Voyage of the Galápagos Islands: An Intimate Charter

October 28 - November 7, 2026

This 11-day, small group tour of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands will host only 14 travelers. Together we'll explore waterfalls and volcanoes, stay in the Andes mountains with amazing scenic views of South America's volcanoes, and learn how to make local empanadas in the UNESCO heritage city of Quito. Then spend 5 immersive days aboard a luxurious yacht as we sail the most biodiverse place on earth where each day offers guided hikes, snorkeling, and zodiac boat rides. All tour meals included!

Price

Double $8,999 | Single $11,999

*land only pricing available

Inclusions

Roundtrip international flights from the United States (MIA)
All meals included (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Bottled water
Wifi on the M/C Seaman Journey
M/C Seaman Journey Crew Tips
Local Ecuadorian Tour Director
Highest Travel Tour Director

Call 262-207-4668 to book

Day 1/2

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador!

After your overnight flight, travel through the heart of Quito, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural richness and preserved architecture. Our evening stay will be at Illa Experience Hotel, a beautifully restored colonial mansion located in the heart of the historic district. It will serve as our home away from home as we enjoy the elegant ambiance of the city. This evening, dine together as a small group and celebrate our first day in Ecuador. D

Day 3

Tour of Quito / Empanada Cooking Class

Today you will embark on a tour of Quito, a full-day experience that awakens all five senses through the city’s flavors, history, and creativity. Highlights include Santa Clara Market, La Ronda’s artisanal workshops, the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, and a fine Ecuadorian chocolate tasting. In addition, travelers will enjoy a hands-on empanada cooking class from a local Ecuadorian. Once our tour of this UNESCO city is over, we'll enjoy dinner and settle back into our historic Quito hotel where you may wish to take a dip in their exquisite pool. B, L, D

Day 4

Avenue of the Volcanoes / Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast, depart south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest volcanoes. The drive reveals breathtaking scenery, with herds of wild horses and paramo grasslands. Inside the park, visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you can observe Andean gulls, ducks, and wildflowers. If desired, travelers can hike higher for spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Tonight we stay in a cozy hacienda at the very special Hacienda El Porvenir. This property is situated on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano where you can enjoy a warm drink by the fireplace and look out at the scenery. B, L, D

Day 5

Baños / Pailón del Diablo Waterfall

Today’s adventure takes you through the scenic Andes mountains toward Baños, a charming town surrounded by South America's most stunning waterfalls and volcanoes. Together we'll discover the famous Route of the Waterfalls, including the spectacular Pailón del Diablo. This nearly 300 foot waterfall will fill the air with mist and rainbows as we get up close and personal. Enjoy the lush nature that makes Baños one of Ecuador’s most beloved destinations with an overnight at Samari Spa Resort, a luxurious and immersive boutique resort famous for its carved wood, stained glass, and wrought iron. B, L, D

Day 6

Swing at the End of the World / Tungurahua Volcano / Quito

This morning after breakfast, we learn why Baños is called the Adventure Capital of Ecuador with a visit to the iconic Swing at the End of the World. This area offers sweeping panoramic views of Tungurahua Volcano and the surrounding valley. Take in the scenery with a walk or lean into your adventurous side with a causal swing at "the end of the world". We'll then explore the vibrant town center and savor a local lunch before heading back to Quito in the afternoon, enjoying the impressive Andean scenery along the way. B, L, D

Day 7

Fly to Galápagos Islands / MC Seaman Journey

Today we embark on our included flight from Quito to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival to San Cristobal, you'll step aboard the MC Seaman Journey for a 5 day expedition. This first-class catamaran offers an intimate experience with spacious cabins, gourmet dining, luxury design, and exceptional service. During your cruise, we'll traverse multiple legendary islands to observe iconic wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, penguins, and sea lions. Each day in the Galápagos includes guided walks, snorkeling, kayaking, and zodiac rides to get an immersive look at the most biodiverse place on Earth. B, L, D

Day 8

San Cristobal Island / Lobos Island

This morning after a delicious breakfast featuring local ingredients, our small group will explore Punta Pitt on the eastern side of San Cristobal. Spend time walking the one mile trail on the island and marvel at the scenery that looks like something out of a science fiction movie. Then savor lunch aboard our gorgeous ship while we sail to nearby Lobos Island. Here we'll watch the plethora of sea lions as their brown fur stands out against the white sand. Cap off the day with an optional snorkel in Lobos' protected channel to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat. B, L, D

