{"id":62976,"date":"2019-06-27T10:24:04","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T09:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/adventure-trips\/discover-natures-wildest-frontier-in-the-galapagos\/"},"modified":"2023-07-19T08:37:13","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T07:37:13","slug":"discover-natures-wildest-frontier-in-the-galapagos","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/discover-natures-wildest-frontier-in-the-galapagos\/","title":{"rendered":"Wilderness Adventures in Ecuador & The Galapagos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Swim with reef sharks & penguins, dine in a lava tube served by a Masterchef winner & mix agave cocktails at the Equator<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":121595,"menu_order":172,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"EC1","duration":9,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Thumbnail-2-1000x620.jpg","continent":"The Americas","country":"Galapagos Islands","countries":["Ecuador","Galapagos Islands"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a34400","max":"\u00a35160"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac5115","max":"\u20ac5995"},"usd":{"min":"$5495","max":"$6445"},"cad":{"min":"$7220","max":"$8470"},"aud":{"min":"$8085","max":"$9480"},"nzd":{"min":"$9340","max":"$10955"},"hkd":{"min":"$41080","max":"$48185"},"aed":{"min":"DH19220","max":"DH22545"}},"about":"

When Darwin visited the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands in 1835, he knew he\u2019d found something special. Nearly two centuries later, this otherworldly archipelago remains a traveler’s dream.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over nine days, you\u2019ll kayak, bike and hike your way around these isolated Pacific isles, coming face to face with the famously fearless wildlife. Think staying on a giant tortoise reserve where you’ll dine in a lava tube restaurant served by a Masterchef winner. Or snorkeling with white-tipped reef sharks before climbing the crater of the mighty Sierra Negra volcano.<\/p>\n

And let\u2019s not forget your mainland base: Quito. Here, you\u2019ll sample the world\u2019s finest cocoa and stand with one foot in each hemisphere before bonding with your group over agave nectar cocktails.<\/p>\n

This is what once-in-a-lifetime really looks like.<\/p>\n","highlights":{"Paddleboard & kayak through the Itabaca Channel, keeping an eye out for marine life swimming beneath you":"Paddleboard & kayak through the Itabaca Channel, keeping an eye out for marine life swimming beneath you","Dine in an atmospheric candlelit lava tube, cooked for by Masterchef winner Chef Andres":"Dine in an atmospheric candlelit lava tube, cooked for by Masterchef winner Chef Andres","Swim with white-tipped reef sharks & Gal\u00e1pagos penguins in the wildlife-rich waters of Isabela":"Swim with white-tipped reef sharks & Gal\u00e1pagos penguins in the wildlife-rich waters of Isabela","Visit an agave distillery at the Equator to learn about the indigenous spirit drink & create your own cocktails":"Visit an agave distillery at the Equator to learn about the indigenous spirit drink & create your own cocktails","Stay in a giant tortoise reserve in Santa Cruz\u2019s verdant highlands":"Stay in a giant tortoise reserve in Santa Cruz\u2019s verdant highlands","Hike up to the crater rim of the colossal Sierra Negra volcano for spectacular views across lava fields & the islands beyond":"Hike up to the crater rim of the colossal Sierra Negra volcano for spectacular views across lava fields & the islands beyond"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8452,"name":"Beach Escapes","slug":"beach-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8452,"taxonomy":"style","description":"More often than not, destinations that are perfect for solo adventures tend to come with picturesque coastlines and pristine beaches. That\u2019s why our list of beach vacations is long.","parent":0,"count":28,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11528,"name":"Escape The Crowds","slug":"escape-the-crowds","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11528,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Volcanic islands, black deserts, remote oases\u2026 Sometimes, you just need to get as far away as possible and escape the crowds. If that\u2019s the case, let us take you on an off-grid adventure.","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8454,"name":"Most Active","slug":"active-vacation","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8454,"taxonomy":"style","description":"If you hadn\u2019t already noticed, active adventures are one of our biggest passions. From mountain expeditions in Peru to off-roading in Portugal, let us show you what real adventure looks like.","parent":0,"count":21,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8457,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"safari-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8457,"taxonomy":"style","description":"There are few moments more magical than spotting exotic and indigenous creatures in their natural habitat for the first time. It\u2019s why we\u2019ve crafted a series of global adventures around safaris and wildlife interactions, so why not take your pick?","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","summer","winter"],"scenery":["beach","mountain"],"activities":["boat_trip","cooking_class","cycling","hiking","island_hopping","local_culture","water_sports","wildlife"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"Quito, Santa Cruz, Sierra Negra volcano, Guayaquil, galapagos","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Quito Airport (UIO) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Touchdown in Quito ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador\u2019s highland capital, dramatically sited on an ancient volcano between snowcapped Andean peaks. Touching down at the airport, a Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your boutique base in the picturesque Old Town, a vibrant district packed with steep cobbled streets, faded baroque monasteries and quaint colonial churches. After meeting your Pack Leader and group, you\u2019ll head out to a local restaurant for a typical welcome feast. Settle into your first night in Ecuador and raise a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to eight days of adventure to come.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Touchdown in Quito ","text":"

