Galápagos plus Quito Guided to perfection

Highlights

• Two worlds, one journey: the wild Galápagos and timeless Quito—expertly guided.Discover the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands
• From equatorial history to untamed nature, a guided experience.
• Walk colonial streets and sail through protected eco islands
• Cross the Equator line on this Galapagos boat tour
• Step aboard the Alya—your gateway to the Galápagos’ most extraordinary wonders. Designed for comfort, connection, and adventure, a yacht that blends modern amenities with intimate exploration.
• Hike through the Andean countryside
• Visit Otavallo, an indigenous market and UNESCO world heritage site
• Visit the leather town of Cotacahi and watch master weavers demonstrate techniques that have been used for centuries to produce colourful cloths.
• Swim with seals, come face-to face with blue-footed boobies, and other animals that led Darwin to his theory of the evolution.
  

PLAN A TRIP

DAY 1, QUITO

Tuesday October 19, 2027

Welcome to Ecuador. Our English speaking guide/driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel in Quito. If your arrival is later than 11 a.m. we suggested arriving October 18 as today offers a half day tour of Quito.

1PM

Our guide will take you to Old town Quito where you walk through the cobbled streets of Quito. Notice the stunningly preserved colonial architecture and lavish churches and monasteries scattered throughout the city. 

Accommodations: Le Parc Hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights in luxury rooms.

Note: This evening is on your own to relax and acclimate. We are happy to pre book a restaurant for your dinner, arrange a driver, or customize the day in any way that you choose based on your arrival time.

DAY 2, QUITO/OTAVALO/CUICOCHA LAKE/PEGUCHE

Wednesday, October 20, 2027.

Quito is one of the most fascinating and vibrant destinations in South America. Located at the foothills of the Andes, Quito is known for its rich colonial history, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. We will travel from Quito to the lush volcanic highlands., rich in friendly and colourfully attired indigenous people, historic working haciendas, and towering volcanoes with verdant slopes. First stop is the Otavalo Indian craft market. As we pass into the highlands, we’re treated to sweeping views of Imbabura and Cotacachi Volcanoes rising above San Pablo Lake. Second stop visit to its famous indigenous market, one of the largest and most colourful in South America.

Enjoy the intricate craftsmanship of handwoven textiles, vibrant tapestries, and intricately carved woodwork, all crafted by skilled artisans following ancient techniques passed down through generations. Stop for lunch followed by a visit to Peguche Village a few miles out of Otavalo. Tucked away amidst verdant mountains and rolling hills, this quaint village exudesan air of tranquility and rustic charm, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Andean life and culture where you visit a few local art shops, and you see how they work in their crafts and cultivate their lands.

The lunch stop showcases a colonial hacienda for Ecuadorian cuisine with a traditional lunch at Hacienda Pinsaquí. located among the most iconic volcanoes of the province and with breathtaking landscapes of the Andean highlands. (B, L)

Accommodations: Le Parc Hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights in luxury rooms.

DAY 3, QUITO/SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: AIRPORT – BLACK TURTLE COVE

Thursday, October 21, 2027.

AM Travel

Begin your 4-night cruise. All cabins are spacious and feature a private balcony, bath/shower and air-conditioning. All meals, lectures and shore excursions are included. (B, L, D)

Our English-speaking driver will pick you up for the early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. The flight path is Quito to Guayaquil and then Guayaquil to Baltra Island. Total flying time is about 5 hours. (B, L, D)

Vists to:

PM – BLACK TURTLE COVE

After lunch our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Return to Alya.

We recommend water shoes.

Accommodations: Double or single occupancy cabin 

DAY 4 GALAPAGOS ISLAND YACHT

Friday, October 22, 2027.    

AM – DARWIN BAY (GENOVESA ISLAND)

Wet landing, in Darwin Bay. Coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkelling. Genovesa is a small island in the north of the Galapagos. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available.

PM – BARRANCO (GENOVESA ISLAND)

Dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Phillip’s stairs. Here, we will go for a walk on the Barranco path. On our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches. Dinner.

