Private Tour Highlights
- Appreciate the Galapagos' unique flora and fauna first hand with live interactions and sightings
- Kayak along the pristine shores of Tortuga Bay and spot the evolutionary marine iguanas, exclusive to the Galapagos, as they dive for nutritiously rich marine algae
- Explore the amazing photographic opportunities around every corner with each island's unique list of exciting excursions, from snorkeling to trekking to beach lounging
- Get up close and personal to some of the oldest and largest tortoises on earth at the Charles Darwin Research and Conservation Centre.
- Horseback along the Sierra Negra Volcano crater for an in depth understanding of the Galapagos Island's development over the last 4.2 million years
Tour Overview
Now announcing, Galapagos Island Hopping for the Experiential Traveler!
Yampu’s Tour Consultants are always hard at work looking for the most unique travel experiences around the world. As part of our Experiential Travel series, our travel experts are very excited to offer a uniquely tailored itinerary for the experiential traveler.
For $9,559, Yampu Travelers can check off another destination from their bucket list and spend 11 days in Ecuador exploring the historic capital and the diverse islands of the Galapagos. Enjoy Galapagos island hopping with accommodations handpicked and inspected by our experts along with many excursions, privately guided tours, and transfers.
Read more on this exclusive experience below. When you’re ready, get in touch with one of our experts to start planning today!
(NOTE: Cannot be combined with other promotions. Certain blackout dates apply. Taking into consideration of available properties the opportunity to mix and match accommodation options is possible at a different cost. Please contact us for more information)*
Inclusions
Package Price: From £$ 11049
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Quito
Reception at airport and transfer to selected hotel. The elevation in Quito is approximately 2850 meters (9350 feet), so it is highly recommended to rest as soon upon arrival for a few hours, avoiding alcohol, caffeine or heavy meals. Please consult with a physician for additional details.
Note: Check in to the hotel is at 3 pm. Early check in may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Travelers may store their luggage at the hotel until check in.
Reception at airport and transfer to selected hotel. The elevation in Quito is approximately 2850 meters (9350 feet), so it is highly recommended to rest as soon upon arrival for a few hours, avoiding alcohol, caffeine or heavy meals. Please consult with a physician for additional details.
Note: Check in to the hotel is at 3 pm. Early check in may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Travelers may store their luggage at the hotel until check in.
Private Quito City Tour with Middle of the World Teleferico and Lunch
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The private tour begins with a visit to Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. Make a stop at the Church of La Compania (1605), and enjoy a brief visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535), the oldest Ecuadorian church. The collection of artwork here includes paintings, sculptures and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Leaving the churches, visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador's independence.
Next, visit La Ronda Street in Old Quito. Lined with colonial houses and inspired by painters, poets, musicians, and historians, this visit will give a taste of traditional Quito. Here, make a refreshing stop at the Khipus Artesanias Choco-Cafe, one of the best places to find local craftsmanship - and the best Ecuadoran coffee and chocolate. Visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses.
This tour also includes a ride on Quito's biggest attraction, the Teleferico Tram, which gives to every visitor a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings including more than 14 peaks of the Andes that is called the Volcanoes Avenue. The Teleferico reaches 4,050 meters on the summit of Cruz Loma. At the summit there are restaurants, coffee bars and stores. There are hiking trails with points where pictures can be taken of Quito. Lunch is included at local restaurant today. Return to the hotel after the day’s excursions.
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Quito - Santa Cruz Island
This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra. Upon being met on arrival, take a shuttle through Santa Cruz Island. Reach the highlands of the Island with its green vegetation and stop to visit a Ranch. Observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat before enjoying lunch at the ranch. Transfer to the Hotel.
This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra. Upon being met on arrival, take a shuttle through Santa Cruz Island. Reach the highlands of the Island with its green vegetation and stop to visit a Ranch. Observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat before enjoying lunch at the ranch. Transfer to the Hotel.
Galapagos Island Excursion of Choice
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Enjoy the opportunity to do a navigable excursion to another island, to discover the diversity of the Galapagos Islands. The tour includes a hike around the island, snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing. Select one of the following islands (the tour is subject to availability):
Bartolome Island: Discover amazing landscapes, and fascinating geological formations. The surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling.
North Seymour Island: The main fauna species of this island are Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate bird with their incredible scarlet regular pouch, blue-footed boobies and their particular courtship dance and sea lions surfing across the waves.
South Plazas: This is a small island but provides an outstanding concentration of wildlife, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular natural red carpet of algae.
