The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
We invite you to explore 6 day Galapagos Islands o budget. 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 6 day Galapagos Islands o budget, 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 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 - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today your Galapagos adventure begins. It is recommended to book your flight with an early arrival time at the Baltra airport in order to not miss any activity.
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving in Baltra before 12:00 PM
Once you arrive at Baltra airport, a driver will take you to Puerto Ayora for a delicious lunch. Afterwards, you will take a 2.5-hour drive to Isabela, where you will visit the Flamingo Lagoon.
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra after 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives after 12:00 pm, your first day will be spent in Santa Cruz. If you arrive after 2:00 PM you will not receive lunch. The order of the tour will change, but all activities will be included.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.
DAY 2: TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
Your day will start early in the morning. After a delicious breakfast, your first stop will be the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and then the Wall of Tears. Afterwards, your destination will be the Estero Tunnel, a lava tunnel. The duration of the walk in the wetlands is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
To recharge your energy, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and you will be ready for your next activity, the visit to Tintoreras Islet. Named after the white tip sharks known as Tintoreras that rest at the bottom of the place. Finally, you will transfer to Puerto Villamil for hiking and snorkeling.
Meals included: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: SNORKELLING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELLING IN LOS TUNELES
On the third day of the tour, you will take a 30 to 40-minute trip to Los Tunnels, considered one of the best places for snorkeling on Isabela Island. Here you can observe a large amount of marine life: sea turtles, sea lions, Galapagos penguins and more. The activity lasts approximately 6 hours. You can also choose to explore Concha Perla on your own before or after the snorkel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 4: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
Early in the morning, you will go by public boat to Santa Cruz Island. Here you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Your first attraction to visit will be the Charles Darwin Research Station. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will take a tour of the bay to visit the highlights of Puerto Ayora by boat: La Loberia, Punta Camaño Islet, two channel crossings, and finally Los Perros Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA FE ISLAND
SANTA FE ISLAND
Your tour is about to end. But first you will visit Santa Fe Island. One of the oldest islands of the archipelago. This island is special because it is home to a large number of endemic species such as the Barrington’s land iguana. Here you will snorkel.
Afterwards, your destination will be Santa Cruz Island. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch. This tour may include an activity called “Fishing Experience”. You may be able to experience a fishing demonstration depending on the weather and park regulations.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
Today is your last day of the tour. After a farewell breakfast, a driver will take you to the Baltra airport, where you will depart 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: Baltra airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Lava Tunnels
2
.- Wetlands and Tintoreras
3
.- Bay Tour
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
5
.- Santa Fe
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 6
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.
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
We invite you to explore 6 day Galapagos Islands o budget. 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 6 day Galapagos Islands o budget, 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 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 - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today your Galapagos adventure begins. It is recommended to book your flight with an early arrival time at the Baltra airport in order to not miss any activity.
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving in Baltra before 12:00 PM
Once you arrive at Baltra airport, a driver will take you to Puerto Ayora for a delicious lunch. Afterwards, you will take a 2.5-hour drive to Isabela, where you will visit the Flamingo Lagoon.
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving to Baltra after 12:00 PM
If your flight arrives after 12:00 pm, your first day will be spent in Santa Cruz. If you arrive after 2:00 PM you will not receive lunch. The order of the tour will change, but all activities will be included.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleLunch.
DAY 2: TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
Your day will start early in the morning. After a delicious breakfast, your first stop will be the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and then the Wall of Tears. Afterwards, your destination will be the Estero Tunnel, a lava tunnel. The duration of the walk in the wetlands is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
To recharge your energy, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and you will be ready for your next activity, the visit to Tintoreras Islet. Named after the white tip sharks known as Tintoreras that rest at the bottom of the place. Finally, you will transfer to Puerto Villamil for hiking and snorkeling.
Meals included: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: SNORKELLING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELLING IN LOS TUNELES
On the third day of the tour, you will take a 30 to 40-minute trip to Los Tunnels, considered one of the best places for snorkeling on Isabela Island. Here you can observe a large amount of marine life: sea turtles, sea lions, Galapagos penguins and more. The activity lasts approximately 6 hours. You can also choose to explore Concha Perla on your own before or after the snorkel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 4: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
Early in the morning, you will go by public boat to Santa Cruz Island. Here you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Your first attraction to visit will be the Charles Darwin Research Station. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will take a tour of the bay to visit the highlights of Puerto Ayora by boat: La Loberia, Punta Camaño Islet, two channel crossings, and finally Los Perros Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA FE ISLAND
SANTA FE ISLAND
Your tour is about to end. But first you will visit Santa Fe Island. One of the oldest islands of the archipelago. This island is special because it is home to a large number of endemic species such as the Barrington’s land iguana. Here you will snorkel.
Afterwards, your destination will be Santa Cruz Island. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch. This tour may include an activity called “Fishing Experience”. You may be able to experience a fishing demonstration depending on the weather and park regulations.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
Today is your last day of the tour. After a farewell breakfast, a driver will take you to the Baltra airport, where you will depart 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: Baltra airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Lava Tunnels
2
.- Wetlands and Tintoreras
3
.- Bay Tour
4
.- Charles Darwin Research Station
5
.- Santa Fe
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 6
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.
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 $1,239
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