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10 Day itinerary in Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Experience: Volunteer & Travel 10 days

If the thought of a regular ol' cruise doesn't tickle your fancy, or if being stuck on a boat isn't your idea of fun, guess what? The program: an enchanted island called Galapagos was practically made for you! Get ready to dive into an extraordinary adventure that's anything but ordinary. This progr... Read More

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CeciliaAna MaríaSantiago

By Cecilia, Ana María and Santiago

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Quito

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Nature & Wildlife

Purposeful Travel

Water & Coastline

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Trek to the Majestic Craters of Sierra Negra Volcano

2

Observe Giant Tortoises in Their Natural Habitat

3

Relax at Playa Mann beach

4

Experience Snorkeling at Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival to Quito

Welcome to our beautiful country. We're here to make you feel right at home from the very start!

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 2

place Quito - Baltra - Puerto ayora - Speedboat Ride to Isabela Island

Welcome to the adventure! As soon as you touch down on Baltra Island, a friendly driver will be there to help you up from the airport and transfer you to the lively harbor in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. There you can find different options of restaurnts and coffe shops. In the afternoon you'll hop on a ferry that's your ticket to Isabela Island (the ride takes about 2 hours, so bring some snacks and tunes!). When you roll in during the afternoon, your trusty contact person will be at the Isabela harbor to give you a warm welcome and take you to your cozy hotel. Note: Passengers should arrive by 11:00 am at the latest to Baltra Airport (GPS) to guarantee this first day, otherwise we recommend arriving in Santa Cruz one day before the tour.


INCLUDE

  • Transfer IN Baltra and Santa Cruz
  • Speedboat to Isabella
  • Transfer IN Isabella
  • Accommodation


NOT INCLUDED

  • Isabella Port Tax 10USD
  • Extra Expenses,
  • Aquataxis 1USD each one

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 3

place Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano & Tintoreras (afternoon)

It is a complet day of total adventure. Today you have to choose between two awesome spots. The first option is Sierra Negra and Chico Volcanoes. Get those hiking boots ready, 'cause you're in for a 6-7 hour trek that'll have your heart pumping and your spirits soaring. Trust us, every step will be worth it once you catch those island views that'll take your breath away. The next one is Tintoreras, it's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This unique site offers an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life, including the iconic Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and white-tipped reef sharks.


INCLUDED

  • Bilingual Guide, 
  • Box Lunch
  • Accommodation


EXCLUDED

  • Extra Expenses

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 4

place Isabela - Santa Cruz (Highlands and Charles Darwin Station)

Today is time for a change of scenery. At morning, a boat ride awaits to whisk you over to Santa Cruz Island. When you touch down in Santa Cruz, a friendly guide is ready to welcome you and transfer to your accomodation.

In the afternoon you will visit a ranch in the island’s highlands where you will see Giant Turtles in their natural habitat. You will go through the dark lava tunnels as our guide explains the origin of this island. Finally you will visit Charles Darwin Station, home to the giant tortoises and the land iguana captive breeding programs. Here the guide will give you a detailed explanation regarding the evolution of the Islands.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 5

place Snorkeling Tour

At Santa Fe Island, you will see land iguanas and enjoy some birdwatching too. This hidden gem boasts volcanic rocks covered in giant Opuntia Cactus, creating a unique landscape. After a breezy boat ride, get ready to dive into two awesome snorkel spots. Playful Galapagos sea lions might join you, along with colorful reef fish, and maybe even turtles, reef sharks, and rays. The next stop is 'Playa Escondida', where you might spot more of Santa Fé's residents like land iguanas, hawks, finches, doves, mockingbirds, rice rats, and even the friendly Galapagos snake. Lunch is served onboard, making this adventure even more exciting!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 6

place Santa Cruz - San Cristóbal

It's a day to arrive the next beatiful island: San Cristobal.This day use it wisely – maybe hit up the spots on Santa Cruz that you didn't catch on before. Later at afternoon, head to the harbor, where the ferry to San Cristobal Island sets sail at 2:00 pm. You'll cruise in and arrive around 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm,A memeber of our staff will be there to give you a warm island welcome. and helping you with information about what to do in San Cristobal – where to munch, what to explore – they've got you covered. With the rest of the afternoon, you've got options: take a leisurely stroll along the boulevard and catch some Zs alongside the snoozing sea lions or head to one of the nearby beaches for a bit of chill time. It's your island getaway – the choice is all yours.


