Santa Cruz Island Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Santa Cruz Island Strenuous Tours & Trips

97 Santa Cruz Island trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 853 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

6 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Strenuous
Discovering Machu Picchu and the Galapagos
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Isla Bartolome, Isla Floreana, Isla Santiago, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Quito, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Learn about the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands with the most knowledgeable, experienced naturalists
  • Use high-tech onboard tools like video microscopes, hydrophones and splash cams to discover the marine environment around you
  • Marvel at the mysterious beauty of Machu Picchu, the iconic mountain sanctuary left behind by the great Inca Empire

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Galapagos Cruise
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cusco, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
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Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Pacific Ocean, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate South America with Galapagos Cruise
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cusco, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Grand Majestic Galapagos
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5/5 Excellent
6 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isla Floreana, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • One of the few permanent freshwater lakes, frigates, white-cheeked pintails
  • Flamingos, green-colored beach
  • Enjoy White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery
  • Enjoy Galapagos Islands

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"Our cruise with the cormorant was a real experience. And the organization, service and crew were really excellent. Thank you for the great memories we could take."

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7-Days Family Trip to Ecuador
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5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos Islands, Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Exploring an Uninhabited Island: One of the highlights of our trip was venturing to an uninhabited island in the Galapagos. We had the opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and truly immerse ourselves in the pristine beauty of nature.
  • Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands: The Santa Cruz Highlands provided us with an incredible experience as we came face-to-face with giant tortoises. These majestic creatures, known for their longevity and impressive size, roamed freely in their natural habitat, allowing us to observe them up close and appreciate their gentle nature.
  • Charles Darwin Station: The Charles Darwin Station offered us a deeper understanding of the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts. We had the chance to learn about the groundbreaking research conducted there and witness the dedicated work being done to protect the islands' fragile environment.
  • Thrilling Kayaking in Tortuga Bay: The exhilarating kayaking expedition in Tortuga Bay was a highlight that filled us with a sense of adventure. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, we admired the stunning coastal scenery, encountered marine life, and appreciated the tranquility of this picturesque location.

Themes

Birding, Cultural, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent Alvaro did an excellent job helping us plan our trip - he was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. All our guides were excellent, special shout-out to Christian, Sergio (aka Mike Tyson), and Pablo. Our favorite experiences were the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, biking/hiking at the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and cruising the Galapagos."

Trip dates & details
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14-Days Highlights of Ecuador
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5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Baños de Agua Santa, Cotopaxi National Park, Otavalo, Pacific Ocean, Puerto Villamil, Quilotoa, Quilotoa Lagoon, Quito, San Cristobal

Highlights

  • Culture and handcragts in the andes
  • Wildlife encounters in Galapagos Islands
  • Snorkel in one of the best sites for underwater wildlife in Los Tuneles
  • Discover an Uninhabited Islands

Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent Alvaro did an excellent job helping us plan our trip - he was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. All our guides were excellent, special shout-out to Christian, Sergio (aka Mike Tyson), and Pablo. Our favorite experiences were the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, biking/hiking at the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and cruising the Galapagos."

Trip dates & details
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Family Land Galápagos — Multi-Activities
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Charles Darwin Research Station, Darwin, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Encounter incredible wildlife
  • Snorkel and swim with sea turtles and manta rays
  • Kayak at tortuga bay
  • Visit the charles darwin research station
  • See giant tortoises in their natural habitat

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Galapagos Islands: Wildlife Odyssey
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4.9/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Otavalo, Quito, San Cristobal

Highlights

  • Search for white-reef sharks, the Galápagos iguana, and more on world famous snorkeling sites
  • Relax at the beach of Tortuga Bay, famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline
  • Search for blue-footed boobies at Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island
  • Enjoy a meal with a local fisherman and his family in the beautiful town of Cerro Brujo
  • Journey to Otavalo for a world-class artisan textile market, Andean instrument making lessons, and lunch with the people of Peguche

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

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Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island, Sucre

Highlights

  • Spend a week cruising in style on an upgraded catamaran, accompanied by a naturalist guide
  • Snorkel and walk to find sea lions, magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, white-tip reef sharks and much more
  • Look for Galapagos penguins around Fernandina, and go in search of blue-footed boobies on North Seymour

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Lovely friendly and efficient staff Very knowledgeable and helpful"

Trip dates & details
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6 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Strenuous

Santa Cruz Island Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
853  Reviews
See all Santa Cruz Island tour reviews
Excellent
13
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
R

Richard

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos really is an incredible place

The Galapagos really is an incredible place. Although we did not get to see all of the islands, I feel like we got very good exposure to, and depth into, the things ...

I

Ian

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We have had a number of great holidays around the world

We have had a number of great holidays around the world. This would rank up at the top. The wildlife, the activities, the friends we made & scenery were nothing ...

A

Andrea

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever travelled to

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever travelled to. I believe the islands alone provide a magical experience to the person c...

C

Cathy

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos Family Adventure was a dream come true

The Galapagos Family Adventure was a dream come true. The islands and wildlife experience was everything we hoped it would be, with non-stop extraordinary encounters...

Y

Yvonne

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

My family's experience in the Galapagos was such a spiritual and moving trip

My family's experience in the Galapagos was such a spiritual and moving trip. The wildlife, scenery and adventures have impacted us in such a positive way. I missed ...

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Santa Cruz Island Tour Selection Trips

  • If you want to view Galapagos wildlife, you’ll need to take a tour headed by a local, government-approved guide
  • Virtually all Galapagos tours find their way to Santa Cruz Island, which is near the international airport
  • On a week-long small-ship cruise, you can expect to spend at least one full day on Santa Cruz
  • Some Galapagos tours are based primarily on Santa Cruz and make day trips to other islands from there
  • Make sure your tour visits the highlands of the island, where you’ll have the best chance to view giant tortoises in the wild

Additional details

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