Ecuador: The Wonders of the Galapagos - Pre-reservation

Ecuador

The Wonders of the Galápagos - Pre-reservation 2026

March 2026 (8 Days / 7 Nights)
This tour starts and ends in Quito

We are currently in the process of planning this tour. Once we have all the activities, dates, hotels and other details confirmed, and the pricing finalized, we will post a complete itinerary, including the price. If you would like to be notified of this tour's availability when the planning process is completed, please complete the pre-reservation form.

PRE-RESERVATION FORM

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The famed Galápagos Islands, with their volcanic, otherworldly landscapes, are a magnet for wildlife lovers. Until their discovery in 1535, the islands were totally isolated from the mainland. Over thousands of years, many species of birds, reptiles, insects, and plants drifted or flew to their shores, creating the unique natural environment found in the Galápagos today. The Islands have never been connected to a continent, so the species had to adapt to the unique ecosystems of the Islands and many of them are very different from their continental ancestors and are not found anywhere else. Until recently, the animals on the Islands had no exposure to humans and therefore never learned to fear them and remain extremely tame in human presence. At the end of his journey around the world, Charles Darwin, arrived at the Galápagos Islands in September 1835. The scientific findings he made here were the basis of his work "Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" which completely changed the course of natural science. The islands’ nickname "Las Islas Encantadas" (the enchanted islands) is well earned: there are prehistoric looking land iguanas, several species of giant tortoises, doe-eyed sea lions playing with you while you snorkel, moon like landscapes and mist-covered volcanic peaks, red sand beaches, strange forests of prickly pear cactus, vividly pink flamingoes, the biggest colony of albatrosses in the world, blue-footed boobies performing their "sky pointing" dance, and hunting penguins swimming around your legs.

HIGHLIGHTS: The fascinating, full of contrasts Quito, the capital of Ecuador ● Riding the TeleferiQo up the side of the Pichincha Volcano ● Visitng the Middle of the World Monument and Solar Intinan Museum ● Ecuadorian organic chocolate ● Sailing around six Galápagos islands on a luxury cruise ship ● Learning about Darwin's Theory of Evolution right where it was conceived ● Black lava fields and white coral beaches of the Santiago Island ● Getting up close to the prehistoric iguanas, giant land tortoises, exotic birds and Galápagos seals in their native habitat ● Swimming and snorkeling among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish and sea turtles ● Watching the antics of Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, flamingoes, Frigate birds, Sally Light foot crabs and penguins ● Visiting the Santa Cruz Highlands with their high population of giant tortoises

Itinerary specifics subject to change

Testimonials

I've been traveling with Sights and Soul for 7 years now and have loved every single place they've taken me. They make international travel easy, with excellent accommodations, well-planned schedules, and local transportation included. I've tried another tour company and was VERY disappointed in that trip, both with the service from the company and with their tour guide. I've met a lot of other women on these tours who love to travel - there are always interesting conversations about different destinations. I really love the fact that these tours aren't geared for COUPLES. The small group size is also a major plus in my opinion. Sights and Soul guides know their stuff and are eager to share their love of new places with the clients. A word of warning, though - tours sell out FAST, make up your mind before they go live and sign up right away! - Diane from Iowa

Yes, Sights and Souls is a fabulous touring agency. All I had to do was show up at airport, the rest was handled! Both the local and S&S tour leader worked seamlessly together so we had to do nothing but enjoy!!! - Nanci from North Carolina

Everything about the Galapagos was amazing! The wildlife was fantastic, especially all the amazing birds. S&S always does a great job with accommodation, food, logistics, etc., and this was no exception. – Andrea from Wisconsin

As always – good time, great accommodations and meals. Galapagos is like nowhere else! – Sally Ann from Ohio

The tour was complete and well planned. Exquisite, life long memories. The visits to the islands were beyond description – beautiful vistas, the seals, penguins and blue footed bobby birds! – Elaine from Florida

I totally appreciated how everything was taken care of and how wonderful we were treated. I enjoyed the women in the group. Everything about the Galapagos was amazing! – Susan from Massachusetts

I have NOTHING negative to say; it was 100% perfect! – Rachel from British Columbia

The dream trip of a lifetime! - Marina from Newfoundland

The tour was wonderful, start to finish. – Cathy from Virginia

The Galapagos Tour was the trip of a lifetime. A dream made real. The accommodation at the hotel in Quito and also on the Legend vessel was wonderful, and the food was superior, especially that breakfast buffet at the Swissotel! The tour leader was efficient and kind and catered to our best interests at all times. I am happy to have had the opportunity to travel with Sights and Soul once again. Many thanks. - Marina from Newfoundland

Great trip which was on my bucket list. Also great value, and more affordable than the $10,000 trips you generally see advertised. Including a couple of days in Quito was a great way to add some balance with the old colonial heritage mixed with the nature/ecological part of the trip. – Christine from Ontario, Canada

I can always count on your tours for great accommodations and food and fabulous tour directors. – Cheryl from California

The tour of Ecuador and Galapagos was a dream of a lifetime! Our tour leader, Kerry was super organized and knowledgeable; just a warm, wonderful person. Everything ran smoothly and I felt like I came away with terrific memories and great new friends – Teresa from Pennsylvania