Ecuador & Galápagos Wildlife Discovery

Fly from the UK to Quito, Ecuador.

Welcome to Quito, a city where colonial charm meets Andean grandeur. Nestled high in the mountains, Ecuador’s capital is the perfect place to ease into your adventure. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to gilded churches and vibrant plazas. If you're feeling bold, take a ride on the TelefériQo for jaw-dropping views of the city and beyond. And let’s not forget the food—try a hearty locro de papa (potato soup) or a sweet treat like espumilla. Rest up at the Dann Carlton Hotel, because tomorrow, the real jungle adventure begins!

Deep in the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge offers a rare blend of luxury and wilderness. Wake up to the calls of howler monkeys and the flutter of over 400 bird species before stepping into an emerald-green world teeming with life. Hike through misty trails, chase waterfalls, and glide through the treetops on the unique Dragonfly canopy ride. Nightfall brings a whole new spectacle—bioluminescent fungi and the eerie glow of nocturnal creatures. With gourmet meals inspired by the forest and expert naturalist guides at your side, Mashpi is more than a stay—it’s an immersion into nature’s masterpiece.

Bienvenidos! Your adventure continues back in Quito. Meet your tour representative at 6pm at a welcome meeting. Following the welcome meeting, feel free to ask your leader for recommendations on the best dining spots. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delightful welcome dinner with your group and set the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Begin your day with a transfer to the airport, where you will catch your midday flight. Upon landing in Isla San Cristobal, you'll be greeted by your leader at the arrivals lounge.

Kick off your exploration with a visit to the Interpretation Centre, where you'll delve into the fascinating human and natural history of the archipelago. Afterwards, embark on your first snorkelling experience at Tijeretas, a charming cove where you'll have the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, rays, and sea lions.

Spend a day exploring the natural beauty of Isla San Cristobal at your own pace. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider embarking on an optional boat excursion to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos—highly recommended activities for visitors. Along the journey, you'll have the chance to witness the renowned marine life of the Galápagos. As you snorkel in these pristine waters, you might find yourself swimming alongside sea turtles, eagle rays, and the gentle Galápagos shark, among other fascinating creatures.

Start your day early with an exciting 2.5-hour journey on a public speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious breakfast and check into your hotel to settle in. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. This fascinating place offers a visitor centre and museums filled with information about the Galápagos Islands and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the unique ecosystem. It's also the perfect opportunity to have up-close encounters with the majestic giant tortoises. Later that day venture to the higher elevations of the islands. Here, you can observe these impressive creatures as they roam freely in their natural habitat, an experience that truly connects you with the wonders of Isla Santa Cruz.

Upon arriving at Isla Isabela, the largest island in the Galápagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth, you'll check into your hotel and enjoy a delightful breakfast. With the rest of the day free, you can explore the island at your own pace, soaking in its unique landscapes and wildlife. For an optional but highly recommended activity, consider an excursion to Las Tintoreras, a fascinating spot where you can observe white-tipped sharks resting during the day and see where marine iguanas nest.

Start your day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll have a close encounter with these gentle giants and observe tortoises at various stages of development while learning about the species' preservation program. Afterwards, take a bus to the highest point of Isabela Island to explore the Sierra Negra Volcano. If the weather is favourable, embark on a challenging 17-kilometer hike to the crater, which takes around 5 to 6 hours, to enjoy breathtaking views and possibly spot the elusive vermillion flycatcher. After completing the hike, return to town in the late afternoon for some leisure time, allowing you to either curl up with a book or head to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

In the morning, return to Santa Cruz and enjoy some free time, perhaps exploring Tortuga Bay, a pristine natural paradise where you can kayak, spot marine iguanas and birds, or even swim alongside harmless sharks in a secluded alcove. Take a boat to La Loberia, where you can swim in the waters shared with playful sea lions. Continue to Punta Estrada to observe seabirds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans before ending the day at Playa de Los Dogs, home to a remarkable population of marine iguanas, the world’s only sea-going lizards.

Say farewell to the enchanting islands and your Galápagos leader before boarding a flight back to Quito, with a stopover in Guayaquil. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where an Intrepid representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito, and consider heading out for a final dinner with your group.

Fly from Quito to the UK.