DAY 0 - Arrival

• Welcome to Ecuador!
• We recommend you plan to arrive a day or two before our adventure starts on April 15 just in case of flight delays, luggage loss and to acclimate.
• You are welcome to stay anywhere you like.

Meals: Not Included

Accommodation: Not Included

DAY 1 - Arrival to Quito

• Today you need to arrive in Quito.
• Typically flights landing in Quito arrive late in the evening.
• You will check into your hotel accommodations that are included in the trip.
• Included in your experience also is an airport pickup and drop off to our hotel.
• Get a good nights rest as tomorrow we begin our adventure.

Meals Included: None

Accommodation: Included Sanfrancisco De Quito

DAY 2 - Quito City

• We will have a group meeting in the morning. Get to know each other and our guides!
• Then we set off for the first day of our adventure!
• Today we will be exploring Quito City.
• One of our amazing activities today is the TeleferiQo - a cable car! Also known as a gondola.
• We will be heading up one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes you on a 2.5km ride (10 minutes) up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma. Once you’re at the top (a mere 4100m) we will be having our lunch. 
• After lunch we will be able to walk and hike exploring at the top of Cruz Loma!
• Our day is full of learning about the culture and history of the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Included Sanfrancisco De Quito

DAY 3 - Santa Cruz Island

• Today we will be going from the city of Quito to the first of our Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz.
• We will all board a morning flight around 11:00am.
• Our flight is around 3.5h and we arrive in the town of Baltra between 3:00pm - 4:00pm.
• Our activities for today are on the way to the airport and after we have landed.
• Today we will be exploring the Charles Darwin Station.
• A ten minute walk from the center of town, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the operational center of the international non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
• The visitor center contains exhibits dealing with climate and geography and provides insight into the evolution of flora and fauna as well as current conservation programs.
• The Darwin Station conducts research and provides technical assistance to other researchers and governmental agencies, in particular the Galapagos National Park. The results of the research are published in scientific journals, reports, and also included in interpretive displays for visitors. The Darwin Station also provides environmental education to communities and schools in Galapagos.
• Following we are going to be enjoying a private yoga session at the beautiful location of Playa la Estacion.
• Our final exploration of today will be of the Los Gemelos.
• Los Gemelos, also called Twin Craters, are found in the Santa Cruz Island highlands. Despite the name, they are not actually real craters. They are sinkholes produced by magma (lava) domes that solidified on the exterior but continued to flow on the interior, leaving large yet empty chambers that collapsed over time, resulting in a beautiful panorama that resembles two pit crates.
• A busy day concluded with dinner of your choice and a restful evening!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Included Posada del Mar Galapagos

DAY 4 - Tortuga Bay/Las Grietas

• Today we are going to have a full day of explorations!
• Starting with some swimming and snorkeling at Tortuga Bay.
• Tortuga Bay is a fabulous long stretch of white sandy beach. Home to nesting turtles and amazing underwater and on land wildlife.
• After lunch we will be going to be exploring Las Grietas.
• Taking a water taxi from the municipal pier to the pier of Finch Bay Hotel on the other side of the bay.
• From there the trail passes by lagoons, a beach, and the residential zone until reaching the cliffs of the main crevice.
• There, it is possible to observe two very distinct levels of water – fresh water at the surface and the salt water of the sea at the bottom. The crevices are a lovely place to swim.
• Dinner and the evening in town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Included Posada del Mar Galapagos

DAY 5 - Bartholomew/Santa Fe/Seymour North/Pizon

• Today we are exploring the small islands of, Bartholomew, Santa Fe, Seymour North and Pizon.
• We set off by small ferry to the uninhabited Bartholomew Island.
• Bartolomé Island was named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, a friend of Charles Darwin who served as principal surveyor and second-lieutenant aboard the HMS Beagle. Bartolomé is a barren islet in Sullivan Bay to the east of Santiago Island. Bartolomé is home to a distinctive and recognizable site of the archipelago: Pinnacle Rock. Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone, was formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano; the sea cooled the hot lava, which then exploded, only to come together and form this huge rock made up of many thin layers of basalt. Visitors to Bartolomé may recognize the island and Pinnacle Rock from the 2003 blockbuster movie “Master and Commander.”
• It is possible to see hawks, herons and finches. The sea life around the island is particularly diverse, and it includes sea lions, sea turtles, a lot of different types of fish, and white-tipped reef sharks. If we are lucky we might also get to spot a ray in the water.
• Santa Fe's rugged terrain can be explored by foot. Hiking trails take visitors through rocky landscapes and cactus forests. The island has a relatively flat surface, unlike the other Galapagos Islands.
• North Seymour offers gentle trekking to explore including the observation of seabird nesting sites. North Seymour is also one of the best marine areas in the Galapagos.
• Pinzon has rich wildlife, and common species found here include Darwin’s Finches, Galápagos Doves, Vermilion Flycatchers and Galápagos snakes. Pinzon has two of its own endemic species, the Pinzon Lava Lizard and the Pinzon Giant Tortoise. 
• Today will be filled with snorkeling and walking explorations through these islands.
• Evening dinner is enjoyed town.

