Unequaled Ecuador! Colonial Quito & Galápagos Islands

10 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews  
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Small Ship Cruise
Spend 10 guided days exploring Quito and cruising the Galápagos Islands , Unquestionably, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Galápagos Islands and Quito’s historic city center, are shining stars of Ecuador and our 9-night inclusive adventure. Wander Quito’s exceptionally preserved Old Town built atop pre-Colombian markets and temples, and as a delightful cherry...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • -- Embrace two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the fabled Galápagos Islands and Quito’s celebrated Colonial city center -- Enjoy two nights at historic Casa Gangotena boutique hotel in Old Quito, voted Ecuador’s #1 hotel by Trip Advisor -- Stroll Quito’s Old City plazas, churches, and museums—rich with Spanish Colonial and pre-Columbian history—and savor a specially-arranged private dinner at the city's premier view restaurant -- Observe Galápagos wildlife up-close in their natural habitats—giant tortoises, endemic land and marine iguanas, penguins, reef sharks, and playful sea lions -- Set foot on eight islands and islets on this unique itinerary featuring explorations on two of the archipelago’s showcase islands—Genovesa and Española -- Unmatched birding opportunities—Red-footed boobies, Waved Albatross, Frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches, storm petrels, nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls, seabirds, shorebirds, tropic birds, and elusive short-eared owl -- Count the steps to Isla Bartolomé's summit for a sweeping panorama of iconic Pinnacle Rock -- Snorkel in an underwater menagerie of marine life or view it all from the yacht’s glass-bottom boat -- Learn about conservation successes and challenges at the Charles Darwin Research Center -- Certified guides accompany small groups of 12 to provide a more personalized experience -- Included roundtrip air between Quito and the Galápagos

What's this trip about?

    Spend 10 guided days exploring Quito and cruising the Galápagos Islands , Unquestionably, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Galápagos Islands and Quito’s historic city center, are shining stars of Ecuador and our 9-night inclusive adventure. Wander Quito’s exceptionally preserved Old Town built atop pre-Colombian markets and temples, and as a delightful cherry-on-top, overnight in a late 1800s residence of several former presidents. In the Galápagos Islands, step ashore on eight islands and islets—including the two showcase islands of Española and Genovesa. Arguably the most iconic marine habitat in the world, this destination-of-a-lifetime is filled with exquisite creatures—giant tortoises, red-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, penguins, Waved Albatross, and rowdy sea lions. Hike, snorkel, and kayak discovering the unexpected as Charles Darwin did in 1835.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • High Adventure
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Galapagos
  • Isabela Island
  • Santa Cruz Island

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • -- All onboard meals and Day 2 meals in Quito -- 2 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Quito and a 7-night cruise -- Premium spirits, wine, beer aboard La Pinta (uncommon for Galápagos) -- Non-alcoholic beverages; airfare between Quito/Galápagos -- Exclusive transfers and baggage handling between airport/hotel/yacht on embark/disembark days -- Port fees and taxes -- Entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-yacht adventure activities and equipment -- Wellness program: hot tub and fitness equipment

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Quito / Arrival

Welcome to Ecuador! Begin your journey in this historic city rich in legends and culture. Your first stop is the grand Casa Gangotena Hotel, voted the #1 Hotel in Ecuador by TripAdvisor and where you will stay these first two nights. A gorgeous example of Spanish Colo...

Day 2: Quito

Once called the Northern Capitol of the Inca Empire, the capital city of Quito has long been a center of commerce and culture. The city’s growth after Spanish took over in 1534 included the building of many outstanding convents, monasteries and churches, earning Quito...

Day 3: Quito / Isla San Cristóbal

On this morning, travel to the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on your itinerary: the legendary Galápagos Islands. From Quito, fly to Isla San Cristóbal named after the patron saint of seafarers. A quick panga ride brings you to the Yacht La Pinta to meet the crew, ...

Day 4: Isla San Cristóbal

On the eastern side of the island, you’ll venture up a trail from the beach with gorgeous views of the shoreline. Explore Punta Pitt where opportunities abound to observe frigatebirds, three types of boobies, and bachelor sea lions that rest on this beach. Perhaps you...

Day 5: Isla Española

Considered one of the top two showcase islands in the archipelago, Isla Española is one of the oldest, most isolated islands and is known for its astounding number of endemic species including the entire world’s population of Waved Albatross (typically April to Decemb...

