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Galapagos in January

Jan 13 - 24, 2026

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Your Advisor

Kara Brown

Experience Culture Travel

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kara@experienceculturetravel.com

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Overview


Private Best of Galapagos - 11 days/10 nights. This itinerary includes a mix of included activities and free time, with a focus on authentic local culture and sustainable experiences. The trip covers Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos Islands (San Cristobal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island), and includes various activities such as walking tours, snorkeling, hiking, and visits to local markets and conservation centers.

Trip Details


Destination Travel Requirements

Travel Requirements Ecuador has the following requirements for entry: Travelers require a passport to enter Ecuador. The traveler's passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the traveler arrives in Ecuador. Galapagos Islands: Travelers ...

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Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Ecuador

Capital: Quito Credit Cards Accepted: Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and tourist areas. American Express is less commonly accepted. In small towns and rural areas, cash (USD) is often preferred. Currency:...

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Day 1 · Tue, Jan 13 · Quito, Ecuador


Flights from MSP to UIO (DL1052, DL633)

MSP · Jan 13, 2026 at 8:55AM CST

ATL · Jan 13, 2026 at 12:35PM EST

ATL · Jan 13, 2026 at 2:41PM EST

UIO · Jan 13, 2026 at 8:00PM -05

Check In Check in begins 24 hours before your flight's departure. I recommend checking in online either in Delta's app or on Delta.com. Sometimes, particularly for international flights or if you have special circumstances (like an infant-in-arms, et...

Stay at Hotel Casa Q (or similar)

Jan 13 - 15, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM -05

Hotel Casa Q is located in Quito, a World Heritage Site. Rich in tradition, nestled in the mountains at the center of the world, and in one of the most mega-diverse countries on the planet. Casa Q is a cozy 27-room hotel, located in a quiet and safe ...

Room Options

Jan 13, 2026 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

2 room options · Starting at $4,125

We are staying in lovely accommodations throughout this journey. You are able to select which room configuration you'd prefer: Double Occupancy (Twin Beds) - sharing a room but not sharing a bed. Two twin beds in these rooms. Double Occupancy (Doubl...

Day 2 · Wed, Jan 14 · Quito, Ecuador


Otavalo Indigenous Market

Start your day with a scenic drive to the province of Imbabura, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Begin with a visit to a local textile artisan workshop where you can witness traditional weaving techniques and learn abo...

Day 3 · Thu, Jan 15 · San Cristobal Island, Galapagos


Flight to San Cristobal Island

Catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. The flight will take approximately 3.5 hours including a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you will not need to disembark the plane...

Snorkeling in La Loberia

This afternoon, join your local naturalist guide on San Cristobal and head to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkeling gear for the first time and go for a swim among sea lions, perhaps spotting sea turtles too. At evening, head to the Interpretatio...

Stay at Miconia Hotel (or similar)

Jan 15 - 17, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM -06

Hotel Miconia is a rustic and elegant hotel with an excellent location. The rooms have hot water, a safe, air conditioning and internet. We have a swimming pool and a restaurant for guests to use. Hotel Miconia began receiving guests in 2002, pionee...

Day 4 · Fri, Jan 16 · San Cristobal Island, Galapagos


Kicker Rock Excursion, Interpretation Center, and Cerro Tijeretas

Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) today. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look...

Day 5 · Sat, Jan 17 · Isabela Island, Galapagos


San Cristobal to Floreana and Isabela

Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana this morning. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including dolphins and whales. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. Afterward, venture to a black-sand beach ...

Stay at La Laguna Hotel (or similar)

Jan 17 - 20, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM -06

La Laguna Galapagos Hotel is ideally located in the Isabela Island, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. You can enjoy the view of a Flamingos Lagoon right in front of the hotel or take a 2-block walk towards the beach. La Laguna has a Bar &...

Day 6 · Sun, Jan 18 · Isabela Island, Galapagos


Isabela Island: Tunnels snorkeling

This morning, you'll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel i...

Day 7 · Mon, Jan 19 · Isabela Island, Galapagos


Sierra Negra Volcano

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano one of the Galapagos' most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you'll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mount...

Day 8 · Tue, Jan 20 · Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos


Santa Cruz: Highlands

Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds. Here in Manzanillo ...

Stay at Lobo de Mar Hotel (or similar)

Jan 20 - 22, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM -06

Overlooking the sea, Grand Hotel Lobo De Mar Puerto Ayora is approximately 5 minutes' drive from Laguna las Ninfas. Featuring a shop and a restaurant, the hotel is located just a short walk from Las Grietas. This Puerto Ayora property is about 45 km ...

Day 9 · Wed, Jan 21 · Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos


Santa Cruz: Tortuga Bay & Charles Darwin Station

Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. After returning to town for lunch, you'll pass through a local fish market on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy...

Day 10 · Thu, Jan 22 · Quito, Ecuador


Santa Cruz to Quito

We say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito (Please note the flight will make a stop in Guayaquil). You'll arrive back to Quito later in the afternoon.

Stay at La Cartuja Hotel (or similar)

Jan 22 - 23, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM -05

A family atmosphere with a special garden in the middle of the hotel surrounded by plants and flowers that makes a relaxing place. Our aim is to provide accommodation that fits the experience you're looking for. Our hotel with 16 rooms was built in a...

Day 11 · Fri, Jan 23 · Quito, Ecuador


Quito Walking tour

Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon. You'll join your local leader on a tour of the historic center. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda ...

Transportation from Hotel to airport

Jan 23 8:30PM UTC

This evening your adventure comes to an end in Quito. As there are no activities planned for the final day, you can depart the accommodation at any time.

Flights from UIO to MSP (DL632, DL2668)

UIO · Jan 23, 2026 at 11:59PM -05

ATL · Jan 24, 2026 at 5:23AM EST

ATL · Jan 24, 2026 at 7:25AM EST

MSP · Jan 24, 2026 at 9:14AM CST

Check In Check in begins 24 hours before your flight's departure. I recommend checking in online either in Delta's app or on Delta.com. Sometimes, particularly for international flights or if you have special circumstances (like an infant-in-arms, et...