The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
This 7-day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget tour shows you the best of Santa Cruz & Isabela islands. You will have different (day) on Galapagos Island Hopping Budget trips by boat, or by car. You will probably see blue-footed boobies, sea lions, flamingos, and tortoises. In these 7 days, you will be amazed by all the beauty the Galapagos Islands have to offer, making it a perfect Galapagos holiday!
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 island hopping budget 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: BALTRA - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today begins your Galapagos active expedition tour. It is important to buy your plane ticket with an early arrival time at the Baltra airport to enjoy all the activities. Once you have arrived a native guide will take you to Puerto Ayora.
After a delicious lunch, you will go to Isabela Island. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and sickness medication in case of be necessary. At Isabela Island, a driver will take you to Flamingo Lagoon. After that, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
*Note: Please be aware that if you arrive after 11:00 AM, there might be changes to your itinerary.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.
DAY 2: TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
Early in the morning, your first attraction to visit is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. The next activity will be a visit to an iconic site of the islands, the Wall of Tears, followed by a visit to a small lava tunnel. Here you will enjoy the incredible scenery that offers a tapestry of Galapagos Sesuvium between El Túnel del Estero and Playa del Amor.
The hike in the Wetlands area is approximately 3 to 4 hours. After enjoying a delicious lunch, your destination will be Tintoreras Islet, named after the white tip sharks, known as Tintoreras.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
After breakfast, you will depart by boat to Puerto Villamil to visit the Tunnels, considered one of the most beautiful places for snorkeling on Isabela Island, thanks to its clear and calm waters. You will have the opportunity to see lots of sea birds and species such as turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, Galapagos penguins and more. This exciting activity lasts approximately 6 hours, including boat rides and a snack before a short walk.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - TORTUGA BAY
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – TORTUGA BAY
This day you will have to be full of energy. Early in the morning you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then you will go to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After lunch, you will visit Tortuga Bay. A place to be captivated by wildlife and marine life. To get to Tortuga Bay, there is a 2.5 km (30-45 minutes) walk along a paved road from Puerto Ayora. It is also possible to return from Tortuga Bay to Puerto Ayora by boat. This costs $10 p.p. + $10 for the guide’s boat ride. Departure time is 05:30 PM
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA FE ISLAND (UNHABITED ISLAND)
SANTA FE ISLAND (UNHABITED ISLAND) SUBJECT AVAILABILITY
Today your destination will be Santa Fe Island. It is a small island located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago. This island is special because it is home to endemic species such as the Barrington’s land iguana (Conolophus pallidus). You will snorkel at Santa Fe Island.
Then you will head to Playa Escondida or Garrapatero on Santa Cruz Island, and have a wet landing there. Here, you will have some time to discover the beach.
* Today you will have an activity called ‘Pesca Vivencial’ which means that you will be able to experience a fishing demonstration according to weather and park regulations.
* Wet Landing means that the boat will approach the beach, and from there, you will disembark in the sea. It is recommended to bring extra clothes, as you might get wet.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: BAY TOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
BAY TOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
This day you will take a boat tour of the highlights of Puerto Ayora. Your first stop will be La Lobería, where you will be surprised by the large number of sea lions.Next, you will go to Punta Camaño islet. Here you will snorkel with more sea lions and a great variety of fish. Your next activity will be a visit to the Canal del Amor and finally, to finish the Bay Tour, you will go to Los Perros Beach.
In the afternoon you will go to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will take a short hike on a privately owned ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 7: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
It’s time to say goodbye. Your Galapagos Island Hopping Budget tour has come to an end. After breakfast, you will travel to the Baltra airport, where you will depart for Quito or Guayaquil.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Departure Day
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: San Cristobal Airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Tintoreras
2
.- Lava Tunnels
3
.- Encounter with wild giant tortoises
4
.- Bay tour
5
.- Tortuga Bay
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 7
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 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
***Conditions: Inspiring Ecuador reserve all rights to modify the itinerary according to availability and convenience.
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
This 7-day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget tour shows you the best of Santa Cruz & Isabela islands. You will have different (day) on Galapagos Island Hopping Budget trips by boat, or by car. You will probably see blue-footed boobies, sea lions, flamingos, and tortoises. In these 7 days, you will be amazed by all the beauty the Galapagos Islands have to offer, making it a perfect Galapagos holiday!
