What to do and see in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: The Best Cultural Tours

March 4, 2022 Esmeralda Fenner

How often do you get the chance to walk through a tunnel of lava? Created by the flowing and cooling process of liquid magma, the underground lava tubes of Santa Cruz are simply breathtaking. The most popular is the Tunnel of Love, so named for the heart-shaped hole in the ceiling. Cool down with a splash in the fresh waters of Puerto Ayora, snorkel at Tortuga Bay or the mangrove-lined Garrapatero Beach and get friendly with the giant natives at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz

1. 9-Day Colonial Quito & Galapagos Island Hopping

Rebecca Adventure Travel
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With this tour you'll enjoy a unique experience of the Galapagos islands, the way we see them: as locals. With this 9 day program your whole trip is arranged, from your Quito airport pick up up to your Quito airport drop off. Flights from and to the Galapagos Islands are included. You stay in tourist – tourist superior class hotel in Quito and the Galapagos and tours and activities are included as well. After 9 days you will have had a great experience at the Galapagos Islands with the highlights of the Colonial capital of Quito.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos Islands, Accommodation in double/single private room at standard tourist class hotels, Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking), Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest, Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary, Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra airport at your arrival/departure time, Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel, 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish

Exclusions: Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park., Migratory Control Card / INGALA Transit Card $ 20 p.p. cash only, Isabela dock fee $ 10 p.p. cash only, Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back), For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November) , Optional tips for the guide, Personal travel & health insurance

Reviewed By mbennaton

We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!

2. 8-Day Tour of Galapagos and Quito Including Hotels and Transfers

Nature Galapagos & Ecuador
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Take an 8 day trip to Ecuador including Galapagos Islands and a day trip in Quito City.  Start your journey with a visit the Old town Quito, step into the beautiful colonial churches and submerge into its history and classic art. Enjoy an amazing 360- degree view for Panecillo Hill. Get ready for a 5-day land tour visiting Galapagos Islands in Santa Cruz and Isabela. Visit the Giant Tortoise, see wild sea lions, and get enchanted with Galapagos most iconic wildlife and landscapes.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, 3 nights accommodations in double room sin hotel in Quito, 4 nights accommodation in selected class hotels in Galápagos, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunchs, 4 dinners in Galapagos, 2 breakfasts on Quito, Trasfers from Quito Airpot – Hotel – Quito Airport (Days 1, 3, 7 and 8), All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos during the program, Bilingual naturalist guides for Galapagos, Excursions and visits during the program as shown in the itinerary, Snorkel equipment for Galapagos as specified by the itinerary, Transfer-in and out from Baltra Airport (by truck or by bus depending on group size), Transfer Puerto Ayora – Isabela – Puerto Ayora by public speedboat

Exclusions: Air Tickets to/from Ecuador and Galapagos, Lunch nor Dinner in Quito, Entrance to Inti Ñan Museum and Mitad del Mundo Monument in Quito, Galapagos National Park Entry Fee – USD$100, Isabela Dock Fee – USD$5, Migratory Control Card for Galapagos– USD$20, Water taxi from dock – speedboat – USD$1 per person/per ride, Soft-drinks and alcoholic beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By C3923YMchristinaf

I cannot stress enough how flawless this experience was. The communication before, during and after the trip was amazing. I traveled during the pandemic as a solo female traveler and had zero concerns. From the airlines to guides, to transfers, to the food and excursions. Snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife galore! Every step of the way everything was handled safely and responsibly. Animals everywhere and minimal people. Just what I needed! There literally could not be a better time to travel to the Galapagos. Nothing was ruined, canceled or impacted. I am so glad I moved forward with my trip and I highly encourage others to do the same. Do not hesitate. Book the trip!!! I will use this company again to plan an Amazon vacation.

3. 6-Days Quito & Galapagos Basic

Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito Tababela S/N - Via, Quito 170907, Ecuador Gray Line Tours Ecuador

Visit the largest and best preserved Historic Center of South America, live the traditional trades and experience the culture of the most touristic city of Ecuador. Admire one of the best places of interest and wildlife in the Galapagos Islands with this yacht tour. Visit Tortuga Bay Beach, La Lobería, Canal del Amor and Playa de los Perros. See sea lions, marine iguanas, reef sharks and many more exotic marine animals.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 nights’ accommodation in Quito, 3 nights’ accommodation in Galápagos (Puerto Ayora) , The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley + Authentic Middle of the World Tour, Transfer Baltra / hotel in Puerto Ayora, visiting the highland part of Santa Cruz Island (Includes lava Tunnels and a turtle reserve) + Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station. (Transfer operates daily at 13h00). **It will be possible to operate transfers without visits at the following times: 10h00 and 15h00*, Transfer hotel / airport with a stop at Los Gemelos craters. (Transfer operates daily at 07h00, 09h00 and 12h00), Transfer airport / hotel in Quito, Excursion to Tortuga Beach & Bay Tour

