1
6
9
10
11
13
Ecuador & Galapagos 13-Day Trip
Trip cost per person
(See below for occupancy options, inclusions, and exclusions)
LIMITED-TIME EARLY BIRD PRICING is available for the first 6 travelers who sign up. After the first 6 spots are filled, standard pricing noted below applies.
$6,600 USD – Single occupancy
$5,800 USD – Double occupancy
Payment schedule
A deposit of half the trip cost is needed to secure your spot. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the deposit is a non-refundable booking fee. You can view our cancellation policy HERE.
Credit or debit card payments are subject to processing fees at booking and are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account instead.
Occupancy packages (select at checkout)
Single occupancy package – $6,600 USD per person
If you prefer your own room throughout the trip, this option is for you. This is recommended for light sleepers, those sensitive to certain smells, etc. Traveling with a friend or willing to be paired? Enjoy a discounted rate when sharing a room!
Roommate pairing package – $5,800 USD per person
If you are traveling solo, but are open to sharing a room, this option offers the best value. We offer roommate pairing with another traveler of the same gender on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be introduced to your roommate after booking. IMPORTANT: If a match is not found by 75 days prior to the trip start date, the single occupancy rate will apply.
Double occupancy package – $5,800 USD per person
This option is for two travelers booking together and sharing a room. If you decide you’d like your own room at any point, a single occupancy upgrade may be available on a pro-rata basis, subject to availability.
What is included :
- 12 nights accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- Activities as noted on the itinerary
- Day excursions on Galapagos yacht
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Round-trip flights: Quito – Baltra / Baltra – Quito
- VIP Galapagos lounge
- Ground & sea transportation
- Bilingual national park guide & local Ecuadorian trip leader
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- $200 Galapagos National Park fee
- $20 Galapagos transit control card
- $10 Isabela Island fee
What is not included :
- Visas (if needed)
- Trip insurance
- International flights
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (for international flights)
- Optional activities
- Most lunches & dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
-
Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.No complainers
Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!Early wake-up calls
While in the Galapagos, there will be early wake-up calls almost every morning. The day’s activities usually begin around 7:00 AM and finish around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.Ecuador and the Galapagos are not like home
Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas. You may also find cultural and social norms very different than your own.Trip leaders
Your trip leaders will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions and offer suggestions. They will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip, but are not your personal assistants. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leaders, who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.Semi-independent trip
Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip leaders can offer recommendations for alternative activities, but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip, but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.*NOTE: If there is rain, wind, or any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us, all activities and excursions will continue as planned unless the weather is deemed unsafe by the boat crew and the Galapagos government.
-
This trip requires a moderate level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity or a hike, you’re welcome to explore on your own.
To participate in this trip, you should be able to:
- Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day unassisted, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and to your room.*
- Get in and out of a van and a boat without assistance, even in rough waters.
Altitude
Quito is located just over 9,000 feet above sea level, and you may experience some altitude sickness. If you’re prone to altitude sickness or you’re unsure about how it’ll affect you, we recommend bringing medication for this just in case.Boat rides
You will be riding in a panga (zodiac boat) on various day excursions, so you will need to be able to get in and out of the panga during wet landings. A pair of water shoes is a good idea for these wet landings.Seasickness medication
The waters you’ll sail are usually calm, but the sea may get choppy. Steady sea legs and a sturdy stomach are essential when traveling by boat in rough sea conditions. The boat transfer between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands tends to be pretty rough. We highly recommend medication or patches if you’re worried about motion/sea sickness.Sun protection
While at sea and exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s very important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.*NOTE: Most hotels will have someone to carry your luggage to your room. If someone takes your luggage to your room, we ask that you tip accordingly.
-
Each group consists of 6 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because, based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip leaders, who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
-
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out the pictures from our past trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
-
While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the trip leaders can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are to be paid at your own expense.
-
Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Quito, Ecuador (UIO) and is approximately 45 minutes from Quito’s city center.
Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is Quito, Ecuador (UIO) as well. The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport. There is also a free airport shuttle available through the hotel.
