LGBTIQ+ Tour of 11 Days in the Galapagos Islands
10 Nights - 11 Days
Discover the magic of Ecuador on an unforgettable journey that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with inclusive options for the LGBT+ community. Explore Quito’s historic center, relax in the thermal waters of Papallacta, and experience the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands in a welcoming and diverse environment. From swimming with turtles in Los Tuneles to visiting uninhabited islands, each day will offer safe and authentic experiences. End your adventure with a dinner in Quito, celebrating the beauty of this extraordinary destination and its spirit of hospitality.
Day | Activities |
---|---|
Day 1 | Upon arrival in Quito, receive a warm welcome to Ecuador. Let your exciting adventure begin! Accommodation Dann Carlton – Quito |
Day 2 | Quito City Tour + Middle of the World + Cocktail Class Accommodation Dann Carlton – Quito Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 3 | Relaxing Day at Papallacta Hot Springs Accommodation Dann Carlton – Quito Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 4 | Welcome to the Galapagos Islands! Free Afternoon + Dinner Accommodation Fiesta – Puerto Ayora Meals: Breakfast and box lunch included |
Day 5 | Speedboat to Isabela Island and visit to Los Tuneles Accommodation Casita de la Playa – Puerto Villamil Meals: Breakfast and box lunch included |
Day 6 | Free Day Accommodation Casita de la Playa – Puerto Villamil Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 7 | Speedboat to Santa Cruz + Santa Cruz Brewery Accommodation Fiesta – Puerto Ayora Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included |
Day 8 | Tortuga Bay Accommodation Fiesta – Puerto Ayora Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 9 | Experience the untouched beauty of the Galapagos Islands: exploring an uninhabited island Accommodation Fiesta – Puerto Ayora Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 10 | Flight back to Quito, in the evening enjoy a fantastic dinner Accommodation Dann Carlton – Quito Meals: Breakfast included |
Day 11 | Departure from Quito to take your flight back home |
Detailed Itinerary
We warmly welcome you to Ecuador and are delighted to have you here.
We eagerly look forward to sharing many more unforgettable adventures with you as you explore the treasures this fascinating country has to offer.
You will receive an excellent welcome kit.
A guide will pick you up for a city tour of Quito. Begin in the colonial center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses numerous historic buildings and plazas. You will visit Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches of La Compañia and La Basilica.
Afterward, visit the Mitad del Mundo monument to stand on the equatorial line. Strike a pose with one foot in each hemisphere and observe how your balance is affected at latitude zero. Then, enjoy the nearby museums and exhibitions, such as the Planetarium, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Craft Beer Museum. You will also find a scaled-down model of Quito here, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Finally, get ready to be amazed as a cocktail specialist takes the stage and showcases their skills in a captivating demonstration. Watch closely as they reveal the secrets of the craft, sharing tips and tricks to enhance your cocktail-making expertise.
We will head south and east until we reach a fabulous thermal spring known as Papallacta. Today is a day of rest after a couple of intense days.
Once in the area, the first step is to check in at the resort near the springs and prepare to enjoy the volcanic mineral waters. Located at an altitude of 3,250 m (10,660 ft), this complex features nine thermal pools and three cold-water pools, all at different temperatures so you can find the perfect one for you. An on-site spa offers various health and beauty treatments, such as hydrotherapy, which can improve circulation, relieve muscle pain, and even help rejuvenate the skin. Enjoy a chocolate body wrap, a wine treatment, a Turkish steam bath, or a mud wrap, among other options. Later, relax in the pools, allowing your mind to wander and dream while your body, spirit, and mind return to harmonious balance.
Welcome to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos, where you will experience an unforgettable journey. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a friendly and knowledgeable local guide will be waiting to take you to Santa Cruz Island. The first stop will be at a local farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will be surrounded by dozens of giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Tonight, you have a reservation to enjoy an exquisite dinner at a seaside restaurant. During the evening, you can share special moments and relax in pleasant company while discussing your journey to the "Enchanted Islands." Afterward, return to the hotel for a peaceful rest.
Start your day with a two-hour public speedboat ride to Isabela Island. This ideal diving destination is located in the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa, known as "Los Tuneles." To reach this wonderful place, you will board a speedboat at the Puerto Villamil dock, enjoying a journey of approximately one hour.
As you approach the lava flows, you will observe unique geological formations created by successive lava flows, such as arches and tunnels both above and below the water. These formations make Los Tuneles an exceptional place for swimming.
