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9-Day Colonial Quito & Galapagos Island Hopping

Galápagos Tour from Quito: 9 Days Across Andes and Islands

Days Icon 9 Days
Location icon Ecuador and Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 3,095 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

Galápagos Tour from Quito Summary

Explore Ecuador’s colonial streets and historic landmarks before island-hopping through the Galápagos on this nine-day Galápagos tour from Quito. With your airport transfers, flights to and from the islands, superior tourist-class hotels, and guided tours and activities arranged in advance, the trip combines the highlights of Ecuador’s capital with some of the Galápagos’ most memorable wildlife and landscapes.

Rebecca Adventure Travel is a B Corp Certified, female-founded tour operator based in Quito, creating tailor-made journeys across Ecuador and the Galápagos since 2014. The tour includes airport transfers, all inter-island speedboat/ferry crossings, park-certified naturalist guides, and 24/7 local support throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • check Los Túneles

    Swim through shallow lava channels and spot penguins, sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish.

  • check Old Town Quito

    Explore Quito’s historic center, with its ornate churches, colonial buildings, and lively plazas.

  • check Tintoreras Islet

    Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful fish around this volcanic islet.

  • check Isabela Wetlands

    Walk Isabela’s wetlands to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and on toward the Wall of Tears.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jennifer F 
 
12/09/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Beautiful, Safe, Ecuador! Get your cameras ready!!
Rebecca Adventure Travel worked with us to customize a 15 day, self-driven tour from the top of the country to the bottom of the country within the Ecuadorian Andes mountains. It’s was a fast paced trip but so worth being able to see the center of the country as well as some of own adventures. We planned the trip well in advance and selected each destination with purpose. Rebecca Adventure Travel did the rest. Fine hotels, excellent guides, car rental, attractions, some meals, and they provided FULL TIME guidance throughout the trip. We are well pleased with the team, communication was excellent and the hotels were beyond our expectations. We will use Rebecca Adventure Travel again and highly recommend their services. Many thanks to Maggie, Guillermo, Miguel, Katie!!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 petinab2017 
 
02/09/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
A trip to remember!
We booked the 23-Day Complete Ecuador & Galapagos tour through Juan in the Rebecca office. From the start there was clear communication and a helpful attitude, nothing was a problem. This continued throughout the whole trip. The guides were awesome and Carlos and the Operations team were always on call to help us if we needed it. This was a fantastic tour which covered all the main attractions including a week in the Galapagos islands which was amazing. I highly recommend Rebecca Adventure Travel!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Experience254329 
 
13/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Zorgeloos reizen in Ecuador!
Met Rebbeca’s Adventure traveling een individuele reis geboekt. 26 dagen Ecuador en de Galapagos eilanden en o.a. Quito, Mindo, Amazone, heetwaterbronnen, Cuenca, Baños en nog veel meer. Wat een fantastische reis hadden we. Eerst met ons gezin en halverwege sloten onze vrienden vanuit Aruba aan. Alles was perfect geregeld. Eigen busje met vaste gids en chauffeur. Bij iedere volgende locatie een update vanaf kantoor met de details voor de volgende bestemming. Hierdoor hadden we een zorgeloze tijd en hebben we Ecuador echt mogen leren kennen en beleven! Een volgende keer weten we jullie weer te vinden!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
2 - 3 guestsUSD 3,240 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 3,095 p.p.

Galápagos Tour from Quito: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: Quito Arrival

    The Virgin of Quito monument standing tall atop the green hill during a Panecillo Quito old town exploration tour

    Your Galápagos tour from Quito begins with your arrival in Ecuador’s capital, where an English-speaking driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

    The rest of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring Ecuador at your own pace.

    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.

  • DAY 2: Quito City and Equator Tour

    Visitors walking along a paved path toward the equatorial monument during a cultural tour at mitad del mundo

    After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its colonial streets and landmarks before continuing to the Pululahua Crater and the Equator Museum (Inti Nan).

    Return to Quito’s historic center for a local lunch before heading back to your hotel.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.

  • DAY 3: From Quito to Santa Cruz Highlands

    Traveler overlooking the lush volcanic crater walls at Twin Craters, Santa Cruz Island

    In the morning, transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to the Galápagos and Baltra. On arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and travel toward Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

    Along the way, stop at a highland farm where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. A local lunch is available if you arrive before 2:00 p.m., after which you’ll continue to Puerto Ayora and your hotel.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Airplane. Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.

  • DAY 4: Charles Darwin Station - Isabela Island

    A giant tortoise with its mouth wide open amidst lush green grass in the Santa Cruz Highlands of the Galápagos Islands

    After breakfast, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to learn about the conservation of the Galápagos giant tortoise. The station raises young tortoises until they are strong enough to survive independently in the wild.

