The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Experience 6 day Galapagos classic expedition from the comfort of a land-based! The islands offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such close and intimate contact with wildlife.
The Galapagos form a natural sanctuary that preserves species, this allowed them to evolve their unique features for countless millennia. This vacation also provides flexible time to spend on your own and explore the sand beaches, trails in the Galapagos Forest, and wildlife. Be part of this Galapagos classic expedition, an educational and inspirational journey of a lifetime in one of the most fiercely protected marine wilderness in the world!
Galapagos Islands
During your time in Santa Cruz & San Cristobal Islands, you’ll stay at comfortable 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 San Cristobal 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 Baltra airport. On the 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: TRANSFER IN - SAN CRISTOBAL
TRANSFER IN – SAN CRISTOBAL
Today begins your adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Once you arrive at the San Cristobal airport, a driver will take you to your hotel. After a welcome lunch, you can visit Playa Mann, Las Tijeretas or Punta Carola on your own.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.
DAY 2: SAN CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS - EL JUNCO - PUERTO CHINO
SAN CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS – EL JUNCO – PUERTO CHINO
Early in the morning, your first attraction to visit will be the El Junco crater lake. This is the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos Islands. Your next stop will be Puerto Chino, where you can take a walk and observe the beautiful sea lions lying on the white beach. Your last destination will be La Galapaguera, the sanctuary of the giant tortoises.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: FLIGHT ISABELA - BIKING SELF GUIDED - KAYAK PUERTO VILLAMIL
FLIGHT ISABELA – BIKING SELF GUIDED – KAYAK PUERTO VILLAMIL
On the third day of your adventure, you should start with all your energy. After breakfast you will go to visit Isabela Island in a flight of approximately 40 minutes. Here you can take a bike ride to the breeding center or walk to the Wall of Tears.
In the afternoon you will do a fun activity, kayaking in Puerto Villamil, here you will see marine iguanas, sea lions and the famous Galapagos penguins. Afterwards you will go to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Volcano or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
After a refreshing breakfast, your destination will be the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second largest active crater in the world. Inside the site you will hike to Chico, a Sierra Negra cone with lunar landscapes. Your return will be around 14:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Volcano or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
This day will start very early, at 06:00 hours, you will take a public speedboat to the island of Santa Cruz. Here you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then you will be taken to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
Afterwards, you will take a 40-minute trip to the highlands of San Cruz. Here you will see a large number of giant tortoises.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: TRANSFER OUT
TRANSFER OUT
Today your tour is over. After a farewell breakfast, a driver will take you to Baltra airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: San Cristobal Airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Santa Cruz Highlands
2
.- Puerto Villamil
3
.- Isabela Wetlands
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
5
.- Sierra Negra Volcano
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
San Cristobal's airport
Upon arrival on Day 1
ENDS
Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 6
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at San Cristobal 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 Baltra airport. On the 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.
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
Experience 6 day Galapagos classic expedition from the comfort of a land-based! The islands offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such close and intimate contact with wildlife.
The Galapagos form a natural sanctuary that preserves species, this allowed them to evolve their unique features for countless millennia. This vacation also provides flexible time to spend on your own and explore the sand beaches, trails in the Galapagos Forest, and wildlife. Be part of this Galapagos classic expedition, an educational and inspirational journey of a lifetime in one of the most fiercely protected marine wilderness in the world!
Galapagos Islands
During your time in Santa Cruz & San Cristobal Islands, you’ll stay at comfortable 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 San Cristobal 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 Baltra airport. On the 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: TRANSFER IN - SAN CRISTOBAL
TRANSFER IN – SAN CRISTOBAL
Today begins your adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Once you arrive at the San Cristobal airport, a driver will take you to your hotel. After a welcome lunch, you can visit Playa Mann, Las Tijeretas or Punta Carola on your own.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleLunch.
DAY 2: SAN CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS - EL JUNCO - PUERTO CHINO
SAN CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS – EL JUNCO – PUERTO CHINO
Early in the morning, your first attraction to visit will be the El Junco crater lake. This is the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos Islands. Your next stop will be Puerto Chino, where you can take a walk and observe the beautiful sea lions lying on the white beach. Your last destination will be La Galapaguera, the sanctuary of the giant tortoises.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: FLIGHT ISABELA - BIKING SELF GUIDED - KAYAK PUERTO VILLAMIL
FLIGHT ISABELA – BIKING SELF GUIDED – KAYAK PUERTO VILLAMIL
On the third day of your adventure, you should start with all your energy. After breakfast you will go to visit Isabela Island in a flight of approximately 40 minutes. Here you can take a bike ride to the breeding center or walk to the Wall of Tears.
In the afternoon you will do a fun activity, kayaking in Puerto Villamil, here you will see marine iguanas, sea lions and the famous Galapagos penguins. Afterwards you will go to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Volcano or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
After a refreshing breakfast, your destination will be the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second largest active crater in the world. Inside the site you will hike to Chico, a Sierra Negra cone with lunar landscapes. Your return will be around 14:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Volcano or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
This day will start very early, at 06:00 hours, you will take a public speedboat to the island of Santa Cruz. Here you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then you will be taken to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
Afterwards, you will take a 40-minute trip to the highlands of San Cruz. Here you will see a large number of giant tortoises.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: TRANSFER OUT
TRANSFER OUT
Today your tour is over. After a farewell breakfast, a driver will take you to Baltra airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: San Cristobal Airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Santa Cruz Highlands
2
.- Puerto Villamil
3
.- Isabela Wetlands
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
5
.- Sierra Negra Volcano
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
San Cristobal's airport
Upon arrival on Day 1
ENDS
Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 6
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins upon arrival at San Cristobal 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 Baltra airport. On the 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.
6
days
FROM $1,711
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