Quito & The Galapagos Sea Star Yacht

Unwind at the GO Quito hotel, with sustainable design and Andean views.
Explore colonial Quito on foot, then cook locro, encocado and chocolate soup with a chef.
Stand on the equator, visit Pululahua Crater, and taste miske at Casa Agave.
Cruise the Galapagos aboard m/y Galapagos Sea Star, landing at Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz.
Snorkel and spot penguins, sharks, and sea lions at Bartolomé, Genovesa, and Black Turtle Cove.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Quito

DAY

Private Full Day Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

DAY

Private Full Day The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave and Dinner Reservations

DAY

Depart from Quito and Begin Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise and Departure

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Quito

Transfer

Quito Airport to Quito - New Town

Your Accommodation

GO Quito Hotel

A sustainable hotel with spectacular views of Quito, and a design inspired by the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Andes, GO Quito Hotel is one of the premier accommodations in the new town of Quito. GO Quito Hotel provides a peaceful atmosphere for both work and play, with gourmet dining, refreshing drinks, and a range of leisure activities available. With everything you need in one place, the hotel caters to your travel needs. With an on-site swimming pool, ground-floor gardens, and a rooftop restaurant, plenty to enjoy on-site when you're not out exploring the city and countryside.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Private Full Day Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito, a city of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city's many spectacularly decorated and historic churches. The city has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito the first World Cultural Heritage site (alongside Krakow, Poland). With your guide leading the way, walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the Monastery of San Francisco which was started five days after the founding of the city in 1534. After that you will meet an executive chef who will take you to visit the Mercado San Francisco, an outstanding market, where you stop at various stations to purchase fresh produce and learn about the products and culinary traditions of Ecuadorian cuisine. After buying the ingredients for the cooking class and tasting a few fresh fruits, you will then head to Clarosucro Restaurante to begin your cooking class. Here you will don a chef's hat and apron, and then get to work preparing three delicious dishes: a locro Quiteño, an encocado, and a chocolate soup. These foods have been chosen because the ingredients used can be found worldwide, so you will have the chance to cook these recipes back home. During the class, the chef will accompany and guide you, providing explanations and details about the history of each dish. After crafting the three courses, you have the pleasure to taste what you prepared with the chef, and after dining, will be returned to your hotel in Quito.

Day Tour

Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

DAY

Private Full Day The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave and Dinner Reservations

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow-capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour to the middle of the earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito, where a monument marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognized and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator, about which you'll learn more throughout the day. Your guide will also take you on a brief journey northwest, where you will visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the site, and where you'll stop for lunch, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator and where you'll see all sorts of interesting monuments, interactive displays and historic relics. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time and to try to balance an egg on the head of a nail! Soon after visiting the Intiñan Museum, you'll be whisked away to Casa Agave. A unique distillery in Ecuador, Casa Agave specializes in producing Miske, a traditional and delicious spirit made from agave. Learn about the establishments local roots and pursuits, plant (and name) your own agave pup, discover the methods used to make Miske, then settle in for a sample. After touring and tasting at Casa Agave is complete, settle in for the return transfer to your hotel in Quito.

Day Tour

The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave

Day Tour

Dinner Reservations with Private Transfers in Quito

DAY

Depart from Quito and Begin Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

This morning, you will fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands (flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and is included). Upon arrival to Baltra Airport, personnel from the Galapagos National Park will check your luggage to avoid the introduction of foreign plants or animals to the Islands and soon after, you will be picked by a naturalist guide and taken on a five-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Galapagos Sea Star Yacht. After boarding the vessel, you will be greeted and shown to your cabin. Later in the afternoon, soon after orientation, you'll arrive to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. Following a dry landing, you'll begin down a trail that leads across a brackish lagoon to see flamingos and shore birds and a typical dry zone vegetation (cacti, incense trees, Galapagos cotton, sesuvium) going up until you reach Dragon Hill, which is an important nesting area for land iguanas, and also a place to catch lovely views of the anchored boats and neighboring islands. The incense tree forest is home of many birds such as mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos flycatchers and yellow warblers.

