Our Price From
US$2,028
Save up To $445
Twin Share (Per Person)
Trip Style
Basix
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GGRR
Overview
Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Galapagos Discovery. Take in the highlights of the unique flora- and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this eight-day adventure. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. We’ll show you the best islands, coves and natural wonders, and give you plenty of time to explore (with local advice!) so you can spend your time the way you want. Snorkel read more with sea lions, swim with sea turtles and relax in paradise.
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not explore the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street, or wander through the historic centre? Visit sites like the Parque de la Alameda, San Francisco Square, and the lavish La Companie de Jesus. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early to explore further beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest. After the welcome meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.
Transfer to the airport and board your flight around midday (an Intrepid representative will provide detailed flight times on the evening of Day 1 during the welcome meeting). Arrive in Isla San Cristobal and meet your leader at the arrivals lounge. Meet the travellers who began their journey in the Galapagos Islands and get straight into it with a visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn about the human and natural history of the archipelago. Afterwards, go for your first snorkel at Tijeretas, a small cove where you can swim with sea turtles, rays, and sea lions!
Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal. You may also like to take an optional boat ride to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos – one of the most recommended activities. You'll be able to observe the famous Galapagos marine life along the way as well as the opportunity to go snorkelling with sea turtles, eagle rays and the harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. (B)
Early in the morning, take a 2. 5-hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz. On arrival, have breakfast and settle into the hotel before a mid-morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat. (B)
Today you’ll travel to Isla Isabela where you’ll check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast. The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. You have a free day here to explore at your own pace. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguana's nest. (B)
Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program of this unique species. Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between 5—6 hours, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. (B)
Travel back to Santa Cruz in the morning and enjoy some free time. Consider taking part in some of the optional activities available, such as an excursion to Tortuga Bay, an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas and birds or swim with harmless sharks in an alcove.
After lunch (own expense), jump on a boat to La Loberia where you can swim in the waters that the area’s sea lions call home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas, the only sea-going lizard in the world that lives in these volcanic landscapes. (B)
After lunch (own expense), jump on a boat to La Loberia where you can swim in the waters that the area’s sea lions call home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas, the only sea-going lizard in the world that lives in these volcanic landscapes. (B)
Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader before taking a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where a representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhaps head out for a final dinner with your group.
This morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time, though we recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. Not far from the capital, there are volcanoes, hot springs, Indigenous markets, and much more to explore. If you would like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent to organize additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Trip Inclusions
- Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an epic hike, then cool off with a swim in the perfect waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
- Many come to Isla Santa Cruz just for the giant tortoises. Get up close and personal with these enormous animals as they drag themselves through the sand.
- Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This dinosaur-like little creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
- Birdwatching at the Galapagos is quite an experience. Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
- This trip combines plenty of must-try activities and islands with generous mounts of free time, so you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.
- Hotel (8 nights)
- 5 Breakfasts included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Trip Style: Basix
Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget. Using simple, clean and centrally located accommodation (typically with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating), local transport where we can, along with plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Galapagos Discovery' Reviews
Galapagos Discovery 0
Vicki and Ian, QLD, Australia, May 2025
Galapagos certainly didn’t disappoint with an abundance of marine life on the islands. The tour itself was OK, guide had little interest in the job and the guests. Probably best to just do 2 islands rather than 3, a few very early days to move around the islands.
Good Galapagos Tour but Guides could be better 2
Greg & Julie, QLD, Australia, Dec 2018
Seeing all the unique animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins etc was fantastic. The tour was well organised and run fairly smoothly. However, our various daily guides could have been more enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They showed us everything we expected (except the volcano on Isabella) and provided basic information. Some friends read more on a similar tour with a different company had guides who were genuinely interested and excited to be talking about "their" home and its animals, as well as stories and details about the history of the islands and the culture. We enjoyed the trip, but they had a great "experience"! Our tour also needed to offer more optional excursions. We had too many "free half days" with nothing really offered to fill the time, yet we found out later there could have been various activities available.
