Pacific explorer: Ecuador, Galapagos & Panama
Adventure through Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Panama on this 11-day Pacific tour. Begin your trip in Quito, the cultured capital of Ecuador, high in the foothills of the Andes. Take a city tour to get under the skin of this beautifully preserved colonial gem in its remarkable mountain setting. Next, fly to the amazing Galapagos Islands to experience its volcanic landscapes and unique endemic wildlife. Snorkel with giant sea turtles and rays, and observe iguanas and blue-footed boobies up close. Your final stop is Panama, where you’ll tour the capital and spend a few days all-out relaxing on the paradise island of Saboga.
Services
Included:
- Ten nights accommodation in standard, comfort or luxury hotels
- Daily breakfast, three lunches & one dinner
- Domestic flights
- Airport, ferry & land transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Ability to expand the duration of your trip, add more travelers & customize your itinerary during the planning stages
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Galapagos National Park entrance fees
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Hotel extras
- Tips & gratuities
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
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Welcome to Ecuador
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A guided tour of Quito
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Journey to the Galapagos
Puerto Ayora - Bartolome - Puerto Ayora
A day on an uninhabited island
Puerto Ayora - Puerto Villamil
The wildlife of the Galapagos
Puerto Villamil - Rose Cape - Puerto Villamil
Snorkel with sea turtles & rays
Puerto Villamil - Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz by speedboat
Puerto Ayora - quito - Panama City
Journey to Panama
Panama City - Saboga Island
Relax in island paradise
Saboga Island - Panama City
Beach day & return to the city
Panama City
City tour & say goodbye
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador
Arrival and welcome at the airport in Quito, Ecuador. Your driver will transfer to your hotel in the city and you'll have time to unwind after your journey.
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Day 2: A guided tour of Quito
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you to take a guided tour of the colonial heart of the city. You’ll also visit the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Later, gaze at the golden interior of the Church of the Society of Jesus and stroll around the Plaza Grande, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. Visit the district of La Ronda, known for its craft workshops and spend some time in the archaeology museum.
In the evening, sample some of Quito’s bars and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere in the capital.
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Day 3: Journey to the Galapagos
This morning head to the airport for the two-hour flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. Your guide will be waiting to welcome you at the airport for a transfer by land and boat to the neighbouring island of Santa Cruz.
The journey to your hotel will take you through the Santa Cruz highlands for spectacular views of land and sea. Further on, stop at Manzanillo Farm for your first encounter with the incredible Galapagos wildlife. The farm is home to giant turtles.
Finally, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center in Puerto Aroyo to learn about the islands' biodiversity conservation initiatives. You’ll see more wildlife here too, before heading to your hotel to settle in.
Puerto Ayora - Bartolome - Puerto Ayora
Day 4: A day on an uninhabited island
Today, you’ll be picked up for a minibus transfer to the port for your first full day exploring the Galapagos by boat. The destination today is the uninhabited Bartolomé Island.
You’ll be traveling with a small group of other visitors and learning about the geology of the volcanic Galapagos. Climb the 400 steps to reach the top of Pinnacle Rock, for sweeping views across the archipelago. This striking landscape is painted in volcanic colours of orange, red, brown and black.
During this five-hour tour, you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch and have time to snorkel and swim (snorkel gear provided).
Puerto Ayora - Puerto Villamil
Day 5: The wildlife of the Galapagos
After breakfast today, you’ll pack your case and travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island by public speedboat. The boat trip takes two-three hours and, on arrival, you’ll be welcomed for a taxi-boat transfer to Puerto Villamil and your hotel.
Settle in, then take a boat to the Tintoreras — small volcanic islands 10 minutes from Puerto Villamil. During this three-hour outing, you'll see small sharks, colonies of sea wolves, sea turtles, iguanas and penguins. You could also snorkel and swim amongst the resident sea turtles.
Afterwards, you'll head to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is free for you to relax at your own pace.
Puerto Villamil - Rose Cape - Puerto Villamil
Day 6: Snorkel with sea turtles & rays
Board a one-hour fast boat to Rosa Cape and the Lava Tunnels. This is a great place to practice snorkeling, with quiet waters protected by a rocky barrier and shallow clear waters. Here, you can observe giant rays, seahorses, lobsters, penguins, harmless sharks and giant turtles.
This unique place also conceals a complex of eroded lava tunnels, forming underwater bridges and pools. Many animals come to feed here both above and below water, including the famous blue-legged boobies. Enjoy a packed lunch on board the boat or at the beach.
Puerto Villamil - Puerto Ayora
Day 7: Santa Cruz by speedboat
After breakfast, you'll set off from Isabela to Santa Cruz aboard a public speedboat. The boat trip takes around three hours and you’ll be welcomed at the port for transfer to your hotel.
Once you've settled in, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the nearby sights. You could perhaps visit Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach where black tortoise lay their eggs. As you explore the beach and mangroves, you’ll likely see iguanas, flamingos and other interesting birdlife.
Puerto Ayora - quito - Panama City
Day 8: Journey to Panama
Enjoy your last morning in the Galapagos — today you’ll travel on to Panama. Beginning with a boat journey to Baltra Airport then a connecting flight in Quito for Panama City.
There, you’ll be welcomed at the airport for transfer to your hotel in the heart of Panama City. Settle in and relax after the day’s journey — the rest of today is yours to spend as you wish.
Panama City - Saboga Island
Day 9: Relax in island paradise
Enjoy island bliss in Panama as you take the short drive to Amador port for a 1.5-hour ferry ride to the lovely Saboga Island, in the heart of Las Perlas' archipelago.
On arrival, your lodge staff will welcome you and take you around the coast by boat to the hotel. Stroll along the beach or relax at the pool before enjoying a delicious dinner as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Saboga Island - Panama City
Day 10: Beach day & return to the city
Make the most of your lodge’s facilities today and spend a relaxing day on the paradise isle of Saboga. Start the day with a complimentary yoga class then relax at the beach or get active on a paddle board or kayak.
Later on, you’ll return to Panama City with transfers throughout your journey. Settle into your hotel, then explore the vibrant city life.
Panama City
Day 11: City tour & say goodbye
Make the most of your last morning with a guided tour of Panama City. Explore the different neighbourhoods of the city, learning all about its history. Walk through the narrow streets around Plaza de Francia and discover Art Deco architecture and the grand cathedral.
Later in the day, your driver will get you to the airport in good time for your onward flight.
