Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise - March and November 2024 – Heart of Travel

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Sneak Peek Trip Details

Day 1

Day 1

¡Bienvenidxs a Ecuador! Your Tour Leader will be eagerly awaiting your arrival at the airport, ready to extend a warm welcome and provide seamless transportation to Casa Gardenia, our boutique hotel in Quito. Take a moment to relax and settle into your comfortable accommodations, immersing yourself in the charming ambiance of the city. Later, join the group for a delightful welcome dinner at La Vid restaurant, a local favorite known for its fusion of Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Indulge in a culinary journey as you savor dishes crafted with care and artistic flair, supporting local farmers and small businesses. As you enjoy your meal and soak in the views of Plaza Grande, connect with your fellow travelers and Tour Leaders, setting the stage for a memorable adventure ahead.

Day 2

Day 2

Get ready for an exhilarating day starting with a ride on the TelefériQo cable car, whisking you up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. Marvel at the panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding mountains, a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe of Ecuador's natural beauty. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history of one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Stroll through the narrow streets and picturesque plazas, admiring the colonial architecture and hearing stories of the city's past from our knowledgeable guides. Take a moment to treat yourself to an "helado de paila," a traditional Ecuadorian hand-churned ice cream made with fresh tropical fruits. Delight in the flavors that have delighted Ecuadorians for centuries. As the day winds down, find tranquility at Café Mosaico, a cozy café nestled in the mountains. Savor a cup of delicious coffee while enjoying the panoramic views, reflecting on the day's experiences and immersing yourself in the beauty that surrounds you.

Day 3

Day 3

Today, prepare for a morning flight to Baltra, your gateway to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Arriving at Baltra, we'll indulge in a delightful lunch at Rancho Primicias, a local establishment known for its fresh catch of the day and refreshing squeezed juices. Energized, embark on a walk through the natural reserve, where you'll encounter the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises, gentle creatures that have become a symbol of these enchanting islands. Venture into nearby lava tunnels, marveling at the captivating formations created by ancient volcanic activity, a testament to nature's artistic prowess. Conclude the day with a visit to the Charles Darwin Station, a renowned center for conservation and scientific research. Gain insights into the efforts dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos, understanding the importance of sustainable practices and supporting the ongoing protection of this natural wonder.

Day 4

Day 4

Prepare for an unforgettable day as you embark on a breathtaking boat ride to the island of North Seymour, a haven for exotic wildlife. Immerse yourself in the captivating surroundings of dramatic rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and arid vegetation, providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring views. Witness intimate moments of courtship, breeding, and nesting behaviors as you observe the enchanting rituals of diverse bird species. From the graceful dance of blue-footed boobies to the majestic flight of magnificent frigate birds, every moment will be etched in your heart and mind. Capture incredible photographs and cherish the memories of these unique encounters, gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature.
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Ecuador

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$4,495

Deposit: $1,000

Interest-free payment plan options available!

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What's Included Image

What's Included

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  • 8 nights accommodation: Private room + bathroom inside 3-4 star boutique hotels.
  • 19 meals: Includes one beverage at each meal.
  • In-country transport: Ground, air, and water as indicated on the itinerary.
  • Entrance + guide fees: For all activities included on the itinerary.
  • 24/7 access + support: Provided by bilingual Heart of Travel Tour Leader.
  • Whatsapp Concierge Line: 24/7 support from our in-office team

Frequently Asked Questions

& our Heart-felt Answers

  • What do we mean by “Responsible Travel”?

    We define a responsible traveler as someone who takes the time to develop a basic understanding of the culture, history, language, and socio-political climate of the host country through pre-trip research and educational activities that engage them with the local community during their time in that country. In addition, the Responsible Traveler seeks to support small business development by shopping at small, locally owned businesses and supporting independent artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs through meet and greets, as well as interactive workshops, classes, and demonstrations. Finally, a Responsible Traveler strives to minimize the negative impact of their visit on the environment and always considers animal welfare when planning their itinerary.

  • What is the group size on a Heart of Travel tour? 

    Heart of Travel's small group tours are limited to between 8 and 12 people, depending on the trip. In the case of Spanish Immersion trips, we will take a maximum of 8 students/travelers. For most other Heart of Travel trips, we limit the number of students to 10, with the exception of trips during major holidays such as New Year's Eve or Día de Muertos. 

    *In the event that there is 1 space left on a trip and two people want to travel together, we may allow an 11th or 13th person on some trips.

  • Who will be my tour leader? 

    Once a trip becomes available for registration, a Heart of Travel Tour Leader will be tentatively assigned to the trip. You can find this information on the detailed itinerary available on Travefy.com or the Trip Plans mobile app. However, as our 2024 calendar continues to fill, we may need to make adjustments to the Tour Leader schedule, so Tour Leader assignments more than 4-months out from the trip’s start date are subject to change. All of our Tour Leaders are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced and share Heart of Travel's passion for transformative travel, small business development, and meaningful exchange. They are fully bilingual, first aid certified, and passionate about education, cultural immersion, and small business development in Latin America. Each of our Tour Leaders offers a unique personality, perspective, and passion to share with you during the trip. Whether it's Pam with her sommelier and mixology knowledge, Eimy's trekking experience and passion for coffee, Chiva's love of marine life and environmental conservation, or Allie’s photography skills and interest in human rights, we know you'll have a wonderful trip with each of these incredible women as your Tour Leader!

