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Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Cruise

with Peru extension

Duration: 10 or 16 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 167

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Venture into the heart of Ecuador’s societal and natural heritage.

Ecuador puts new meaning behind the saying, “good things come in small packages.” In terms of flora, fauna, and opportunities for viewing unique local wildlife, this South American country runs the gamut. Journey to Quito for a taste of Ecuadorean culture and Spanish colonial history. Then, island hop through the Galápagos, where you’ll move from mangrove swamps to lava flows to sunny shorelines, encountering scores of exotic creatures along the way. End in the indigenous city of Otavalo, famous for its colorful market.

Your tour package includes

4 nights in handpicked hotels
4 nights aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend cruise ship
8 breakfasts
5 lunches
5 dinners

Included highlights

Cerro Panecillo
Old Quarter Quito
La Compañía
Rábida Island
snorkeling with sea turtles

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Quito3 nights

Day 1: Flight & late-night arrival in Quito

After your flight, arrive late this evening in Quito and settle into your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Quito

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

Today, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Quito.

Drive up Cerro Panecillo hill for views of the city and surrounding volcanoes
Sit down to enjoy an included welcome lunch
Marvel at the neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow
Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, passing by the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
Enter La Compañía, the city’s Baroque church, to view its gold leaf interior
Step inside the 16th-century Monastery of San Francisco

Day 3: Free day in Quito

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Quito or add an excursion.

Antisana Ecological Reserve & Hacienda Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Galápagos Islands4 nights

Day 4: Galápagos Cruise

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, fly to the small island of Baltra to board your cruise.

Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
Make a wet landing on Mosquera Islet, which is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island and is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos
Walk along the island’s sandy, barren lava rock covered terrain
Relax on the beach or snorkel in the water

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Santiago Island & Rabida Island

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a wet landing, you’ll enjoy the southeastern portion of Santiago Island before continuing to Rabida Island.

Spend the morning exploring the extensive lava flows and swimming or snorkeling in volcanic rock pools
Look for yellow-crowned night herons, starfish, marine iguanas, and fur seals
Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
Transfer to Rabida Island, where the volcanic geology creates red sand beaches
Take a dinghy ride along the cliffs to snorkel and observe nesting seabirds

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 6: Isabela Island

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a wet landing, begin your exploration of Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos archipelago.

Snorkel with the sea turtles that swim just off the shore of Urbina Bay
See the giant tortoises that live on the slopes of the nearby Alcedo Volcano
Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
Tour Tagus Cove and see the blue-footed boobies that nest there
Go on a dinghy ride and enjoy the option of deep sea snorkeling

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 7: Espinosa Point & Vicente Roca Point

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s dry landing is at Espinosa Point, formed by lava flows over thousands of years.

View the area’s marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and the fearless Galápagos hawk
Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
Take a dinghy ride to Vicente Roca Point and the Bolivar Channel, where you can snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins
View dolphins and whales that are attracted to the Bolivar Channel by the cold waters of the Cromwell Current (seasonal, June to September)

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Otavalo1 night

Day 8: Transfer to Otavalo via Quito

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Disembark the ship to further explore Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos before making your way to Otavalo, a market town in the Andes Mountains.

Journey to the Santa Cruz highlands, northwest of Puerto Ayora, to visit a giant tortoise nature reserve
Walk through the humid forest landscape to see these slow-moving reptiles in action
Return to Baltra and board your flight back to Quito on the mainland

Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 9: Otavalo market visit & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Visit the Otavalo market to browse the stalls, shop for indigenous crafts, and attend a local weaving demonstration. Then, stop to view the Quisito Sundial, a monument located on the equator, where you’ll view a demonstration of equatorial effects.

Afterward, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Please note: If you’re traveling on the tour extension to Peru, you’ll fly to Lima this evening and spend the night there.

Arrive Home

Day 10: Arrival in the U.S.

Arrive home.

Please note: Due to varying flight schedules, some travelers may depart on the morning of day 10, arriving home later that evening.

Extension to Peru

Fly to Lima to experience the best Peru has to offer—and, yep, that includes Machu Picchu. Continue your trip to see the legacy of the conquistadors and uncover the Lost City of the Inca, all with your expert Tour Director at your side.

Lima2 nights

Day 9: Otavalo market visit & flight to Lima

Included meal: Breakfast

After your visit to Otavalo market, enjoy free time to relax before you fly to Lima this evening.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Lima

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out on a guided tour, which highlights Lima's modern and colonial quarters.

