Spring Break in Galapagos Islands (Family Adventure)

Quito, Ecuador

ST
Safarika Travel
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58 reviews
Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024
Group size: 3 - 12
Spring Break in Galapagos Islands (Family Adventure)
Quito, Ecuador

Safarika Travel
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
58 reviews

Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024
Group size: 3 - 12

About this trip

** THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND, YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR DATES FOR A PRIVATE TRIP


Explore a unique ecosystem of enchanted GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. 


From  Quito, the capital of Ecuador and Latitude 0 travel back in time to the era of the Age of Discovery of the New World,  to the remote Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 


Explore unique endemic wildlife, terrestrial and marine, and landscapes of volcanic-origin enchanted archipelago. Stay in oceanfront charming boutique hotels. 


With our knowledgeable and friendly crew of certified local English-speaking guides and rangers, you will learn a lot about this unique place on Earth.


*This trip works well for families with kids 8+ and can be run on a private basis.

Trip HIghlights

Continental Ecuador (Andes): 


💒 Colonial Quito - start your adventure from the capital of Ecuador, travel back in times, and walk the streets of the city built by Spaniards

🇪🇨 Latitude 0 - Step from the northern hemisphere to the southern and balance yourself in the Middle of the World 

🌟  Quechua culture - Hunt for trophies at the vibrant local indigenous markets


Galapagos Islands Hopping: 

🦀  Following the steps of Charles Darwin, meet and interact with endemic Galapagos wildlife, terrestrial and marine

🐢 Take a 500-pound giant tortoise for a walk! 

🐳 Snorkel in the company of sea lion puppies, colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and rays! 

🦎 Relax and soak in the sun with a family of lazy marine iguanas on the picturesque white-sand beach of Isabela island

🐦 Learn a bridal dance of blue-footed boobies birds, see how Pacific birds raise their chicks in a wild

🐧 Look for Galapagos penguins and pelicans fishing

🚢  Stay in comfortable small hotels by the water on the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, and travel by speed boat ferries to visit more islands on day tours. Every single day will be full of ACTIVITIES, such as wildlife watching, easy hiking, and snorkeling.  

Travel entry requiremenents

Ecuador entry requirements:
Effective October 20, 2022, visitors to Ecuador are no longer required to present a certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative PCR or Antigen test result.

All visitors must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form  (one per family) and present to customs upon arrival to Ecuador. Alternatively, a digital form (one per person) can be completed at the following link, https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/.


Galapagos entry requirements:
• INGALA tourist migration card (the form will be provided by the airline before departure)
• Galapagos national park entry fee paid ($100 + 20 USD for adults, $50+20 USD for kids CASH ONLY)

Trip Cancellations

In if the Trip departure is canceled by Organizer, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable;

If the trip is cancelled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following penalties will be applied: 

Cancellation 89 to 45 calendar days before departure - up to 50% of the trip cost, including registration deposit 

Cancellation 44 to 0 calendar days before departure – non refundable

Altitude and Acclimatizing

At the elevation of the city of Quito (2850m) some people feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness. That's normal. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. With altitude sickness, you may have a headache, nausea or trouble sleeping. 

As a suggestion for successful acclimatizing drink plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid alcohol drinks on the first days of your trip. If you have a headache, take medications immediately.


(!) People with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and pregnant women are strongly recommended to consult a therapist before having a high-altitude trip.

Weather & Packing list

GENERAL ITEMS

A day pack for your personal items (for day tours)

Sunscreen UV 50+

Sunglasses

Personal medications 


QUITO

Altitude 9500 feet, 

Average air temp: 55-70F, Windy, Possibility of rains in the afternoons (low in July)


Casual comfortable outfit for day-tours

Windbreaker jacket

Fleece jacket or hoodie

Comfortable walking shoes


GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Altitude 0-3000 Feet, Average air temp 80-90F

Average water temp: Nov to May ~75-77F, June to Oct ~65-70F, Possibility of light rains


Light pants /Bermudas shorts

A change of loose t-shirts 

Long sleeve loose shirt (for sun protection)

Swimming suite

Sunhat

A light sweatshirt (for breezy evenings)

A waterproof jacket /windbreaker (for speedboat rides between Santa Cruz and Isabela islands)

Quick-dry sandals or tennis shoes for day-tours


Provided gear on day tours (at no extra cost):

Masks and flippers for snorkeling 

Drinking water

Please use ONLY bottled drinking water.  

Tap water is good only for brushing your teeth.

