Tailor-made Itineraries by Local Experts
Embark on our magical Galapagos tours, where you will experience unparalleled natural history, stunning scenery, and some of the world’s most unique wildlife. You can explore the Galapagos via a cruise to the most remote corners of the protected archipelago, or you can base your exploration from a comfortable hotel with a land-based Galapagos vacation package. Either way, these enchanting islands located off the coast of Ecuador offer a view into pristine ecosystems untouched by humans.
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Let our team of expert travel advisors help build your dream trip to South America. Our fully customizable vacation packages allow you to hand-pick the destinations you wish to see at the exact pace you wish to see them. All of our offerings are also vetted firsthand by our team to ensure top quality and comfort. Contact one of our travel experts today to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip!
There's few destinations that rival the Galapagos Islands for the abundance of wildlife spotting, water activities, and picture perfect moments. Let us help you plan your dream Galapagos vacation.
From Kicker Rock to Sierra Negra, the Galapagos Islands are full of scenery that will stop you in your tracks. Each island in the Galapagos has its own unique features with panoramic views of the noteworthy Galapagos scenery.
The flora and fauna in the Galapagos has evolved over time to be able to thrive on each unique ecosystem. Tortoises here are bigger than humans, endemic birds have oddly shaped features and interesting stories, and iguanas can dive below the surface as easily as Galapagos penguins.
The Galapagos Islands were formed by volcanic activity and, even to this day, more than half of the volcanoes in the Galapagos are still active! Fernandina Island is the youngest of all the Galapagos Islands and has a rougher texture than the oldest island Espanola.
The Galapagos National Park was the very first national park in Ecuador and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected reserve spans over 3,000 square miles (7,995 km²) and has a strict allowance of visitors per day. Only 1,660 people on boats and 180 on day cruises are allowed in the national park per day. These regulations allow travelers to see the beauty of the Galapagos without disturbing the habitat.
The Galapagos Islands offer a wide variety of water activities suited for all. You can snorkel with sea lions, kayak, or take a glass-bottomed boat. If you're interested in a scuba diving tour, talk with your Peru for Less travel agent about customizing your itinerary with even more water activities.
Each island in the Galapagos is unique, but many of them have pristine white-sand beaches. This is the perfect place to lay out in the sun and listen to the sound of the ocean, or dive in and swim with the fish and turtles nearby. Depending on the island, the sand may have its own distinct color. You may spot red sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, or even a green sand beach!
Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is where to go to learn more about the restoration and protection of the incredible Galapagos ecosystems. This center is the operative branch of the Charles Darwin Foundation and houses a collection of preserved specimens in order to educate the public about the value of preserving these creatures and their habitats.
Ask your Latin America For Less travel advisor about how you can add some extra adventure to your personalized itinerary. Get your adrenaline pumping with hikes and multi-day treks, jungle expeditions, white water rafting trips, mountain biking tours and more. We are experts in planning personalized travel experiences in Latin America, so talk to one of our advisors today to start planning your adventure.
Ask your Latin America For Less travel advisor about adding cultural tours and experiences to your personalized itinerary. Discover the rich cultures of Latin America and learn about the unique customs and traditions maintained by its people. We are experts in planning personalized travel experiences in Latin America, so talk to one of our advisors today to start planning your cultural tour.
Ask your Latin America For Less travel advisor about how you can add spa & wellness tours to your personalized itinerary. Take advantage of a free day to enjoy some rest and relaxation at a resort, or visit a spa to unwind after a long day of exploring. We are experts in planning personalized travel experiences in Latin America, so talk to one of our advisors to start planning your spa & wellness tour.
Ask your Latin America For Less travel advisor about how you can add food tours and culinary experiences to your personalized itinerary. Discover the unique cuisines of Latin America and enjoy exclusive visits to some of the world’s top restaurants. We are experts in planning personalized travel experiences in Latin America, so talk to one of our travel advisors today to start planning your food tour.
Ask your Latin America For Less travel advisor about how you can add family-friendly tours to your itinerary. Our team can help you build the perfect trip for your family, whether your group has small children, teenagers, senior citizens, or all of the above. We are experts in planning personalized travel experiences in Latin America, so talk to one of our travel advisors today to start planning your family tour.
With fascinating history, beautiful culture and a wealth of natural riches including the spectacular Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers an abundance of marvelous destinations for travelers. Discover some of the best places to visit in Ecuador below.
The most biologically diverse environment on earth, the Amazon rainforest is home to a plethora of exotic wildlife. Marvel at monkeys, birds, insects, and caimans that live in the jungle.
The second highest capital in Latin America, the beautiful colonial city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts a superb setting that makes it a must see on your Ecuador tour.