Exclusions: Airfare to Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Tax (USD 100), Galapagos Transit Tourist Card (USD 20), In Quito, Municipal tax of US$ 2,75 per room per night is not included. Passengers must pay directly., Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By F5878SXjamieg

This trip was amazing! The day was packed full of adventuring, learning, and driving through the country...there was never a dull moment! The guide was very knowledgeable about everything from the flora and fauna to the history of the areas visited AND was able to explain in English as well! I’d recommend this trip to anyone looking for a tour of Cotopaxi and/or Quilatoa.

4. 7-Day Quito, Galápagos & Guayaquil

Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito Tababela S/N - Via, Quito 170907, Ecuador Gray Line Tours Ecuador

Enjoy this 7-day tour including 2 nights in Quito, 3 nights in Galapagos Islands and 1 night in Guayaquil.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 nights’ accommodation in Quito, 3 nights’ accommodation in Galápagos (Puerto Ayora) , The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley + Authentic Middle of the World Tour, Transfer Baltra / hotel in Puerto Ayora, visiting the highland part of Santa Cruz Island (Includes lava Tunnels and a turtle reserve) + Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station. (Transfer operates daily at 13h00). **It will be possible to operate transfers without visits at the following times: 10h00 and 15h00*, Transfer hotel / airport with a stop at Los Gemelos craters. (Transfer operates daily at 07h00, 09h00 and 12h00), Transfer airport / hotel / airport in Quito, Excursion to Tortuga Beach & Bay Tour, 1 night accommodation in Guayaquil, Full day Excursion in yacht, Transfer airport / hotel / airport in Guayaquil

Exclusions: Airfare to Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Tax (USD 100), Galapagos Transit Tourist Card (USD 20), In Quito, Municipal tax of US$ 2,75 per room per night is not included. Passengers must pay directly., Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Airfare to Guayaquil, In Guayaquil, Municipal tax of US$ 2,50 per room per night is not included....

Reviewed By F5878SXjamieg

This trip was amazing! The day was packed full of adventuring, learning, and driving through the country...there was never a dull moment! The guide was very knowledgeable about everything from the flora and fauna to the history of the areas visited AND was able to explain in English as well! I’d recommend this trip to anyone looking for a tour of Cotopaxi and/or Quilatoa.

5. 12-Days Andes, Coast & Galápagos from Quito

Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito Tababela S/N - Via, Quito 170907, Ecuador Gray Line Tours Ecuador

Enjoy Quito and its environs, Equatorial Monument, Otavalo market and meet Cuenca, Guayaquil and the wonderfulll Galapagos Islands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 3 night's accommodation in Quito, The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley + Authentic Middle of the World Tour , Otavalo Indigenous Market, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Tour, Cotopaxi + Quilotoa Ful Day Tour with 1 night of lodging at Riobamba, Traslado Riobamba / Cuenca, visiting the Ingapirca Ruins, 2 night's accommodation in Cuenca, City tour Cuenca, Transfer Cuenca / Guayaquil , 2 night's accommodation in Guayaquil, City tour Guayaquil, Transfer Hotel – Guayaquil Airport, Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, 3 night's accommodation in Galápagos (Santa Cruz Island) , Tortuga Bay and Tour de Bahia, Full-day yacht tours with lunch (Bartolome, Plazas, Seymour or Santa Fe), Hotel Taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Airfare to Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Tax (USD 100), Galapagos Transit Tourist Card (USD 20)

Reviewed By F5878SXjamieg

This trip was amazing! The day was packed full of adventuring, learning, and driving through the country...there was never a dull moment! The guide was very knowledgeable about everything from the flora and fauna to the history of the areas visited AND was able to explain in English as well! I’d recommend this trip to anyone looking for a tour of Cotopaxi and/or Quilatoa.

