Ecuador & the Galápagos

Darwin. Attenborough. And now, you? Join an alumni of great explorers as you step foot on the once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos, coming nose-to-nose with its fearless wildlife

Recommended dates

Package includes

Accommodation in twin rooms
Domestic flights to the Galápagos Islands
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Galápagos National Park entrance fees
Galápagos Transit Control Card
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

When Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835, he knew he’d found something special. Nearly two centuries later, this otherworldly archipelago remains a traveller’s dream.

Over nine days, you’ll kayak, bike and hike your way around these isolated Pacific isles, coming face to face with the famously fearless wildlife. Think staying on a giant tortoise reserve where you’ll dine in a lava tube restaurant. Or snorkelling with white-tipped reef sharks before climbing the crater of the mighty Sierra Negra volcano.

And let’s not forget your mainland base: Quito. Here, you’ll sample the world’s finest cocoa and stand with one foot in each hemisphere before bonding with your group over agave nectar cocktails.

This is what once-in-a-lifetime really looks like.

Day 1

Welcome to Quito

Arrive in Quito Airport (UIO)

Touch down in the capital Quito, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take your to your hotel
Head to a local restaurant for a dinner of Ecuadorian fusion cuisine and get to know your group as you enjoy flavourful and creative dishes

Day 2

Cocktails on the Equator

Take a walking tour of the Unesco-listed city, with its steep cobbled streets, faded baroque monasteries and quaint colonial churches
Visit a food market where you’ll take part in a cleansing with a local ‘curandero’ (healer), mix your own exotic fruit juice and sample some tasty artisanal chocolate
Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator line at Mitad Del Mundo before enjoying some agave cocktails with your group

Day 3

Kayaking & lava tube dining

Catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands, and start your wildlife adventure by searching for sea lions and reef sharks on a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion
Journey up into the beautiful highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you’ll be staying on a glampsite surrounded by giant tortoises – a truly unique experience
Take fine dining to a whole new level as you enjoy dinner with your group in a unique lava tunnel restaurant, located 70 feet underground

Day 4

Hikes, bikes & Galápagos giants

Hike up the largest volcanic crater on Santa Cruz for 360-degree island views; descend into the crater’s base to explore the unique flora and fauna inside
Mountain bike down smooth tarmac to beautiful Garrapatero Beach where you’ll spend the afternoon snorkelling and relaxing on the white sand

Day 5

Uninhabited islands by yacht

Join an expert naturalist guide and embark on a motor yacht excursion to some of the smaller, more remote islands; your crew will prepare a delicious lunch on board
Search for iconic wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, nesting frigates and penguins, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, albatrosses and spinner dolphins too

Day 6

Snorkel with sharks & penguins

Travel by speedboat to Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos islands, with its skyline of rumbling volcanoes
Snorkel in the crystalline water of the Tintoreras islets; don’t be surprised if some inquisitive sharks, penguins, turtles or sea lions join you
Bike Isabela’s Wetlands Trail to experience different ecosystems; stop off at the historic Wall of Tears where World War II prisoners were held

Day 7

Hike through lunar landscapes

Hike up the mighty Sierra Negra volcano, 1,000 metres above sea level, to gaze out across the world’s second largest caldera
Continue past lava fields and fumaroles to the rim of Volcán Chico where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of a ‘jaboncillo’ tree before some R&R on the beach

Day 8

Back to civilisation

Say goodbye to the enchanted Galápagos Islands catch a flight back to the mainland
Gather with your group for a farewell dinner at a cosy and traditional Ecuadorian restaurant to celebrate the end of an extraordinary adventure

Day 9

Adios, Ecuador

Depart from Quito Airport (UIO)

After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a taxi
Arrive home feeling awed by your one-of-a-kind Ecuador adventure; you’ve witnessed some of the world’s most incredible wildlife alongside a whole new group of friends

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Casona de la Ronda, Quito

Experience a taste of historical Ecuador in this elegant Old Town hotel. The characterful 18th-century townhouse is full of period features, from thick stone walls and chunky beams to shuttered windows and an elegant plant-draped atrium, creating a sanctuary of inner-city calm.

Magic Galápagos, Santa Cruz

High up in the wilderness of Santa Cruz’s highlands, these raised safari tents and elevated tree houses have gorgeous ocean views. Waking up surrounded by nature, you’ll share your 40-hectare private reserve with hundreds of giant tortoises who call the island home.

Iguana Crossing, Isabela

In a dreamy location, between a pristine beach and a natural lagoon, this cutting-edge design hotel has an upscale Miami vibe. Appearing like a mirage out of Isabela’s volcanic landscape, there’s a huge rooftop terrace, sleek pool and hot tub – perfect for sunset cocktails.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

We suggest that you arrive in Quito before 2 pm on Day 1.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from your final hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
Drivers: 5 USD per day
Naturalist guides on the Galápagos Islands: 10 USD per day
Galápagos boat captain: 2 USD per day

Some Pack Leaders will collect a kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips. However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Are park entry fees included?

All non-resident foreign tourists to the Galápagos Islands pay 100 USD on arrival to help fund community and conservation work. This fee is included in the cost of your trip.

The Transit Control Card (TCT) is also included in the cost of your trip and will be bought by your Pack Leader upon arrival at Quito airport.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Overall, this trip is moderately active with a 1.5-hour hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, as well as some shorter hikes, an easy downhill mountain bike ride and activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Good footwear, such as hiking boots or lightweight runners, is essential for the volcano hike as the terrain is rocky and uneven. We also recommend bringing waterproof sandals for wet landings on the islands.

Do I need to be able to swim?

This trip involves several water-based activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you’re not comfortable with water, there’s no obligation to take part and you can relax on terra firma.

Will I have the same Pack Leader for the whole trip?

During this adventure, you will have two dedicated Pack Leaders. The first will guide you in Quito (Days 1-3 and Days 8-9), and the second will join you during your visit to the Galápagos Islands (Days 3-8). Your Quito Pack Leader will assist until you board your flight at Quito Airport, and a certified Galápagos guide will meet you upon arrival at Baltra Island.

Are there any luggage restrictions for the Galápagos flight?

Your luggage allowance for your the Galápagos islands is 23 kg in the hold and 8 kg hand luggage. This applies to both the flight and the internal boat transfers.

To protect the vulnerable and unique habitats and wildlife on the Galápagos Islands, visitors are not allowed to bring any plant materials or unprocessed food products. Small quantities of pre-wrapped items, such as chocolate bars, are fine.

Luggage is checked at the airport and you’ll be asked to fill out a form and given an approval label to attach to your bags.

What is the accommodation like on the giant tortoise reserve?

This is a simple but comfortable safari-style lodge in a stunning rural setting. There are six twin tents and four treehouses, which can booked as a single supplement, if space allows. The lodge doesn’t offer private shower facilities and there is one shower for men and one shower for women.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll do our best to ensure it has little impact on your adventure. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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