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Definite Departures
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Thursday
12 Feb 2026
12 Feb 26
Quito
Friday
20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 26
Quito
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,725
US$2,280
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Thursday
26 Feb 2026
26 Feb 26
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Friday
06 Mar 2026
06 Mar 26
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Thursday
19 Mar 2026
19 Mar 26
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Friday
27 Mar 2026
27 Mar 26
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Was: $2,420
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Thursday
02 Apr 2026
02 Apr 26
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Friday
10 Apr 2026
10 Apr 26
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Was: $2,700
US$2,259
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Thursday
09 Apr 2026
09 Apr 26
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Friday
17 Apr 2026
17 Apr 26
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US$2,169
Save $421
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Thursday
23 Apr 2026
23 Apr 26
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Friday
01 May 2026
01 May 26
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Thursday
30 Apr 2026
30 Apr 26
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Friday
08 May 2026
08 May 26
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Thursday
14 May 2026
14 May 26
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Friday
22 May 2026
22 May 26
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Thursday
11 Jun 2026
11 Jun 26
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Friday
19 Jun 2026
19 Jun 26
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Was: $2,550
US$2,136
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Thursday
02 Jul 2026
02 Jul 26
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Friday
10 Jul 2026
10 Jul 26
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Was: $2,590
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Thursday
16 Jul 2026
16 Jul 26
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Friday
24 Jul 2026
24 Jul 26
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Thursday
30 Jul 2026
30 Jul 26
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Friday
07 Aug 2026
07 Aug 26
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Thursday
13 Aug 2026
13 Aug 26
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Friday
21 Aug 2026
21 Aug 26
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Was: $2,480
US$2,078
Save $402
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Thursday
20 Aug 2026
20 Aug 26
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Friday
28 Aug 2026
28 Aug 26
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Thursday
03 Sep 2026
03 Sep 26
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Friday
11 Sep 2026
11 Sep 26
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Thursday
17 Sep 2026
17 Sep 26
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Friday
25 Sep 2026
25 Sep 26
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Save $392
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Thursday
01 Oct 2026
01 Oct 26
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Friday
09 Oct 2026
09 Oct 26
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Was: $2,480
US$2,078
Save $402
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Thursday
15 Oct 2026
15 Oct 26
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Friday
23 Oct 2026
23 Oct 26
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,480
US$2,078
Save $402
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Thursday
05 Nov 2026
05 Nov 26
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Friday
13 Nov 2026
13 Nov 26
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,480
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Save $402
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Thursday
12 Nov 2026
12 Nov 26
Quito
Friday
20 Nov 2026
20 Nov 26
Quito
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Was: $2,480
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Save $402
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Thursday
26 Nov 2026
26 Nov 26
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Friday
04 Dec 2026
04 Dec 26
Quito
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Was: $2,550
US$2,136
Save $414
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Thursday
03 Dec 2026
03 Dec 26
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Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
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US$2,136
Save $414
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Thursday
17 Dec 2026
17 Dec 26
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Friday
25 Dec 2026
25 Dec 26
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Was: $2,550
US$2,473
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Thursday
31 Dec 2026
31 Dec 26
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Friday
08 Jan 2027
08 Jan 27
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Thursday
21 Jan 2027
21 Jan 27
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Friday
29 Jan 2027
29 Jan 27
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Was: $2,635
US$2,556
Save $79
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Thursday
04 Feb 2027
04 Feb 27
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Friday
12 Feb 2027
12 Feb 27
Quito
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Was: $2,565
US$2,488
Save $77
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Thursday
25 Feb 2027
25 Feb 27
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Friday
05 Mar 2027
05 Mar 27
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Thursday
18 Mar 2027
18 Mar 27
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Friday
26 Mar 2027
26 Mar 27
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Thursday
01 Apr 2027
01 Apr 27
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Friday
09 Apr 2027
09 Apr 27
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Thursday
15 Apr 2027
15 Apr 27
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Friday
23 Apr 2027
23 Apr 27
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Thursday
29 Apr 2027
29 Apr 27
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Friday
07 May 2027
07 May 27
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Thursday
13 May 2027
13 May 27
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Friday
21 May 2027
21 May 27
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,565
US$2,488
Save $77
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Thursday
27 May 2027
27 May 27
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Friday
04 Jun 2027
04 Jun 27
Quito
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
Save $75
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Thursday
10 Jun 2027
10 Jun 27
Quito
Friday
18 Jun 2027
18 Jun 27
Quito
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
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Thursday
01 Jul 2027
01 Jul 27
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Friday
09 Jul 2027
09 Jul 27
Quito
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
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Thursday
15 Jul 2027
15 Jul 27
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Friday
23 Jul 2027
23 Jul 27
Quito
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
Save $75
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Thursday
29 Jul 2027
29 Jul 27
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Friday
06 Aug 2027
06 Aug 27
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
Save $75
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Thursday
12 Aug 2027
12 Aug 27
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Friday
20 Aug 2027
20 Aug 27
Quito
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Definite Departure
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Was: $2,500
US$2,425
Save $75
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Thursday
26 Aug 2027
26 Aug 27
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Friday
03 Sep 2027
03 Sep 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
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Was: $2,565
US$2,488
Save $77
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Thursday
09 Sep 2027
09 Sep 27
Quito
Friday
17 Sep 2027
17 Sep 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
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Was: $2,565
US$2,488
Save $77
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Thursday
23 Sep 2027
23 Sep 27
Quito
Friday
01 Oct 2027
01 Oct 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,565
US$2,488
Save $77
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Thursday
30 Sep 2027
30 Sep 27
Quito
Friday
08 Oct 2027
08 Oct 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,635
US$2,556
Save $79
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Thursday
14 Oct 2027
14 Oct 27
Quito
Friday
22 Oct 2027
22 Oct 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,635
US$2,556
Save $79
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Thursday
04 Nov 2027
04 Nov 27
Quito
Friday
12 Nov 2027
12 Nov 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,675
US$2,595
Save $80
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Thursday
11 Nov 2027
11 Nov 27
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Friday
19 Nov 2027
19 Nov 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,675
US$2,595
Save $80
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Thursday
25 Nov 2027
25 Nov 27
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Friday
03 Dec 2027
03 Dec 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
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Was: $2,675
US$2,595
Save $80
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Thursday
09 Dec 2027
09 Dec 27
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Friday
17 Dec 2027
17 Dec 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
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Was: $2,675
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Thursday
23 Dec 2027
23 Dec 27
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Friday
31 Dec 2027
31 Dec 27
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
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Was: $2,635
US$2,556
Save $79
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Thursday
30 Dec 2027
30 Dec 27
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Friday
07 Jan 2028
07 Jan 28
Quito
Details
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US$2,556
Save $79
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
