Explore this package
- 10 Days
- Starting at USD 9036 Price for 2026
Overview
What you get
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Airport Transfers
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Half-day Quito's Old Town + Middle of the World Private Tour
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Roundtrip Domestic Airfare (Quito-Galapagos-Quito)
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INGALA Transit Control Card
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3 nights at Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito
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2 nights at Mashpi Lodge
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Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
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5-day Galapagos Islands Itinerary aboard any of our expedition vessels
A Sneak Peek
Highlights
A professionally guided tour of:
Quito:
- Historic Quarter
- Independence Square
- La Compañía de Jesús Church
- San Francisco Church and Convent
- Middle of the World Monument
Galapagos Islands:
- Unique endemic species
- Wonderful uninhabited islands in the National Park
- Multi-guided expeditions
- Small groups per guide
- Most extraordinary Expedition Vessels in the Galapagos Islands
and…
The following at Mashpi Lodge:
- Wayra Double Room
- All meals and soft drinks
- Specialized lectures
- Shared Guided visits (English/Spanish) within the Reserve
- Sky Bike
- Observation Tower
- Life Center
- Hummingbird Garden
- Healing Waterfall
- Capuchin Monkey Trail
- FREE Dragonfly Canopy Gondola
The following aboard Yacht La Pinta*:
- Accommodation in a Luxury Double Cabin (ask your Destination Expert for upgrade options)
- All meals (We cater for all diets: vegetarian, vegan, celiac, gluten-free, etc.)
- FREE unlimited soft drinks package
- Island sightseeing with a Naturalist Guide
- Snorkeling
- FREE wetsuits
- Glass-bottom Boat
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Onboard Medical Officer
*Please note that this is a sample vessel and itinerary.
Ask your Destination Expert about our fleet and our 5-day itineraries!
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrive in Lima / Transfer to Hotel
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Upon your arrival at the airport, a member of our team will greet you and assist you with your luggage. They will then transfer you to Casa Gangotena Hotel, where you will receive assistance with check-in and all the necessary information for your stay.
You will spend the night in Quito.
Day 2: Quito + Middle of the World Tour
Day 3: Mashpi Lodge
Rise and shine for the next part of your adventure! Guests will be picked up and taken to the Mashpi Reserve – a 1,300 hectare (3,200 acre) swath of cloud and rainforest that is located within the Metropolitan District of Quito. Upon arrival, Mashpi’s staff will take your luggage to your room. Shortly after that, you’ll be invited to Lunch followed by an introductory briefing regarding the Lodge. After that, it’s time to head out and explore!
Throughout the following days at Mashpi Lodge, you will get to have a guided experience of the natural wonders of the Mashpi Reserve.
Day 4: Mashpi Lodge Excursions
The sweet songs of the birds around the Lodge in the early morning will help you start this new day with a smile! On this morning, you’ll have different options for how you wish to begin: you can either start at the crack of dawn for a hike around the surrounding forest with your guide. Alternatively, you can choose to have a relaxing morning and sleep-in for a little longer, enjoy breakfast at the restaurant and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at our Samay Wellness Center. After that, you can head out into the forest with you your guide.
Following lunch, you and your guide can choose what to do throughout the remainder of the day.
Day 5: Mashpi Lodge Excursions
On this day, you’ll partake in one last early-morning excursion before getting ready to take your transfer back to Quito. A box lunch will be provided for your journey back to Quito.
Upon arriving in Quito, you’ll be dropped off at Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel to spend the rest of your day as you see fit.
Overnight in Quito.
Day 6: Transfer to Airport / Arrive in Galapagos / Transfer to Boat / Santa Cruz Island
You will take a transfer to Quito’s airport in time to catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands!
Please note that the following Southeastern Galapagos Islands Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta is one of the many options you can choose for your Galapagos adventure. Ask our Destination Experts about our fleet and available itineraries.
Baltra Island Airport
Following your morning arrival at Baltra Airport, you will take a transfer ferry across the Itabaca Channel – a small channel that separates the north shore of Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island. Afterwards, you will board a private bus that will take you, along with other guests, up into the highlands, where we will all have the opportunity to learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, we will continue by private bus to reach a reserve that is one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot lumbering around, eating grass and sometimes even wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. After this, a short, private bus ride will take us down to the town of Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island / Chinese Hat Islet
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
Following breakfast, a panga ride will take us down to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, where they can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel or ride aboard La Pinta’s own glass-bottom boat, weather permitting. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, complete with cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows.