Santa Fe: This Island has a lot of diversity. The lagoons of the Santa Fe Island provide an excellent place for snorkeling alongside colorful fishes, sea lions, giant tuna and even small sharks that are often sited in these environments.
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Second Island Excursion
Take on another unique island of choice with fun and exhilarating excursions.
Take on another unique island of choice with fun and exhilarating excursions.
Santa Cruz Island - Isabela Island
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After breakfast transfer to the port to take a speedboat to the next destination, Isabela Island. Arriving to Isabela, transfer to the hotel for check in and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy Tintoreras Islets, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. Upon reaching the Isle of Tintoreras, transfer to the hotel. ...read less
Sierra Negra Volcano Horseback
After breakfast. Travel by car up to the mountain sides of the Sierra Negra Volcano. This volcano is considered as one of the oldest of Isabela. Walk about 40 minutes and then continue the way by riding horses until the crater of the volcano. With a little bit of luck, see the sparrow hawk of the Galapagos and understand more about the geology of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Transfer to the Hotel.
After breakfast. Travel by car up to the mountain sides of the Sierra Negra Volcano. This volcano is considered as one of the oldest of Isabela. Walk about 40 minutes and then continue the way by riding horses until the crater of the volcano. With a little bit of luck, see the sparrow hawk of the Galapagos and understand more about the geology of the Sierra Negra Volcano. Transfer to the Hotel.
Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast. Transfer to the port to take an approximate two and a half hour boat trip early in the morning. Once arrived at Santa Cruz, a tour guide will be waiting to transfer to Pikaia Lodge.
After breakfast. Transfer to the port to take an approximate two and a half hour boat trip early in the morning. Once arrived at Santa Cruz, a tour guide will be waiting to transfer to Pikaia Lodge.
Explore Tortuga Bay
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The trail to Tortuga Bay starts from the main street in Puerto Ayora and takes about an hour walking. The trail goes through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way. Arriving to Tortuga Bay, find the first beach 'Playa Brava'. With its open waters and strong under currents, it is not a recommended spot for swimming. Continue walking another 15 minutes and arrive to 'Playa Mansa' ideal for sun bathing, swimming and photo shoots. Some visitors even encounter marine iguanas along the shore and can kayak. Return to the hotel. ...read less
Charles Darwin Station - Transfer back to Quito
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After breakfast, head towards the Charles Darwin Station. The center is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation, as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes. Travelers here can freely walk and take some fun selfies with the tortoises. Among other inhabitants at the center, see the land and marine iguanas along with different species of birds. Afterwards transfer to the airport.
Reception at airport and transfer to the selected hotel. The elevation in Quito is approximately 2850 meters (9350 feet), so it is highly recommend resting upon arrival.
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Flight Home
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Check-out at the hotel is at 12:00 pm. Late check-out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. One may store their luggage at the hotel until it is time to leave for the airport.
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Check-out at the hotel is at 12:00 pm. Late check-out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. One may store their luggage at the hotel until it is time to leave for the airport.
Quito, Ecuador
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Isabela Island, Ecuador
Places You'll See
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Quito
The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.
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Galapagos
Become enchanted by the unique and seemingly intrepid wildlife native to the Galapagos Islands. Dive in with the underwater life, or stay above water enjoying the other several water sports. For a dryer experience, relax on the sandy beaches soaking up the sun. Spend time with Giant Tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
The Pikaia Lodge
The Pikaia Lodge concept is designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active and adventurous traveler, who seeks close contact with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos, with the highest level of comfort and services that can be provided within the limitations of such a remote, restricted and eco-sensitive location. In contrast to traditional cruises, our land-based day tour programs offer higher comfort, more privacy and personalized attention, a finer gastronomy, a convenient arrival & departure date flexibility, and most important, the possibility to avoid seasickness common to live-aboard yacht cruises. As a Pikaia Lodge guest, you will enjoy active, quality guided land and marine day programs in small groups. At night you will rest in spacious and quiet accommodations.
Children are welcome in Pikaia Lodge. We have activities for them, too.
Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island) , ECUADOR
Featured Accommodation
Ikala Hotel
The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden’s lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels.
The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.
Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island) , ECUADOR
Featured Accommodation
Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is a beach front hotel in Galapagos Islands surrounded by endemic vegetation giving to guests a privileged accommodation for a memorable and relaxed stay. Decorated with genuine and exclusive materials of the Island, it approaches a harmonic atmosphere between nature and modernity. Named after the Iguana Crossing path, is the best place for the Galapagos tour and travel experience.