Visit the Miraflores district and Parque del Amor
Stop in the San Isidro district to visit Huaca Huallamarca temple and its museum
View Plaza Mayor and the Municipal Palace in Lima’s historic center
Enter the Cathedral of Lima and descend into the catacombs below the Church of San Francisco

Cuzco2 nights

Day 11: Flight to Cuzco

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Cuzco and spend free time getting acclimatized to the city’s high elevation.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out on a sightseeing tour of Cuzco, the UNESCO-recognized ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

Stroll through ruins at Kenko, the “red fortress” of Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman, which was once completely covered in gold
View the towering Cristo Blanco statue, a thank-you gift from the Palestinian refugees who took shelter in the city during World War II
Stop at the colonial-era Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral
Walk through the city center and step inside the Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the Spaniards where the Inca temple of Koricancha stood

This evening, sit down for a dinner featuring local Peruvian cuisine as you watch a traditional folklore show.

Machu Picchu1 night

Day 13: Aguas Calientes via the Sacred Valley

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll transfer to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. First, make a stop in the Sacred Valley to see the sights.

Peruse the colorful stalls of the wide-open Pisac Market, where you’ll find local fare and traditional crafts on display
Enjoy an included lunch in Urubamba
Continue to the ancient Ollantaytambo ruins to explore still-standing Incan homes
Board a train to Aguas Calientes

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Cuzco1 night

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Machu Picchu & train to Cuzco

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On today’s guided tour, you’ll uncover the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the entire South American continent.

Tour the ruins of the ceremonial center, cultivation terraces and guard house
Visit Funeral Rock, the Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Chamber of Ornaments, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana Stone, the Temple of the Sun, the Rock Quarry, the Ritual Fountains and the Condor Temple
Enjoy an included lunch before taking a scenic train ride back to Cuzco for the night

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 15: Flight to Lima & departure

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Lima this morning. Then, enjoy a farewell lunch and relax in a dayroom before boarding your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 16: Arrival in the U.S.

Arrive home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Wow. So much to see!

03/09/2020 by 4th time traveler Amelia B.

This is an active tour with a couple of early mornings, but WORTH IT. Our tour guide was great at communicating the plan with us and did his best to accommodate everyone's differing endurance levels. The Ecuadorians are very welcoming and kind, and Quito has so much to see. However, the Galapagos wa...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/09/2020

Dear Amelia, Thank you so much for your positive r...

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03/02/2020 by 2nd time traveler Steven M.

I always thought that watching nature programs on TV was all that I needed, but actually being in the same environment as the wildlife is a privilege and a experience that MUST be done in person.

Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Steve, We wholeheartedly agree with you that ...

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03/02/2020 by 4th time traveler Allen R.

We had a fabulous experience. We truly enjoy exploring the different geography and many cultures of our WORLD. The trip was active yet self determining in participation. We both received information and kindness appropriately to our interests and needs. Our group dynamic was understood and modified ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Allen, We appreciate you sharing your experie...

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Journey to Quito and Galapagos

03/02/2020 by 6th time traveler Nirmala D.

This was the most wonderful trip! This was my 5 th trip with Go Ahead tours and possibly the best.Our tour guide was the best and we had a most wonderful time.

Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Derar Nirmala, Wow! We are so happy to read that t...

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03/02/2020 by 2nd time traveler Donald B.

Peru should be before the shipboard Galapagos tour. The ship is more a relaxing atmosphere and has some down time. The hustle of boarding early morning buses in Peru and several flights make it difficult to unwind even a little. I don't know how but more scrutiny is needed for elderly guests who ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Donald, We appreciate your feedback. At Go Ah...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Mercure Alameda Quito

This contemporary hotel is located in La Mariscal district of Quito. Guests enjoy two restaurants, a wine bar, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearb...

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The Legend

This boutique cruise ship sails in the waters around the Galápagos Islands. Guests enjoy a pool and jacuzzi, gym, and stargazing area. Nearby, you’ll ...

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Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui

An hour and a half north of Quito, Hacienda Pinsaqui is ideally located at the foot of Imbabura volcano and in the heart of the province of lakes in E...

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Wyndham Quito Airport

This contemporary hotel is located in the Tababela neighborhood outside of Quito. Guests enjoy a fitness center, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll f...

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Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

This contemporary hotel is located in Santa Ana. Guests enjoy courtyard yoga, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour market. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Armas, Quirika...

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El MaPi by Inkaterra

This contemporary hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a bar, and laundry service. Nearby, you'll find Machu Picchu, Phuyupatamarc...