Day 6: Isla Santa Cruz

Today, it’s all about the magnificent giant tortoise. Touring the Charles Darwin Research Station, you’ll witness the exceptional conservation program where “galapaguitos” are reared in protective captivity until they are old enough to safely repatriate back to their ...

Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz / Sombrero Chino Islet

A panga ride brings you to tiny Eden Islet, where blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigatebirds roam. Pull on your mask and jump into the water for a snorkel with the sea life. If conditions permit, cruise in the glass-bottom boat and marvel at all the world bene...

Day 8: Isla Bartolomé / Isla Santiago

Geologically young, Bartolomé is one of the most picturesque islands of the Galápagos. Climb a wooden staircase to the summit of a volcanic cone with your camera ready to capture the exquisite panoramic views including iconic Pinnacle Rock! Bartolomé has its own uniqu...

Day 9: Isla Genovesa

Our second showcase island—Genovesa, known as “the bird island”—lies north of the equator, and you’ll cross it twice! On a leisurely exploration of Darwin Bay, witness the many island inhabitants—Giant frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, storm petrels,...

Day 10: Isla Baltra / Quito / Departure

Your adventure of a lifetime aboard La Pinta concludes on Isla Baltra. From here, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito and await your connecting flight home. If you’ve opted for the Peru/Machu Picchu Extension, you’ll disembark en route during a short stop in Guayaquil.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,995
Price per day$900
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Un-Cruise Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Un-Cruise Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Oct 2021

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I love your tour program

I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips ...

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Kyle

Aug 2020

Un-Cruise Adventures Company Reviewsby Un-Cruise Adventures

Very surprising

We booked with them a 9 months before COVID, and then we had to cancel due to the concerns about traveling, being with unknown people, etc. We are 73 years of age. W...

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Bob

Jun 2020

Un-Cruise Adventures Company Reviewsby Un-Cruise Adventures

have always been surprised and impressed

My wife and I have been on 5 Uncruise adventures and have always been surprised and impressed with the variety of activities, friendships formed, and down right fun ...

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Tour Operator

Un-Cruise Adventures

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With offices at historic Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, Washington, and Juneau, Alaska, Un-Cruise Adventures offers an alternative to traditional cruises by taking guests into areas inaccessible to large ships and on excursions that are exclusive, unconventional and unmatched.

In 1996, American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska. InnerSea Discoveries enjoyed its inaugural season of expedition-style active exploration of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage in summer 2011.  In January 2013, the company changed its name to Un-Cruise Adventures and is a wholly owned subsidiary of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Inc, Juneau Alaska.

Why Us?

The Un-Cruise Adventures Difference. Unrushed. Uncrowded. Unbelievable.

Built on a reputation of quality and experience, our small ship cruise explorations—intended to inspire and satisfy your curious nature—are an unbeatable combination of activity and discovery, service and expertise, awe-inspiring encounters, and value. Guests rave about the Un-Cruise experience and how genuine our crew is, often commenting that it’s not like a cruise at all. Yet the biggest endorsement from our guests: they come back, and they refer us to their friends.

We engage experts and historians to interpret, narrate, or bring history to life. In Alaska, a National Park Ranger might join you on board, or a U.S. Forest Service wilderness ranger kayaks right up to the vessel and hops aboard to talk about natural history and their special bond with the land; and in Hawaii, a respected elder teaches you to make poi. Every rare encounter, unexpected “aha!” moment, and uncommon amenity and activity are unique to your destination, itinerary, and vessel—and they are all exceptional.

Cruise Style:

Adventure Cruises:

Focused on experiencing life on the outside—rain or shine—we offer different destinations, a mix of price points (some generously inclusive), and an exciting range of multi-sport activities aboard our adventure cruises. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), hiking, snorkeling, inflatable skiff excursions, and cultural encounters top the agenda. Our experiential cruise vacations are delivered from a variety of platforms, and depending on your choices, will accommodate from 22 to 84 like-minded guests. We provide the adventure, equipment, opportunities, fun, expert crew, expedition guides, and the vessel.

