2025 February 13 to 21 – 2 Rooms Left
Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $7498
Private Room: $9198
Physical Challenge
Highlights
Experience Darwin’s inspiration in a location like no other.
Snorkel with sea lions and penguins!
Hike with the Galapagos giant tortoises at El Chato reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands.
Fly from San Cristobal to Isabela, one of the most volcanically active places on earth.
View Sierra Negra, a massive crater, over 6 miles across at its widest point. On a clear day, you can see Perry Isthmus, Isabela Islands’ other volcanoes.
Explore Volcano Chico with puffing fumaroles and gorgeous colored lava formations.
Watch an abundance of birds soar through the sky as we stroll to Frigate Hill.
Arrive one day early and join our Quito City Tour.
For a more leisurely experience, see our Gay Galapagos Cruise.
Overview
Lost in Time
The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador with more than 95% of the islands being protected as part of the Galapagos National Park System. We will explore 3 of the 13 volcanic islands. Some of the youngest islands are still in the process of being formed.
We will learn more about the extraordinary variety of plants and wildlife as we visit the islands. There are 29 species of land birds found here and 22 of them are endemic to the islands. See the world’s smallest penguins, the bright red-chested frigate birds, the flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, hawks and lava gulls. In the sea, we’ll snorkel to find serene sea turtles, playful sea lions, and colorful fish. Each night, we’ll enjoy the comfort of the best hotels each island has to offer.
The itinerary below is subject to change, based on the regulations set forth by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorean government. These regulations are adjusted to fine-tune the management of the Islands and keep the environment as pristine as possible. If necessary, we will make adjustments and substitutions to maintain an adventuresome exploration of each island.
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
We will arrive in Quito to begin our adventure. Since most flights arrive in the late evening, there are no official activities scheduled on arrival day. Guests arriving a day early can join today’s Optional city tour of Quito, including a walking tour of historic sites, lunch together, and a visit to the equator.
Day 2: Coffee, Chocolate, and Tortoises
After a great night’s sleep, we will board our flight (included in tour price) from Quito over to Baltra, and then ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Then we head to El Chato reserve in the highlands, home to several subspecies of Galapagos giant tortoise. As we hike, we will see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, and finches.
Our next stop is at a local coffee plantation as well as a chocolatier! Ecuador is well known around the world for its coffee and chocolate.
Later today, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, here we will learn more about many of the endemic species we will meet during our adventure. Also learn about the ongoing conservation efforts in the Galapagos and why they are so important to the world today.
Dinner will be spent “food hopping”, with several stops at some amazing restaurants on the island.
Day 3: Kayaking Divine Bay
Good morning! Today, we will enjoy heading out to sea in our kayaks to paddle around Divine Bay. This outstanding route takes us along calm turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Here, white-tipped sharks and rays cruise under the clear water and colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropicbirds, herons, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the steep cliffs. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and some leisure time in the afternoon to explore the charming village of Puerto Ayora independently.
Day 4: On to Isabela Island!
This morning we board our boat to Isabela, the largest and youngest island in the Galapagos, still being formed by five active shield volcanoes. This makes Isabela one of the most volcanically active places on earth. We’ll check into our lovely hotel and relax until lunchtime.
Later this afternoon, we will head out to snorkel Tintoreras, a set of small, rocky islets tucked in Isabela Bay. Tintoreras’ islets are filled with wildlife, most notably the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives at the equator. We will also be able to see sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and more as we explore the small coves and beaches of Tintoreras.
Dinner will be enjoyed in town at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Volcanic Highlands
Today we head to the highlands of Isabela Island and into a world of modern geological history. The continuing volcanic activity on this island is a microcosm of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. After driving up to the trailhead, we hike into a young dry forest ecosystem. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in October 2005. Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive crater, over 6 miles across at its widest point. On a clear day, we can see Isabela’s other volcanoes, the Perry Isthmus, and beyond.
Time permitting, our hike continues to Volcano Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. A three-course lunch will be enjoyed at Hauser House. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to enjoy Isabel’s exotic white sand beaches.
Tonight we will enjoy a special BBQ dinner.
Day 6: Relaxation
Today is your day to explore Isabela on your own or with new friends, or simply to relax. Optional activities include more kayaking or cycling, let us know what you want to do. Ask for a sack lunch to take along!
In the evening, we’ll join up again for a fun local party with music and drinks.
Day 7: Island Hop to San Cristobal
After an early breakfast, we head out on mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail that takes us through an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems. We will visit the massive Wall of Tears, a lava rock wall built by prisoners when Isabel was a penal colony.
