

    Travel Support
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten March 2025

      No mandatory vaccinations are required for entering the Galapagos Islands.

  • T

    Tim

    Asked on December 19th, 2024

    Can you clarify if the flight from Ecuador to The Galapagos is included in the Galapagos essentials tour?

    Flights / Transfers
    Tour Details
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten December 2024

      No, the air ticket Quito - Galapagos - Quito is not included, the rate is USD 510 per person.

  • L

    Lynda

    Asked on December 5th, 2024

    can i vist Galapagos island with out vaccination

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten December 2024

      for galapagos you do not need any specific vaccine... however, you can ve asked for covid minimum 2 dosis

    • L

      Lynda

      TravelerWritten December 2024

      is he allow enter without the vaccination

    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten December 2024

      That is not a mandatory requirement, but you might be asked... then you must have it in order to not have any trouble

    • L
      2 more answers
  • T

    Terry

    Asked on November 17th, 2024

    My wife and I are planning a trip to the Galapagos in late December or early January, and we're interested in this tour. We're also hoping to include a scuba diving experience during our trip. Do you have any options for scuba diving that could be arranged in place of some of the planned activities?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • T

      Terry

      TravelerWritten November 2024

      Do you have any options for visiting Isabela Island during this tour? We are happy to add one or two days at an additional cost. Also, if we ask you to add a scuba diving option, how much will the additional cost be?

    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten November 2024

      On this adventure we cant add Isabela island... i can suggest you to look for our the best of galapagos (santa cruz + isabela) program or our super best seller Galapagos Multisport (san cristobal - isabela santa cruz). Regarding your question... most of diving places (full day adventure) will cost about 320 and 360 depending of the destination

    • 1 more answer
  • M

    Moha

    Asked on October 15th, 2024

    How does the price adjust if more participants join the tour?

    Group size
    Price / Availability
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten October 2024

      If more participants join the tour, we may adjust the price downwards accordingly.

  • J

    Jason

    Asked on October 4th, 2024

    Can your company book the return flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands? What are the best times to depart from Quito and then to depart from the Galapagos Islands? What hotels are used for this tour (are they budget-level, standard or other)?

    Accommodation
    Flights / Transfers
    Tour Details
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten October 2024

      The Galapagos route will be Quito-Baltra-Santa Cruz-Quito. You can purchase flights by your own, the best is book the earlier flight. Otherwise, we can purchase for you. USD 495 is our rate for the air tickets.

    • J

      Jason

      TravelerWritten October 2024

      On the arrival and departure days, what time do customers usually arrive in Baltra and then leave from Santa Cruz?

    • J

      Jason

      TravelerWritten October 2024

      What are the airport codes for Baltra and Santa Cruz?

    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten October 2024

      In Galapagos there are 2 airports: 1. Santa Cruz island: Baltra airport, located in Seymour area 2. San Cristobal island: San Cristobal airport. Codes: Santa Cruz: GPS, San Cristobal: SCY.

    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten October 2024

      A clear example of Galapagos flight route is: Quito-San Cristobal - Santa Cruz-Quito. Quito-San Cristobal: Avianca AV 1682 09:50AM-12:30PM. Santa Cruz-Quito: LAN AL1414 12:35PM- 15:58PM.

    • J
      J
      4 more answers
  • S

    Samioi

    Asked on September 28th, 2024

    What documents are required for the trip?

    Visa
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten September 2024

      Typical travel documents include your passport and any required visas; additionally, some tours might require vaccination records.

  • S

    Sean

    Asked on September 17th, 2024

    How can I arrange accommodation at Hacienda la Jimenita?

    Accommodation
    • Adventure JourneysOperatorWritten September 2024

      You can arrange your stay at Hacienda la Jimenita by contacting their reception or sales emails directly.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Adventure Journeys with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 112830

  • Currency
    $
    US Dollar
    Ecuador
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 2nd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 2nd, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Adventure Journeys. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Adventure Journeys will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Adventure Journeys" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Galapagos Multisport
  • The Best of Galapagos 7 days
  • Ecuador and Galapagos
  • Adventure Journeys introduction
Galapagos Multisport