- Optional activity: Scuba Diving (must be licensed and additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Included Posada del Mar Galapagos

DAY 6 - Isabela Island

• Our day begins with a 7:00am ferry to Isabela Island.
• Once we have arrived to our new Island we will head out for explorations.
• Starting with a walk from town to the Wetlands.
• The Wetlands is the name given to the area of lagoons and mangrove swamps just along the coast from Villamil.
• This is an important habitat, and is one of the only places where you can see all 4 of the native Galapagos Mangrove species. These mangroves are hugely important, not only for the wildlife they contain, but also for their help in preserving the coastline and resisting the eroding action of waves.
• Following our Wetlands walk we will be heading West of Villamil to visit a series of saltwater and brackish lagoons.
• These lagoons are home to an impressive variety of coastal and seabirds; this includes the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galapagos.
• Next visit is the Tortoise Breeding Center.
• The Tortoise Center of Isabela was completed in 1994 and houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela, we can see both hatchlings tortoises and the older breeding animals.
• Following we will enjoy lunch in town before we head out for our afternoon snorkel.
• Snorkeling will be at Las Tintoreras Islet.
• To reach Los Tuneles, a group of small islets off the coast, we must take a short dinghy ride to the small bay of completely tranquil turquoise water.
• This Islet provides habitat for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species.
• You will find dinner this evening and relax to conclude our day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Included La Laguna Galapagos Hotel

DAY 7 - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike

• Today is our full hiking day!
• We will be hiking 19kms/12miles (out and back) up the Sierra Negra Volcano.
• The Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the most impressive examples of a volcano in the archipelago.
• Its caldera measures 10 km across from north to south and 9 km from east to west, and is considered to be the second largest caldera in the world.
• We highly encourage you to take on this full day of hiking, however there is an option to turn back half way and instead fill your afternoon with snorkeling at Concha de Perla.
• The site provides incredible vistas of the volcanoes of Isabela as well as Fernandina.
• For those who complete the full hike can view a system of fumaroles, known as the Sulfur Mine. Sulfur in the form of crystals has been deposited on the fumaroles for thousands of years.
• Following our amazing hike you will have the afternoon to rest and explore at your leisure.
• Dinner back in town enjoyed before our evening of rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Included La Laguna Galapagos Hotel

DAY 8 - Minas de Azufre/bike wall of tears

• One of Galapagos's newest areas of exploration, we are going to be visiting and walking to Minas de Azufre.
• Minas de Azufre are sulpher mines. We will experience where the landscape transforms from lush vegetation to rugged lava rocks and then to deposits of whitish calcium and yellowish sulfur. A spectacular sight!
• We are going to be exploring Isabela Island by bike this afternoon!
• We will be first exploring the The Wall of Tears.
• The Wall of Tears is an interesting historical site
• The trail passes the Villamil cemetery shortly after leaving town, with tombs of the first settlers.
• About half way to the Wall, the trail passes a white sand beach with surrounding lagoons where all four species of mangroves that exist in Galapagos can be seen. The trail continues through the dry zone until reaching the Wall. A penal colony existed on Isabela from 1944 to 1959. The Wall of Tears was built by the prisoners to keep them busy. It stand 5-6 m high, 3 m wide and is approximately 100 m long. It is a testament to a period of cruelty and torture.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Included La Laguna Galapagos Hotel

DAY 9 - San Cristobal Island

• Today we will be catching a very early ferry at 6:00am to begin our transition to the Island of San Cristobal.
• Our early ferry takes us back to Santa Cruz, arriving around 9:00am.
• We have the afternoon to explore and have lunch.
• Our free time concludes around 2:00pm when we take another ferry to the Island of San Cristobal arriving around 5:30pm.
• We are free to walk through town and enjoy dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Included Cactus Hostel Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

DAY 10 - Cerro Tijeretas/Darwin Bay/Carola Beach

• We have many things to do and see today!
• First we will visit the Interpretation Center, the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center.
• This Center presents a complete and documented history of the Galapagos, its ecosystems, flora and fauna. The Center focuses primarily on the history of the archipelago, from its volcanic origins to the present.
• We follow this visit with a 1h hike to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill)
• Our hike is a trail leading off from the Interpretation Center that heads up Frigatebird Hill.
• Here it is possible to see Magnificent Frigate Birds and Great Frigate Birds in the same colony. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them.
• Our hike is going to give us vast views of the ocean and you’ll be looking down on Darwin’s Cove so keep an eye out for turtles and sea lions floating about. 
• Following will be visiting our guide, Jessica’s father's, farming house to help him with the process of recycling glass, learn how to smoke fish and enjoy a lunch there.
• Then one more beach visit today at Carola Beach.
• The beach has an extension of 300 meters approximately, the same one that is conformed by vegetation of a dry forest. A large colony of sea lions can also be observed here; among the vegetation and on the rocks you can find marine iguanas.
• Dinner during free time in town this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Included Cactus Hostel Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

