The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Experience this 8 Day Galapagos Islands Hopping Classic, you will have 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 the 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 the lots of wildlife. The tour also provides many benefits to local communities and is socially and environmentally responsible. Be part of this 8 Day Galapagos Island Hoping Classic, 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: QUITO – SAN CRISTOBAL- FREE AFTERNOON
Today begins your first day of adventure. Once you arrive at the airport in San Cristobal a guide will take you to your hotel for the respective check-in. Please note that if you arrive before 02:00 PM you will have lunch. If you arrive later lunch will not be included. This day will be free, you can visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal and Playa Mann. It will be your first approach to the beauties of the islands.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.
DAY 2: KICKER ROCK
After your first breakfast on the islands, you will go by boat to Kicker Rock, two volcanic rocks 140 meters high. Seen from the south, the rocks resemble a “Leon Dormido” (Sleeping Lion), which is their name in English. Seen from another angle it looks more like a boot, hence its name in English: Kicker Rock. This place is perfect for snorkeling and observing all the marine life in its maximum splendor. After the great activity you will return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: FREE MORNING- PUERTO AYORA
On your third day you can visit Playa Mann, the Loberia or the surroundings on your own. At 2:00 pm you will board a boat to Puerto Ayora, once you arrive you will be transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: EXPLORE UNINHABITED ISLAND
The adventure of your fourth day will be to visit one of the uninhabited islands Bartolome, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour. No matter which one you visit you will be able to snorkel and hike. The island you choose to visit depends on availability and Galapagos National Park regulations. You can let us know your preference and we will do our best to take you there.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND HIGHLANDS- ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will be able to see the Giant Tortoises of Galapagos in their natural state, as well as appreciate the endemic vegetation of the islands.
In the afternoon around 13:30 you will be transported to the largest island of the archipelago, Isabela. This ride lasts about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive you will be taken to your hotel. You will be able to go on your own to visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and one of the main breeding grounds for most of the flamingos.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: LOS TUNELES SNORKELING
After breakfast, the must-see attractions to see are the famous Tunnels. They are lava formations created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. Thus, the Tunnels are an important snorkeling spot. The entrance to the site is shallow and the waves can be strong, for this reason, the access can be complicated. You will have a snack on board and then return to Puerto Villamil.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 7: KAYAK EN PUERTO VILLAMIL - FREE AFTERNOON
On your last but one day, get ready to enjoy a great adventure. After a revitalizing breakfast, your guide will take you to the bay of Puerto Villamil for kayaking. In the afternoon you can visit the beach or do another optional activity.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 8: FLIGHT BACK TO BALTRA AIRPORT
On your last day in the Galapagos Islands, after a delicious breakfast, you will take a flight from Isabela airport to Baltra airport. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
Once at Baltra airport, you will say goodbye and head 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
Trip Type: Island Hopping - Galapagos
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Bartolome
2
.- Los Tuneles
3
.- Santa Cruz Highlands
4
.- Kicker Rock
5
.- Kayak
6
.- Egas Port
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, a 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 8
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 this 8 Day Galapagos Islands Hopping Classic, you will have 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 the 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 the lots of wildlife. The tour also provides many benefits to local communities and is socially and environmentally responsible. Be part of this 8 Day Galapagos Island Hoping Classic, 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: QUITO – SAN CRISTOBAL- FREE AFTERNOON
Today begins your first day of adventure. Once you arrive at the airport in San Cristobal a guide will take you to your hotel for the respective check-in. Please note that if you arrive before 02:00 PM you will have lunch. If you arrive later lunch will not be included. This day will be free, you can visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal and Playa Mann. It will be your first approach to the beauties of the islands.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleLunch.
DAY 2: KICKER ROCK
After your first breakfast on the islands, you will go by boat to Kicker Rock, two volcanic rocks 140 meters high. Seen from the south, the rocks resemble a “Leon Dormido” (Sleeping Lion), which is their name in English. Seen from another angle it looks more like a boot, hence its name in English: Kicker Rock. This place is perfect for snorkeling and observing all the marine life in its maximum splendor. After the great activity you will return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 3: FREE MORNING- PUERTO AYORA
On your third day you can visit Playa Mann, the Loberia or the surroundings on your own. At 2:00 pm you will board a boat to Puerto Ayora, once you arrive you will be transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
DAY 4: EXPLORE UNINHABITED ISLAND
The adventure of your fourth day will be to visit one of the uninhabited islands Bartolome, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour. No matter which one you visit you will be able to snorkel and hike. The island you choose to visit depends on availability and Galapagos National Park regulations. You can let us know your preference and we will do our best to take you there.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 5: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND HIGHLANDS- ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will be able to see the Giant Tortoises of Galapagos in their natural state, as well as appreciate the endemic vegetation of the islands.
In the afternoon around 13:30 you will be transported to the largest island of the archipelago, Isabela. This ride lasts about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive you will be taken to your hotel. You will be able to go on your own to visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and one of the main breeding grounds for most of the flamingos.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 6: LOS TUNELES SNORKELING
After breakfast, the must-see attractions to see are the famous Tunnels. They are lava formations created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. Thus, the Tunnels are an important snorkeling spot. The entrance to the site is shallow and the waves can be strong, for this reason, the access can be complicated. You will have a snack on board and then return to Puerto Villamil.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 7: KAYAK EN PUERTO VILLAMIL - FREE AFTERNOON
On your last but one day, get ready to enjoy a great adventure. After a revitalizing breakfast, your guide will take you to the bay of Puerto Villamil for kayaking. In the afternoon you can visit the beach or do another optional activity.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or similar.
Food & Accommodation
Hotel – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch.
DAY 8: FLIGHT BACK TO BALTRA AIRPORT
On your last day in the Galapagos Islands, after a delicious breakfast, you will take a flight from Isabela airport to Baltra airport. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
Once at Baltra airport, you will say goodbye and head 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
Trip Type: Island Hopping - Galapagos
Activity: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Bartolome
2
.- Los Tuneles
3
.- Santa Cruz Highlands
4
.- Kicker Rock
5
.- Kayak
6
.- Egas Port
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, a 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 8
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.
8
days
FROM $2,262
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