-
Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland DO NOT need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Ecuador and the Galapagos. You may be required to show proof of exit from Ecuador in the form of a departure flight ticket.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
-
The official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos is the US dollar. Ecuadorian coins are sometimes given as change. The Ecuadorian currency’s value is equivalent to its US counterparts. $1 USD coins are also common and legal tender throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos so don’t be surprised if you receive one as change!
-
If you’re a US traveler, there’s no need to exchange money in Ecuador and the Galapagos as its official currency is the US dollar.
We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Ecuador and the Galapagos as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. Your trip leaders can point you in the right direction of an ATM or exchange office.
*NOTE: We strongly recommend bringing at least $50 USD worth of one- and five-dollar bills to use for tips, cabs, and small purchases in small shops. Making change is often difficult for small vendors and cab drivers.
You may need to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Some banks may block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
-
For the most part, credit and debit cards are accepted in mainland Ecuador, but not in the Galapagos. In high-end establishments such as expensive shops, restaurants, and hotels, you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card, though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that cannot take card payments.
*NOTE: Where they are accepted, credit card transactions often include a surcharge of up to 10% on your bill.
-
Ecuador does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is appreciated.
Tipping your Ecuador trip leader & Galapagos guide: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $10 – 15 a day.
Tipping your boat crew: If you feel they did an exceptional job, then you can tip around $10 a day.
For more information about tipping your trip leader, please see our blog on tipping your trip leader.
-
We recommend having access to anywhere between $400 ~ $700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners as well as any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
-
Your cell phone may work in Ecuador and the Galapagos. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Ecuador, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Ecuador! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
Coverage can be spotty or absent in the Cloud Forest and Galapagos Islands.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
-
All hotels you will stay at offer free Wifi, as will most restaurants and other public places. Some hotels may only offer it in the lobby, and the signal strength may be weak to absent in the rooms. The connection may not be as strong as you’re used to at home.
In the Cloud Forest and during the day trips to the Galapagos, Wifi will be spotty if not absent.
-
In Ecuador and the Galapagos, US travelers will not need any adapters or converters in Ecuador. The outlets and voltage are the same (120 volts, 60 Hz). Outlets are like those in the USA, as seen in the pictures below. UK, European, Australian, and South African travelers will need adapters and/or converters.
-
January temperatures in Ecuador are cool during the day (mid-60s°F) and can get even cooler at night (high 40s°F).
In the Galapagos, it is a bit warmer during the day (high 70s°F to low-80s°F) and a bit cooler at night (high 60s°F to low 70s°F).
Despite the Galapagos being in a tropical region, they don’t have the same tropical heat as most expect. The wet season usually takes place from December to May. Surprisingly, you will see a lot of sun with average temperatures of around 80ºF during this season. Despite it being the wet season, the rain leaves as quickly as it arrives with brief moments of heavy rain gracing the arid islands and disappearing again.
We recommend packing lightweight clothing in general. For the cool/chilly evenings, it’s best to bring a warm coat or sweater.
To help you plan, below are the average low and high temperatures in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Rain is usually brief and disappears as fast as it comes.
-
No matter if you travel in dry or warm season, it’s always a good idea to bring warmer clothes for the evenings as temperatures tend to be cool at night. Rainwear for the rain showers and lightweight clothing are also essential items.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sunglasses*
- Hat*
- Bathing suit*
- Wetsuit (optional; can be rented for $10 a day)
- Sturdy, comfortable walking/hiking shoes*
- Deck shoes (i.e. Crocs or flip flops)
- Water shoes*
- Water-resistant, lightweight hiking pants*
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Light, warm jacket/fleece
- Quick-drying clothes*
- Snorkeling mask, snorkel, & fins (optional, free on Galapagos excursions)
- Hiking/walking sticks
- Warm pajamas
- Waterproof day pack/backpack* (for Galapagos only)
- Sunscreen* (biodegradable, if possible)
- Underwater camera or case (if needed)
- Binoculars
- Sea, altitude, diarrhea medicine
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit (travel size)
- Hand sanitizer
- Chargers/cables* (bring 2 or more just in case!)
- Adapters/converters for electronics*
- Washcloth
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap
- Mosquito repellent* (DEET strength)
- Refillable water bottle*
*Essential items!
