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Galapagos Islands Only ground transport Tours & Trips

192 Galapagos Islands trips. Tours from 92 tour companies. 189 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

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Wildlife of Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos
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Wildlife of Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos

By Audley Travel
preferred
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amazon Rainforest, Galapagos, Quito, San Cristobal

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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12 days From$7,615
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Discovering Machu Picchu and the Galapagos
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Discovering Machu Picchu and the Galapagos

By Road Scholar
preferred
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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17 days From$10,299
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Living and Learning in Cuenca: Independent Stay and Language Study
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Living and Learning in Cuenca: Independent Stay and Language Study

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cotopaxi, Cuenca, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isla Bartolome, Quito

Highlights

  • Live like a native Ecuadorian as you move into your own apartment and explore local cafes, museums and more
  • Improve your Spanish during daily language classes and opportunities to practice your new skills as you maneuver through daily life in the city
  • Join your Group Leader and fellow participants for weekly field trips and a three-day excursion in the Galápagos Islands to cap your adventure

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking

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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44 days From$7,149
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Galapagos Islands Family Adventure
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Galapagos Islands Family Adventure

By Andean Discovery
none
3/5 Average
19 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Explore Isabela Island by mountain bike
  • Snorkel with sea lions and friendly sharks
  • Surf the Galapagos with instructors
  • Sleep on the rim of a dormant volcano
  • Cook a traditional meal with a local family
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"At the last minute I had to rebook my trip to the Galapagos. Damon and staff were very helpful. My son and I had Markus Medina for a guide and he was knowledgeable-even being asked by other tour guide to help out! It was amazing to have a tour group of 3-so much flexibility. The islands were so beautiful with friendly people. I plan to return to South America and will definitely use Andean Discovery again."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$2,690
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Highlights of Quito & Galapagos Islands
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Highlights of Quito & Galapagos Islands

By Indus Travels
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Quito

Highlights

  • See Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat on the beautiful Galapagos Islands
  • Get up close to the diverse marine life on Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos
  • Hike the stunning Sierra Negra Volcano for breathtaking views
  • Explore Quito’s Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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7 days From$1,899
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Galápagos Photo Expedition
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Galápagos Photo Expedition

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Hone your skills while capturing images of wildlife in a variety of landscapes, from black lava fields to white-sand beaches, and from rocky cliffs to lush highland forests.
  • Photograph colonies of iguanas, frigate, sea lions, and birds unfazed by your presence.
  • See rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, snorkel, or Zodiac.

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$6,290
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Galápagos Family Odyssey
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Galápagos Family Odyssey

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

  • --Discover the fascinating wildlife and geology of the Galapagos Islands on a family adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or Islander. --Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence. --Snorkel amid sea turtles, quirky penguins, and playful sea lions; gaze into the old eyes of a giant sea tortoise; and sit among a colourful band of marine iguanas . --Participate in special kids' activities, such as stargazing, scavenger hunts, drawing and poetry workshops, and knot-tying lessons.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$6,290
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Epic Galápagos Photography Expedition
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Epic Galápagos Photography Expedition

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, San Cristobal, Santiago

Highlights

  • Explore the Galápagos archipelago and undersea in great depth with hikes and Zodiac cruises
  • Tour paced for photo ops and timed to take advantage of the best light.
  • Shoot with and learn from top National Geographic photographers and the Lindblad-National Geographic Director of Expedition Photography
  • Go on daily photo assignments to help build your personal portfolio with wildlife legendary for uniqueness and lack of fear of humans - allowing for up-close and magical photo opportunities with blue-footed boobies, sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and more.
  • Enjoy a mid-voyage photo seminar with our expert photographers and a special photography tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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17 days From$12,580
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Galapagos Islands Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
189  Reviews
Write a review
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Excellent
18
Great
3
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
J

Jerry

Oct 2015

Written on

I thought the trip was good, but

I thought the trip was good, but there were a few things that kept ...

Tour:  Best of Galapagos

P

Pam

Oct 2015

Written on

I have now had 5 Intrepid experiences

I have now had 5 Intrepid experiences and have found the tou...

Tour:  Best of Galapagos

M

Matthew

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent local guide, amazing location, ethically sensitive

Excellent local guide, amazing location, ethically sensitive and w...

Tour:  Best of Galapagos

A

Alizah

Sep 2015

Written on

Amazing trip. Amazing guide. Great itinerary. Fell

Amazing trip. Amazing guide. Great itinerary. Fell in love with the Galápagos Islands.

Tour:  Best of Galapagos

J

Jennifer

Sep 2015

Written on

It was a great trip which selected

It was a great trip which selected highlights of the ...

Tour:  Best of Galapagos

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Galapagos Islands Tour Selection Trips

  • Guided tours are essential if you want to see Galapagos wildlife; even private yachts are required to hire guides if they wish to tour the islands.
  •  Small ship cruises allow you to make more island landings than big ships, and they can also get much closer to land to view penguins and other creatures visible mainly from the sea.
  •  A Galapagos tour can be expensive – when you add up flight costs from the Ecuadorian mainland along with flying to Ecuador and the cost of the cruise and park entrance fee – so choose your tour company carefully.
  •  Don’t even think about bringing home lava rock or other natural features from the Galapagos – you’d be subject to a $3,000 fine if caught.

Additional details

Top Galapagos Islands Travel Companies
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