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Galapagos Islands Vacations, Cruises, Travel Packages & Experiences

  • Marine Iguanas
  • The colourful Sally Lightfood crab seen on the Galapagos Islands– are a popular photo opportunity on Ecuador tours
  • The dazzling array of wildlife on the Galapagos Islands provides excellent photo opportunities during your Ecuador vacation
  • Galapagos Islands Tours
  • Blue Footed Booby
  • Galapagos Islands Trip
  • Sea lion
Galapagos Sample Cruising

Located to the west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are also a national park and marine reserve to be experienced on an Ecuador vacation.

Galapagos Islands Travel information

The Galápagos Islands were discovered by accident in 1535 when Tomás de Berlanga drifted off course sailing from Panama to Peru. The archipelago is perhaps most famous for the scientific expeditions that occurred there during the 18th century. Charles Darwin arrived in 1835 and studied geology, botany, and animals found there. His discoveries provided important evidence for his theory of evolution. Ecuador officially claimed the territory in 1832 and used it mainly for penal colonies. In 1959, 97% of the area became a national park and organized tourism began the following year with Galapagos tours. In 1978 the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 1985 it became a biosphere reserve.

Galápagos Landscape

The extraordinaryGalápagos Islands have to be one of nature’s most important gifts to travellers. Totally unique, they consist of 127 islands and islets, 19 of which are volcanic and are located 1000 kilometres/620 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The UNESCO World Heritage organization calls it a “living museum and showcase of evolution.” Human settlements are restricted to only 3% of the area on four of the largest islands, though many more can be visited on an Ecuador vacation. The Galápagos National Park enacts strict regulations concerning where people can go, what they can do, and how many people can turn up in any one spot, ensuring a superb wildlife viewing experience for every visitor. A limited number of overnight boats are allowed to operate and each boat is equipped with a tracking device so that authorities can verify exactly who is going where at any given time.

Galápagos Wildlife

Besides being a highlight of your Ecuador vacation, the islands are an ecological wonderland populated with fearless and incredible wildlife. The largest living tortoise species, the Galápagos Tortoise is famous for its long lifespan and can weigh over 400 kg/880 lbs. The distinctive blue-footed booby is synonymous with the islands, as are the colonies of curious sea lions. Besides unique wildlife, there are also excellent beaches that welcome swimming, diving and surfing. Numerous leisurely cruises also maximize your experience here.

View the Galapagos Nature Calendar

A visit to the Galápagos Islands is a truly spectacular experience that continues to attract tourists from around the world. Book one of our Galapagos tours today and be part of the experience.

Ecuador Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to an Ecuador vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Ecuador, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Ecuador's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Ecuador for yourself. Start exploring and book one of our Ecuador tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Ecuador vacation, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

 

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Galapagos Islands

  • Wonders of the Galapagos & Peru

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore two of South America’s most iconic destinations on this convenient 11-day vacation. After a brief stopover in Guayaquil, connect to the Galapagos Islands to follow in the footsteps of Darwin. Later, it's off to Peru where you'll explore the capital of Lima and then the Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to Machu Picchu.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,880
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
    Peru See Trip Details

  • Wonders of the Galapagos Islands

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife on an adventure to the Galapagos Islands. Staying on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll head on day trips to explore this magical archipelago. You’ll spot giant tortoises in the highlands, hike along volcanic beaches full of iguanas and penguins, and experience the stunning biodiversity of this island chain.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,236
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • M/V Galapagos Legend Cruise: 4 Days

    FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: The M/V Galapagos Legend offers the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy of small craft. Spend 4 days on a first-class vessel exploring the sights of the Galapagos Islands.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,290
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • M/V Galapagos Legend Cruise: 5 Days

    FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Sailing aboard the M/V Legend - a family-friendly, 100-passenger vessel that will take you through the Galapagos Islands - discover the unique landscapes and species that makes this region a haven for nature lovers. All aboard!
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,730
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Family Vacations
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/Y Coral I: 5 Days

    Enjoy a 5 day cruise of the world famous Galapagos Islands while sailing aboard Coral I, a modern vessel but with classic beauty. See the sights by hiking, snorkeling and exploring.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,638
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Galapagos Signature: Quito & M/C Elite Cruise

    DELUXE | CRUISE: Set sail to discover highlights of the Galapagos aboard a deluxe yacht. Before exploring the Enchanted Islands, spend two nights in Quito to see what may be the best-preserved historic colonial city center as well as the ‘middle of the earth’ along the equatorial line.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,760
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Machu Picchu & the Galapagos

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine two of South America’s (and the world’s) greatest landmarks on one itinerary! After exploring Lima, spend a few days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and tour spectacular Machu Picchu, then head to Quito and connect to the Galapagos Islands to discover fascinating landscapes and incredible wildlife.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,488
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Peru See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Peru and the Galapagos

