Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort

Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort

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Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort

8 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Guayaquil, South America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ISQ1-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Sailing

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Independent Galapagos tour at the Finch Bay Resort. Begin your journey in Quito, Ecuador, where you'll explore the rich legacy of the Incas and Spaniards with a private city tour. Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board a yacht to North Seymour, teeming with wildlife like sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, and enjoy excursions to the highlands, Punta Carrion, and South Plaza Island, where you can snorkel, kayak, and witness diverse wildlife. Conclude your trip in Guayaquil, experiencing the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos.

Highlights

  • Explore the rich legacy of Quito with a private city tour, including Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica.

  • Board a yacht to North Seymour Island, where you can see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds.

  • Visit the lush highlands of Santa Cruz and the Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can see tortoises, woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers.

  • Snorkel at Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island, with opportunities to see reef fish, sea lions, and sharks.

  • Sail to South Plaza Island to see yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

  • Explore Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island, where you can see marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds, and possibly kayak.

  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts for the Galápagos' natural habitats and giant tortoises.

Places You'll See

Hilton Colon Quito - Met

Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Metro

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

QUITO • Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 3: Quito,Baltra,North Seymour,Santa Cruz

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

QUITO–BALTRA–NORTH SEYMOUR–SANTA CRUZ • Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. • Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs. • Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Santa Cruz. Excursion To The Highlands

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO THE HIGHLANDS • Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers. • After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared. • Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Punta Carrion & South Plaza Island

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO PUNTA CARRION & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND • This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks. • Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk. • Return to the hotel this afternoon.(B,L,D)

Day 6: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Divine Bay

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY • Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters. • Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Santa Cruz,Baltra,Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL • Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra. Then, fly to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast and transfer to the hotel for your final night in Ecuador. (B)

Day 8: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

GUAYAQUIL Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Quito at Hilton Colon Quito, in Santa Cruz Island at Finch Bay Eco Hotel, and in Guayaquil at Hilton Colon Guayaquil.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 4 lunches; 4 three-course dinners.

  • Private City Tour in Quito

    Included private city tour in Quito showcasing the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards.

  • Excursions and Activities

    Various excursions including visits to North Seymour Island, Santa Cruz Highlands, Punta Carrion, South Plaza Island, and Divine Bay.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Opportunities to see diverse wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, frigatebirds, giant tortoises, and more.

  • Charles Darwin Research Station

    Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 4 lunches; 4 three-course dinners

Notes

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito. A Naturalist in the Galápagos & the Amazon are also provided.

For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Terrain is rocky and uneven. On the Galapagos Islands, we use a small vessel (20 guests) that has 3 crew members, emergency washrooms and a snack bar. The excursions are day cruises with landings on the islands, some of which are wet landings. Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit 1 island but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day which includes the landings and sightseeing. Maximum elevation on tour is 9,350 ft.

UNESCO Sites

City of Quito|Galapagos Islands

Accommodation

Quito: Hilton Colon Quito - MET, Santa Cruz Island: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room, Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Metro

Mode of Transport

Travel includes flights to Baltra in the Galápagos, yacht transfers to North Seymour and South Plaza Island, and a return flight to Guayaquil.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on North Seymour Island?

    On North Seymour Island, you can expect to see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs.

  • What activities are included during the visit to Santa Cruz Island's highlands?

    During the visit to Santa Cruz Island's highlands, you will transfer to El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve to see tortoises grazing year-round. You will also visit a local farm where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared.

  • What can I do at Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island?

    At Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island, you can snorkel in the shallow reefs and mangroves, where you may encounter reef fish, sea lions, and sharks.

  • What kind of wildlife can I see on South Plaza Island?

    On South Plaza Island, you can see large yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and other fascinating wildlife along the shore and cliffs.

  • What activities are available at Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island?

    At Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island, you can explore by boat or kayak, where you may see marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, tropicbirds, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

  • What is the purpose of the Charles Darwin Research Station visit?

    The visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is to learn about the conservation efforts to protect the Galápagos' natural habitats and the famous giant tortoises.

  • What should I be prepared for in terms of physical activity and terrain during the tour?

    You should be prepared for walking on uneven pathways, climbing stairs, and dealing with elevations exceeding 8,000 feet. In the Galápagos, there will be 'wet landings' requiring you to jump in the water and walk a couple of meters to the beaches, with rocky and uneven terrain.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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