OVERVIEW:
🛥️ 8-Day Galápagos Cruise
Explore the Galápagos Islands aboard the cozy Yacht Angelito I on an 8-day journey full of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and adventure.
See giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and more. Enjoy guided hikes, snorkeling, and unforgettable nature encounters in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for an intimate and immersive experience.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll explore some of the most iconic islands and diverse ecosystems of the Galápagos. Encounter incredible wildlife such as giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Enjoy scenic hikes across volcanic landscapes, snorkel in crystal-clear waters filled with colorful fish and sea turtles, and relax on pristine beaches. Guided by expert naturalists, each day offers unique opportunities to experience the archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty, creating a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation.
Welcome to Galápagos: Baltra & North Seymour
Your Galápagos adventure begins with a 90-minute flight from Guayaquil to Baltra Island. After paying the National Park entrance fee, you’ll meet your naturalist guide and head to the harbor, where the Yacht Angelito I awaits.
In the afternoon, visit North Seymour, a flat, dry island full of life. Walk among blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more as you explore its loop trail. A perfect start to your wildlife-packed journey!
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
-
Exploring a Unique Islet & Volcanic Wonders
Visit a small, uniquely shaped islet with white coral beaches and sea lions. Explore fragile lava fields and lava tubes along an easy trail. Then, hike up to a volcanic summit with stunning panoramic views of nearby islands and lunar-like landscapes. In the afternoon, snorkel near a famous rock formation and search by boat for the rare Galápagos penguins nesting in coastal lava caves.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
All day
Genovesa Island – Wildlife and Scenic Cliffs
Start with a wet landing on a small coral beach surrounded by coastal vegetation like red mangroves and salt bushes. Discover unique hanging cacti and spot various seabirds nesting nearby, including swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies. Walk along tidepools teeming with tiny crabs before reaching dramatic cliffs overlooking a volcanic crater.
Next, climb a steep basalt cliff via stone steps to an easy trail through a palo santo forest, home to more nesting boobies and petrels. Keep an eye out for short-eared owls that prey on the birds nesting in the fragile lava formations.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
All day
Santiago & Rabida Islands – Unique Landscapes and Wildlife
Begin with a landing on a black sand beach at Santiago Island, where you’ll explore tidal pools rich in marine life like lava herons, sea lions, crabs, and marine iguanas. The trail leads to a colony of Galápagos fur seals nestled in rocky caves.
Next, visit Rabida Island, famous for its striking red volcanic sand and unique vegetation. Here, you might spot recovering sea lion colonies and, seasonally, flamingos and ducks near a small lagoon surrounded by saltbush and palo santo trees.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
half day
Santa Cruz Island – Conservation and Highlands
Visit a renowned research center to learn about conservation efforts, especially programs focused on protecting giant tortoises. Get a close look at these iconic creatures and explore exhibits detailing the islands’ natural history.
Then, head to the highlands to experience changing ecosystems—from dry lowlands to lush forests—and visit a local farm where wild tortoises roam freely, offering a rare chance to see them in their natural habitat.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
half day
Española Island – White Beaches & Wildlife Encounters
Explore one of the oldest and most biodiverse islands in the archipelago. Start at a stunning white coral beach ideal for relaxing, spotting curious mockingbirds, and swimming alongside playful sea lions. Later, follow a rugged coastal trail through colonies of seabirds, including boobies and (seasonally) waved albatrosses. Along the way, encounter unique iguanas, lava lizards, and dramatic views from seaside cliffs—including the island’s famous blowhole, where ocean spray shoots high into the air.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
all day
Santa Fe & South Plaza – Hidden Iguanas and Colorful Landscapes
Begin the day with a visit to a quiet beach home to a large sea lion colony. Hike through arid terrain and cactus forests in search of the elusive Santa Fe land iguana, camouflaged among the rocks. In the afternoon, explore South Plaza, a small island known for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant vegetation, and thriving colonies of land iguanas and sea lions. The changing colors of the landscape make this one of the most scenic spots in the archipelago.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lucnh, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
-
Duration
all day
Tranquil Waters & Farewell
Begin the final day with a peaceful ride through a serene mangrove-lined cove, where the motor is turned off to quietly observe wildlife. Glide silently through the calm waters and watch for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks often resting or swimming beneath the surface. It’s a reflective and intimate moment with nature—an ideal way to close the journey. Afterwards, return to the departure point for your flight back to the mainland, full of memories from a truly unforgettable adventure.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-
Distance
-
Duration
-
Maps
SERVICES
Include
- Be pampered by a friendly crew and the skipper owner of the yacht as you support local entrepeneurship
- All meals on board including snacks, water, coffee tea
- Guided excursions with a Galapagos National Park guide
- Airport transfers in Galapagos
Not include
- International airfare to / from Ecuador
- Flights from Quito / Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos National Park tax ($200), Migration Card ($20)
- Gratuities and other personal expenses
Final Note
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. We hope this experience has inspired you, challenged you, and left you with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm-hearted people.
As your adventure comes to an end, remember that travel is not just about the places you visit, but the stories you collect and the connections you make along the way. We truly hope Ecuador has found a place in your heart.
Until next time — keep exploring, stay curious, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
¡Buen viaje y hasta pronto!
EQUIPMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of year to climb in Ecuador?
Our tours typically include certified guides, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Specific inclusions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the detailed itinerary.
2. Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
- For Cotopaxi: Beginners with good fitness can join a summit program if they complete acclimatization hikes and receive basic glacier training.
- For Chimborazo and Cayambe: Prior glacier experience is highly recommended due to higher altitudes and longer summit pushes.
3. How important is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is critical. To prevent altitude sickness and improve summit chances, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters before attempting any summit over 5,000 m. Our acclimatization programs are designed to help your body adjust progressively.
4. Is a certified guide required
Yes. For safety and legal reasons, glaciated peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana require an ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified mountain guide. All our guides meet this standard and have extensive experience in the Andes.
5. What gear do I need?
For glacier climbs, you need:
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Warm base layers, down jacket, and waterproof outer layers
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, backpack
We offer rental equipment if you don’t
6.What is the weather like during this trip?
Expect a mix of cool mountain weather (5–15°C / 41–59°F) in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, and mild to warm weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in Baños. Rain is possible year-round, especially in the afternoons, so bring waterproof layers.
7.Can I customize or extend the itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add an extra day in Quito, continue to the Amazon or Galápagos, or upgrade accommodations. Contact us directly to customize your experience.
8. Is this tour family-friendly or suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children (12+), and small groups. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers and be accompanied by local experts every step of the way.
9.How do I book this trip and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email at info@cotopaxi-travel.com or WhatsApp +593 981 333 483.
Our cancellation policy offers flexibility — free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. For full terms, visit our booking conditions.
