Galapagos: A Learn, Serve, Immerse Adventure!

• Sea kayak with sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions.
• Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises at Magic Galapagos Reserve in their natural habitat and contribute to a reforestation project.
• Snorkel with tropical fish, rays, sea lions, and sharks. 
• Hike the rim of an enormous, active caldera and discover extraordinary lava formations.  
• Relax on beautiful beaches with playful sea lions and countless marine iguanas. 
• Enjoy exceptional service, comfort, and cuisine at quality hotels in Galapagos.
• Motorized boat to explore North Seymour Island and other islands.
• Award-winning guides serve as our liaison to the local culture and wildlife.
• Protect the environment and support the local communities with our eco-friendly activities and green hotels.

Click on Resources to download a PDF of this itinerary.

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and have a private transfer to your hotel for the evening.

Hotel: Mama Cuchara

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today we explore the breathtaking scenery in the northern highlands of Ecuador. and the spectacular market of Otavalo.

We begin with a visit to the Quitsato Sundial, a cultural-tourist area located on the equatorial line near the Cayambe volcano, where we will learn about the astronomical knowledge of the region’s pre-Hispanic cultures. We will then head to the town of Otavalo,  one of the most interesting towns in Ecuador,where the local Kichwa indigenous culture is not only plainly visible, but on their rise. As part of our day at the market we will visit the workshop of Master weaver Miguel Andrango, in the village of Agato.

Afternoon visit Cotachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve to see Cuicocha lagoon, Cotacachi volcano, and Cotacachi town. Return to hotel for dinner and rest for early flight to the Galapagos.

Hotel: Mama Cuchara

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

photo credit: Lisa Merrill of Merrill Images

Transfer to Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito for flight to the Galapagos Islands. We dive into our adventure as soon as we arrive in the Galapagos Islands, exploring the spectacular turquoise waters of Itabaca Channel, where we will have a chance to kayak, snorkel and stand-up paddleboard (SUP), as well as encounter some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks.

Later, we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve at Magic Galapagos that borders the National Park, where we can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. 

Hotel: Magic Galapagos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Morning Excursion aboard a motor yacht to North Seymour and nearby islands. 
• Afternoon reforestation service project at Magic Galapagos among giant tortoises,
• Enjoy dinner at sunset atop a perch, and drinks at the Lava Lounge bar inside a natural lava tube.

Hotel: Magic Galapagos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Our day begins with a wood carving workshop with local artists and then an interisland flight to Isabela Island.  On Isabel Island, we tour the Tintoreras islands where we will see almost all the archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. This is a Galapagos in miniature form!  After walking on the island, we will have a chance to snorkel in the bay.

Hotel: La Casa de Marita

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike up the Sierra Negra crater (world’s second largest crater) to the rim of Volcan Chico, chance to see several key Galapagos bird species and breathtaking views, picnic boxed lunch overlooking the island, post-hike relaxation on Puerto Villamil beach.  Dinner at hotel.

Hotel: La Casa de Marita

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we take an early morning interisland flight back to Santa Cruz to begin your journey back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Global Family Travels’ three pillars of Learn, Serve, and Immerse are integral to this special trip to the Galapagos. One of the highlights of this adventure is staying at the Galapagos Magic tented safari camp, a private wildlife preserve where giant tortoises roam free and undisturbed. Your stay at Galapagos Magic will help to protect this vulnerable species among other Galapagos wildlife through funding their initiative to protect the islands' forests.

To view a more detailed day-by-day description of this tour, please click on the “Itinerary” suitcase button at the top of this trip page.

The health and safety of Global Family Travels’ travelers, community partners, colleagues and guides are of paramount importance to us. To mitigate and manage the risks associated with COVID-19, we have adopted COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines, which were developed in collaboration with the Adventure Travel & Trade Association (ATTA) and Cleveland Clinic, as well as the Washington State’s public health policies.   You can find more detailed information on our website COVID-19 and Travel.

Global Family Travels’ customers will have peace of mind when they choose to travel with us and know that their health and safety are backed by flexible booking conditions. Please refer to the "Tasks" outlining specific details for the health and safety protocols for destination and itinerary.   Please also visit our Booking terms and Conditions for the specifics of your personal trip page.

These critical health and operational measures ensure that we can continue to offer tourism experiences with community partners and suppliers in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about these protocols or your trip and thank you for helping to keep yourself and fellow travelers,  host community and guides safe!