After an active day on Isabela Island guests can relax on the poolside terrace, enjoying a book or just laying upon a sunny sky and surrounded by spectacular Galapagos wildlife. You to taste the best culinary of the Island and settle down at the ocean view bar.
Galapagos (Isabela Island ) , ECUADOR
Testimonials
David
Traveled January 2017
Great time on the trip to Peru and the Galapagos
My family and I had a great time on the trip to Peru and the Galapagos – I really enjoyed the tour guides in Peru who were very professional and informative, and the Galapagos was unforgettable. If only we had had more time to experience more of the islands.
I thought the visit to Misminay was a very nice touch as well – my mom had a lovely time bonding with the villagers in particular and the food was very good. The hike to Huayna Picchu was certainly not easy, but worth it. We didn’t have an issue with it, but I think that some travelers might benefit from knowing that the hike to Huayna Picchu itself is strenuous, while the additional circuit to the Temple of the Moon (which we also did) is also difficult, as correctly advertised. I definitely wouldn’t do it if it had been raining, but we lucked out and it was sunny on that day.
The restaurant you recommended in Cuzco – Cicciolina – is excellent as well. Definitely would encourage anyone to visit that place. The city tour that Ernesto gave us was also great – he had a lot of great insights we wouldn’t have known.
In terms of the Galapagos and Ecuador, Guayaquil is obviously not a place with lots of tourist sights, but I think Felix did a good job and the tour of the Las Penas area was quite interesting. I’m not sure if it would have been useful to have the hotel located in an area such as downtown though, as there weren’t many eating options around the Wyndham except for Las Penas which is more bars than restaurants. The Galapagos obviously was great, and the Isabela II is a wonderful ship. 3 people in one room would’ve been tight though, but we got lucky as the boat wasn’t at capacity and so the boat had an extra room for us.
Traveled To
Caswell & Teresa
Traveled December, 2014
I don’t know where to start but just let me say this was the BEST TRIP we have EVER taken.
I don’t know where to start but just let me say this was the BEST TRIP we have EVER taken. You thought of everything. I must admit I know you said everything would be taken care of but I thought yea, RIGHT, no way. Boy was I wrong, gosh you didn’t miss a thing. All the tour guides, the tours, the hotels were just outstanding. The tour guides took us to airports got our tickets to board flights geeze we were treated like royals. Machu Picchu was outstanding; we did the hike. I have to say I was a little apprehensive about it at first, but once we got started realized we would have no problem. We made it all the way to the top. The hotel there was just wonderful, the weather was nice also NO RAIN!! Galapagos!!! WOW it was JUST AWESOME!!! OMG the snorkeling was incredible. We got to go twice a day and honey we sure did not miss one trip. The hikes were great, we could not believe how close you can get to all the animals. I Really don’t have the vocabulary to express to you just how amazing this whole trip was. All the tours were outstanding loved having the private tours. All the guides were very knowledgeable, and I know this is true cause Caswell knows his history. I am recommending this trip to all my friends. Again thank you so much for preparing the trip of a life time.We were married 30 years January 2 and this was our gift to each other. Thank You,
Traveled To
Linda & George
Traveled October, 2016
We enjoyed the trip immensely and everything went smoothly as planned
Back safe and sound. We enjoyed the trip immensely and everything went smoothly as planned.
Galapagos: All personnel were friendly, courteous, and helpful. Our naturalist was
exceptional. Ship was old but well maintained. Public areas were clean and updated, passenger
cabins could stand a remodel. Good food great service.
Quito: Our guide was outstanding. Personable, prompt, knowledgeable, helpful – you name it.
Hotel itself was okay but not very centrally located for walking to shops or restaurants.
Atacama: This was the most unexpected surprise of the trip. The facilities, services, personnel, and
programs at the all inclusive Alto Atacama resort were beyond 5 Star. You would be doing your
clientele a grave injustice if you placed them in any other resort in this area. The Atacama itself was
diverse and beyond amazing. So many unique things to do and see. It is a beautiful place to see.
Well worth the effort. (Alto Atacama Matias Alamo Lodge Manager for reference.)
Easter Island: Beautiful island, outstanding artifacts, friendly people. Tours were well conducted,
informative, and enjoyable. Tour guide was knowledgeable, helpful, and personable.Staff at hotel
were exceptionally courteous and accommodating. Hotel itself, beautifully located on the ocean,
clean, well kept, but older.
Linda and I loved the trip and are very pleased with you and your services.
Traveled To