Key Information
Itinerary
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO QUITO
Welcome to Quito, the highest capital city in the world at 2850m/9,350 ft. The historic centre of Quito is one of the largest, least-altered, and best-preserved in the Americas.
You will be welcomed at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 - GALÁPAGOS - ISABELA ISLAND
Hello Galápagos Islands!
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport ready for your flight to Baltra Island.
A guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport on Baltra Island to take you to Puerto Ayora dock where you will board a public speedboat to Puerto Villamil, on Isabela Island.
This journey lasts approximately 3 hours. Please bring with you a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, and seasickness pills just in case.
You will then be transferred to your boutique beachfront hotel.
Important Information for today – payments, permits and checks
Quito Airport – you must purchase a mandatory Transit Control Card ($20, cash only) from the Galápagos Government Council counter in the departures hall). This must be presented on your return to Quito so keep it safe!
Quito Airport – your luggage will be inspected to ensure no foreign plants or animals are introduced onto the islands.
Baltra Island Airport – entry fee to the Galápagos National Park to be paid ($200, cash only).
Puerto Villamil – $10 island entrance fee (cash only).
DAY 3 - SNORKEL AT THE LAVA TUNNELS
After breakfast (not too early), you will be collected from the hotel and taken to the marine sanctuary of Los Tuneles, near El Finado Lagoon. Assistance and round-trip transportation with an English-speaking naturalist guide are included.
You will enjoy two snorkelling experiences (snorkelling equipment provided; wetsuits are an extra charge) in contrasting environments. The fırst of these will be at the lava tunnels, formed by an eruption thousands of years ago. Here you may see adorable but critically endangered Galápagos penguins, and if you peek into the waters below, you will likely spot resting white-tip reef sharks.
The second experience will take place at El Finado Lagoon, which, due to being sheltered by mangroves, has dense brackish waters that provide a rich habitat for various species, including Pacifıc green turtles and the rarely seen Pacifıc seahorses. Take a deep breath and follow your guide to search for these animals!
During your boat ride to and from the Lava Tunnels, stay attentive to the sea around you, as schools of dolphins might make an appearance. Return to the hotel.
DAY 4 - HIKE SIERRA NEGRA - KAYAK & SNORKEL IN TINTORERAS
Today is a day of two halves.
The morning sees a quite long and strenuous, but most adventurous hike, which will let you experience dramatic scenic contrasts. The afternoon sees more snorkelling, with the opportunity to see marine iguanas.
After breakfast you will board a local chiva-ride (open truck with wooden benches) leading from Puerto Villamil to the National Park Entrance. After crossing a barren lava flow with cacti and passing a flamingo lagoon, the main dirt road leads through Isabela’s surprisingly lush agricultural highlands. While gaining altitude, no less than fıve vegetation zones will be passed!
A trail along the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano (the only major volcano on the island whose crater regions are currently open to tourists) leads to a viewpoint where you can try to grasp the incomprehensive dimensions of its caldera – the largest in the Galápagos Islands (we can’t promise clear weather but the prevailing winds mean fog usually tends to dissolve on approach). Besides this, you will also enjoy watching songbirds amid the steaming volcanic landscapes.
In the afternoon you will join a shared navigable tour to Tintoreras islet, a group of islets that protrude above the ocean. At low tide, marine life is trapped in internal pools, including penguins, light-footed crabs, and whitetip sharks (called “Tintoreras” in Spanish, giving the site its name).
At this unique site, you can watch comfortably from the shore in crystal-clear waters, close to sea turtles, graceful eagle rays, and playful sea lions. Later you’ll be able to jump into the water and snorkel to approach the animals more closely! Snorkelling equipment is provided; wetsuits are an extra charge.
On this islet you will also see the largest marine iguana species of the Galápagos, with some individuals reaching a length of 1.5 m/5 ft!
Upon completion of the tour you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation in Puerto Villamil.
DAY 5 - SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the dock of Puerto Villamil on Isabela island, to board a public speedboat to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz. This journey lasts approximately 3 hours. Please bring with you a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, and seasickness pills just in case.
On arrival, you will meet your English-speaking guide and be taken on your fırst tour in the Santa Cruz highlands. Your guide will show you the Twin Craters: impressive lava formations that appeared during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and which are now covered by rich forest. The endemic carpenter fınch, considered a holy grail of evolution, can be seen in these areas using tools to feed.
Next, you will visit an area populated by Galápagos giant tortoises. Because these magnifıcent reptiles don’t stop their migration patterns at the offıcial limits of the National Park, dozens of them also roam the island’s agricultural properties, enjoying muddy baths, devouring fallen fruits, and carrying birds on their backs. Lunch will be taken at a restaurant here.
The final stop in the afternoon is the Charles Darwin Scientifıc Research Station, named after the naturalist who developed his ‘Theory of Evolution’ on these islands. This institution works on conservation, restoration, and sustainable development to ensure the survival of the Galápagos’ ecosystems and species. Here you can learn more about conservation efforts through natural history collections.
You will then be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Important Information for today – payments, permits and checks
Puerto Ayora – $1 dock use fee (cash only)
DAY 6 - RETURN TO QUITO
After breakfast you will be transferred from your hotel in Puerto Ayora to Baltra airport, to catch your flight back to Quito.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the night, located in the countryside, near the international airport.
Important Information for today – payments, permits and checks
Quito Airport – you must show the mandatory Transit Control Card you purchased on day 2!