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Escape to South America and explore two iconic countries on one amazing, tailor-made journey. Start in Peru where you’ll venture into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and explore Machu Picchu. Soon after, it's off to Ecuador where you’ll tour historic Quito before enjoying four nights on land in one of nature’s greatest playgrounds, the Galapagos Islands.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,970
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Peru See Trip Details

  • M/Y Coral I/II Galapagos Cruise: 4 Days

    FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Spend 4 days on board the 36-passenger luxury yacht M/Y Coral I and enjoy the opportunity to see many of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands including Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola and Daphne.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,902
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Ecuador and the Galapagos for Explorers

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover cloud forests and volcanoes, architectural and cultural treasures, and witness the wonders of the Galapagos on an expedited yachting adventure as you are welcomed to ‘Primavera Eternal’.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,773
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Family Vacations, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Quito, Otavalo & the Galapagos

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience the top highlights of Ecuador on this journey from the mainland to the Galapagos. Explore the preserved old town of Quito and barter in the colourful Indigenous markets of Otavalo before connecting to the Galapagos to explore the volcanic landscapes of Isabela and Santa Cruz.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,664
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • M/C Galapagos Elite Galapagos Cruise

    DELUXE | CRUISE: The M/C Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the waters of the enchanted islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it provides its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.
    Duration:
    4-8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,995
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Romance & Honeymoon
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/C Seaman

    Discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands aboard the MC Seaman. Choose from three itineraries and follow in the footsteps of Darwin as you explore these islands and discover volcanic landscapes populated by giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
    Duration:
    4-8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,012
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/C Treasure of the Galapagos: 5 Days

    Board the M/C Treasure of the Galapagos and explore the biological diversity of the Galapagos Islands. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on the lava fields of Santiago, spot hybrid marine/land iguanas on South Plaza Island, and enjoy the comforts of an eclectic catamaran in your downtime.
    Duration:
    5-7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,609
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/Y Coral I: 8 Days

    Spend 8 days uncovering the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and hike while evenings are spent aboard Coral I, a stylish and luxurious yacht.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,392
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/Y Galapagos Sea Star

    Explore the natural playground of the Galapagos Islands aboard a 5-star cruise vessel. Choose from four itineraries ranging from 5 to 10 days and venture across volcanic landscapes that are home to blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and giant tortoises.
    Duration:
    5-10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,321
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: M/Y La Pinta

    Explore the natural playground of the Galapagos Islands aboard a 4-star cruise vessel. Choosing from three itineraries, you’ll hike across volcanic landscapes full of giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, snorkel alongside reef sharks, and walk in the footsteps of scientists and explorers.
    Duration:
    5-7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,840
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising Galapagos: Santa Cruz II

    Cruise the Galapagos Islands while on board the Santa Cruz II, a 90-passenger vessel that will take you to many of the highlights of this incredibly unique wildlife destination.
    Duration:
    5-7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,613
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos M/C Archipel I

    Explore the biodiverse Galapagos Islands on an 8-day itinerary aboard the M/C Archipel I. Enjoy the first-class accommodations of this 4-star vessel as you venture through the world’s greatest natural playground and spot blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Penguins, and Giant Tortoises.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,250
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos: M/C Archipel II

    Explore the world’s greatest natural playground on this journey through the Galapagos Islands aboard Archipel II. Enjoy 5-star accommodations aboard the cruise vessel and explore the biodiverse islands, hiking across the volcanic landscape and seeing the incredible animals that call it home.
    Duration:
    4-8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,745
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos: M/C Origin

    Choose from two 8-day itineraries and uncover the natural secrets of the Galapagos Islands. 13 crew members cater to just 20 passengers, ensuring a personalised and informative experience as you learn about the unique land, sea, and bird life of this living evolutionary marvel.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 10,054
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos: M/V Natural Paradise

    Head on an unforgettable eco-tour with this cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Traversing the islands aboard a brand-new yacht, the M/V Natural Paradise, you'll cross volcanic caldera, spot giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, and snorkel beneath the waves to experience the biodiverse bounty of the islands' warm waters.
    Duration:
    4-8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,990
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos: M/Y Infinity

    DELUXE | CRUISE: The M/Y Infinity exceeds everything seen before. High performance, unrivaled comfort, respect for the environment, and stunning style all combine to ensure that the Infinity is one of the most ideal modern yachts for exploring the Galapagos Islands.
    Duration:
    4-8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,490
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Cruising the Galapagos: M/Y Reina Silva

    Explore the natural playground of the Galapagos Islands aboard a deluxe yacht that takes you on an 8-day journey through the islands. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and expert guidance as you spot blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Penguins, and Giant Tortoises on these volcanic islands.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,790
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
    Ecuador See Trip Details

  • Finch Bay by Land or Sea

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy an island getaway in the Galapagos Islands. Staying in the 4-star eco-friendly accommodations of Finch Bay Eco Hotel, you’ll enjoy the freedom of the beach and have the opportunity to see giant tortoises, follow in the footsteps of Darwin, and explore the incredible natural wonders of the Galapagos.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,415
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Safaris Worldwide
    Ecuador See Trip Details
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