Most hotels have a hairdryer and a small toiletry kit. Please bring your own if you need them.
A comfortable and securely closable bag is also a good idea if you have a camera or other travel items while out and about on excursions. Finally, it is advisable to avoid flashy, expensive accessories and/or jewelry that are valuable to you.
-
Some hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee, if needed.
-
Most will agree that the drinking water in Ecuador and the Galapagos is not safe for consumption. Thus, drinking only bottled water is highly recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a minimal fee.
You can purchase bottled water, but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.
-
As with most travel destinations, it is important to exercise caution and to be aware of your surroundings while traveling in Ecuador, especially in larger cities like Quito. We suggest not wearing expensive jewelry when walking around and keeping an eye on your bag while out and about. Wearing your bag on the front of your body is also advisable. Traveling with one other person or more at all times is also a good idea, especially at night. It is always a good idea to store portions of your cash in different places. (i.e. $100 in your purse, $100 in your suitcase, $100 in your carry-on, etc.) Finally, we recommend carrying a color copy of your passport and keeping the original in a safe place.
Most travelers to Ecuador and the Galapagos do not have any problems. As long as you remember to keep a watchful eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, you will have a safe and memorable trip!
-
Hotels throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
-
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
-
We offer private trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival and departure airport is Quito (UIO).
*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking.
Visa
Currently, passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States DO NOT need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Ecuador. You may be required to show proof of exit from Ecuador in the form of a departure flight ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
In the Galápagos, large luxury hotels are limited by strict regulations designed to protect the fragile ecosystem and support the local economy. For this reason, we stay in locally owned hotels. They’re small, charming, and well-located, giving you a more authentic experience of island life. While they’re comfortable and clean, they are simple rather than luxurious—reflecting the realities of sustainable travel in one of the most protected places on Earth.
On our trips, accommodation quality varies from comfortable and higher-end to more basic. We design our itineraries this way to keep single supplements and overall trip prices affordable while supporting local businesses and providing a more local experience. Please review the hotel descriptions and photos carefully to make sure this trip is the right fit for you.
Quito, Ecuador
Located in Quito’s financial district, the hotel allows taxis to pull directly up to the entrance, so you won’t have to navigate pedestrian streets or search for your hotel after a long flight. The property features a rooftop pool and sky bar with panoramic city views, multiple on-site restaurants, and free Wifi throughout. Guests consistently mention comfortable beds and good showers, along with helpful staff and luggage assistance from the doorman and concierge, making for a good night’s sleep after your flight.
Mindo Cloud Forest
This charming eco-lodge is set in the heart of Ecuador’s Cloud Forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. Guests stay in comfortable bungalows and suites with private terraces overlooking the valley, free Wifi, and excellent breakfast and dining options on site.
The property features an outdoor pool, spa services, and concierge support to help arrange local activities during your free time. The lodge emphasizes sustainability and support for the local community while offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the forest. Highly rated for its attentive service and tranquil setting, it’s an ideal place to connect with nature before continuing your journey.
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
This boutique hotel is located in the main town of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, which features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and garden. The hotel was built for the optimal use of solar energy to contribute to the protection of the environment. The entrance to Tortuga Bay is within walking distance of the hotel, with easy access to a beautiful beach.
Puerto Villamil, Isabela, Galapagos
This basic, locally run hotel is located directly on the beach in Puerto Villamil, with easy walking access to the town center, restaurants, and shops. Rooms are simple and functional rather than modern or luxurious. Wifi is available in common areas only and not in guest rooms, which is typical for Isabela Island. The main advantage of this hotel is its beachfront location and proximity to daily activities, rather than amenities.
Quito, Ecuador (Airport hotel)
Get a good night’s rest before your Galapagos adventure in this airport hotel, just a 5-minute drive from Quito’s airport. It boasts comfortable rooms as well as a fitness center, heated indoor pool, restaurant, and bar. The hotel also offers a free airport shuttle.
*NOTE: We have selected airport hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Quito due to the early departure on Day 6 and the late arrival on Day 12. This way, you will not need to wake up as early to catch the Galapagos flight on Day 6, and you can catch your flights back home on Day 13 since your hotel will be just a couple of minutes away from the airport!
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