Sombrero Chino Islet
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, which is reminiscent of a Chinese Hat. This islet, which formed fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-meter long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sand beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the company of whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
Day 8: Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Bartolome Island
On this morning, an iconic and postcard-worthy Galapagos feature awaits: Bartolome Island. We will disembark from our dinghy shuttle boats and begin a steep climb up a wooden staircase where the view from the top makes the trek well worth the effort! Following the walk, we will once again hop aboard the dinghies for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After this, there will be time for you guests to enjoy the beach as well as some snorkeling. You can also choose to ride aboard the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we will board the dinghy to disembark at Sullivan Bay over on the east coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site comes complete with a white coral-sand beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, there’s a trail that goes over a lava field that once flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
Day 9: Genovesa Island
Darwin Bay
In the morning, we will begin our exploration of this island with a casual stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain that rewards us with dramatic views, too. Otherwise, you can simply choose to return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful, natural harbor. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can opt to snorkel along the cliffs or paddle in sea kayaks.
Prince Philip’s Steps
The afternoon starts with a very interesting dinghy ride along the cliffs before we disembark at Prince Philip’s Steps – the start of a steep but short climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is pretty flat, which allows for a mesmerizing, mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way, guests will get to check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels as well as the elusive short-eared owl.
Day 10: Baltra Island / Transfer to Airport / Farewell!
Baltra Island Airport
The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will take your transfer to the airport to hop on your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat terrain (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen as the location to build an airport back in the 1940’s.
Pre-Booking Checklist
Ensure a Seamless Experience Every Time!
- Choose expedition vessels for an authentic and intimate experience.
- Consider the comfort level with the ideal space-to-guest ratio during your journey.
- All our itineraries allow you to discover 11 to 12 of the Big 15 iconic species and the top 4 islands in just 5 to 7 days.
- Take part in the multi-guided itineraries for a unique experience of the Galapagos Islands.
- Our carefully designed itineraries guarantee exclusivity and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities during island visits.
- Enjoy multiple activities around the islands at no extra cost during your Galapagos expedition.
- Rest assured, our Galapagos cruise ships have onboard medical professionals to attend to any medical needs.
- Ensure the Galapagos National Park authorizes your cruise for activities and island visits.
Conditions
- Published rates don’t apply on Christmas & New Year’s departures.
- Listed prices are based on double occupancy. For child rates and single supplements please contact your destination expert.
- This package and its accommodation options are subject to availability.
- A minimal deposit of 15% per person is required to confirm your reservation.
- Credit card payments are exempt from additional fees.
- Breakfasts and taxes are included in your hotels.
- At Mashpi Lodge, children’s rates only apply to kids under 12 years old sharing a room with 2 adults.
- Galapagos Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, logistical, operational reasons, and Galapagos National Park restrictions (temporary or otherwise).
- All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
- Restrictions may apply.
- Please be aware that you can combine this Package with any of our
- Galapagos Cruise itineraries. Our Destination Experts will customize the package based on your request and send you a quote.
- Upgrades to Yaku Suite (Mashpi Lodge) are US$286 per person
Not Included
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tip
- Personal expenses (late checkout, laundry, gifts, etc)
- Meals not described in the program
- Fuel Surcharge*
*ETICA Empresa Turistica Internacional C.A. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $70 per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, ETICA Empresa Turistica Internacional C.A. will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $25.00 per passenger per day.
Testimonial
Magical Experience of Nature & Hospitality
Staying in Mashpi Lodge is a magical experience. There are so many aspects that were wonderful but I think what surpassed my expectations was the level of hospitality and guest service. The entire staff is full of smiles and always seeking to provide you with whatever you need. This is done with great efficiency and communication. […]
I was impressed by the knowledge and safety considerations of all of the guides. […] The private reserve is stunning and the sky bike, dragonfly and various hiking trails and waterfalls allow one to enjoy it all in such a special way. It was convenient to book my stay at Casa Gangotena in Quito in conjunction with Mashpi as it is the same tour group. The Mashpi experience is amazing and unique and has been, without a doubt, the highlight of my vacation in Ecuador. Mil gracias.
zingara_gypsy – London, United Kingdon
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