INCLUDED

  • Speedboat to San Cristobal,
  • Assistance in both islands,
  • Accommodation


EXCLUDED

  • Extra Expenses,
  • Aquataxis 1.50USD

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 7

place Snorkeling Tour

Today's all about snorkeling, with two options you must choose at Lobo Island or Kicker Rock (depends on availability)! 


It is a complet day of total adventure. Today you have to choose between two awesome spots – either Isla Lobos or Kicker Rock – based on what's available. No worries, whichever you pick, lunch is included and you will be back around 4:00 pm. Isla Lobos: First up, let's talk Isla Lobos. This little gem is yours to explore. Picture this: adorable sea lion colonies, blue-footed boobies showing off their feet, birds on migration, frigates doing their impressive balloon thing, and even some nazca boobies. Oh, and Canal Lobos is the spot to be – dive into turquoise waters for a snorkeling session with sea lions, rays, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. After all that underwater excitement, we'll sail to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (depending on the tide). It's a day that's got it all – are you ready?


Kicker Rock It's time to talk about Kicker Rock – it's like a stunning rock in the middle of the big blue, and the locals say it's the image of a snoozing sea lion. Hop on the boat as we cruise around the rock, checking out all sorts of nesting seabirds along the way. Then, we'll pause at the canal's entrance, your gateway to some awesome snorkeling. Imagine swimming alongside sharks (white tipped, Galapagos, and hammerhead), graceful sea turtles, rays, and more. It's a real-life underwater show! Once we've soaked up all that magic, we're off to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (depends on the tide) – that's where we'll dig into our box lunch and where you will have relaxing time ont he beach. It's like a dream come true, don't you think?


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 8

place San Cristobal - Volunteer day

"Carlos and Eduardo Simbaña, brothers united by a deep passion for their home, San Cristobal Island, have embarked on a profound mission. In the face of challenges posed by human activities over time, they've witnessed the toll it has taken on the island's precious natural ecosystem. The once harmonious balance disrupted, endemic plants and animals found themselves amidst turmoil. It's this very concern that fuels their tireless dedication to take action and create a positive impact. With unwavering resolve, they're committed to not only serving their community but also safeguarding the legacy for generations yet to come.

This initiative tackles a paramount challenge faced by the insular realm. This complex issue, coupled with others, has spurred the dedication of "Carlos and Eduardo Simbaña," who, alongside national and international volunteers, have embarked on a transformative journey. Their efforts encompass a multi-pronged approach: • Clearing the land of invasive plants • Nurturing the growth of native and endemic vegetation • Rallying community support to rejuvenate the island's natural habitat on San Cristóbal


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Volunteer home, San Cristobal
Day 9

place San Cristóbal

Savor a leisurely morning at your own pace before bidding adieu to the Galapagos Islands. With a transfer scheduled to the San Cristobal Airport, ensure your arrival 1.5 hours prior to your departure. As you embark on your journey, we extend our warm wishes for safe and delightful travels ahead.


INCLUDED

  • Transfer OUT Baquerizo Moreno Airport


EXCLUDED

  • Extra Expenses

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 2* hotels, Hostels
Day 10

place Return Home

At a convenient time, our friendly driver will be there to whisk you away to the airport for your journey back home, leaving you with cherished memories of this beautiful country!


INCLUDE

  • Transfer OUT Quito


NOT INCLUDED

  • Extra Expenses

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • 2* hotels, Hostels
  • Volunteer home, San Cristobal

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (8)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Transportation by ferry between the islands
  • Round transfer from Quito International Airport

Activities expand_less

  • Excursion in activities in Galapagos

Extras expand_less

  • 24 hours emergency number and support
  • Logistic Orientation at your accommodation place

Not Included expand_less

  • Alcoholic beverages extra snack
  • Extras
  • International Flight & Galapagos Air Ticket
  • Ingala card 20USD
  • Isabela Tax Port 10USD
  • Any activities beyond your planned itinerary
  • Galapagos National Park fee (100 USD )
  • Bus from Airport to Itabaca Channel (5USD¨)
  • Itabaca Boat (1USD)
  • Guide for Charles Darwin Station
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Wet suit rental

About Cecilia

TEAM LEAD

+2 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (45 reviews)

Expertise: 

Cycling

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Rural home stays

Kayak & Canoe

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Water & Coastline

As a passionate traveler, my heart is in Ecuador. I've explored its hidden gems, discovering places of enchantment perfect for escaping routine. Sharing these treasures with fellow travelers isn't just my expertise – it's my calling. Let's embark on!

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,350.00 USD