Once you reach the shallow waters, a delight awaits you. You will find a wide diversity of marine life in these waters. Keep a keen eye out for tropical fish, rays, turtles, seahorses, and whitetip reef sharks. And if luck is on your side, you might even swim alongside majestic sea turtles. The area is teeming with tropical fish, rays, turtles, seahorses, and whitetip reef sharks.
With no scheduled activities today, fully enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the island and create your own adventure. A leisure day on Isabela Island will be filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable views.
With a wide variety of places to discover, Isabela Island in Galapagos is the ideal destination to enjoy an independent day filled with adventure and relaxation.
Start early in the morning and take a fast public ferry to Santa Cruz Island. After approximately two and a half hours at sea, you will arrive in Puerto Ayora.
Afterward, you will visit the Unique Brewery in Santa Cruz, where you will hear the history of brewing in the city and receive a sensory description of the ingredients used in beer production. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in the brewing process by grinding malt with a bicycle mill and tasting the freshly brewed beer. During the experience, an informative talk will be held.
Embark on a refreshing 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora, eagerly anticipating the wonders that await you at the paradisiacal Tortuga Bay. As you traverse the fascinating landscape, you will be captivated by the soft coral sand beneath your feet and the breathtaking views unfolding before your eyes. This stretch of coastline is not only renowned for its beauty but is also considered one of the most picturesque spots in the archipelago.
Upon arriving at the bay, get ready for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a kayaking adventure through crystal-clear waters. Glide along the coast and marvel at the abundant marine life thriving in these pristine waters. From your kayak, you will have the unique opportunity to observe colonies of marine iguanas basking on the rocks and seabirds gracefully soaring above. The surrounding mangroves, with their intricate root systems, create a habitat rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for fascinating coastal flora, such as vibrant cactus forests and other exotic plant species.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Galapagos Islands, home to some of the world's most unique and diverse wildlife. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to visit Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolome, or North Seymour, depending on the permit granted by the National Park authorities for that day's activity.
As you set sail, get ready to enjoy the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and rocky shores of the archipelago. An expert guide will accompany you on a hike to explore the pristine natural habitats of the islands, where you will discover a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna.
After a morning of exploration, take a break on the deck to enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your adventure. Relax on pristine beaches, soak up the sun, or dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
Flights to mainland Ecuador from the Galapagos Islands depart in the mid-morning, so it is essential to start early to make the most of today's visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands.
Travel through the agricultural region into the misty depths of the exclusive Scalesia cloud forest. Observe giant tortoises in the wild, along with various species of Darwin’s finches, and if you're lucky, the renowned woodpecker finches and warblers.
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to one of the best local restaurants to enjoy a delicious dinner with stunning views of Quito.
Share the special memories you've created so far and relax with great company and a fine glass of wine.
At the end of your stay in Ecuador, it is difficult not to grow fond of this extraordinary country. From the towering Andes mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, Ecuador offers an abundance of natural beauty and cultural richness that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bustling Quito airport to continue your journey.
As you bid farewell to Ecuador and take in the breathtaking views from your airplane window, feel at ease knowing that your memories of this place will stay with you forever.
All itineraries and programs may change without prior notice due to national park regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal variations, or safety reasons. La flexibilidad es fundamental para el éxito de cada viaje. La seguridad de nuestros pasajeros es nuestra principal preocupación.
Included Services in the 11-Day LGBTIQ+ Tour to Galapagos
- Meals: according to the itinerary (D = breakfast, BL = Box lunch, A = lunch).
- Activities specified in the itinerary.
- 10-night stay in a hotel
- Certified bilingual local LGBT naturalist guide (Spanish – English).
- Air ticket to the Galapagos Islands from Quito or Guayaquil.
- Private transportation between hotels, airports, and return.
Services NOT included
- International flights
- Meals not specified in the program
- Additional drinks
- Tips
- Transit Control Card ($20 USD per passenger, payable only in cash at Quito Airport).
- Galapagos entry fee ($200 USD per passenger, payable only in cash upon arrival at Baltra Airport).
- Wetsuits
- Individual expenses
- Activities not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Images of the 11-day LGBTIQ+ Tour to Galapagos
Frequently Asked Questions about the 11-Day LGBTIQ+ Tour to Galapagos
The package includes a 10-night stay in tourist-class hotels, such as Dann Carlton in Quito, Fiesta in Puerto Ayora, and Casita de Playa in Puerto Villamil, or similar accommodations depending on availability.
- Access fee to the Galapagos National Park (See our guide to the Galapagos National Park). requirements to enter the Galapagos)
- Travel health insurance
- Tips for your guide and the crew
- Some beverages may be subject to charges (ask your travel advisor).