Galápagos Safari Camp Luxury Adventure - 10 Days

Highlights

• Stay in colonial mansions and luxury tent camps in Quito and the Galápagos
• Go on nature hikes in famous islands and uninhabited islets
• See exotic avian species like frigatebirds and spend time with sea lions
• Take a cocktail class in Quito and stroll its lush botanical gardens

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Mitad del Mundo & Agave Museum

Welcome to Ecuador! You've come to marvel at the biodiverse spectacle of the famed Galápagos Islands—but that doesn't mean you can't experience some of Ecuador's other highlights, too. Case in point: you'll arrive in the capital of Quito, a highland metropolis steeped in Spanish-colonial history. In fact, this was one of the first major Spanish settlements in the Americas in the 16th century. Much of the historic architecture from this time period remains in Quito's well-preserved Old Town.

Since you're leaving for the Galápagos tomorrow, tonight you'll stay near the airport at EB by Eurobuilding, a 5-star hotel that doesn't skimp on class and comfort. Its well-appointed rooms and suites feature adjustable beds with luxury linens, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. There's also a swimming pool where you can relax in a lounger amid views of Quito's surrounding green hills. And in case you want a midnight snack, the hotel offers 24-hour room service.

After dropping off your bags, you'll meet a driver and transfer just north of Quito to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), a park dominated by the 98-foot-tall (30 m) Monument to the Equator. It marks the precise location of the equator, the invisible line that divides the Earth's Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Straddling the yellow line here means you'll have one foot in each hemisphere. End the day with a trip to the Agave Museum to taste fine spirits created from the Agave plant, a succulent generally associated with Mexico's tequila production.

Day 2: Fly to Galápagos, Transfer to Safari Camp, Visit Tortoise Reserve

Rise and shine because you're off to the islands! Return to the airport early this morning and board a two-hour flight to the Galápagos. This archipelago of 13 main volcanic islands needs no introduction. One of the most biodiverse spots on earth, the islands' ecosystems attracted Charles Darwin and inspired his theory of natural selection. You'll arrive at Baltra, an islet adjacent to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the Galápagos' 13 main islands.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the island's interior highlands and your lodging for the next few days. Galápagos Safari Camp sits on a private 123-acre (50 ha) farm that offers a one-of-a-kind safari experience on the islands. Inspired by the luxury bush lodges in Africa, the camp blends comfort and nature, as well as panoramic vistas from the property's elevated position. Besides the luxury tent accommodations, which feature en suite baths and comfy beds, highlight amenities include an infinity pool and a gourmet restaurant serving a menu of farm-to-table cuisine.

During your stay, the camp will provide a dedicated naturalist guide to accompany you on excursions. First up today, you'll visit Los Gemelos (The Twins). These volcanic sinkholes are home to various bird species like flycatchers, Galápagos doves, Darwin's finches, short-eared owls, and more. From Los Gemelos, continue to a reserve home to the famous giant tortoises. Your tour will follow an easy circuit trail where you'll get within meters of these iconic creatures, which can live well over 100 years. The reserve also contains a network of underground lava tubes formed centuries ago.

Day 3: Galápagos Hidden Gems Cruise (Day 1)

Spend the next couple of days cruising around some of the Galápagos' hidden gems in style on a private charter. This full-day tour begins early at the port in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz's south side, where you'll board a vessel and set sail to an uninhabited island or islet. Depending on the specific itinerary, you might head for Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Plazas, or Santa Fé.

Whichever island you visit, you'll be immersed in the archipelago's unspoiled natural beauty and encounter the iconic wildlife that has made the Galápagos a bucket-list travel destination. Watch for the famed blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions that relax on the beaches and occupy the rocky coastline. Lunch will be a delectable spread served on board, refueling you for the adventures ahead.

As the afternoon sun dips, don your snorkeling gear and hop in the water to spend time with marine animals like tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and perhaps even Galápagos sharks. Not to worry, though, as in the entire recorded history of these islands, there has never been a fatality due to shark attacks. Afterward, return to the ship and relax on deck as you cruise back to the port and return to camp.

Day 4: Galápagos Hidden Gems Cruise (Day 2)

Return to the port this morning and embark on another day of island hopping. Cruise between more uninhabited islands, enjoying the views from the sun deck and stopping on shore to enjoy nature hikes and do some wildlife photography. Just like during the first charter, a decadent lunch will be served on board, complete with tropical cocktails. More snorkeling is in store later in the afternoon, after which you'll return to port and your camp.

