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Galapagos Islands Vacation
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Top 6 Galapagos Islands Tours
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Places to Visit on a Trip to the Galapagos
The Galapagos archipelago is made of numerous beautiful and distinct islands, which should all be explored on any of our Galapagos vacation packages. As the inspiration to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the native species and their behaviors differ from island to island. We recommend planning a visit to as many of the islands in the chain as possible to experience the extreme biodiversity. Some of the most popular islands include San Cristobal, Bartolome, Santa Fe, Isabela, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, and Espanola. However, certain smaller islands may suit a traveler’s interests more, depending on what they’d like to see.
Santa Cruz Island Tours
Almost every Galapagos cruise will make at least one visit to Santa Cruz island. There are many points of interest on a tour of Santa Cruz Island including Tortuga Bay – named after the Galapagos tortoises that can be found here, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the Santa Cruz Highlands. The island measures about 20 miles by 25 miles and rises to 2,835 feet giving it a range of different habitats and making it ideal for lots of different activities including hikes and mountain biking, plus kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the surrounding waters.
Quito & the Galapagos
What better way to maximize the value of your Galapagos Islands Ecuador cruise than to add a tour of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. This capital was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. When you head to the Galapagos Islands from your home country, you almost always fly into the airport at Quito (another option is Guayaquil – another wonderful city to visit). So, you might as well make the most of your Ecuador vacation by spending a little extra time in Quito.
Take a city tour to see the Government Palace, the House of Congress, the Cathedral, and many other churches and landmarks. Also visit the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo), commemorating the equatorial line that stretches through Ecuador. And don’t miss a trip to Otavalo, where you’ll find one of the most important indigenous markets in South America.
Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands
If you’re traveling to the Galapagos Islands from a faraway distance, you might as well see some other sights. And with Peru being Ecuador’s neighbor, a side trip to Machu Picchu is a logical choice. Combine these two highlights of South America — the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu — for an unforgettable South America vacation.
This trip combines a Galapagos Islands cruise with a trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, in a fully-customizable travel package. You can do either the Peru or Ecuador portions of your trip first. Call us to help you decide the best schedule for your travel plans and time frame.
Recommended Galapagos Cruises & Tour Packages
As the inspiration to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are teeming with incredibly unique flora and fauna. Explore the various volcanic islands and creatures while on our Luxury Galapagos Cruise and Ecuador Train Tour. This luxury tour provides travelers with a comprehensive look at the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador as a whole. With daily excursions to explore the various islands, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, research centers and trekking through out-of-this-world volcanic landscapes, there’s never a dull moment during this top Galapagos Cruise tour. Or consider the Galapagos Islands Legend Cruise, where travelers can tour around in style. This is a fairly large boat and has a spacious feel, including a roof-top lounge and bar. Travelers can choose from a variety of itineraries, and some cabins offer balconies, allowing guests to enjoy spectacular views from their room.
To experience the very best of South America, consider combining one of our Galapagos tours with Peru. Located just south of Ecuador, Peru makes for an ideal jumping base into the rest of South America. Explore the serene beauty of the islands and one of the modern wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, on our Galapagos Cruise and Machu Picchu Tour.
Custom Galapagos Islands Tours & Cruises
Our Galapagos vacation tours are completely customizable. Design and customize any of our Galapagos Island tours with one of our expert Travel Consultants. With our insider knowledge and your interests, we’ll craft the perfect Galapagos vacation package from time schedules, activities, and destinations.
An Alternative to Galapagos Islands Cruises
We highly recommend a Galapagos Islands cruise to our travelers. Though if you prefer land rather than water, you can opt for an “island-hopping” adventure through the Galapagos Islands. Rather than taking a Galapagos Islands cruise, “island-hopping” allows you to travel among the islands of the Galapagos by plane, and spend the night on the islands. Browse our Galapagos tours below, and contact our travel consultants if you are interested in an island-hopping tour of the Galapagos.