DAY 11 - Isla Lobos/Yoga Carola Beach

• Today we are visiting Isla Lobos and enjoying a private group yoga session on Carola Beach!
• Lobos Island is not far from San Cristobal Island, it is found about six miles (ten kilometers) north of this.
• It is a relatively flat island, with a lot of white sand.
• The island is named after the sea lions that have made a home here, and it is unlikely that we will not see one of these creatures on our visit to Lobos Island.
• We are relaxing, relaxing and doing yoga, with a little snorkeling, on these white sandy beaches today!
• Enjoying of our final day of beach exploring with lunch on the beach.
• We will enjoy dinner at our leisure this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Included Cactus Hostel Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

DAY 12 - Kicker Rock

• Our final Island exploration!
• We are exploring via water the famous Kicker Rock.
• One of the best spots for snorkeling, Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido is an amazing rock formation near San Cristobal Island.
• This amazing landmark is located about an hour and a half to the north east of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Kicker Rock / Leon Dormido is a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rising almost 153 meters (500 feet) from the ocean.
• The erosion has given the rock its characteristic shape, which some see as a shoe, hence the name Kicker Rock. Others see it as a sleeping sea lion or Leon Dormido in Spanish.
• While we snorkel around Kicker Rock we can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and tropical fish.
• In addition to enjoying the underwater view, we can usually see blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and frigatebirds on the cliffs as well as sea lions along the shore.
• Tonight we will have a final group dinner at a special restaurant in town!

- Optional activity: Scuba Diving (must have license and is an additional cost)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Included Cactus Hostel Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

DAY 13 - Flight Back To Quito

• Farwell to Galapagos Islands as today we fly back to Quito.
• We will have the morning as free time, last minute shopping, packing and relaxing.
• We will be catching a flight back to Quito around 1:00pm.
• There is a possibility that we will be able to have an evening activity, dinner or a market visit after our flight arrives in Quito.
• We will say our farewells, share hugs and exchange social media handles from this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Checking out of hotel in the morning, no night accommodations are included in Quito for this day. 

You can book a flight home for this evening if you choose or you are welcome to stay one more night and fly home any day following.

DAY 14 - Flying Home

• Today you are free to fly home leaving Quito.
• Or maybe you are planning to extend your travels...
• Either way today is free to you as you are going on your way!

• Any accommodations for pre trip arrival and post trip stay.
• Your international flight to and from Ecuador.
• Your domestic flight from Quito to Santa Cruz Island and return from San Cristobal Island to Quito. (We can assist in booking them est. USD$500.00)
• Entrance fees to Galapagos Islands USD $120.00 (has to be paid at the airport)
• Wetsuit and snorkel rental or purchase to bring your own.
• Bringing your own additional snack foods
• 5 lunches, 12 dinners
• Spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Passport
• Travel Insurance
• Tipping to local staff
• Additional/Optional activity: Scuba Diving (must be licensed)

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Run Like A Girl Adventures Inc requires travel insurance for all of our trip participants. World Nomads Travel Insurance is for independent travelers and intrepid families. You'd rather not think about all of the things that might go wrong on your trip, but these things can and do happen.

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover your trip essentials. Even if you run out of travel insurance or leave without it, World Nomads can cover you.

GET A QUOTE HERE

Your deposit is non-refundable (in all circumstances)

Once your registration form is submitted, an invoice for your trip deposit and remaining amount will be emailed to you. (This may take a few days to receive). You are able to make partial payments on the remaining balance. Deposits are due by January 31, 2025. The remaining balance needs to be paid before 60 days from the trip start date. If you have not paid the remaining balance before 60 days of the trip start date then you are considered not coming and loose your spot on the trip. There are no refunds for any flights, activities, transportation or accommodations that have been booked holding your spot. If you have to cancel your trip for any reason there are no refunds available. All permits booked are non refundable and non transferable as they are sold on an individual basis to your passport number. If you need to cancel your within 60 days of the trip date and have not paid the final trip payment you are responsible for paying the remaining amount owed for the trip. Total Trip Cost: USD$4699.00 Deposit: USD $435.00

USD$435.00 due by January 31, 2025

- All activities listed in the itinerary are subject to change due to weather and natural occurrences, however if one activity is removed another will be in its place.
- In extreme situations the trip is subject to cancelation due to weather and natural occurrences, this falls under an "act of god" and you are able to roll over your trip deposit to another trip within one calendar year.
- Please email info@runlikeagirl.ca with any extenuating circumstances.

Please see our booking terms and policy for any additional information.