6. 12-Days Andes, Coast & Galápagos (from Guayaquil)

Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín De Olmedo, Av. de las Américas, Guayaquil 090513, Ecuador Gray Line Ecuador

Enjoy Quito and its environs, Equatorial Monument, Otavalo market and meet Cuenca, Guayaquil and the wonderfulll Galapagos Islands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 night's accommodation in Cuenca, 2 night's accommodation in Guayaquil, 3 night's accommodation in Galápagos (Santa Cruz Island) , 3 night's accommodation in Quito, Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, City tour Guayaquil, City tour Cuenca, The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley + Authentic Middle of the World Tour , Full-day yacht tours with lunch (Bartolome, Plazas, Seymour or Santa Fe), Hotel Taxes, Otavalo Indigenous Market, Cotacachi & Cuicocha Tour, Transfer Cuenca / Guayaquil , Tortuga Bay and Tour de Bahia, Traslado Riobamba / Cuenca, visiting the Ingapirca Ruins, Transfer Hotel – Guayaquil Airport, Cotopaxi + Quilotoa Ful Day Tour with 1 night of lodging at Riobamba

Exclusions: Airfare to Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Tax (USD 100), Galapagos Transit Tourist Card (USD 20), Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By lenad607

Angel the tour guide did a great job in introducing the city to us. We enjoyed the tour a lot. Highly recommended.

7. Tour Quito and Galapagos 6 days / 5 nights

Quito

In this complete program we will enjoy the colonial art of the city of Quito, the fun of visiting the Middle City of the World and trying certain activities that can only be done in the Center of the Planet !! Then we will travel to one of the most spectacular places on the Planet "The Majestic Galapagos Islands", where we can observe giant tortoises, marine iguanas, swim with sea lions, blue footed boobies, penguins, flamingos, among many more species. An unforgettable adventure!!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast

Exclusions: Flight tickets, lunch and dinners, guide for transfer out, tips and personal expenses., Non specified services., Entrance to the Galapagos National Park ($100 adult), Migratory transit card ($20), public transport fee.

8. Tour Quito + Galapagos + Guayaquil / 7 day tour

Quito

This captivating program begins in Quito city, where we will visit the world-famous Colonial Center. We will also visit the striking Middle of the World. The next day we will go to one of the last paradises on the planet the wonderful “Galapagos Islands”, here we will enjoy the presence of Giant Turtles in Ranches and to the Charles Darwin Station, in addition to this, we will swim in beautiful beaches of crystalline waters, accompanied by baby sea lions, sea turtles and iguanas. To end our program, we will fly back to Guayaquil (flight ticket not included), where the charming Las Peñas Neighborhood is located, the modern Malecon 2000 with the magnificent statues of Bolivar and San Martin, where we will have an impressive view of Rio Guayas. (You can book this additional visit with us). Explore Ecuador and its natural wonders !!!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation, transfers, guide, boat tours.

Exclusions: Flight tickets, lunchs, dinners, guide for transfer out, tips, personal expenses., Entrance to the Galapagos National Park, Migratory Contro Card, public transport., Non specified services.

9. 4 World of Ecuador " Coast - Andean - Amazon - Galapagos"

Quito, Ecuador Perfect Destiny

This is a big experience visit the 4 Worlds of Ecuador in a long package where you are going to explore the most important tourist attractive of this amazing country. The first world will be the Andean of Ecuador. Quito its attractions inside and near it " Quilotoa - Mindo - Cotopaxi - Papallacta". The second World will be the amazon of Ecuador we will explore this place for 5 days " Tena ". The Third world will be Galapagos, we will explore the three islands " Santa Cruz - Isabela - San Cristobal " in 11 days The fourth world will be the coast of Ecuador Guayaquil its attractions inside and near it " The Morro's dock - Churute Mangrove - Ayangue This experience begin in Quito and finish in Guayaquil

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lodging in cabins (private bath), Daily excursions, land or river transfers according to the itinerary, Transfer in / out according your flight time, Bilingual and specialized guides during the activities, All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos during the program, Snorkel equipment as specified by the itinerary ( Mask and Fins)

Exclusions: Air tickets from Quito - Galapagos - Guayaquil, Lunch and Dinner or Other services not specified in the program, Galapagos National Park Entry fee (Paid on arrival in Galapagos, must be paid in cash only), Migratory Control Card (INGALA) - USD $20, Tax of use of the dock in Isabela USD ($10.00 this price has to be paid directly at the location), Marine transportation ($2.00 this price has to be paid directly at the location

Reviewed By geierdianne

A nice way to spend a few hours bike riding on trails; then walking to see wildlife including crocodiles.

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