Day 9

Española Island / Suarez Point

Another great morning in the Galápagos starts as we sail our luxury catamaran to a new island. Located on the north-eastern coast of Española, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, and even kayaking, along with the opportunity to observe more sea lions. At this location, you can look for three famous species of Darwin finches: the large-billed cactus finch, the small-beaked ground finch, and the singing finch. Then it's off to Suarez Point for wonderful photos of the National Park cliffs. The famous attraction we'll see is the magnificent blowhole, which spurts water high into the air at heights of 160 to 240 feet. B, L, D

Day 10

Cormorant Point / Post Office Bay

Cormorant Point offers the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos and it’s situated between two tuff lava cones. Together we'll savor a bucket-list experience watching the vibrant flamingos along with other migratory birds while walking this special island. Also, learn about "The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral. Then sail to Champion Island, a great place to enjoy snorkeling due to the nearby coral reef. Finish the day at Post Office Bay, the quirky location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since by mariners and tourists as a "post office". B, L, D

Day 11

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center / Farewell Galápagos Islands

After one more treasured breakfast in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galápagos Islands, our group will visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Galapagos National Park if our flight time allows. Here you can see tortoises and learn about Lonesome George tortoise, the rarest creature in the world before his passing in 2012. Afterwards, bid farewell as we take our group flight back to Quito where the evening will be filled with smiles as we discuss our many Galápagos memories. This will be our last group dinner with the 14 of us! Then it's off to bed as we prepare for tomorrow's flight back the United States. B, L, D

Day 12

Travel Home

Today after breakfast, we travel home to the United States with new lifelong friends and unforgettable memories of this bucket-list trip to the Galápagos Islands. B

October 28 - November 7, 2026

Depart/Return

MIA Airport (Miami, FL)

Accommodations

Nights 2-3: Illa Experience Hotel

This luxurious boutique property set in a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion in Quito’s San Marcos district offers guests a refined immersion into the city’s culture. The hotel features stylish, individually designed rooms with premium bedding, air conditioning, soundproofing, and designer toiletries. Travelers can enjoy a heated swimming pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace with city views, and an art gallery.

Nights 4: Hacienda El Porvenir

Surrounded by four volcanoes, this hacienda offers guests an authentic Andean experience in a traditional farmhouse built with local materials and arranged around a scenic courtyard. As a working ranch dedicated to sustainable agriculture, Hacienda El Porvenir produces its own milk, cheese, and fresh vegetables for the on-site breakfast.

Night 5: Samari Spa Resort

Samari Spa Resort is a 4 hectare ranch with beautiful gardens and 300 years of history. It formerly belonged to the Jesuit community and is located in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, offering some of the most charming accommodations in the country. The mountainside resort boasts a sauna, Turkish steam baths, and a beautiful indoor pool along with a bar, wine cellar, and an onsite restaurant serving gourmet Ecuadorian and international cuisine with organic ingredients sourced from the property’s own gardens.

Night 6: Illa Experience Hotel

Nights 7-10: M/C Seaman Journey

The M/C Seaman Journey is a first-class catamaran offering us an intimate Galápagos cruise experience. Each of its spacious staterooms features large ocean-view windows, air conditioning, and local food grown from a farm in the Galápagos Islands. Travelers can also enjoy the cozy lounge and well-stocked book nook, as well as multiple sun decks - perfect for relaxing or taking in the island views. Onboard highlights include attentive service from a dedicated crew, and a variety of daily excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, guided hikes, and zodiac rides led by expert naturalist guides.

Night 11: Wyndham Quito Airport

Location, location, location. This hotel is conveniently location near the airport for our morning departure. The hotel offers soundproof rooms with premium bedding, blackout drapes, air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and toiletries. Guests can enjoy a relaxing indoor pool with loungers, a well-equipped fitness center, and a full-service spa featuring a sauna, steam room, massage services, and a hot tub.

Elevation Note

Elevations on this tour reach over 9,000 feet. It's important to hydrate well with water in the days leading up to your trip. Please consult your doctor for any health questions.

Why We've Selected This Tour Date

Early November is a great time to sail the Galapagos Islands because the weather is generally cool and dry with warm temperatures around 80°F, making trekking and outdoor activities comfortable without excessive heat. The seas are also calmer compared to previous months, and the water temperature begins to rise, making snorkeling and diving pleasant with productive nutrient-rich waters supporting diverse marine life. High wildlife is another reason we've selected early November as sea lion pups are playful and often interact with snorkelers, sea turtles begin their courtship, and many bird species are nesting or preparing for fledging.

Call 262-207-4668 to book