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador\u2019s highland capital, dramatically sited on an ancient volcano between snowcapped Andean peaks. Touching down at the airport, a Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your boutique base in the picturesque Old Town, a vibrant district packed with steep cobbled streets, faded baroque monasteries and quaint colonial churches. After meeting your Pack Leader and group, you\u2019ll head out to a local restaurant for a typical welcome feast. Settle into your first night in Ecuador and raise a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to eight days of adventure to come.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Quito Airport (UIO) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-1-4.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Quito walking tour | Mitad del Mundo ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Cocktails on the Equator","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Get your bearings on a walking tour of the city – the first in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the architectural treasures of Plaza de la Independencia and soak up local life in a traditional food market, known for its medicinal herbs. Here, you\u2019ll take part in a cleansing with a \u2018curandero\u2019 and mix your own exotic juice from the likes of mango, babaco and tree tomato. End your tour with an artisanal chocolate-tasting, learning about this \u2018food of the gods\u2019 on its journey from bean to bar. This afternoon, you\u2019ll visit Mitad del Mundo \u2013 a monument marking the Equator line that gives Ecuador its name. Straddle the line with one foot in each hemisphere before celebrating with agave cocktails. Salud!<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Cocktails on the Equator","text":"

Get your bearings on a walking tour of the city – the first in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the architectural treasures of Plaza de la Independencia and soak up local life in a traditional food market, known for its medicinal herbs. Here, you\u2019ll take part in a cleansing with a \u2018curandero\u2019 and mix your own exotic juice from the likes of mango, babaco and tree tomato. End your tour with an artisanal chocolate-tasting, learning about this \u2018food of the gods\u2019 on its journey from bean to bar. This afternoon, you\u2019ll visit Mitad del Mundo \u2013 a monument marking the Equator line that gives Ecuador its name. Straddle the line with one foot in each hemisphere before celebrating with agave cocktails. Salud!<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Quito walking tour | Mitad del Mundo ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Flight to Gal\u00e1pagos | Paddleboarding | Masterchef meal","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Gal\u00e1pagos giants & Masterchef dining","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today\u2019s the day you\u2019ve been waiting for: your flight to the Gal\u00e1pagos. Landing on the island of Baltra, you\u2019ll be ready for your first adventure: kayaking or paddleboarding in the turquoise Itabaca Channel. Glide through red mangrove forests and along cliff banks formed through ancient lava flows, keeping an eye out for sea lions and reef sharks as you go. Then, you\u2019ll journey up into the Santa Cruz island highlands to a giant tortoise reserve. Here, you\u2019ll stay amongst the lumbering giants – once hunted to the verge of extinction. For tonight\u2019s dinner, you\u2019ll dine in the candlelit cavern of an old lava tube, served by a Masterchef winner. Only the best for our Flashpackers.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Gal\u00e1pagos giants & Masterchef dining","text":"

