Quito to Cusco: Galápagos & the Inca Trail

Arrival in Quito

Arrive at any time in Ecuador's high-altitude capital. At 2,850m (9,348ft), the air is thin, so the first day is best used for settling in and acclimatizing. The city sits in a long valley flanked by mountains; on a clear day, snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the colonial center.

Highlands of Santa Cruz

An early flight from the mainland brings you to the Galápagos archipelago. Upon arrival on Baltra Island, cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz. The first stop is an overland trip into the island's highlands, a lush, humid environment where Galápagos giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat. The day ends in the port town of Puerto Ayora.

Tortuga Bay & Darwin Station

A 2.5km walk along a raised path leads to Tortuga Bay, a sweep of white coral sand. The morning is for kayaking and snorkeling in the calm bay, watching for marine iguanas and sea turtles. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The station is home to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you can observe conservation efforts for giant tortoises and land iguanas.

DIY Reality Check: While Tortuga Bay is open to the public, there are no rental facilities for snorkeling equipment on its pristine sands; gear must be sourced and rented from a shop in Puerto Ayora and then carried with you along the 2.5km trail to the beach. Once there, kayaks are available but are rented by a separate vendor in an inner cove, requiring you to have enough cash on hand to pay. With no shops, restaurants, or even restrooms at the bay, a full day requires careful planning and carrying in all necessary supplies. A coordinated excursion handles the sourcing and transport of all equipment, removing the entire logistical chain of renting, carrying, and paying for gear at multiple points.