Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published May 14, 2024
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600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, a hidden gem lies in wait for the adventurous traveler—the Galápagos Islands. These islands are home to fascinating species and unusual landscapes that you won't find anywhere else in the world. From prickly pear cactus forests and giant Galápagos tortoises to jagged lava fields and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, it's time to experience this one-of-a-kind place for yourself!
 
8 DAYS | 15 max guests
2024 - 2025 Departures Available
 
JOIN US
 

 
 
Mingling with Galápagos tortoise
Mingling with Galápagos tortoise
 
Day 1-2
 
Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
 
Spend one night in Quito before beginning your exciting Galápagos Islands adventure! Fly to Baltra Island and embark on a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island, where you'll discover Los Gemelos, mingle with giant Galápagos tortoises, and explore the remnants of an illuminated lava tunnel.
 
 
Flamingo Lagoon
Flamingo Lagoon
 
Day 3-4
 
Tortuga Bay & Isabela Island
 
Admire the unique marine and land species as you wander, swim, and kayak around beautiful Tortuga Bay. Try to spot whales, dolphins, and manta rays as you set off for Isabela Island via charter speedboat. Then, observe fascinating marine life at Concha de Perla and pink flamingos at the Flamingo Lagoon.
 
 
Las Grietas
Las Grietas Photo by Kiyoshi on Unspash
 
Day 5-6
 
Isabela Island & Santa Cruz
 
Explore a small group of islands called Las Tintoreras and walk through jagged lava fields, home to marine iguanas and sea lions, before snorkeling in the warm, shallow bay. Transfer to Santa Cruz Island via charter speedboat and enjoy an exciting boat tour, visiting La Lobería, Love Channel, Dog Beach, and Las Grietas.
 
 
Peguche Waterfall
Peguche Waterfall
 
Day 7-8
 
Santa Cruz Island, Quito & USA
 
Fly back to Quito as your spectacular adventure draws to a close and you return to the USA the next day. Or, take advantage of your already-included airfare and extend your stay! Spend two additional days in Quito and explore the city's highlights, including the "Middle of the World" at the Equatorial Monument, the Peguche Waterfall, and the Otavalo Market, Ecuador's most famous indigenous market.
 
 
SEE THE FULL 8-DAY ITINERARY
 
 
Star
 
"We had a wonderful time on the Galapagos Islands Adventure and recommend this trip to anyone who can walk. All of the arrangements for our activities, meals, hotels, boat rides, etc., were seamless, and our trip manager was especially helpful and fun and went out of his way to make sure we had a great time with no waiting or complications of any kind. That made it easy to relax and enjoy our trip and focus on the activities of our trip rather than logistics. The islands are so unique. Great trip!"
 
— Barbara
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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