Today\u2019s the day you\u2019ve been waiting for: your flight to the Gal\u00e1pagos. Landing on the island of Baltra, you\u2019ll be ready for your first adventure: kayaking or paddleboarding in the turquoise Itabaca Channel. Glide through red mangrove forests and along cliff banks formed through ancient lava flows, keeping an eye out for sea lions and reef sharks as you go. Then, you\u2019ll journey up into the Santa Cruz island highlands to a giant tortoise reserve. Here, you\u2019ll stay amongst the lumbering giants – once hunted to the verge of extinction. For tonight\u2019s dinner, you\u2019ll dine in the candlelit cavern of an old lava tube, served by a Masterchef winner. Only the best for our Flashpackers.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Flight to Gal\u00e1pagos | Paddleboarding | Masterchef meal","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-3-6.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Nature hike | Garrapetero Beach ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Hikes, bikes & beach time","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Wake up to the sounds of nature and feast your eyes on the mountains and forests surrounding your hillside camp. After breakfast, you\u2019ll head up to the Cerro Mesa lookout for 360-degree island views. From here, it\u2019s a half-hour hike to the bottom of the collapsed crater to explore the fascinating flora and fauna – much of it endemic, including the distinctive Darwin\u2019s finch. Then, your group will travel to a high point on the island and switch to mountain bikes for a long downhill glide on smooth tarmac to beautiful Garrapatero Beach. With white sand, sheltered tidal pools and a lagoon often visited by flamingos, you\u2019ll spend a relaxed afternoon snorkeling and kayaking before transferring to your waterfront hotel.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Hikes, bikes & beach time","text":"

Wake up to the sounds of nature and feast your eyes on the mountains and forests surrounding your hillside camp. After breakfast, you\u2019ll head up to the Cerro Mesa lookout for 360-degree island views. From here, it\u2019s a half-hour hike to the bottom of the collapsed crater to explore the fascinating flora and fauna – much of it endemic, including the distinctive Darwin\u2019s finch. Then, your group will travel to a high point on the island and switch to mountain bikes for a long downhill glide on smooth tarmac to beautiful Garrapatero Beach. With white sand, sheltered tidal pools and a lagoon often visited by flamingos, you\u2019ll spend a relaxed afternoon snorkeling and kayaking before transferring to your waterfront hotel.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Nature hike | Garrapetero Beach ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-4-1.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Explore uninhabited islands","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Yacht excursions","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today you\u2019ll embark on a motor yacht excursion to the more remote islands of the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park, uncovering distant shores with an expert naturalist guide. Choosing from North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe or Bartolome, you\u2019ll disembark to explore one of these pristine islands, taking time to appreciate the unique wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, nesting frigates and the only penguins found north of the Equator. Your crew will prepare a delicious lunch on board, with the refreshing sea breeze keeping you cool. Travelling back to Santa Cruz, you might spot leaping rays, albatrosses, spinner dolphins or green turtles enjoying the vastness of the Pacific – the nearest mainland over a thousand kilometers away.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Yacht excursions","text":"

Today you\u2019ll embark on a motor yacht excursion to the more remote islands of the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park, uncovering distant shores with an expert naturalist guide. Choosing from North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe or Bartolome, you\u2019ll disembark to explore one of these pristine islands, taking time to appreciate the unique wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, nesting frigates and the only penguins found north of the Equator. Your crew will prepare a delicious lunch on board, with the refreshing sea breeze keeping you cool. Travelling back to Santa Cruz, you might spot leaping rays, albatrosses, spinner dolphins or green turtles enjoying the vastness of the Pacific – the nearest mainland over a thousand kilometers away.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Explore uninhabited islands","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-6-1.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Transfer to Isabela | Snorkel with sharks","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Snorkel with sharks & penguins","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning you\u2019ll travel by speedboat to Isabela, the largest of the Gal\u00e1pagos islands, with a wild landscape covered with dense vegetation and a skyline of rumbling volcanoes. First up, you\u2019ll explore the Tintoreras islets, named after the \u2018Tintoreras\u2019 reef sharks that swim in the crystalline water. You\u2019ll have a chance to snorkel in the bay alongside these gentle creatures – don\u2019t be surprised if some friendly penguins, turtles or inquisitive sea lions jump in the water to join you. This afternoon, you\u2019ll bike Isabela\u2019s Wetlands Trail to uncover the island\u2019s full biodiversity, weaving through different varieties of mangrove trees amid colonies of iridescent marine iguanas and stopping off at the historic Wall of Tears where World War II prisoners were held.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Snorkel with sharks & penguins","text":"