(B, L, D)

DAYS 5, SANTIAGO AND BARTOLOME ISLANDS

Saturday, October 23, 2027.

AM – SANTIAGO ISLAND – SULLIVAN BAY

Wet landing and hiking. Description: Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you on board the ship. 

PM – BARTOLOME ISLAND

Photo by Eva Stelzer

Dry landing, wet landing for the beach. Activities on this island include walking, swimming, snorkelling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

(B, L, D)

Evening, time to chat and talk about some of our exciting activities of the day and find out what’s next.

DAY 6, CHINESE HAT/MOSQUERA

AM – CHINESE HAT

A small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type “Splatter” (lava ejected as drops which fall close to where they came from, which form an inclined cone) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that go down to the coast. On the west side you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward, which is why coral heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes for this trek is 30 minutes. Return to your boat for lunch.

PM – MOSQUERA

This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach. Return to Alya

(B, L, D)

DAY 7, CHARLES DARWIN STATION

AM – CHARLES DARWIN

After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity.

This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.

Transfer to Ikala Hotel.

Free afternoon to visit the town.

Accommodation: Inkala hotel

(B)

DAY 8, GARRAPATERO

Tuesday, October 26^th     

GARRAPATERO

Visit Garrapatero Cove and Beach, located on the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island and widely considered to have the finest sand in all of the Galápagos. This pristine, secluded beach offers the perfect setting to relax and connect with nature in a peaceful environment, far from the crowds.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for cooling off and unwinding. For those looking to add a bit of adventure, you can take a short excursion on a tandem, sit-on-top kayak and explore the coastline from a unique perspective. If relaxation is more your style, simply stretch out on the soft white sand and soak in the stunning natural surroundings.

A short walk from the beach leads to a nearby brackish lagoon, a hidden gem and excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Here, you may observe a variety of bird species, including stilts, plovers, pintails, and graceful flamingos, making this visit a perfect blend of beach time, gentle activity, and unforgettable encounters with Galápagos wildlife.

Farewell dinner at Almar.

Accommodation: Inkala hotel

(B, L, D)

DAY 9 HOMEWARD BOUND

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. If flying back home the same day, please consider a flight after 8:00 PM if departing from Quito and after 7:00 PM if departing from Guayaquil. In the event that you can only get an earlier flight, you will need to overnight at an airport hotel, price to be provided upon request. (B)

The Alya

Why travelers love the Alya:

• • Elegant Comfort: Spacious lounges, panoramic windows, and stylish cabins create a relaxing retreat after each unforgettable day ashore.

  • Up-Close Encounters: Expert naturalist guides lead small-group outings—ideal for spotting blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, or cruising with dolphins.

  • Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor freshly prepared meals that highlight Ecuadorian flavors with ocean views.

  • All-Inclusive Ease: Cabins, meals, guided excursions, and daily enrichment are seamlessly delivered so you can focus on adventure.

INCLUDED: Prices are quoted in US dollars and include all meals aboard the Alya Yacht, unlimited coffee, tea and water on board, 4 nights n standard cabin aboard the Alya, all transfers in the Galapagos, accommodation with private facilities, all excursions as mentioned in the itinerary (itinerary subject to change) with English speaking naturalist guide class 3, snorkelling equipment, private services on the mainland including private transportation to and from the airpot to hotels, 2 nights hotel in Quito, all breakfasts, English speaking guides, 2 nights at our Galapagos Safari hotel in Santa Cruz including breakfast and entrance fees where described, consumer protection fees.

NOT INCLUDED: International Airfare, Flights from Quito to the Galapagos (approximately $400 per person USD), Galapagos National Park entrance fee (at time of this printing Feb 10, 2026- USD $200 pp), Transit Control Card (currently USD $20 pp); wet suit rental, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, tips to guides, , mandatory trip interruption/cancellation insurance, medical insurance, gratutites.

B= breakfast included. L= lunch included, D = Dinner included

All bookings through Voyages GAMSPS and EVIACTIVE: Quebec License 701865

PLAN YOUR TRIP