What’s included

  • Comfortable Lodging
    Hotel 4* in Quito, Oceanfront Hotels in Galapagos
  • Day-tours & activities
    All included excursions, day-tours, activities and arrangements
  • Ground Transportation
    Quito: Private transport; Galapagos: Private airport transfers , 1 shared boat tour , 1 speedboat ride btw Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands
  • 1 local flight Galapagos
    Mini-jet flight btw Isabela & Baltra
  • Included Meal Plan
    Quito: Breakfasts in hotels , Galapagos: Breakfasts & lunches
  • Professional Assistance
    English-speaking local guides and naturalist guides certified by Galapagos National Park
  • Provided gear
    Galapagos: Masks & fins for snorkeling (for day-tours only)

What’s not included

  • Flights
    International to Quito (starts from $700 USD round trip), Domestic to/from Galapagos (starts from $350 USD round trip)
  • Admissions
    Galapagos NP: $120USD/adult ($50USD/child up to 12)
  • Meals
    Lunches and dinners in Quito,, Dinners in Galapagos
  • Travel insurance
    Allow $80-100 per person for entire trip

Available Packages

Adult (16+)
$3,790
Deposit: $1,000
Child ( 8 - 16 y.o)
$3,200
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat)
Hola, Ecuador! Arrival in Quito

Arrival to Quito in the afternoon.

Meet with your local english-speaking guide at the airport terminal exit and drive to town (45min - 1 hr). Hotel check-in, evening at your own.

Overnight in hotel, Quito.


Quito altitude - 2850m

Your Organizer


ST
Safarika Travel
58 reviews
Safarika Adventure Club (Safarika Travel Inc.) was founded in Los Angeles (CA) in the year 2013. Legal travel provider on the territory of United States (California Seller of Travel License # 2112795-40) since 2013. Founder & CEO - Karina Safari, professional adventure travel organizer and team leader since 2011. Specialization: in small group hiking trips in South America and beyond, as well as private eco-adventures for families.

Reviews

Had an amazing time on a trip! Great and busy itinerary and we managed to see a lot of things in a short period of time. Thank you for organizers for making it smooth and interesting!
By Anna R for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 12, 2024
SC
What an amazing experience! I was eager to visit Patagonia, knew it'd be great and had quite high expectations for it - but all these expectations were exceeded with a huge margin. Where to start? Hikes with breathtaking views around El Chalten and El Calafate (by far the most beautiful places I've even been), rugged beauty of Terra del Fuego, vibes of Buenos Aires - this is something that'll be remembered for life. Another thing worth noting is flawless organization of the trip, and the care we got from Karina and our tour lead Masha. We've never had to worry about transportation, accommodation or any other logistics and could fully focus on experiencing the beauties around. Last but not the least, as already noted in another review, we started as a group of strangers and ended as a group of friends for life. Karina and Masha - thank you for an amazing and very well-organized trip and for one of the best experiences in my life!
By Sergey C for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 07, 2024
MS
Amazing trip! Spotless organization and communication, Spanish speaking guide who has become our dearest friend. This trip has started as a group of starangers and ended by a group of friends for life. The trip itself consisted of a perfect combination of moderate-to-challenging physical activity amid unimaginable scenery of southern Argentina, where no day was like any other. Thank you Karina for exceptionally well researched and organized trip.
By Misha S for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 06, 2024
Patagonia trip was an unforgettable experience. Great people, stunning views, excellent food and convenient lodging. Everything was organized extremely well, and our team leader Masha went above and beyond taking care of all logistics, so all that was left for us was relax and enjoy Argentina. Highly recommended!
By Roman B for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 06, 2024
Morocco trip was one of the best trips I've ever had! I got everything I dreamed of and even more. The trip was organized in a way that we didn't have to worry about anything. We stayed in great hotels, tried authentic delicious food in fancy restaurants, the local guide showed us the most beautiful places. Thank you, Karina, for helping us to see and feel this beautiful country!
By IRINA L for All colors of Morocco. Escape to Sahara Desert on Nov 13, 2023
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References

YM
One of the best trips I've done! I am mainly either a solo traveler or prefer to go with my family But 4 days hiking trip to Montana Glacier NP has changed my preferences :) Thank you very much, it's been a pleasure and FUN Met so many interesting intelligent people, would highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations
By Yelena M on 10 Sep, 2020
GL
I traveled with Karina to Patagonia in 2020 and it was awesome! Perfect planning & organization throughout the trip, including dealing with the unexpected (e.g. lost luggage). I really liked other folks in the group and made several new friends in this trip. I highly recommend Karina's trips to casual and semi-serious hikers, and plan to be a return customer myself.
By Grigory L on 14 Mar, 2020
Thank you, Karina, for a wonderful first time experience of active adventure trip! Everything is well thought and organized. Would recommend to anyone!
By Aizhan T on 20 Jun, 2019