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 island hopping budget 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: BALTRA - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND - FLAMINGO LAGOON
BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON
Today begins your Galapagos active expedition tour. It is important to buy your plane ticket with an early arrival time at the Baltra airport to enjoy all the activities. Once you have arrived a native guide will take you to Puerto Ayora.
After a delicious lunch, you will go to Isabela Island. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and sickness medication in case of be necessary. At Isabela Island, a driver will take you to Flamingo Lagoon. After that, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
*Note: Please be aware that if you arrive after 11:00 AM, there might be changes to your itinerary.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleLunch.
DAY 2: TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS
Early in the morning, your first attraction to visit is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. The next activity will be a visit to an iconic site of the islands, the Wall of Tears, followed by a visit to a small lava tunnel. Here you will enjoy the incredible scenery that offers a tapestry of Galapagos Sesuvium between El Túnel del Estero and Playa del Amor.
The hike in the Wetlands area is approximately 3 to 4 hours. After enjoying a delicious lunch, your destination will be Tintoreras Islet, named after the white tip sharks, known as Tintoreras.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
After breakfast, you will depart by boat to Puerto Villamil to visit the Tunnels, considered one of the most beautiful places for snorkeling on Isabela Island, thanks to its clear and calm waters. You will have the opportunity to see lots of sea birds and species such as turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, Galapagos penguins and more. This exciting activity lasts approximately 6 hours, including boat rides and a snack before a short walk.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel San Vicente or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - TORTUGA BAY
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – TORTUGA BAY
This day you will have to be full of energy. Early in the morning you will take the speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then you will go to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After lunch, you will visit Tortuga Bay. A place to be captivated by wildlife and marine life. To get to Tortuga Bay, there is a 2.5 km (30-45 minutes) walk along a paved road from Puerto Ayora. It is also possible to return from Tortuga Bay to Puerto Ayora by boat. This costs $10 p.p. + $10 for the guide’s boat ride. Departure time is 05:30 PM
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA FE ISLAND (UNHABITED ISLAND)
SANTA FE ISLAND (UNHABITED ISLAND) SUBJECT AVAILABILITY
Today your destination will be Santa Fe Island. It is a small island located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago. This island is special because it is home to endemic species such as the Barrington’s land iguana (Conolophus pallidus). You will snorkel at Santa Fe Island.
Then you will head to Playa Escondida or Garrapatero on Santa Cruz Island, and have a wet landing there. Here, you will have some time to discover the beach.
* Today you will have an activity called ‘Pesca Vivencial’ which means that you will be able to experience a fishing demonstration according to weather and park regulations.
* Wet Landing means that the boat will approach the beach, and from there, you will disembark in the sea. It is recommended to bring extra clothes, as you might get wet.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: BAY TOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
BAY TOUR & SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
This day you will take a boat tour of the highlights of Puerto Ayora. Your first stop will be La Lobería, where you will be surprised by the large number of sea lions.Next, you will go to Punta Camaño islet. Here you will snorkel with more sea lions and a great variety of fish. Your next activity will be a visit to the Canal del Amor and finally, to finish the Bay Tour, you will go to Los Perros Beach.
In the afternoon you will go to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will take a short hike on a privately owned ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 7: TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA
TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA
It’s time to say goodbye. Your Galapagos Island Hopping Budget tour has come to an end. After breakfast, you will travel to the Baltra airport, where you will depart for Quito or Guayaquil.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Departure Day
What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel
Location: ecuador - galapagos
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: San Cristobal Airport
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Tintoreras
2
.- Lava Tunnels
3
.- Encounter with wild giant tortoises
4
.- Bay tour
5
.- Tortuga Bay
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 7
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 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.
7
days
FROM $1,359
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
***Conditions: Inspiring Ecuador reserve all rights to modify the itinerary according to availability and convenience.
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