Wild Galápagos Escape

Day 1: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

We meet you on arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river in lush tropical gardens. And in Quito guests have the choice of several hotels including a convenient airport hotel. You may opt to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Arrival Time: Anytime.

Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship

Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.

Day 3 to 6: Galápagos Islands

Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our expeditions begin and end at Baltra and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. No two days are alike. Each of our itineraries offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour: Look for nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.

Santa Cruz: Head to the lush, green highlands to look for giant tortoises roaming in the wild.

Isabela: Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as we ply these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.

San Cristóbal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island.

Española: Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, this island is home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses at Punta Suárez.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay, and learn about its unusual postal system.

Day 7: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where we transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.

Day 8: Guayaquil or Quito

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.

Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary  
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear 
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff  
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.  
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible 
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water 
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan. 
• Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
• Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, Delfin II, and The Jahan (connectivity permitting).
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers  
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations 
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available  
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces  
• Complimentary National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages 
• Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)  
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard National Geographic fleet) 
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes  

• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included) 
• Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II
• Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
• Transit control card: US$20 per person

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.