As we continue riding along the coast, we explore pristine white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with birdlife, including oystercatchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shorebirds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas.
We’ll transfer to the airport for our quick flight to San Cristobal Island and check into our prime waterfront hotel (which boasts some of the best seafood in the islands). After lunch, we continue our journey at the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos.
After our visit, we will hike to Tijeretas (Frigate Hill) along natural trails formed of lava rocks. The path is surrounded by native plants like Galapagos cotton, Palo Santo, acacia, and cacti, and we will spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs.
Enjoy cooling off from our hike with a refreshing snorkeling session at postcard-worthy Carola Beach, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, and bask in the setting sun. After dinner, explore the friendly, laid-back beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighboring colony of Galapagos sea lions.
Day 8: Snorkeling and Kayaking
Our second day on San Cristobal, will begin with a morning of kayaking along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, full of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. We may visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site will depend on the weekday and Galapagos National Park regulations. We’ll put on snorkels and fins to interact with sea lions, as well as marine iguanas and countless reef fish. We’ll swim with spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. With luck, we might even see some menacing but harmless hammerhead sharks!
After a full day spent exploring the seas, we head back to the hotel. Tonight we will enjoy our farewell dinner.
Day 9: Homeward Bound
Today we’ll say farewell to our new gay Galapagos adventure friends, and take an afternoon flight back to the mainland. We will arrive in Quito in the late afternoon, allowing plenty of time for an overnight flight back to North America. Some flights may require an overnight stay in Quito. If needed, we can help you reserve a hotel room near the airport, or arrange additional touring in the Quito area if you have more time to spend exploring the Andes region of Ecuador.
Itinerary subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. There is the possibility of the itinerary order being reversed if necessary. As of Feb. 2018, all guests traveling to the Galapagos must be able to show proof of public or private insurance.
Price Includes
Price includes: Airport transfers in Quito at beginning of the tour, and in the Islands; All accommodations in a shared room (1 night in Quito, 7 nights in the Galapagos); All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners; Round-trip Quito-Galapagos-Quito airfare in Economy Class; Transportation by air or boat between islands; Services of knowledgeable local guides, and the services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100) and Migration Control Card ($20); All hotel service charges, government taxes, porterage, and meal gratuities for included meals. HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.
Not included: Transportation to and from Quito; 1 lunch and 3 dinners; Airport departure fees (though these should be included in air ticket fees); Gratuities to local guides and HE host; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.
Optional Tour Choices:
$160 Quito City Tour on Day 1. Available for those arriving early enough (Must be ready by 8 or 9 am on Day 1) Time will be announced in the final mailer. Lunch is included.
Tour Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.
Extensions
Stay Longer and visit the Highlands of Ecuador
Join us for a gay Ecuador Adventure Tour that brings you down below… the equator, that is! Horseback riding through the hills of the Andes, hiking down into an extinct volcano crater, and biking down the side of Cotopaxi Volcano await your arrival into this enchanting country. When you take two tours Back-to-back, you get a discount! Contact us for details.
For those who join the Galapagos tour, we are happy to arrange a custom visit to our charming Hacienda!
- What is the physical activity level of this tour?
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Physical Activity Level
The Galapagos Islands are home to rich and diverse wildlife, on the volcanic islands and in the rich waters offshore. We will snorkel and cycle, kayak and hike. Most days will feature plenty of active adventure in warm weather. You should be reasonably fit for the activities on this tour. Walking on the islands is often across rugged terrain over uneven paths. While hiking in the El Chato reserve it tends to be slick even with the rubber boots provided. You will be getting on and off boats, especially in Santa Cruz where we use water taxis.
- Where does the tour start and end?
- This tour starts in Quito, Ecuador. Most flights from the US arrive in Quito in the late evening on Day 1, so because our flight to the Galapagos Islands is early the next morning, our Day 1 hotel is near the airport – about a 90-minute drive from the city. If you wish to arrive early and need an extra hotel night, please advise whether you want to be at our hotel near the airport, or in the city. The tour ends with a flight from the Islands to Quito, arriving late afternoon on the final day of the tour. Therefore, schedule your flight home in the evening of the final date shown above. If your flight is the following day, please let us know if you wish to reserve an extra post-tour hotel night at a hotel near the airport.
- What will the hotels be like?
- In the Galapagos, we will be staying at three beautiful hotels. In San Cristobal, our hotel is very modern and fresh and on Isabela Island, we’ll have a great beachfront view and an outdoor pool. On Santa Cruz, we’ll stay in a charming gay-owned hotel with the privacy and undisturbed quiet and wildlife viewing.