Classic Galapagos: The Natural Habitat Experience

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Easy to Moderate
Our Galapagos adventures feature a full agenda each day, with early mornings and long days filled with various activities. Activities primarily include island walks, swimming and snorkeling. Trails are often rough and uneven, crossing sharp lava fields and loose rocks and gravel. Walking over slippery rocks is sometimes necessary when stepping ashore. Passengers must be able to walk a minimum of two miles to participate in this trip, walk up and down stairs, and be able to get in and out of motorized pangas (rigid inflatable rafts), which can be very unsteady in rough water. A few wet landings, where we disembark from the panga directly into the water and walk up onto the beach, are required. Itineraries that feature a visit to Bartolome include a walk with more than 300 wooden steps to reach the viewpoint at the top of the island. Snorkeling is a big component of this trip, with excursions offered nearly every day, sometimes twice a day. While no snorkeling experience is required, prior practice is recommended, and travelers should be comfortable swimming in moderate currents, near shore and in deep water. Our Expedition Leaders will also offer instruction for those in need of additional snorkeling guidance. Travelers are not required to participate in every activity.

Elevation: Please note that our first two nights are spent either in the Otavalo region in the foothills of the Andes Mountains at elevations between 8,500–10,500 feet above sea level or in Quito at an elevation of 9,400 feet. The relative lack of oxygen at these elevations may manifest in altitude-sickness symptoms that can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea during the first few hours or days spent at elevation. Hydration and rest usually help symptoms to resolve, though participants may wish to talk with their doctor about taking along a prescription for a medication such as Diamox to better manage potential physical reactions to high altitude.

There may be no more appropriate destination on Earth for Natural Habitat's nature-loving guests than the Galapagos Islands. With rare and amiable wildlife found at every turn, the islands provide a wonderland for nature travelers, which our Expedition Leaders unveil in a warm and intimate manner. The key to the success of our Galapagos adventures is our small group size. The Letty accommodates just 20 guests and two Expedition Leaders. The Ocean Spray hold a maximum of 16 guests and two Expedition Leaders. Once we step ashore, we divide up into even smaller groups. Splitting the group also allows our guests to move at varied paces, although all guests must be able to walk over uneven terrain up to two miles, as well as disembark the panga in sometimes-rough conditions. In addition to land excursions, we have the opportunity to snorkel almost every day while in the islands. Another important and exciting element of this trip is a unique opportunity (optional, but included) to stay in the highlands of Santa Cruz at our private Tortoise Camp, with accommodations in walk-in safari-style tents and treehouses overlooking the distant Pacific Ocean. On this private land, Galapagos tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat most months of the year, and often wander right into camp.

Please note: The itinerary provided is meant as a guideline and is subject to change without notice. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to deviate from our regular itinerary for reasons beyond our control. In these instances we will provide the best available alternative.

Age Limit on Galapagos Trips

We welcome children ages 7 and older on scheduled departures. However, while some 7-year-olds are well suited for our Galapagos adventures, others may not be ready for the requirements of group travel. We believe it's best to consider this minimum age limit a guideline. You, as a parent or guardian, are best qualified to decide whether your child would enjoy the experience without compromising the comfort of others. We strongly encourage you to speak with one of our Adventure Specialists about the specific requirements of the trip so you can make an informed decision. We do not permit children younger than 7 on our scheduled departures due to safety regulations, physical limitations and concerns regarding group dynamics.

Arrival for 2018 trips: Please arrive in Quito no later than 4 pm on Day 1 in order to attend a welcome dinner at 7 pm.
Arrival for 2019 trips: Arrive in Quito any time on Day 1.
Departure: On the final day, you are free to depart from Quito after 9 pm for trips on the Letty and Ocean Spray.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.