Day 5: Nature Reserve, Beaches & Kayaking

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Today's safari adventure begins at Cerro Mesa, a private nature reserve on the east side of Santa Cruz that's rich in endemic flora and birdlife, including the elusive vermillion flycatcher and seven unique subspecies of finch. Explore the various trails with your guide, ending the circuit at a viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can survey the lush landscape of Santa Cruz as well as nearby islands.

Afterward, make your way to Garrapatero Beach, either by car or by bicycle. In contrast to the thick, green vegetation of the highlands, the coastal terrain here is made up of black lava, white sands, turquoise waters, and dense mangroves. The soft white sands of Garrapatero make an ideal spot for a picnic and a bit of swimming. You can also hop in a kayak and paddle along the coast. Behind the beach is a small lagoon where, if you're lucky, you might spot flocks of flamingoes.

On your way back to camp, there's the option to visit a working highland farm that produces sugar cane liqueur and Galápagos coffee. The owner is a colorful character; he will teach you about the different methods used to refine sugar cane, including the use of a mule-driven press.

Day 6: Fly to Isla Isabela, Explore the Wetlands

Return to Baltra airport this morning and board a light aircraft for the 40-minute flight west to Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. You'll arrive in Puerto Villamil, a small port town on the island's south side. There, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel, located about 20 minutes outside of town.

You're in for a treat, as Scalesia Galápagos Lodge enjoys a privileged location in Isabela's highlands on the slopes of a volcano. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort occupies a 40-acre (16 ha) property amid native forest and offers spectacular views of the coast, the Pacific Ocean, and other nearby Islands dotting the horizon. After settling in and having lunch, you can head out and explore Isabela.

Specifically, you'll visit Los Humedales, the island's wetlands ecosystem. Characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves, the area has several trails where you can see all four species of mangroves found in the Galápagos and a great variety of birds. These include penguins, flamingoes, black-necked swans, blue-footed boobies, ospreys, and more. Your last stop is the Wall of Tears, constructed between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela was a penal colony. As punishment, the prisoners were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava. 

Day 7: Day Trip to Sierra Negra & Las Tintoreras

Another adventurous day awaits as you head to the island's interior to hike the famous Sierra Negra volcano. As you explore the second-largest volcano crater on the planet, which measures 6 miles (9.6 km) in diameter, you'll walk through a remarkable geological landscape. The area is dotted with lava paths abounding with plant and animal life. Watch for different bird species while hiking to the crater rim, like Galápagos hawks, vermilion flycatchers, and Darwin's finches. Parts of the caldera provide evidence of its last eruption in 2018.

After checking in, you'll head to the pier and hop on a boat for a half-day cruise to Tintoreras Islet. It's a great place for a nature hike, as this rocky outcrop is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise waters are inhabited by white-tip reef sharks, penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. There are also endemic penguins here, which are endangered. A local conservancy has worked diligently over the years to increase their numbers. Also, one of Tintoreras' beaches features a mangrove ecosystem, one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. 

Day 8: Fly to Quito, Evening Cocktail Class

Alas, it's time to bid farewell to the Galápagos. This morning, you'll return to the airport for the flight back to Quito. A driver will meet you at the airport for the ride into the city and Casa Gangotena.

Located in Quito's historic Old Town, this luxurious 5-star hotel is situated in a beautifully restored mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco. Each of its elegant rooms and suites is outfitted with mod-cons and luxury amenities, from flat-screen TVs to plush bedding. You can dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, which celebrates traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, enjoy a smart cocktail at the classic mahogany bar, or relax in the garden amid lush greenery.

Day 9: Tour Quito's UNESCO-listed Historic Center 

After breakfast, you'll meet a local guide for a private walk through Quito's colonial center to see firsthand why it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the intricate stone carvings of Iglesia La Compañía and wander the 16th-century Iglesia San Francisco cloisters. Wrap up the historical center leg of your tour with a walk down La Ronda, once a pre-Columbian walking trail, now a romantic pedestrian street full of cafés, live music venues, and eclectic shops.

Day 10: Visit Botanical Gardens, Depart Quito

One last nature adventure is in store—this time in the urban center of Quito. After breakfast, you'll head to the downtown area and Parque La Carolina. This botanical garden showcases a diverse collection of native and exotic plants from Ecuador and beyond. During a two-hour visit, you can stroll along pathways amid ponds and scenic viewpoints as you admire the lush greenery and colorful blooms. Highlights include a collection of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, other tropical plants, plus native trees and shrubs. After the visit, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Adiós!

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