If you’re worried about getting seasick while aboard a Galapagos island cruise ship, or if you would just rather spend some more time on the islands themselves, an island-hopping expedition may be just the ticket for you. You can fly into San Cristobal Island and spend the night here, and then hop among other islands in boats each day. During each day, you’ll have opportunities for land- and water-based activities, such as hiking, bird-watching, snorkeling, and swimming. Spend each evening in little villages and port towns, such as Puerto Villamil.
Galapagos Islands Travel FAQ’s
Thinking about a Galapagos trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Visit our Galapagos Vacation Planning page for in-depth Galapagos travel tips.
Why visit Galapagos Islands?
When is the best time to visit Galapagos?
While these two seasons vary in temperature and weather, the spectacular animal species of the archipelago are not migratory and can be spotted year-round. However, natural events, like the mating of land iguanas and hatching of sea turtles occur at different times in the year. Speak to an expert travel consultant for more information on when to travel for certain natural events.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
Is it safe to travel to the Galapagos Islands?
What is the best way to visit the Galapagos?
How long do you need in the Galapagos Islands?
What are the best islands to visit?
With 19 islands, there is so much to see and do. To narrow things down, we have outlined our top island choices to experience the best of the Galapagos.
- San Cristobal Island. This island is one of the few to boats to a small town and is a great central point for information, activities, and of course, nature. Here you can swim at white coral beaches, scuba dive, and have access to fantastic bird watching opportunities. With two species, in particular, calling the island home, the Chatham Mockingbird and the blue-footed booby.
- Española Island. As the oldest island formed approximately 4 million years ago, and one of the most densely populated for wildlife, Española is probably your best chance at getting up close with nature. Species that call the island home include the blue-footed booby colonies, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
- Floreana Island. This island is famous for its flora. Once populated by pirates, the ecosystem was changed drastically by the influence of humans and non-native plants and animals. Today it serves as a great example of why its location was essential in creating its ecosystem. Here, you can spot dolphins, lounge at crystal blue beaches and explore the various cacti and bushes that are unique to the island.
Remember that all the islands have their distinctive qualities, whether it’s the terrain, viewpoints or wildlife that inhabit it. With a customized, preplanned cruise, you’re sure to see everything that interest you with help from expert leading guides.
What animals can you see on the Galapagos Islands?
With hundreds of rare species, the islands are an incredible look into a special ecosystem. The more famous species include the giant iguana and land iguana, penguins and the Galapagos tortoise. There are also multiple species of sea lions, stingrays, sharks, octopi, barracudas, sea turtles, pink flamingos, dolphins, manta rays and sea horses. You will be continually occupied, as you spot these creatures, from big to small, in their natural habitat.
What can you do in the Galapagos Islands?
With diverse wildlife, scenic beaches, and rare volcanic topography, the Galapagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. You can study the vast array of plants and animals close-up while snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing on the white-sand beaches. There is also a variety of science and nature tours, where you can learn what inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection.
What are the Galapagos Islands known for?
Due to isolation and volcanic activity, the islands are hosts to extremely unique and diverse flora and fauna – the inspiration for research Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection. With a small, eco-conscious local population and controlled tourism, the islands are an oasis away from people and praised for their untouched beauty. Anywhere you look, from the crystal blue ocean to the vibrant Scalesia trees, you’ll witness wildlife in its natural habitat. It is not uncommon to spot science and nature lovers captivated by the rare species, like the Giant tortoise or land iguana. The area also offers stunning island scenery and trails to beaches, coves, red cliffs and more, all of which we’ll plan for you based on your interests.
How much does it cost to visit the Galapagos Islands?
5 Best Galapagos Islands Vacation for 2024
Tour Name | Price | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Galapagos Island Coral Cruises | from $1824 | 8 Days | Discover the Galapagos Islands and its amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes on the Coral I and Coral II cruise ships. Note: The itinerary is f... |
Galapagos Cruise and Machu Picchu | from $5366 | 12 Days | The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu are two of the must-see highlights in South America. Lucky for you, Galapagos and Machu Picchu tours are just... |
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