    After lunch, board a public speedboat for the approximately 2½-hour journey to Isabela Island. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Villamil.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.

  • DAY 5: Tintoreras and Wetlands

    Brown pelican perched on a lava rock outcrop in turquoise coastal waters off Isabela Island near Tintoreras

    This morning, take a short boat ride from Puerto Villamil to Tintoreras Islet, where you can see white-tip reef sharks resting in the sheltered waters. The rocky terrain requires closed walking shoes, and the excursion also offers opportunities to see penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and tropical fish while snorkeling.

    After lunch and a short break, explore Isabela’s wetlands, visiting the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and continuing to the Wall of Tears. The walking portion of the wetlands excursion takes approximately three to four hours.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.

  • DAY 6: Snorkeling in Los Túneles

    Green sea turtle swimming below snorkelers in the clear water of Los Túneles, Isabela Island

    Set out from Puerto Villamil on a 30-to 40-minute boat ride to Los Túneles, where volcanic formations create a maze of arches, tunnels, and shallow waters. The excursion lasts about six hours, including the boat rides, a snack, and a short hike, with groups limited to 10 participants per guide.

    Departure times range from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., depending on availability and National Park regulations. Depending on your departure time, you can also visit Concha Perla independently before or after the excursion and snorkel there using equipment from your hotel.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat, Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.

  • DAY 7: Free Morning Isabela - Return to Santa Cruz

    Young traveler lying on the sand near a wild land iguana during a wildlife encounter tour at urbina bay

    Enjoy a free morning in Puerto Villamil. Relax on the beach, explore the town, or simply take some time to unwind after several days of excursions.

    At 2:00 p.m., board the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz. After the approximately 2½-hour crossing, continue to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing.
    • Transport Transport:Boat.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.

  • DAY 8: Return to Quito

    Two happy travelers with backpacks waving in front of the departures sign at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands

    After breakfast, travel from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport, crossing the Itabaca Channel by ferry along the way. Continue to the airport for your flight back to Quito.

    An English-speaking driver or guide will meet you at Quito Airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

    • Transport Transport:Airplane. Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.

  • DAY 9: Transfer Out

    Exterior view of the terminal building and access road at quito airport under an overcast sky in Ecuador

    After breakfast, transfer to Quito Airport for your departing flight. This concludes your grand Galápagos tour from Quito.

    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Galápagos Tour from Quito Map

9-Day Colonial Quito & Galapagos Island Hopping Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
  • Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra and Quito Airports at your arrival/departure times.
  • Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary.
  • Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / INGALA Transit Card $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Isabela dock fee $ 10 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Street corner view of the modern exterior and tree-lined sidewalk at Ikala Hotel - Quito under bright blue skies
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Quito

Hotel Ikala Quito

Stylish boutique hotel in La Mariscal featuring eco-friendly suites, spa, and rooftop dining.

  • Boutique hotel
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Eco-friendly
Hotel Volcano - Isabela
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Isabela

Volcano Hotel

Relaxed oceanfront hotel in Isabela Island featuring bright rooms and scenic ocean views.

  • Ocean views
  • Free breakfast
  • Beachfront access
The front entrance and wooden sign of Hotel Fiesta surrounded by red tile roofs and tropical foliage
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Santa Cruz

Hotel Fiesta

Laid-back hotel in Puerto Ayora with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

  • Outdoor pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Onsite restaurant

9 Days in Quito and the Galápagos: FAQs

  • How many days are ideal for a Galápagos tour from Quito?

    Nine as a minimum: two nights in Quito on arrival, five in the islands, and a final night in Quito before the departure flight.

  • Does altitude affect travelers on a Galápagos tour from Quito?

    Yes, for about 24 hours. Quito sits at 2,850 metres (9,350 feet), so travelers must take the first day to acclimate. The Galápagos Islands, on the other hand, are at sea level, so altitude isn’t an issue.

  • Can you fly directly to the islands on this Galápagos tour from Quito?

    Yes. Daily flights from Quito to Baltra (GPS) and San Cristóbal (SCY) take about two and a half hours, most with a transfer in Guayaquil.

  • What is there to see in Quito in two days?

    The colonial historic centre, La Compañía cathedral and the Basílica, the Panecillo viewpoint, the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo, and the Pululahua crater.

  • Is five days enough to truly enjoy the islands on a Galápagos tour from Quito

    Yes. Five days covers two islands: Santa Cruz, with the lush highlands and the Charles Darwin Station; and Isabela, with Tintoreras Islet, the wetlands, and the Los Túneles lava arches.

Additional Information

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week (Semana Santa).
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance and COVID-19 coverage. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 25GPHCQ9

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