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Casa Andina Select Miraflores

This contemporary hotel is located in Miraflores. Guests enjoy a sauna, Wi-Fi, and a gym. Nearby, you'll find Miraflores Central Park, Parque del Amor...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Cuzco, Peru

Weather averages

Today
High 56°F Low 41°F

Otavalo, Ecuador

Weather averages

Today
High 68°F Low 44°F

Lima, Peru

Weather averages

Today
High 74°F Low 67°F

Quito, Ecuador

Weather averages

Today
High 67°F Low 54°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

About the cruise ship

An expedition ship that offers a luxurious sailing experience, the M/V Galápagos Legend brings a bit of elegance to adventure cruising. Onboard experts, trained at the Darwin Center, help you get an intimate yet environmentally safe look at the islands. Download a detailed summary of the ship’s amenities and available cabins [PDF].

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Ecuador (and Peru on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
Upon arrival in Peru on the tour extension, you will receive an Andean Immigration card that you will need to present when visiting Machu Picchu.In order to secure your entrance to Machu Picchu, travelers are required to confirm their full passport details with Go Ahead Tours no later than 45 days prior to your departure date.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, unpaved trails, and sandy paths, with some hills at high altitudes
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance and should be able to walk up and down steps without handrails. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of small boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Quito (or Lima on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Round-trip flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes flights from Quito to Lima, Lima to Cuzco and back to Lima).
A four-night Galápagos Islands cruise and other boat rides are also included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that on your included on-tour flights, it may be required that your checked bag weigh less than 44 pounds and your carry-on bag weigh less than 20 pounds.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
On the tour extension in Peru, you will need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on bag) for your stay in Machu Picchu, as most luggage will need to be stored in Cuzco. The overnight bag must be smaller than 62 inches total (length + width + height).
When visiting Machu Picchu on the tour extension, there are restrictions in place for backpacks, food, umbrellas, and camera tripods.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing, a lightweight jacket, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.
Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for daily activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
When visiting Machu Picchu on the tour extension, there are restrictions in place for backpacks, food, umbrellas, and camera tripods.

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your healthcare provider regarding any potential health risks.
Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with preexisting medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
Seasickness while on board the cruise ship is uncommon, but medication will be available if needed. If you are particularly prone to seasickness you may want to bring your own medication and take it at least 24 hours before the cruise starts.
Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth. Ice on board the cruise ship is made with purified water.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the availability of ingredients across the country. At higher elevations, meat-based dishes are more popular, while along the coast you’ll find seafood in abundance. Traditionally, meals are served with soup and rice, and many feature starches like potatoes and yucca root. Bananas and plantains are also a major Ecuadorian export, appearing in many recipes. You might try patacones, a fritter made with mashed plantains, which is a popular Ecuadorean side.
On the tour extension, Peruvian cuisine reflects both the country’s indigenous cultures as well as European colonial and Pacific Rim influences. Staples include grains such as quinoa, maize, and rice, as well as beans, potatoes, and meat. Ceviche, traditionally raw sea bass marinated with lime and chilies, is a national dish. Adventurous eaters may want to try cuy, or roasted guinea pig that’s cooked over an open fire. You can also raise a toast with Peru’s famous pisco, the delicious (and sour) white-grape brandy.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ecuador operates on 120 volts and uses Types A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The cruise ship operates on 110/220 volts. Both European and American outlets are available on the vessel. The frequency is 50 Hz.
On the tour extension, Peru operates on 220 volts and uses Types A or C plugs with two flat pins or two round pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in some hotels in this region may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
Wi-Fi connection is accessible when anchoring in main ports. Satellite phone service is offered while at sea.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Mainland Ecuador (and Peru on the tour extension) is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the same as Eastern Time (ET). Ecuador and Peru do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The Galápagos Islands are six hours behind GMT, but your cruise ship will operate on Ecuador’s mainland time.
From November through March, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s noon in Ecuador and Lima on the tour extension. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 11am in Ecuador and 11am in Lima.

Currency

You will use the U.S. dollar in Ecuador (plus the Peruvian sol in Peru on the tour extension).
Please note that U.S. bills in denominations higher than $20 may not be accepted in some areas of Ecuador.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
On your cruise ship, you may open an account at reception to pay for on-board expenses with a credit card; Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and U.S. dollars are accepted. You can select your payment method upon arrival.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
We recommend tipping $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
On your cruise, tipping your waiter, busser, and cabin steward at the end of the voyage is customary if you're pleased with the service. We recommend $15USD to $20USD per traveler per day, to be divided among the crew on the cruise ship.
Separate tips are recommended for the naturalist guides. We recommend $10USD per traveler per day.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Shore excursions

While on the ship, you'll have the opportunity to follow expert naturalists to discover the unique beauty of the Galápagos Islands. These knowledgeable guides lead excursions ranging from snorkeling to bird-watching, giving you the chance to get closer to the incredible animals that make the Galápagos their home.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020

Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Cruise

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