Galapagos Discovery - 9 Days

From £1,427£159 per day Save 22%

Who is this trip for

Age range

15 - 99

Start / End

  • Quito
  • Quito

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

5

Highlights

  • Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an epic hike, then cool off with a swim in the perfect waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
  • Many come to Isla Santa Cruz just for the giant tortoises. Get up close and personal with these enormous animals as they drag themselves through the sand.
  • Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This dinosaur-like little creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
  • Birdwatching at the Galapagos is quite an experience. Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
  • This trip combines plenty of must-try activities and islands with generous mounts of free time, so you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.

Talk to a travel expert

Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.

Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Take in the highlights of the unique flora- and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this eight-day adventure. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. We’ll show you the best islands, coves and natural wonders, and give you plenty of time to explore (with local advice!) so you can spend your time the way you want. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with sea turtles and relax in paradise.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Quito

    Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not explore the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street, or wander through the historic centre? Visit sites like the Parque de la Alameda, San Francisco Square, and the lavish La Companie de Jesus. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early to explore further beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest. After the welcome meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.

  • Day 2

    Isla San Cristobal

    Transfer to the airport and board your flight around midday (an Intrepid representative will provide detailed flight times on the evening of Day 1 during the welcome meeting). Arrive in Isla San Cristobal and meet your leader at the arrivals lounge. Meet the travellers who began their journey in the Galapagos Islands and get straight into it with a visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn about the human and natural history of the archipelago. Afterwards, go for your first snorkel at Tijeretas, a small cove where you can swim with sea turtles, rays, and sea lions!

  • Day 3

    Isla San Cristobal

    Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal. You may also like to take an optional boat ride to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos – one of the most recommended activities. You'll be able to observe the famous Galapagos marine life along the way as well as the opportunity to go snorkelling with sea turtles, eagle rays and the harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few.

  • Day 4

    Isla Santa Cruz

    Early in the morning, take a 2.5-hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz. On arrival, have breakfast and settle into the hotel before a mid-morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.

  • Day 5

    Isla Isabela

    Today you’ll travel to Isla Isabela where you’ll check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast. The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. You have a free day here to explore at your own pace. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguana's nest.

  • Day 6

    Isla Isabela

    Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program of this unique species. Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between 5—6 hours, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

  • Day 7

    Isla Santa Cruz

    Travel back to Santa Cruz in the morning and enjoy some free time. Consider taking part in some of the optional activities available, such as an excursion to Tortuga Bay, an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas and birds or swim with harmless sharks in an alcove.

    After lunch (own expense), jump on a boat to La Loberia where you can swim in the waters that the area’s sea lions call home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas, the only sea-going lizard in the world that lives in these volcanic landscapes.

  • Day 8

    Quito

    Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader before taking a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where a representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhaps head out for a final dinner with your group.

  • Day 9

    Quito

    This morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time, though we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs, Indigenous markets, and much more to explore. If you would like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent to organize additional accommodation (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (8 nights)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £1,427
  • Oct 25

    from £1,427
  • Nov 25

    from £1,828
  • Dec 25

    from £1,926
  • Jan 26

    from £1,945
  • Feb 26

    from £1,945
  • Mar 26

    from £1,945
  • Apr 26

    from £2,024
  • May 26

    from £2,024
  • Jun 26

    from £1,872
  • Jul 26

    from £1,494
  • Aug 26

    from £1,494
  • Sep 26

    from £1,494
  • Oct 26

    from £1,494
  • Nov 26

    from £1,926
  • Dec 26

    from £2,024
  • Jan 27

    from £1,494
  • Feb 27

    from £1,494
  • Mar 27

    from £1,494
  • Apr 27

    from £1,494
  • May 27

    from £1,494
  • Jun 27

    from £1,494
  • Jul 27

    from £1,494
  • Aug 27

    from £1,494
  • Sep 27

    from £1,494
  • Oct 27

    from £1,494
  • Nov 27

    from £1,494
  • Dec 27

    from £1,494

Customer reviews & ratings

  • Katty was an amazing tour guide. Plenty of wildlife, lots of snorkelling, the trip was just spectacular. Plenty of time to do your own thing. Katty is detail-oriented, enthusiastic, social, knowledgeable about all of the islands, offers tons of amazing dinner recommendations, or ideas just in general as to what you can do in your off-time. The trip itinerary itself is perfect- And the Galapagos was perfect! The only complaint I have and this has nothing to do with the Galapagos is that my arrival night in Quito, the hotel was changed 3 times within a couple of weeks prior to arrival. When arriving late at night at the hotel nobody was working, the front desk. I was outside for about 45 minutes ringing the bell, calling the hotel etc. I contacted the Intrepid emergency contact and he was very responsive. He got me another emergency accommodation albeit a bit of a gross hostel. The issue I have is I paid for a much nicer hotel only to be placed in a dumpster where you can hear all the traffic, sirens etc. I would hope that someone from Intrepid will soon be reaching out to me to rectify and compensate me for this situation. Either way, this was the one and only issue on the trip. Enjoy the Galapagos!!!

    Brandon Nov, 2019 Verified
  • Nice roundtrip with a lot of animals on land and in the sea. Also time at the beach. Its a dream to visite Galapagos Islands!

    Roman Nov, 2019 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

  • Anna's profile
  • Livvy's profile
  • Petra's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

  • Save6%
    Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia 2026 - 8 Days

    Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia 2026 - 8 Days

    from £2,537View Tour
  • Save6%
    Highlights of Peru 2026 - 9 Days

    Highlights of Peru 2026 - 9 Days

    from £1,691View Tour
  • Save6%
    Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I - 7 Days

    Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I - 7 Days

    from £3,220View Tour
  • Save6%
    Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure - 9 Days

    Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure - 9 Days

    from £5,870View Tour

Was this page helpful ?

If you need information about a tour or a booking, please contact us instead.