This morning you\u2019ll travel by speedboat to Isabela, the largest of the Gal\u00e1pagos islands, with a wild landscape covered with dense vegetation and a skyline of rumbling volcanoes. First up, you\u2019ll explore the Tintoreras islets, named after the \u2018Tintoreras\u2019 reef sharks that swim in the crystalline water. You\u2019ll have a chance to snorkel in the bay alongside these gentle creatures – don\u2019t be surprised if some friendly penguins, turtles or inquisitive sea lions jump in the water to join you. This afternoon, you\u2019ll bike Isabela\u2019s Wetlands Trail to uncover the island\u2019s full biodiversity, weaving through different varieties of mangrove trees amid colonies of iridescent marine iguanas and stopping off at the historic Wall of Tears where World War II prisoners were held.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Transfer to Isabela | Snorkel with sharks","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-6-4.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Sierra Negra volcano hike ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Lunar landscapes","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Fuel up at breakfast for your hike up the mighty Sierra Negra volcano, 1,000 meters above sea level. Isabela is one of the youngest islands in the Gal\u00e1pagos and this geologically active mound bears testament to its intense volcanic nature. At the top, you\u2019ll gaze out across the world\u2019s second largest caldera \u2013 a colossal crater impossible to capture in an image. Absorb spectacular views over the archipelago before continuing past lava fields and fumaroles to the rim of Volc\u00e1n Chico. The lunar landscape may look desolate but look closely and you\u2019ll spot small lizards scurrying between the rocks. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of a \u2018jaboncillo\u2019 tree before descending to the beaches of Puerto Villamil for some R&R on the sand.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Lunar landscapes","text":"

Fuel up at breakfast for your hike up the mighty Sierra Negra volcano, 1,000 meters above sea level. Isabela is one of the youngest islands in the Gal\u00e1pagos and this geologically active mound bears testament to its intense volcanic nature. At the top, you\u2019ll gaze out across the world\u2019s second largest caldera \u2013 a colossal crater impossible to capture in an image. Absorb spectacular views over the archipelago before continuing past lava fields and fumaroles to the rim of Volc\u00e1n Chico. The lunar landscape may look desolate but look closely and you\u2019ll spot small lizards scurrying between the rocks. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of a \u2018jaboncillo\u2019 tree before descending to the beaches of Puerto Villamil for some R&R on the sand.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Sierra Negra volcano hike ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-7-1.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Flight to Quito | Farewell dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Back to civilisation","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

All too soon it\u2019s time to bid farewell to these enchanted islands. You\u2019ll take an early morning speedboat back to Santa Cruz then transfer by land to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland. Arriving at your hotel in Quito by late afternoon, you\u2019ll have time to freshen up and relax before your farewell dinner tonight. Together with your group, you\u2019ve explored one of the most remote places on earth and communed with the unique creatures that call the islands home. Finish your evening in style with some Ecuadorian fusion cuisine and celebrate the end of an extraordinary adventure.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Back to civilisation","text":"

All too soon it\u2019s time to bid farewell to these enchanted islands. You\u2019ll take an early morning speedboat back to Santa Cruz then transfer by land to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland. Arriving at your hotel in Quito by late afternoon, you\u2019ll have time to freshen up and relax before your farewell dinner tonight. Together with your group, you\u2019ve explored one of the most remote places on earth and communed with the unique creatures that call the islands home. Finish your evening in style with some Ecuadorian fusion cuisine and celebrate the end of an extraordinary adventure.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Flight to Quito | Farewell dinner","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-8-2.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Quito Airport (UIO) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Adios, Ecuador","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your journey has come to an end. After breakfast, it\u2019s time to make your own way to your next destination. Not quite done with South America? Why not extend your escape with our best-selling Peru<\/a> adventure or hop over to Brazil<\/a> or Argentina<\/a> for an iconic city break? Our travel experts are ready and waiting to advise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Adios, Ecuador","text":"

