Your 10-day tour through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands will undoubtedly be a memorable one. Enjoy the sightseeing and spectacular views in Quito, then board your cruise yacht for an unforgettable excursion through the many Galápagos islands, which offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

Fly to Quito. Arrive late this evening and meet your Go Ahead representative.

Day 2 - Quito

Your Tour Director leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Quito, a fascinating city that perches on a plateau more than 9,000 feet above the surrounding Andean valleys. Take in spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. Then pass Catholic University, the Ecuadorian House of Culture, the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, the Government Palace and El Sagrario Church as you venture through the quaint cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Stop to view the enormous 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Continue through the Old Town to La Compañia, the city’s exquisite baroque church. After your sightseeing tour, you’ll have an included excursion to the Equatorial Line Monument, where you can stand with one foot on either side of the equator. Here, you’ll also learn about some of the country’s many native cultures. Become acquainted with your fellow travelers at this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Equatorial Line Monument

Day 3 - Galapagos Islands

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Board your cruise, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Depart on dinghies for a dry landing visit to Bartolomé Island. Gaze up at the island’s volcanic formations, including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. Hike 365 steps to the summit for wildlife sightings and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Hike back down to Pinnacle Rock to see its sea lions and penguins and nesting sea turtles (in season). Then enjoy a snorkeling excursion.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Galapagos Islands

Voyage to Isabella Island today, made up of six ancient volcanoes that merged into a single landmass. You’ll sail to Urbina Bay, located at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. Look out for land iguanas during an onshore hike, followed by a snorkeling excursion. Reach Fernandina Island for a look at Punta Espinosa, a geologic site formed by a vertical tectonic shift. Turtles and sharks surround the point, and groups of marine iguana gather here.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Galapagos Islands

Travel to Santiago Island for a wet landing at Puerto Egas, a bay of black-sand beaches and unique rock formations. On your hike, you’ll see fur sea lions before enjoying the day’s first snorkeling trip. This afternoon, go on a deep sea snorkeling excursion to see sea lions and turtles. Then its off to explore the shores of Rábida Island, known for its red hue. After a wet landing, walk to a salt water lagoon to spot flamingos. End the day with a short hike for stunning island views.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Galapagos Islands

Your first stop today is Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park offices, the hub of conservation efforts. Learn about the ecology of the islands and meet giant tortoises George and Diego at the breeding center. This afternoon, take a boat trip to Cerro Chato, where you’ll observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Quito

Leave for Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz for a morning swim off its white sand beaches. Later, board a flight back to Quito and check into your hotel. This evening, try our optional Quito Evening Tour and Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

$59 USD

Quito Evening Tour and Dinner Quito is a natural wonder and arguably South America's most beautful capital city. Enjoy an evening tour followed by a dinner comprised of traditional Ecuadorian specialties.

Day 8 - Quito

Enjoy a free day in Quito. Alternatively, join a full day optional Otavalo and Messenger Train excursion to the traditional crafts market of Otavalo, stopping at some of the Indian villages along the way. You’ll also ride the Chaski Antawa messenger train.
Included meals: breakfast

$95 USD

Otavalo & Messenger Train Journey to the native Indian community of Otavalo for a visit to the crafts market. Shop for sweaters, leather goods, belts, jackets, blankets and rugs, handmade in a tradition that goes back centuries.

Day 9 - Quito

Explore Quito on your own today, or opt to join an excursion to the Antisana Volcano. If you’re extending your stay, board your flight to Peru this evening.
Included meals: breakfast

$45 USD

Antisana Volcano Visit Antisana National Park and marvel at Antisana Volcano, part of the Condor Bioreserve.

Day 10 - Quito

Transfer to the airport and board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Ecuador and Peru (on extension), U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States.
No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

Travelers to Ecuador should be comfortable in high-altitude conditions. Elevation throughout the country varies widely. The altitude of Quito is close to 10,000 feet (Cuzco on extension is 11,000 feet). Travelers (especially those with heart or lung conditions) should consult with their personal health-care providers before undertaking high-altitude travel. The best way to prevent “altitude sickness,” which sometimes results in headaches and nausea, is to make sure that you are well hydrated throughout your stay.

In order for you to stay healthy throughout your tour, we recommend the following:

• Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing teeth.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• Bring a small first-aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication and any prescription medications.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Quito.

The tour also includes a flight to and from the Galápagos Islands and the four-night island cruise aboard either the MV Galapagos Legend or the MV Galapagos Coral.

Most destinations on tour are walkable, including Quito, although local buses and taxis are available as well.

FAQ's about the Galapagos Cruise Ship(s):

Q: How can I pay my expenses on board?
A: You can either set up an account with your credit card when you arrive on the boat or you can use cash to pay for any on board purchases. All tips must be paid in cash.

Q: Are there phones and Internet access on the ship?
A: No. There is no phones or Internet access on board the ship. You will be able to make calls and/or use the internet on day 4 of the cruise during your visit to Santa Cruz. There are many Internet cafes and phones on this Island.

Q: What is the dress code for dinner on board the ship?
A: The cruise ship is very casual. They only request that you don't wear a swimsuit or a hat to dinner. Otherwise, anything goes!  

Q: Are drinks included on the ship?
A: Water, juice (with breakfast), coffee or tea are provided. Soft drinks and alchoholic beverages will be billed to you room.

Q: Is fresh water provided on the ship?
A: Yes. You will be given one refillable water bottle per person when you arrive. There are purified water stations located at several locations on the boat where you can refill your bottle during the duration of your cruise.

Q: Is there a doctor on board the ship?
A: Yes, there is a doctor available 24 hours on the ship.

Q: Is smoking permitted on the ship?
A: Smoking is only permitted on the open sun decks.

Q: What kind of experience do the Galapagos Naturalist Guides have? Are they certified?
A: The guides are the highest level naturalists in Galapagos - some with 25+ years of experience. They must be certified in order to guide a group on the Galapagos.

Q: Are taxes, Galapagos National Park tax and Galapagos immigration cards included in the cost?
A: Yes. Your tour director will provide you with the appropriate documentation when you arrive in the Galapagos.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing suitable for exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are essential for sightseeing. Waterproof shoes or sandals, a bathing suit and insect repellent are essential for your visit to the Galápagos. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an elegant restaurant, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). On board your Galápagos cruise, the dress code is casual. Shorts, sandals and swimsuits are not allowed in the dining room.

Currency

Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar, and the notes are identical to those issued in the US. Frequently used denominations include one, five, 10 and 20 dollar bills. Rarely used denominations include two, 50 and 100 dollar bills.

Coins of one, five, 10, 25 and 50 cents are identical in shape, size and color to their US equivalents, but bear images of famous Ecuadorians rather than US presidents. Both US and Ecuadorian coins are accepted. 

Every significant town has an ATM, making ATM cards the best way to handle your cash. Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and big hotels, though merchants will often add a surcharge of 6% to 8%. Credit cards are also increasingly accepted at Ecuadorian ATMs and for cash advances at banks, though not all branches provide this service. Cheaper hotels, restaurants and stores typically don't accept credit cards.

We advise that you take credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

On your cruise, tipping your waiter, busboy and cabin steward is customary if you are pleased with the service. Gratuities are generally given at the end of the voyage. We recommend $9 per traveler per day, divided among your cabin steward, waiter and busboy. Tips for bar service, the beauty salon and special services are generally given at the time of service. At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director.