Cost per person is $8,999 / £7,199
Single supplement is $3,499 / £2,799
Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on a trip to the Galapagos Islands with Terra Incognita Ecotours. This is home to some of the most interesting and accessible wildlife in the world. You will swim and snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, come within inches of blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, magnificent frigatebirds, and the giant tortoises in the wild. Watch the dance of the waved albatross, and experience the diversity of the legendary finches, and so much more. Gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be!
We will donate to the important wildlife saving efforts of Galapagos Conservation.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.
This is an ecotour that will make a difference to you and to the places we visit.
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, September 16, 2027 to Saturday, September 25, 2027
Availability — OPEN to enrollment
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Quito, Ecuador
Plan to arrive anytime today in Quito, where you will be met and transferred to the charming Hotel Patio Andaluz in the colonial city of Quito, which is located in the highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes. Get to know your fellow explorers as we enjoy our Welcome Dinner this evening.
Overnight at Hotel Patio Andaluz (D)
Day 2: Quito
We begin our adventure at 9am today, a relaxed start to recover from flights yesterday, we will visit the “Virgen de El Panecillo” which stands on a hill-top prominently over the center of Quito, visible from almost everywhere in the city. Not only is it the tallest aluminum statue in the world, it's also the world's tallest winged representation of the Virgin Mary. We will also visit the Archbishops Palace, and the Iglesia de la Compania, with it’s amazing gold leaf ceiling and columns, plus the Presidential Palace ending around lunch time to allow some free time to explore on your own. Dinner at the Hotel this evening.
Overnight at Patio Andaluz (B,D)
Day 3: Quito to Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Early this morning we drive back to the International Airport for the flight to the airport on Baltra Island, adjacent to Isla Santa Cruz. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, we will be met by the M.V. Horizon. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing. During lunch we will set sail and head to Santiago island. In the afternoon, we will visit Sullivan Bay where a coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal! Welcome Dinner on board this evening.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 4: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
In the morning, we will visit Vicente Roca Point which is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sun fish) while you snorkel. This is a great area for Penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, Nazca boobies, two types of sea lions, sea turtles, rays and puffer fish.
In the afternoon we will be crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, and we will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk!
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 5: Isabela Island
We start our day on Isabela at Tagus Cove which is located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
This afternoon we visit Urbina Bay, at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 6: Isabela Island
We start our day with a visit to Elizabeth Bay, located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.
During lunch we will reposition the ship and in the afternoon we plan to visit Moreno Point on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can often be spotted.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island
Today we will dock adjacent to the main town of Puerto Ayora and the main island Santa Cruz, and we have arranged a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station which is home to Giant tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of tortoise interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own. Later we will head inland to visit Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, which are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
Then we end our day with one of the highlights, where we get to see free-roaming Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat, Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color. Here we also explore lava tubes, over half a mile long, and they are totally underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 8: Floreana Island
We have moved further along in our journey and today we visit Floreana Island, beginning our adventure at Post Office Bay where we will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home! We will also continue the tradition by taking any postcards that are addressed to people in our hometowns, we must then take them home and hand-deliver them!
Afterwards we hike to Cormorant Point that hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.
Late this afternoon we cruise on to Devil's Crown, known as one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, this volcanic crater has been eroded by the waves leaving the northern and southern sides poking out of the water. The coral reef in the middle is perfect for attracting marine life. Snorkelers enjoy the variety of marine life and exciting currents that rush through the crown creating an exhilarating experience.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 9: Santa Fe Island
We may have saved the best for last! Our morning excursion takes us to Santa Fe Island home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest. In the afternoon we visit Lobos Island - the name of this island means "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Our last night together will be celebrated with a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Overnight on board M.V. Horizon (B,L,D)
Day 10: Galapagos Islands to home
We will disembark today in San Cristobal and visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center which was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. After visiting the Center we will head to the airport for our flight back to Quito. Once in Quito you can transfer to the International Temrinal and flights headed home.
Please make sure your return flight is AFTER 9pm.
(B)
Travel Information
Thanks for choosing Ecuador with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.
What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S., U.K., Australian or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.
It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.
Visas: Please consult the Ecuador consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Ecuador. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.
Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.
Emergency Contact number while on your ecotour:
Call COLLECT (813) 476-2810
Practical Information
Currency: The currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger stores. We suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.
Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.
Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.
At the present time, no specific immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends the following:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors.
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Please also note:
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in South America. For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country. Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center. The normal "childhood" vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Perturssia (DTP Vaccine) and Polio vaccine.
Swimming: There are several opportunities to swim and snorkel during the ecotour. We advocate the buddy system for everyone, at all times, and children less than 14 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult while swimming.
Time Difference: Ecuador is one hour behind of Eastern Standard Time.
Weather: The climate of Ecuador comprises a wide range of weather conditions. The highlands of Ecuador are warm in the daytime, cool at night. The Galapagos Islands are located directly on the equator, so days are warm/hot and nights only cool down a little. You should be preapred for a rain shower.
Please remember that the sun’s rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.
Lodging Info
Hotel Patio Andaluz
Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, an elegant Boutique hotel located only 500 feet off the Main Square, also known as the Independence Plaza. The hotel is located in a colonial style house built at the end of the XVI Century, and only minutes walk away from Church and Square of San Francisco; and less than 5 minutes walk from the famous “La Compañia” Church with its impressive gold leaf inner decoration. Its spacious restaurant “El Rincón de Cantuña”, inside its main Patio offers excellent options of Ecuadorian and Spanish flavors and a variety of wines from its recognized Wine cellar. There are 32 comfortable rooms (11 Suites and 21 standard rooms) and their complementary services and amenities provide luxury in the colonial heart of Quito.
M.V. Horizon
The Motor Vessel Horizon was specifically designed and built to cruise the Galapagos, it is in fact the only Trimaran currently operating in the Galapagos. The M.V. Horizon offers 8 luxurious cabins, each of which has an outdoor balcony, and also has ample social areas including a superb sundeck with a large jacuzzi.
Private facilities in each cabin - private bathrooms, cold/hot water, air conditioned, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on board, and a safe box. The M.V. Horizon cruises at 12 knots and has 10 crew, 1 Cruise director and 1 Naturalist guide.