Your journey has come to an end. After breakfast, it\u2019s time to make your own way to your next destination. Not quite done with South America? Why not extend your escape with our best-selling Peru<\/a> adventure or hop over to Brazil<\/a> or Argentina<\/a> for an iconic city break? Our travel experts are ready and waiting to advise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Quito Airport (UIO) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Day-9-1.jpg"],"day":9}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_USP_Kayak.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_USP_Cave-Dining-\u00a9BenjaminSadd.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_USP_Shark-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_USP_Agave-Drink.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_Thumbnail-2-e1689255804634.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1_USP_Volcano-2.jpg"],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","b","p","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1-HEADER_WED_1280x720_V2.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?","answer":"We suggest that you arrive in Quito before 2 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you whenever you arrive.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day? ","answer":"There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from your final hotel.\n"},{"question":"Are airport transfers included? ","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.\nArrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.\nWe don\u2019t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which will cost 25-30 USD.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa? ","answer":"You do not need a visa if you\u2019re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate\/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa.\nWe recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.\n"},{"question":"What fitness levels do I need for this trip? ","answer":"We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.\nOverall, this trip is moderately active with a 1.5-hour hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, as well as some shorter hikes, an easy downhill mountain bike ride and activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.\nGood footwear, such as hiking boots or lightweight runners, is essential for the volcano hike as the terrain is rocky and uneven. We also recommend bringing waterproof sandals for wet landings on the islands.\n"},{"question":"Do I need to be able to swim? ","answer":"This trip involves several water-based activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you\u2019re not comfortable with water, there\u2019s no obligation to take part and you can relax on terra firma.\n"},{"question":"Are there any luggage restrictions for the Gal\u00e1pagos flight? ","answer":"Your luggage allowance for your the Gal\u00e1pagos islands is 23 kg in the hold and 8 kg hand luggage. This applies to both the flight and the internal boat transfers.\nTo protect the vulnerable and unique habitats and wildlife on the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, visitors are not allowed to bring any plant materials or unprocessed food products. Small quantities of pre-wrapped items, such as chocolate bars, are fine.\nLuggage is checked at the airport and you\u2019ll be asked to fill out a form and given an approval label to attach to your bags.\n"},{"question":"Are park entry fees included? ","answer":"All non-resident foreign tourists to the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands pay 100 USD on arrival to help fund community and conservation work. This fee is included in the cost of your trip.\n"},{"question":"What is the accommodation like on the giant tortoise reserve? ","answer":"This is a simple but comfortable safari-style lodge in a stunning rural setting. There are six twin tents and four treehouses, which can booked as a single supplement if space allows. The lodge doesn\u2019t offer private shower facilities and there is one shower for men and one shower for women.\n"},{"question":"Will the Pack Leader be with us throughout the trip?","answer":"For this trip, you will have two different guides: one for Quito and one for the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. This is because the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park has its own certified guides. Your Quito guide will drop your group at the airport and you will be met by your second guide on arrival at Baltra Airport in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands.\u00a0\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Will this itinerary change? ","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll do our best to ensure it has little impact on your adventure. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Ecuador? ","answer":"Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and\/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety\u00a0page.\n"},{"question":"What other vaccinations and medication will I need? ","answer":"We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Casona de la Ronda, Quito","short_description":"","description":"Experience a taste of historical Ecuador in this elegant Old Town hotel. The characterful 18th-century townhouse is full of period features, from thick stone walls and chunky beams to shuttered windows and an elegant plant-draped atrium, creating a sanctuary of inner-city calm.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1-LaCasona-1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Magic Gal\u00e1pagos, Santa Cruz","short_description":"Highland campsite with doorstep access to incredible wildlife ","description":"High up in the wilderness of Santa Cruz\u2019s highlands, these raised safari tents and elevated tree houses have gorgeous ocean views. Waking up surrounded by nature, you\u2019ll share your 40-hectare private reserve with hundreds of giant tortoises who call the island home. \n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1-MagicGalapagos-2.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Iguana Crossing, Isabela","short_description":"","description":"In a dreamy location, between a pristine beach and a natural lagoon, this cutting-edge design hotel has an upscale Miami vibe. Appearing like a mirage out of Isabela\u2019s volcanic landscape, there\u2019s a huge rooftop terrace, sleek pool and hot tub \u2013 perfect for sunset cocktails.\u00a0\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/EC1-IguanaCrossing-1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/62976"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}