Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Quito & Cruise in the Galapagos Islands (8D | 7N)

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Galapagos

Navigate the Galapagos Islands, an iconic conservation landmark.

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Quito

Quito Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the Middle of the World.

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GO Quito Hotel

Start in Quito with a city view from the best five-star hotel, GO Quito Hotel.

Boutique Expedition Cruise

Galapagos Legend

This exquisite vessel, designed for 100 guests, offers an intimate glimpse into the Galapagos’ charm. Await a voyage filled with culinary delights and extraordinary adventures. Elevate your experience with the knowledge* of our expert Galapagos guides, ensuring an adventure rich in discovery and luxury.

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Go1 Package Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Galapagos Legend

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

AM
✈ Transfer Quito (airport – hotel). Welcome to Quito. A representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have free time to explore the city, relax and settle in.

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

AM
Colonial Quito.
Stroll through the busy streets and squares of the most significant historic center of the Americas: a multi-ethnic, artistic, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 2 Quito Old town tour

PM
The Middle of the World.
Afterward, our guide will visit the Middle of the World Complex at latitude 0*0*0. Return to the hotel for the night.

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 3 - Welcome to Galapagos & Mosquera Islet

AM
✈ Welcome to Galapagos. Departure from Quito to Baltra Island is a 2 1⁄2 hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Galapagos Legend.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 3 Galapagos Legend

PM
Mosquera Islet This tiny, low-lying islet, converted into coral sand, is set between the north and south Seymour Islands. It’s home to a group of sea lions that come to laze on the soft white sand, it’s an excellent spot to observe shorebirds, herons, lava gulls, and boobies. Snorkeling or diving here, one can often see sharks, rays, and barracudas.

Day 4 - Santiago Island & Rabida Island

AM
Egas Port (Santiago Island). The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most. It’s best known for the dramatic shoreline, where we meet a host of species that choose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk.

PM
Rabida Island Lying at the archipelago’s heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay.

Day 5 - Isabela Island

AM
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) At the far end of a long level hike, we arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, we hope to run into a few impressive land iguanas and some volcanoes endemic to Galapagos giant tortoises during the wet season.

NewWeb-HB-islas-isabela-tagus-urbina-two-land-iguana

PM
Tagus Cave (Isabela Island) Tagus Cove is a historic pirate hideout and anchorage. Visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and stunning volcanic landscape, revealing Isabela island’s dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement!

Day 6 - Fernandina Island & Isabela Island

AM
Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island) Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants.

PM
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles.

NewWeb-HB-islas-Isabela-Punta-vicente-Roca-Kayaking-gallery

Day 7 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

Day 6 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

AM
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island). In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb (272.16 kg), reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

✈ Baltra Island Airport After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Quito.

20160613_Model_with_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_386

PM
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 8 - Transfer to Airport

AM
Transfer to Quito airport
Transfer to Quito airport or guests can also extend their stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer.

View Land Tours

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 7, buffet in the GO Quito Hotel

Expedition Yachts

Coral I & Coral II

Coral I & Coral II are gorgeous and comfortable sister yachts. They offer charming social areas on three decks with outdoor and interior spaces that allow you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience on your way. They can accommodate 36 and 20 guests, respectively.

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

AM
✈ Transfer Quito (airport – hotel). Welcome to Quito. A representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have free time to explore the city, relax and settle in.

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

AM
Colonial Quito.
Stroll through the busy streets and squares of the most significant historic center of the Americas: a multi-ethnic, artistic, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PM
The Middle of the World.
Afterward, our guide will visit the Middle of the World Complex at latitude 0*0*0. Return to the hotel for the night.

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 3 - Welcome to Galapagos & Mosquera islet

Day 3 - Welcome to Galapagos & Mosquera Islet

PM
Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island). Here we can find four species of mangrove in the extensive tidal lagoon system that stretches for almost a mile inland. During our panga ride through the labyrinth we will spot many turtles, herons of several species, sharks and rays. The experience is otherworldly and seems to transport us back to the beginning of time.

Day 4 - Isabela Island & Fernandina Island

AM
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island). Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles.

