- 4.9/5 332 Latest reviews
- Destination: Ecuador
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Galapagos Islands tour package is the smartest way to see Ecuador's three most iconic destinations in just 9 days — no wasted time, no guesswork, just an unforgettable private journey from the cloud-kissed capital to the world's most extraordinary archipelago. From vibrant Andean traditions to rare endemic wildlife and charming port cities, this 9-day Galapagos Islands tour package delivers the very best of Ecuador in a worry-free private format. You'll explore the UNESCO-listed colonial streets of Quito before embarking on an island-hopping Galapagos adventure — from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristóbal — encountering giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat. The journey ends in Guayaquil, where colorful Las Peñas and a lively waterfront round off a truly remarkable Ecuador vacation.
Why choose this Ecuador vacation package:
This package covers three of Ecuador's most iconic destinations in one seamless trip.You'll spend Days 1–3 in Quito, Days 4–7 island-hopping across Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal in the Galapagos, and Days 8–9 exploring Guayaquil before your departure.
- Private, bespoke itinerary tailored to your pace
- English-speaking naturalist guides throughout the Galapagos
- Island-hopping by boat between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal
- Snorkeling in crystal-clear Galapagos waters with sea turtles and reef sharks
- UNESCO colonial Quito — one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Quito
UNESCO-listed Church of La Compañía, Equatorial Monument, Intiñan Museum and more
4 - 6
Santa Cruz Island
Parte Alta, Giant Galapagos Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, Academy Bay Beaches, Las Grietas
7
San Cristobal Island
Isla Lobos, Playa Ochoa
8 - 9
Guayaquil
Guayaquil City Walking Tour, Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Your Galapagos Islands tour package begins the moment you land in Quito.
A private driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free — rest, explore the city on foot, or simply take in the dramatic Andean skyline surrounding Ecuador’s high-altitude capital.
- Quito
- Day 2 — Colonial Quito: UNESCO Historic Center
This morning, your English-speaking guide leads you through one of Latin America’s best-preserved colonial cities.
Visit a vibrant local market, sample fresh Ecuadorian produce, and step inside the dazzling Church of La Compañía — a gilded Baroque masterpiece on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
In the afternoon, head to the Equatorial Monument and the Intiñan Museum. Try balancing an egg on a nail right on the equator line and watch water drain in opposite directions on each side.
On the way back, stop at the Agave House — the world’s only museum dedicated to Andean agave culture.
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- Quito
- Day 3 — Quito: Choose Your Adventure
Today you pick from four exciting day-trip options, each offering a different window into Ecuador’s remarkable landscapes.
Otavalo — Shop for artisan crafts at one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets, then continue to Cuicocha, a volcanic crater lake.
Cotopaxi — Trek near one of the world’s highest active volcanoes (5,897 m) and spot llamas, wild horses, and Andean condors in the national park.
Quilotoa & Tigua — Marvel at the vivid green waters of a volcanic crater lake, then visit traditional Tigua painting studios.
Mindo Cloud Forest — Discover 25 butterfly species at the Butterfly Park and explore waterfall trails through lush tropical forest.
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- Quito
- Day 4 — Fly to the Galapagos | Giant Tortoise Encounter
This is the day your Galapagos Islands tour package comes to life.
A private transfer takes you to Quito Airport for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival at Baltra, you travel to Santa Cruz Island — the heart of the archipelago.
Your first stop is the highland ranch of Parte Alta, where giant Galapagos tortoises roam freely near forest lagoons.
You’ll also walk through ancient lava tunnels carved by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.
A coordinator meets you at your hotel to walk through the rest of your Galapagos itinerary.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 5 — Santa Cruz: Galapagos Wildlife Day Tour
Choose your island excursion for the day. All options include lunch and snorkeling gear.
Plazas Island — Land iguanas mingle with sea lions on dramatic cliffs above the Pacific.
North Seymour — Watch frigatebirds inflate their vivid red throat pouches in a spectacular courtship display, then snorkel at Bachas Beach.
Santa Fe Island — Home to the rare large land iguana found nowhere else. Excellent snorkeling with rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles.
Bartolomé Island — Climb to the viewpoint above iconic Pinnacle Rock for panoramic Galapagos views and snorkel with Moorish Idol fish.
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- Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
- Day 6 — Academy Bay Snorkeling | Ferry to San Cristóbal
Morning begins with a small-boat tour of Academy Bay — one of the top highlights of any Galapagos Islands tour package.
Spot blue-footed boobies perched on basalt cliffs, observe white-tip reef sharks in the shallows, and snorkel through crystal-clear water teeming with marine life.
A walk to Las Grietas — a stunning water-filled geological canyon — rounds out the morning.
In the afternoon, board a motorized ferry to San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost island and the first stop Charles Darwin made in 1835.
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- San Cristóbal Island (Galapagos)
- Day 7 — San Cristóbal: Isla Lobos & White-Sand Beaches
A short boat ride brings you to Isla Lobos, where sea lions, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies gather in large colonies.
Snorkel alongside rays, sea turtles, and playful sea lions that have no fear of humans — one of the Galapagos’ most magical experiences.
Later, visit Playa Ochoa — a pristine white coral beach perfect for swimming or a quiet afternoon stroll.
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- San Cristóbal Island (Galapagos)
- Day 8 — Fly to Guayaquil | Las Peñas Walking Tour
Your Galapagos Islands tour package continues with a short flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and Pacific gateway.
After hotel check-in, a bilingual guide leads you through the historic Las Peñas neighborhood — a hillside maze of brightly painted houses and art galleries above the Guayas River.
Walk the Malecón 2000 waterfront, try traditional local snacks, and learn about Guayaquil’s history as Ecuador’s commercial heart.
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- Guayaquil
- Day 9 — Guayaquil Departure
After breakfast, a shuttle transfer takes you to Guayaquil Airport.
Your journey ends here — but the memories of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and colonial Quito will last a lifetime.
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