7-Nights Independent Galapagos At The Finch Bay Resort - Independent Tour from from $6,539

Globus

OFFER ID 1634559

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Globus Independent tour in Ecuador is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. You’ll stay at the award-winning Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, offering a seaside location to kayak, snorkel, bike, and take boat excursions to the various Galápagos Islands with expert naturalists. Sail in luxury upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the islands of Santa Cruz, South Plaza Island, and other island sanctuaries of spectacular species. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. Treat yourself to a tour that is exclusively yours with free time, me time, and optional adventures that speak to your independent spirit!

7 nights from $6,539 per person

Itinerary

Independent Galapagos At The Finch Bay Resort

Day 1: ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: 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–SANTA CRUZ Transfer to the airport and fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, set off toward the Itabaca Channel and begin a scenic drive across Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, pause at Los Gemelos, dramatic twin pit craters, for a gentle walk and photo opportunity. Your journey continues to a local ranch and tortoise reserve, where you’ll come face to face with one of the Galápagos’ most iconic residents—the magnificent giant tortoise. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before you head to the hotel for check-in and some well-deserved time to unwind.

Please note:
Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit one 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.

(B,L,D)

Day 4: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND Join a naturalist guide for an unforgettable day to a nearby island within the Galápagos National Park aboard the elegant Sea Lion Yacht. Enjoy a truly personalized experience on board, with attentive crew members, a delicious hot lunch, comfortable air-conditioned interiors, and spacious outdoor viewing decks ideal for wildlife watching. Arrive at Bartolomé Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic volcanic spire rising from the ocean and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the archipelago. At its base, Galápagos penguins—the only penguin species found north of the equator—carefully navigate narrow lava ledges, while playful sea lions lounge on rocky platforms and eagerly slip into the water to interact with snorkelers.

(B,L,D)

Day 5: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY Today’s adventure takes you to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises. Just a short distance away lies tranquil Divine Bay, framed by rugged basalt cliffs on one side and lush mangrove forests on the other. This peaceful haven teems with wildlife, including small egrets, blue-footed boobies, herons, brown pelicans, noddy terns, lava gulls, sea lions, sea turtles, and more—making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Divine Bay is also considered one of the premier snorkeling sites in the area, offering exceptional underwater encounters. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort’s amenities.

(B,L,D)

Day 6: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO SANTA FE ISLAND Another unforgettable day awaits on the water as you board the Sea Lion Yacht for a scenic voyage to Santa Fe Island, home to one of the most beautiful and sheltered coves in the Galápagos. A crescent of tiny islets protects its striking turquoise lagoon, creating a calm and picturesque anchorage. Located southeast of Santa Cruz and visible from Puerto Ayora, Santa Fe has been shaped by seismic uplift, revealing fascinating underwater lava formations that add to the island’s dramatic natural appeal.

(B,L,D)

Day 7: 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
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Featured Destinations

Galapagos Islands

South Plaza

Isla Baltra

North Seymour

Guayaquil

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours

One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.

You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.

Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.

At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours

Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.

After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.

SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS

TIMING	ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST	TERRAIN	W/C FRIENDLY
00:00 – 00:45	Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco	Paved	This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own
00:45 – 02:45	Walk around the Canoa Trail	Uneven, slippery, muddy
02:45 – 03:45	Deluxe Picnic	Flat
03:45 – 04:30	Drive back to the pier for embarkation	Paved

DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide
Deluxe Picnin
1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Quito

Isla Santa Cruz

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/02/2027 - 01/09/2027

from $6,539 per person

01/09/2027 - 01/16/2027

from $6,539 per person

01/16/2027 - 01/23/2027

from $6,539 per person

01/30/2027 - 02/06/2027

from $6,539 per person

02/06/2027 - 02/13/2027

from $6,539 per person

02/13/2027 - 02/20/2027

from $6,539 per person

02/20/2027 - 02/27/2027

from $6,539 per person

02/27/2027 - 03/06/2027

from $6,539 per person

03/13/2027 - 03/20/2027

from $6,539 per person

03/27/2027 - 04/03/2027

from $6,539 per person

04/03/2027 - 04/10/2027

from $6,539 per person

04/10/2027 - 04/17/2027

from $6,539 per person

04/17/2027 - 04/24/2027

from $6,539 per person

04/24/2027 - 05/01/2027

from $6,539 per person

05/01/2027 - 05/08/2027

from $6,539 per person

05/08/2027 - 05/15/2027

from $6,539 per person

05/15/2027 - 05/22/2027

from $6,539 per person

05/22/2027 - 05/29/2027

from $6,539 per person

07/10/2027 - 07/17/2027

from $6,539 per person

07/17/2027 - 07/24/2027

from $6,539 per person

07/24/2027 - 07/31/2027

from $6,539 per person

07/31/2027 - 08/07/2027

from $6,539 per person

08/07/2027 - 08/14/2027

from $6,539 per person

08/14/2027 - 08/21/2027

from $6,539 per person

08/28/2027 - 09/04/2027

from $6,539 per person

09/11/2027 - 09/18/2027

from $6,539 per person

09/25/2027 - 10/02/2027

from $6,539 per person

10/09/2027 - 10/16/2027

from $6,539 per person

10/23/2027 - 10/30/2027

from $6,539 per person

11/06/2027 - 11/13/2027

from $6,539 per person

11/20/2027 - 11/27/2027

from $6,539 per person

12/04/2027 - 12/11/2027

from $6,539 per person

12/18/2027 - 12/25/2027

from $6,539 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $6,539 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1634559

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Great Escape Travel Company

18 6th Street North
Great Falls, MT 59401
USA

406-727-6022
800-727-6022