The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Get ready to experience a land-based expedition in the Galapagos Islands. A true natural paradise offering you the opportunity to get up close with the impressive wildlife. Thus being a natural life sanctuary that preserves native and endemic species.
The Galapagos Islands are a once in a lifetime destination! Imagine seeing the famous giant tortoises up close, swimming with sea lions, photographing the cute blue footed boobies, watching the mythical marine iguanas bask in the sun. All while enjoying amazing and unique landscapes. Join us and be part of this great Galapagos islands on budget adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Today begins your Galapagos Islands on budget tour. We recommend you to book your flights with early arrival times to the islands, so you can enjoy all the activities.
Galapagos Islands
During your time in Santa Cruz & San Cristobal Islands, you’ll stay at Blue Marlin & Casa de Judy Hotels. Two charming hotels with a style based on the concept of “Local hotels.” They create an environment of absolute comfort and local taste with complete standards of hygiene and presentation. Uniting a familiar amiability with “Galapagueña” soul.
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands. Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at San Cristobal airport. At mainland, Quito’s airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD. However, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’. A privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
Itinerary
DAY 1: BALTRA - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today begins your Galapagos Islands tour. We recommend you to book your flights with early arrival times to the islands, so you can enjoy all the activities.
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra before 12:00 PM
Once at the Baltra airport, a guide will take you to Puerto Ayora to enjoy a delicious lunch. At 15:00 PM you will head to Isabela Island, here you will visit the Flamingo Lagoon, where you will observe a large number of the famous pink flamingos.
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra after 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives after 12:00 PM, you will stay on Santa Cruz Island the first day because the last speedboat to Isabela Island leaves around 03:00 PM. Please note that you will not be able to have lunch if you arrive after 03:00 PM. The rest of the excursion is usually like this: Day 2: half-day excursion to Bahia and Charles Darwin Station; Day 3: morning speedboat to Isabela, Los Túneles; Day 4: morning speedboat to Santa Cruz and departure transfer.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.
DAY 2: SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
Your day will start early in the morning, after a revitalizing breakfast. You will go by boat to Puerto Villamil.
Your first stop will be Los Tuneles, considered one of the best places for snorkeling because of the great amount of marine life. Departure time to Los Tuneles is between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM, and depends on availability and National Park regulations. So, depending on the time you go to Los Tuneles, you might have the opportunity to explore Concha Perla on your own, either before or after Los Tuneles, as it is very close to the pier.
Meals included: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - BAY TOUR
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – BAY TOUR
You will have to start this day recharged. At 06:00 AM, you will take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, where you will have breakfast.
Your first stop will be the Charles Darwin Research Station. Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch to continue with the next activity called Bay Tour, an excursion that will allow you to visit the highlights of the surroundings of Puerto Ayora by boat.
The first attraction will be the Loberia, here you will see a large number of sea lions lying on the beach. Then you will head towards Punta Camaño. Next, you will visit the Canal del Amor and finally Los Perros Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 4: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
Your trip to the Galapagos Islands has come to an end. After a farewell breakfast, you will travel to the Baltra airport with a Spanish-speaking driver, where you will depart for Quito or Guayaquil. Here your tour concludes.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Baltra airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Lava Tunnels
2
.- Flamingo Lagoon
3
.- Bay Tour
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
Additional options
What is the food like?
Throughout the adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such as seafood with plenty of local fresh fruits. Lunch usually consists of soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
What is the accommodation like?
Galapagos Islands
Hotels are based on the concept of “Local hotels.” They create an environment of absolute comfort and local taste with complete standards of hygiene and presentation, uniting a familiar amiability with “Galapagueña” soul.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation in 5* hotel
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
General Specifications
STARTS
Baltra’s airport
Upon arrival on Day 1
ENDS
Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands on Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at San Cristobal airport. On the mainland, Quito’s airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Sea transportation Santa Cruz – San Cristobal islands, comfortable land transportation.
Accommodations
Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
Meals
All described in the itinerary
Gear
Snorkeling mask and fins, life vest
Guides
Certified expert English-speaking adventure leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park
Equipment
Snorkeling equipment
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional fees
INGALA transit card: USD 20 per person, cash only (subject to change), Park fee USD 100 per person, cash only (subject to change)
Gear
Wetsuit for rent: USD 10
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
Expedition Overview
Get ready to experience a land-based expedition in the Galapagos Islands. A true natural paradise offering you the opportunity to get up close with the impressive wildlife. Thus being a natural life sanctuary that preserves native and endemic species.