Known as the playground of South America, Baños is truly a nature lover’s paradise, offering endless activities including hiking, rafting, and soaking in thermal springs.
A bustling port city known as the entertainment and commercial capital of Ecuador, Guayaquil is a vibrant modern city that deserves a visit on an Ecuador tour.
With its flower-filled plazas, unique skyline, and picturesque river, the colonial city of Cuenca is one of the loveliest cities in the country and often called the “Athens of Ecuador.”
Riobamba is the first city founded by Europeans in Ecuador, and is the ideal launching point for adventures to the great Chimborazo volcano or journeys on the famous Devil’s Nose Train.
Discover the best cruises and lodges to explore the Galapagos in comfort.
Cruise ship (100 passenger capacity)
The Galapagos Legend is one of the biggest ships that tours the Galapagos Islands, yet still offers impressively personalized service. This cruise has five decks that feature pools, Jacuzzis, a jogging track, and even an auditorium where expert naturalist guides give talks about the amazing archipelago.
Twin Yachts, Coral I and Coral II (36 & 20 passenger capacity)
The Coral yachts are perfect options for sailing in the Galapagos Island in style. These small ships feature luxurious amenities like Jacuzzis, a library, air conditioning, and mouthwatering food in their dining room.
Avenida Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Habitat is an oasis on Santa Cruz Island. Spend your days exploring the Galapagos Islands and spend your afternoons relaxing on the luxurious seafront terrace. Rooms feature minifridges, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Our trip was amazing. I can't imagine it could have gone any smoother. It was the perfect balance of organized activities and time to ourselves. Knowing that everything from transportation to hotels and tours was organized for us allowed us to just relax and enjoy every moment.
New York, USA
Our trip to Ecuador and Peru was fantastic. All the planning and arrangements you made for us were just perfect. Our guide Tatiana was extremely knowledgeable and fun to be with. Every day we looked forward to a new adventure.
California, USA
We had a fabulous trip to Ecuador and Peru. The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu were definitely the highlights. Amazing!!! Thanks for a wonderful trip.
Virginia, USA
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May if you want sunny weather, calmer and warmer waters, and better visibility for snorkeling and diving. However, the Galapagos can be visited year-round, especially if you’re looking to see specific animal activity
Anticipate tipping between $20-$30 a day per passenger. For example, bring about $300 in cash for tips for two people for a 4-5 day cruise. Tips will go to tour guides, boat crew and wait staff, bartenders, as well as cleaning staff. Tips for boat crew can usually be put onto a credit card. However, not all tips can be done via card and cash is preferred.
5-8 days. With most people having about a week to travel, 5 days in the Galapagos Islands is the minimum amount of time you should spend that also considers international and domestic flights. Because of all the different flora, fauna and landscapes to see throughout the archipelago, it’s best to opt for more time on the islands if possible.
The best Galapagos tours for couples include: a luxury Galapagos cruise or hotel, snorkeling with sharks and sea turtles, glass-bottomed boat rides, and relaxing on a beach. You can check your cruise or land-based package itinerary to see which tours are included.
A Galapagos cruise is the best option for families with kids. Parents can rest assured that their children are nearby and that the expert guides will cater tours to be captivating for the kids. Some cruises, like the Galapagos Legend, even have kids play areas on board.
A land package Galapagos tour is ideal for those looking to visit the Galapagos on a budget. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most expensive destinations in South America. However, hotels on the inhabited islands have a wider range of prices, making it easier to visit the islands on a budget as opposed to an all-inclusive Galapagos cruise.
On a Galapagos cruise, you’ll visit many different islands, giant tortoise breeding centers and beaches. Because of local environmental regulations, cruises offer varying itineraries. Your itinerary may include sites such as:
During a Galapagos land package, you’ll take day trips to visit nearby islands to your home base, as well as giant tortoise breeding centers and beaches.
Depending on which island you stay on, your land package itinerary may include places such as:
What makes the Galapagos Islands so special are its endemic animal species! Here are a few of the multitudes of Galapagos animals you may see depending on your itinerary and the time of year you visit:
Both Galapagos cruises and land-based tours have their pros and cons. Land-based tours of the Galapagos Islands allow for more independent travel at a cheaper price. However, Galapagos cruises allow you to travel to more distant islands. Cruise have set departure dates and itineraries giving you less flexibility over your vacation. Land-based tours, on the other hand, offer a menu of tour options (limited by capacity). Both options require boat trips so those prone to sea-sickness should come prepared with medications.
Contact us today to help plan your trip to the many natural treasures that can be found on the Galapagos Islands.