DAY 7 - RETURN TO UK
After breakfast, you will board a shared transfer service to Quito’s international airport for your flight home.
Food & Accommodation
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Day 1 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 2 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 3 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 4 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 5 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 6 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 7 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What's Included?
What’s Included on The Best of The Galápagos Extension
Your Galápagos extension includes everything you need for a smooth, wildlife-rich journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
All accommodation throughout the extension, based on twin or double share, including boutique hotels in Quito, Isabela Island and Santa Cruz
Airport transfers in Ecuador and the Galápagos as outlined in the itinerary
Internal flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands (Baltra)
Public speedboat transfers between Isabela Island and Santa Cruz Island
Experienced English-speaking local guides throughout the extension, including certified Galápagos naturalist guides
All included excursions and activities listed in the itinerary, including:
Snorkelling at Los Tuneles lava tunnels and El Finado Lagoon
Sierra Negra volcano hike
Kayaking and snorkelling at Tintoreras Islet
Santa Cruz Highlands tour, including Twin Craters and giant tortoise habitats
Visit to the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Station
Snorkelling equipment for included marine activities (wetsuits available locally at an additional cost)
Selected meals as specified in the itinerary
Galápagos National Park entrance fee
Full itinerary planning and coordination
Bucket List Company trip management, including pre-departure support and in-country coordination
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the The Best of The Galápagos Extension
The following items are not included in the extension cost:
International flights
Flights between the UK and Ecuador are not included.
Transit Control Card (TCT)
The mandatory Galápagos Transit Control Card must be purchased at Quito Airport (approximately $20 USD, cash only).
Local dock and island fees
Small local fees payable in cash during the trip, including:
Puerto Villamil island entrance fee (approx. $10 USD)
Puerto Ayora dock use fee (approx. $1 USD)
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover adventure travel and water-based activities. Policy details must be provided before departure.
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Any meals not specifically mentioned are not included.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities and wetsuit hire for snorkelling.
Optional activities
Any activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Tips
Tips are not included. While tipping is not obligatory, it is customary in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and a meaningful way to thank your guides, boat crews and drivers.
Tips are best given in USD.
As a guideline, we recommend budgeting $150–$200 per person for the full extension.
Tips are typically given directly to guides, boat crews and service staff at the end of the extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Hard is Mount Toubkal (Jebal Toubkal)?
Mount Toubkal is a trekking peak and requires no technical experience (unless you are doing a Winter Trek). It is certainly achievable by people in a good condition of physical fitness.
Mount Toubkal is 4167m high. You can read more about this in our article ‘How High is Mount Toubkal?’.
With Mount Toubkal being above 4000m, it is always going to be a challenge. The altitude gain on Toubkal is great, so you need to go slowly and give your body as much time to acclimatise as possible.
You can read more about this in our full article ‘How Hard is Mount Toubkal?’
How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Toubkal?
Mount Toubkal is climbable in two days and many companies offer this. The general itinerary for a Toubkal trek is to get a transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1800m) and then start your journey up to the Nelter Refuge at 3207m. You will stay overnight in the Refuge before waking early and starting your climb to the summit (4167m). It takes around 4-5 hours to get from the refuge to the summit of Jebal Toubkal. Once you have summited you head back down to the refuge, and then back to Imlil.
At The Bucket List Company we feel this altitude gain over two days adds considerable pressure. So we offer the Toubkal Trek over 4 days. The last two days of the trek are the same as above, but the first two days we head over several high passes giving your body more time to acclimatise to altitude.
When is the Best Time To Climb Mount Toubkal?
The best times to climb Mount Toubkal are April to early June and then end of September and October. These times offer the best conditions and temperatures. It is very hot during the summer months, so we always advise to avoid these times.
What Equipment Do I Need For Mount Toubkal?
What gear will you need to climb Mount Toubkal? If you are climbing during the trekking season then you will not require any specialist equipment. If you are already a regular trekker in the UK you will have everything you need for this trip.
You will need a sleeping bag, day pack, duffle bag for kit to be transported in and then your clothing to walk in.
If you are making a winter ascent of Mount Toubkal then you will also need a pair of crampons and a walking axe. You will also need some warmer clothing for the summits.
Is Mount Toubkal Safe?
After the incident in December 2018 the Moroccan government and the National Park changed the way you trek in the region. You can now only trek in the National Park with an authorised Moroccan guide and you can’t be on your own.
There are now checkpoints on the route where you have to show your passports so the authorities know who is in the National park.
The Berber people are super friendly and we have never felt unsafe in Morocco with our groups.
Can I bring my drone to Morocco?
Unfortunately, drones are prohibited in Morocco.
What are the charging facilities?
There are plug sockets in every lodge that are available to use.
Do you know how long the balloon ride typically lasts in the air?
The hot air balloon flight is for 1 hour.
Are there toilets on route?
There are no toilets along the route, but there are bathrooms in the guesthouses to use in the mornings and evenings.
What money do I take?
You can take £s and exchange it for local currency there. There are plenty of ATMs in Marrakesh.
Is there Wi-Fi?
There is Wi-Fi in the majority of the accommodations on the trek, the only place you won’t be able to get Wi-Fi will be in Tizi Oussem.
Regarding lodges on the trek, and how these are organised?
Rooms in lodges sleep 3 – 4 people, and are single-sex sharing. The refuge is large dormitories where sexes will be mixed. If a couple have booked they will be together in a quadruple, but with e.g. two other females or two other males.
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