River Cruises:

Traveling nearly 1,000 miles upriver and down, our generously inclusive river cruises provide the best value available on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette Rivers. Included shore excursions, a complimentary massage, wellness program, spirits and beverages, onboard historians, living history programs, visits to boutique wineries, exclusive one-on-one interactions with locals, port fees and taxes, no long lines or hours on a bus, and you’re never far from the riverbank. While exploring the cultural traditions, unspoiled lands, and the history and evolution of life along the rivers, you’ll enjoy a stimulating heritage voyage of colorful places and fascinating people.

Traveling aboard our 88-guest replica turn-of-the-century steamer—a style of vessel that has been on these rivers for over 100 years—offers you the conveniences of today with the feel of yesteryear.

Private Charters & Group Travel:

With a private cruise charter, it’s all about you. Charters provide an excellent way to bring together family, friends, or a corporate incentive group without the hassle of arranging provisions, crew, or routes. With a wide range of sizes—22, 36, 60, 64, 74, 76, 84, 88—there’s a boat written with your group size all over it. Let us tailor a charter with your special focus in mind—complete with activities, crew, and expedition staff. We handle all the details, leaving you to sit back and soak in the experience of a lifetime.

Family Travel:

In some of the most diverse playgrounds on earth, travelling with family on an adventure vacation is memorable and fun. Whether your family wants to kayak near a tranquil beach, hike along temperate rainforest, or interact with locals in a remote community, there’s something to spark everyone’s interest. Un-Cruise Adventures let families explore remote places, make discoveries, and learn while having fun together. So whether you’re traveling independently or as one family on a private charter, you can enjoy adventure in some of nature’s most diverse playgrounds. Planning a trip with your extended family? Consider a charter. All of the vessels in our fleet, from 22-88 guests, accommodate private groups. And not only that, our talented Captains, crew, and expedition team will cater the experience to your needs and desires.

Value-Added Theme Departures:

Recognizing that our guests often share similar uncorked passions—we’ve taken our adventures another step further by creating some special themed cruise departure dates. It doesn’t matter whether you’re already an authority, a budding amateur, or just curious to learn about a topic, you’ll fit right in.

Life Onboard:

Traveling is inspiring. It can also be nourishing. Refreshing. When you're on an small ship cruise adventure, connecting with your environment—on board or off—happens naturally. From our morning yoga stretches to the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, we’ve carefully crafted each activity with every aspect in mind.

Our Fleet:

Our fleet of small ships features expedition vessels, boutique yachts, and a replica turn-of-the-century coastal steamer—each one uniquely suited and equipped to provide an unbelievable experience. The shallow draft makes each vessel capable of nimble exploration and gives access to the places bigger ships cannot go. Public and private spaces are loaded with amenities and designed for casual comfort.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • -- International airfare -- Personal expenses -- Passport and visa fees
Ship & cabin information
La Pinta
La Pinta was designed to keep the magnificent surroundings in the spotlight. Three spacious decks, an outdoor Sky Bar, and an Observation Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows provide vantage points to absorb and witness the scenery around you. This elegant vessel is outfitted with modern, nautical décor and while the yacht is sophisticated, the atmosphere is relaxed. The Natural History Library is ideal for sharing new findings with like-minded fellow adventurers and the intimate, comfortable dining room provides a space for creating community among shipmates while sharing meals. In addition to an exercise room and outdoor Jacuzzi, onboard adventure equipment includes snorkeling equipment; wetsuits; sea kayaks; and a glass-bottom boat. The Sun Deck includes fitness equipment, and for a soak with a view, there is a hot tub on the aft of the deck. There are two cabin categories aboard La Pinta: Captain and Admiral. Depending on the cabin, doubles or triples can be accommodated; four cabins can be interconnected for families or groups traveling together. Beds can be separated as twins or joined as a queen. Common to all cabins: Floor-to-ceiling view windows, air conditioning, iPod/MP3/MP4 music docking stations, desk and chair, in-room safe deposit boxes; private bath with shower.
48 guests 24 cabins 27 crew members 209 feet in length 41 feet wide Cruising speed of 10 knots Renovated in 2007 in Callao, Peru Registered in Ecuador 1.7:1 Guest-to-crew ratio Captain 301-320 Sitting area; twin or queen beds; desk and chair; private bath with shower; safe deposit box Admiral 321-324 Sitting area with foldout couch; twin or queen beds; desk and chair; private bath with shower; safe deposit box
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
uncrui-uneecuunc

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