  • What does double occupancy mean?

    Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven number of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.

  • What does single occupancy mean?

    Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another trip participant. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know. 

  • How does roommate assignment work?

    If you are traveling with your partner, please let us know so we can arrange a double room with 1 bed, typically a queen or king. 

    If you are traveling with a friend, please let us know so we can room you two together in a room with 2 beds, typically 2 full beds, however, in some destinations it could be two twins. 

    If you are traveling alone but would like to be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender, please provide us with any useful information about what you’d be looking for (or not) in a roommate, as well as anything we should know about you. Light sleeper? Early riser? Night owl? Do you snore? Are you sensitive to scents and fragrances? Do you have any allergies to take into consideration? The more information we have the easier it will be for us to match you with the ideal roomie to share this exciting adventure with! 

  • What are "additional nights"?

    Oftentimes travelers desire to add on an extra night of accommodation at the beginning or end of the trip. You can book additional nights through Heart of Travel by adding them to your cart at the time of registration. Likewise, they can be added later if you are unsure of your plans at the time of enrollment. Note the price is per room, not per person.

  • Will Heart of Travel help me book my international airfare?

    Heart of Travel does not book international airfare for trip participants nor are we responsible for changes or delays in your reservation or flight. However, we will be more than happy to research and provide information on suggested flights. Simply provide us with the airport code for any airports that work for you to fly in/out of and we will be glad to take a look! 

  • I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered to?

    Heart of Travel is happy to accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences. However, in certain destinations (mostly remote rural areas or small villages) specialty options may be limited. Therefore,  while we will always find a way to accommodate you, some meals may feel a little repetitive. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements or allergies and we'll pass the information along to your Tour Leader, as well as all hotels and third-party providers. It is also a good idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language in case you find yourself eating away from the group without the Tour Leader available to assist you.

  • What will the food be like on my trip?

    Food is undeniably one of the most thrilling aspects of traveling. While you may come across some familiar dishes, the true excitement lies in encountering new, intriguing, and sometimes bizarre culinary creations from around the world. We view trying this array of new foods as a sensory adventure. When you embark on any of our Heart of Travel trips, you can expect to immerse yourself in the local cuisine in all its diverse forms. From enjoying meals at cozy local eateries known as "comedores" to indulging in elaborate multi-course feasts crafted by up-and-coming young chefs who expertly blend traditional flavors with modern techniques, food plays a central role in our travel experiences. It serves as a tangible expression of a country's culture and soul. Alongside the native delicacies of the host country, our trips also include a few opportunities to dine at restaurants that offer an international menu and cater to a variety of tastes.

  • Can I drink the tap water in the countries I visit?

    Drinking tap water isn't recommended in most of the countries we operate in but is typically fine for brushing your teeth and taking a shower. While it can be challenging, we encourage you to avoid buying plastic water bottles during your trip and instead, bring a reusable water bottle. Your Tour Leader will indicate where you can refill your bottle with safe drinking water at the hotel and will also have purified water available in the van, so if you need a refill just ask! Likewise, you can look into getting a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, such as LifeStraw.

    *In the event of Cuba, sadly the use of single-use plastic water bottles is more difficult to avoid. We will do our best to provide free refills with safe drinking water during all Cuba trips, however, if it’s not available we will provide you with individual bottles and keep you hydrated for the entire trip!

  • Do I need traveler’s insurance?

    While Heart of Travel does not require travelers to purchase insurance, we highly recommend that they do. Those who choose to purchase traveler’s insurance are responsible for arranging this on their own, though we recommend booking with Insured Nomads. Regardless, we encourage you to look for a policy that covers medical expenses, injury, death, rescue, repatriation, cancellation, and curtailment. Likewise, if you are nervous about a last-minute cancellation due to a global pandemic, a personal health issue, or any other reason then we highly recommend looking into a “Cancel for no reason” policy. We recommend you take out your insurance at the time of booking and double-check the small print to ensure it covers all activities you are involved in. 

  • What types of vaccinations or medications will I need?

    In general, US passport holders visiting most Latin American countries do not need additional vaccinations, unless they have recently traveled to a high-risk country. However, we highly recommend referring to the Heart of Travel Welcome Packet specific to your destination country for the most up-to-date information. 

    LIkewise, it is always prudent to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or a travel nurse clinic prior to your trip. They can provide personalized advice regarding any necessary precautions, such as obtaining a typhoid-fever shot, taking anti-malaria pills, or medication to mitigate altitude sickness. Your health and safety are our utmost priority, so seeking professional guidance ensures a worry-free journey.