NewWeb-HB-islas-Isabela-Punta-vicente-Roca-Kayaking-gallery

PM
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island). Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants.

Day 5 - Isabela island

Day 5 - Isabela Island

Day 6 - Santiago island

Day 6 - Santiago Island

AM
Egas Port (Santiago Island). The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most, it’s best known for the dramatic shoreline where we meet a host of species that chose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk.

PM
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island). It has an extensive features relative to young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-colored tuff cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet.

Day 7 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

Day 6 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

PM
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 8 - Transfer to Airport

AM
Transfer to Quito airport
Transfer to Quito airport or guests can also extend their stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer.

View Land Tours

Two daily excursions

Onboard activities

Aquatic activities

All meals onboard

Included in the rates

Onboard

- High-quality Galapagos Islands cruise sharing double occupancy.
- 2 daily excursions to the islands with multilingual naturalist guides.
- Snorkeling opportunities (equipment included: fins, mask, snorkel).
- Glass bottom boat (Available in Galapagos Legend).
- Lectures and briefings.
- All meals included onboard, welcome and farewell cocktails.
- Luxury Cabins with sea views, air conditioning, and private facilities (one thermos and excursion bag per person included).
- All cabins are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Body lotion is also available in balcony suites.
- Towels available for personal use: cabin, pool, and during excursions.

Mainland:

- Three nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Hotel: GO Quito Hotel.
- Meals: Three breakfasts in Quito.

- Assistance with check-in and baggage handling at the airport (one piece of luggage, max. 20kls per person).
- Roundtrip transfers.
- Transfers to/from the airport and dinghy rides to/from ports in connection with scheduled flights

Not included and to be invoiced onboard

Not included and to be invoiced onboard (net in US$ per person subject to change):

⊗ Air ticket from Quito / Guayaquil to Galapagos.
– $ 495 per adult.
– $ 375 per child under 12 years old.

Issued by GO in connection with the cruise itinerary, arranging and securing logistics, luggage, and passenger transfers from airports to port – ship and back, documentation.

⊗ Galapagos Entrance Fee.

– $ 200 per adult
– $ 100 for children under 12 years old.

⊗ CGG Migration Control Card: $20 per person.

Supplements & Discounts

⊗ Single supplement: 50%, except in holiday seasons. (15 Dec – 5 Jan).

⊗ Triple occupancy: 25% discount for a third person sharing a cabin with two full-paying guests. (Only available on Galapagos Legend).

⊗ 50% discount for children under 12 years old sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. 25% discount during the holiday season.

Optional onboard plus taxes

Optional onboard plus taxes (net per person in US$ subject to change):

- Internet: Single cruise: $45.00 | Double cruise: $65.00

- Wetsuit rental: $25 per person.

- Kayak rental: $25 per person.

- Alcoholic and soft drinks: (packages available).

- Scuba diving during GO’s cruises: $355 half-day tour with 1-2 dives and equipment included (pre-booking required).

- Doctor: Medical assistance and medication are additional costs.

- Tips: Suggested per person per day $20 for crew / $10 for guide.

Essentials:

Passport and Travel Documents.
Cash in US Dollars and bring credit or debit cards.
Your medications for the journey.
Ocean-Friendly Sunblock.
Insect repellent.
Waterproof small backpack.
Photo and video cameras.
Journal

Go 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A family at the beach with a baby sea lion

What to Wear?

Water-resistant, closed-toe sport sandals.
Lightweight hiking shoes.
Lightweight hiking pants or shorts.
Long-sleeve shirts.
Bathing suits.
Warm sweater or fleece.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap.
Sunglasses

GO QUITO HOTEL

A unique hotel that offers 151 elegant rooms and lofts with a view of the city, inspired by the Andes. They have a modern home automation system that integrates lighting and heating. It also has a wellness area with a heated pool, sauna, spa, yoga room and a beautiful orchid garden.
GO Quito Hotel, committed to social and environmental responsibility, seeks to reduce its impact through responsible practices to conserve resources, manage energy efficiency and support the well-being of guests and staff.

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