Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands

Lying 1000 kilometres (600 miles) off Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, the Galapagos Islands emerged approximately five million years ago as a result of violent volcanic action. The archipelago now consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller ones, and scores of islets that are all part of Ecuador’s National Park system.

Why visit The Galapagos Islands ?

Go snorkelling with the cheeky & enchanting sea lions
See the baby Giant Tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Stare out at the other magical islands from your infinity pool
Send an unstamped postcard from Post Office Bay on Floreana Island
Kayak with sea turtles around Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island

In 1835, the naturalist Charles Darwin visited the islands and discovered this ‘living laboratory’ which inspired his writings on the theory of evolution. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into different species from their continental relatives, and because they have never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans. In fact, when Darwin published his book ‘The Origin Of The Species’, the nineteenth-century thinkers confirmed long held suspicions that species were not immutable and praised the archipelago as a living laboratory, which has become the greatest observatory of the process of evolution.

The best way to visit the islands is to join a cruise, many of which last for 7 nights, although it is possible to join a shorter cruise on selected boats. There is a wide variety of vessels, ranging from the small motor yachts with just a few cabins to much larger boats. The cruises offer daily land and water based activities led by extremely knowledgeable naturalist guides, including on-board lectures, hikes on the various islands and snorkelling as well as plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views from aboard your luxury yacht.

For those who prefer to be on terra firma, it is also possible to stay at one of the hotels and enjoy daily water and land based activities arranged by the hotels.

Finch Bay Hotel

Galapagos Safari Camp

Grace

Isabella II

Letty

MV Evolution

MV La Pinta

MV Origin

MV Theory

Ocean Spray

Petrel

Pikaia Lodge

LOCATION

ECUADOR KEY INFO

Visa

No Visa is required for UK passport holders.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Time Difference

GMT - 5 Hours

Flight Time

13.5 hours with one stop

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"Many thanks indeed. Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming and all our connections etc went smoothly. Highlights included white water rafting, zip wires, releasing new-born turtles into the sea, being in a boat amongst 200 dolphins, riding on beaches... Children and parents ticked off many from our “must do things in our lives” list. In terms of lodges, would rank Pacuare and Lapa Rios equal first. Quite different, but both outstanding in terms of people, location, set up, activities, comfort etc. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J. & A. Family - Costa Rica: December
"Thank you so so much for including me in your adventure... Salt cathedrals, courtyard lunches, llamas, steak, Botero, humming birds, treks, cool pools, birthdays and lovely pressies, snorkelling, eating, drinking, music, bars with pools, boganvilla, large breakfasts, history, balconies and wooden windows, cocktails at sunset with humid sea breeze, Carribean ocean, ceviche, convents, markets, views, avocado, music, street acrobats... warmth in people, temperature and friendships. The list is endless... It was wonderful. Thank you."
Mrs S. Crawford - Colombia: November
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures! We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch H xx"
M. Party – Peru: August 2016
"We have had a marvellous holiday! All the arrangements ran smoothly, the itinerary was just what we wanted and the guides, without exception, were fantastic. The hotels were very good too. The guides exceeded our expectations in terms of punctuality, courtesy and attentiveness. We have so many amazing memories and everyone agreed that it was one of the best holidays ever! Special highlights (and there were many) included Condors at Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu and the Galapagos. Thank you for all your help in making the arrangements".
The M. Party - South America: June
"We had the most fabulous time at the bottom of the world. We believed it would be good but in fact it turned out to be one of the best adventures ever. All of our arrangements rolled as planned and we felt very well cared for. Our guides were superb. Their English was excellent and they were good company."
Eileen & Jane - Chile & Argentina
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures and it was a very good balance between being busy and having time to relax. We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch"
Margerrison Party - Peru
"Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming. Your partner on the ground was efficient and good. And all our connections etc went smoothly. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J&A - Costa Rica