
7-Day Galapagos Essentials
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 7-Day Galapagos Essentials worth booking?
7-Day Galapagos Essentials is a 168-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $1,986 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 26 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (26)
- Duration
- 168 hours
- From
- $1,986 per person
Experience the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of a land-based expedition! The islands offer endless opportunities to explore a unique abundance of life in a setting unlike any other on earth. The Galapagos form a natural sanctuary that preserves species, allowing them to evolve since countless millennia. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such insight with so much wildlife. This holiday also provides flexible time to spend on your own and discover them with the sand beaches well-signed trails in the Galapagos forest, and the lots of wildlife. Enjoy real-time encounters with the most amazing wildlife up your fingertips and discover the power nature with the evolutionary changes of such unique animals. Snorkel through lava formations with sea turtles, penguins, sea horses, sea lions and sharks at Lava Tunnels.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of a land-based expedition! The islands offer endless opportunities to explore a unique abundance of life in a setting unlike any other on earth. The Galapagos form a natural sanctuary that preserves species, allowing them to evolve since countless millennia. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such insight with so much wildlife. This holiday also provides flexible time to spend on your own and discover them with the sand beaches well-signed trails in the Galapagos forest, and the lots of wildlife. Enjoy real-time encounters with the most amazing wildlife up your fingertips and discover the power nature with the evolutionary changes of such unique animals. Snorkel through lava formations with sea turtles, penguins, sea horses, sea lions and sharks at Lava Tunnels.
What's included
Included
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader
- Activities: Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands, Snorkelling, Isla Lobos, Academy bay day tour
- Lunch
- Meals Included: 6 breakfasts and 3 lunches
- Breakfast
- Gear: Snorkeling mask and fins, life vest
- Accommodations based in double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, 4-star hotels in Galapagos
- Transportation: Airport transfers (national flights), sea transportation Santa Cruz - Isabela islands round trip, comfortable land transportation
Not included
- International flights
- Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals not described in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Government fees
- Entrance fees
- Private transportation
- single supplement
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Meet you trip leader and group for the Welcome Briefing at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet you trip leader and group for the Welcome Briefing at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventure Journeys
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
- 2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers
- 2 hours each way from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal
- 45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
- 20 minutes each way - Isla Lobos
- 45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito
- 45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos
- Tintoreras: 1 hour.
- Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each.
- Short hikes 1-hour average
- All year
- December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
- The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture
- of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
- From sea level to 600m (1900ft)
- Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
- Moderate to easy there are short hikes in El Chato, Academy day tour, Isla Lobos snorkelling is easy.
- Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however, there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
- All prices are based on double occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
- All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
- Clients receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands with the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both Local People cultural identity and their environment. Your visit will encourage them to support responsible ecotourism. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for 7-Day Galapagos Essentials. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun in yhe sun
Had a great time.Activities hotels were excellent. All very well organized The guides were marvelous and so help full This has been on my bucket list for years and it did not di
Response from the operator: Hey there! We're so glad that you enjoyed your journey with us. Thank you for your time and feedback. We hope to see you back here so Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Galápagos tour
Amazing tour guides, Gabriel Salas Guia and Jose Romero. 1st class. Could not fault them.very knowledgeable of all things Galápagos. The tour was amazing. So close to the wildlife and the wilderness of Galapagos. Our guides took care of all of our needs. Would recommend
Response from the operator: Hey there! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. We're glad that you enjoyed your trip so much, so we'll have something ready for next time. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Short but fun filled trip to Galapagos!
The trip was really well organised and there was someone ready to meet me at each location. The guides were friendly and knowledgable. Galapagos was the best place I've visited and I loved meeting all the wildlife. This trip was short but we fitted in so much over the four activity days and I saw what I most wanted to while I was there. The hotels were also well chosen and very comfortable.
Response from the operator: Hey there! We're certain that the Galápagos are as pleased with you as you are with them. Do you have anything in mind for your next visit? Let us know. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Recommend visiting the Galapagos
Great trip, with excellent guide. Saw Giant tortoise, iguana, swam with seas, saw turtles. Watched countless birds. Swimming, snorkeling, and walking enjoying it all. Transfers from Quito and within islands were seamless. Tour organisation was faultless. Hotels were excellent. And our guide Fabrizio was superb. Excellent knowledge and passion to share and immerse us in the local stories, information and culture. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Hey there! Wow, it seems like your trip was as perfect as we expected. Thanks for letting us be part of your experience and for sharing your thoughts. Hope to see you back here soon. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic!
This was a trip of a lifetime. Our accommodations were great. The tour guide,Gabo was amazing. He was knowledgeable and always considerate of our restrictions. The setting was spectacular. Our tours were just the right amount of time. We were busy, yet it felt relaxing. I myself would recommend this to anyone who wants to explore the Galapagos!
Response from the operator: Hey there! Our job is to make your experience as memorable as it can be. So, we're glad that you had such a great time with us. We hope to see you back here soon. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 168 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,986 to $1,996
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adventure Journeys, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Adventure Journeys runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
7-Day Galapagos Essentials: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does 7-Day Galapagos Essentials cost?
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Prices start at $1,986 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 7-Day Galapagos Essentials take?
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Plan for about 168 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is 7-Day Galapagos Essentials worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 7-Day Galapagos Essentials suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 168-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 168-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 7-Day Galapagos Essentials start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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Included: Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader; Activities: Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands, Snorkelling, Isla Lobos, Academy bay day tour; Lunch; Meals Included: 6 breakfasts and 3 lunches; and Breakfast. Not included: International flights; Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip; Travel insurance (mandatory); and Meals not described in the itinerary. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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Meet you trip leader and group for the Welcome Briefing at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 7-Day Galapagos Essentials offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 7-Day Galapagos Essentials if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about 7-Day Galapagos Essentials?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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