The Galapagos Islands are a once in a lifetime destination! Imagine seeing the famous giant tortoises up close, swimming with sea lions, photographing the cute blue footed boobies, watching the mythical marine iguanas bask in the sun. All while enjoying amazing and unique landscapes. Join us and be part of this great Galapagos islands on budget adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Today begins your Galapagos Islands on budget tour. We recommend you to book your flights with early arrival times to the islands, so you can enjoy all the activities.
Galapagos Islands
During your time in Santa Cruz & San Cristobal Islands, you’ll stay at Blue Marlin & Casa de Judy Hotels. Two charming hotels with a style based on the concept of “Local hotels.” They create an environment of absolute comfort and local taste with complete standards of hygiene and presentation. Uniting a familiar amiability with “Galapagueña” soul.
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands. Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at San Cristobal airport. At mainland, Quito’s airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD. However, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’. A privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
Itinerary
DAY 1: BALTRA - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today begins your Galapagos Islands tour. We recommend you to book your flights with early arrival times to the islands, so you can enjoy all the activities.
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra before 12:00 PM
Once at the Baltra airport, a guide will take you to Puerto Ayora to enjoy a delicious lunch. At 15:00 PM you will head to Isabela Island, here you will visit the Flamingo Lagoon, where you will observe a large number of the famous pink flamingos.
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra after 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives after 12:00 PM, you will stay on Santa Cruz Island the first day because the last speedboat to Isabela Island leaves around 03:00 PM. Please note that you will not be able to have lunch if you arrive after 03:00 PM. The rest of the excursion is usually like this: Day 2: half-day excursion to Bahia and Charles Darwin Station; Day 3: morning speedboat to Isabela, Los Túneles; Day 4: morning speedboat to Santa Cruz and departure transfer.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleLunch.
DAY 2: SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
Your day will start early in the morning, after a revitalizing breakfast. You will go by boat to Puerto Villamil.
Your first stop will be Los Tuneles, considered one of the best places for snorkeling because of the great amount of marine life. Departure time to Los Tuneles is between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM, and depends on availability and National Park regulations. So, depending on the time you go to Los Tuneles, you might have the opportunity to explore Concha Perla on your own, either before or after Los Tuneles, as it is very close to the pier.
Meals included: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - BAY TOUR
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – BAY TOUR
You will have to start this day recharged. At 06:00 AM, you will take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, where you will have breakfast.
Your first stop will be the Charles Darwin Research Station. Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch to continue with the next activity called Bay Tour, an excursion that will allow you to visit the highlights of the surroundings of Puerto Ayora by boat.
The first attraction will be the Loberia, here you will see a large number of sea lions lying on the beach. Then you will head towards Punta Camaño. Next, you will visit the Canal del Amor and finally Los Perros Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 4: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
Your trip to the Galapagos Islands has come to an end. After a farewell breakfast, you will travel to the Baltra airport with a Spanish-speaking driver, where you will depart for Quito or Guayaquil. Here your tour concludes.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Baltra airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Lava Tunnels
2
.- Flamingo Lagoon
3
.- Bay Tour
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
Additional options
What is the food like?
Throughout the adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such as seafood with plenty of local fresh fruits. Lunch usually consists of soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
What is the accommodation like?
Galapagos Islands
Hotels are based on the concept of “Local hotels.” They create an environment of absolute comfort and local taste with complete standards of hygiene and presentation, uniting a familiar amiability with “Galapagueña” soul.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation in 5* hotel
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
STARTS
Baltra’s airport
Upon arrival on Day 1
ENDS
Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands on Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at San Cristobal airport. On the mainland, Quito’s airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.
4
days
FROM $782
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Sea transportation Santa Cruz – San Cristobal islands, comfortable land transportation.
Accommodations
Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
Meals
All described in the itinerary
Gear
Snorkeling mask and fins, life vest
Guides
Certified expert English-speaking adventure leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park
Equipment
Snorkeling equipment
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional fees
INGALA transit card: USD 20 per person, cash only (subject to change), Park fee USD 100 per person, cash only (subject to change)
Gear
Wetsuit for rent: USD 10
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service