Transfer

Quito - New Town to Quito Airport

Multi Day Tour

Flight to the Galapagos

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Galapagos Sea Star

The Galapagos Sea Star Journey offers you a real depth experience of this unique World Heritage site, in the most exclusive and personalized way. The best way to live a vivid trip in your Galapagos vacation is to cruise around the archipelago and experience the huge diversity between the varieties of islands. Well planned excursions at distinct sites allow you to encounter the natural wonders of these enchanted Islands and to fully understand its continuing evolution. You will learn of Galapagos land and marine Wildlife, flora, geology and history. The excursions include visits to peculiar landmarks, wildlife trails, mangrove forests, tortoise breeding farms, research centers, marine sites, and more. Some of the activities you can enjoy are: volcano-hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling.

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DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

In the morning you will visit Black Turtle Cove, a unique and revered place in the Galapagos. A cove surrounded by a mangrove forest, it is home to green sea turtles and a baby white-tip reef sharks' nursery. With luck, you can spot schools of golden rays, spotted eagle rays, marine turtles and, pelicans, herons, and frigates on top of the mangrove trees. You will also see very colorful Sally light footed crabs and Blue footed boobies on the rocky area, appreciated from your vantage aboard a zodiac watercraft. In the afternoon it will be time to visit Sombrero Chino, or "Chinese hat", so named due to its shape like an old-fashioned hat from the Far East, it is one of the smallest Galapagos Islands having a terrific visitor site that offers an unforgettable view. Like other islands in the Galapagos, Sombrero Chino is of volcanic origin, known as a "spatter cone", and is located in the southeast of Santiago Island. The visitor path begins on a gorgeous beach where you can observe red sally light foot crabs, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions resting on the beach, Oystercatchers, Wandering tattlers, herons and lava lizards. Here you can also participate in an optional snorkeling activity off the zodiac to look for sea lions, white-tip reef sharks, colorful fish and occasionally Galapagos penguins.

Multi Day Tour

Black Turtle Cove and Sombrero Chino

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Galapagos Sea Star

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DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Following breakfast under the rising sun, a boat ride activity to look for Nazca boobies, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, the smallest sub species of marine iguanas, red billed tropic birds, Galapagos fur seals and Galapagos sea lions is on the agenda, followed by a dry landing to climb up natural stairway to get to the top of Genovesa Island. This path passes through colonies of Nazca and red-footed boobies, some frigates birds, the famous Darwin finches and Galapagos mockingbirds. At the end of the trail, Wedge-rumped storm petrels' nest on the lava field where we look for short-eared owls. You'll then be invited to participate in an optional kayak activity inside the tranquil bay. In the afternoon, make a wet landing on a coral sandy beach which is much younger than the ones on the other islands. Here, swallow-tailed gulls often around found here, as well as Galapagos sea lions. The trail is flat and short going by the mangrove forest and saltbush. It is one of the best sites to look for red footed-booby nesting. During the low tie, you may have the possibility to observe the rarest gull in the world, the lava gull (there are approximately nine hundred individuals in all of Galapagos Islands). Genovesa is a special place for birdwatchers to see Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and migratory birds. Once back to the beach there will be another chance for snorkeling from the beach.

Multi Day Tour

El Barranco and Darwin Bay

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Galapagos Sea Star

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DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

From the summit of Bartolome, take in the most famous view of the Galapagos, overlooking the pinnacle rock and Santiago Island beyond. This volcanic scenery has often been linked to a lunar landscape. The altitude of the island is just 114 meters (375 feet). From the trail to the top of the island you will observe spatter cones, lava tubes and very few plants. This island has a small colony of Galapagos penguins which is the only species of its family to live in the tropics and has only one population in the northern hemisphere. With luck, they will be observed during a boat ride activity. Later in the morning, enjoy some snorkeling time with the possibility to see Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and playful sea lions. In the afternoon, you'll reach Sullivan Bay, located at the southeastern part of Santiago Island. Extensive lava flows have made their mark here: "pa-hoe-hoe", which is a smooth ropy formation and "aa" which is explosive are both found here, and were formed about 120 years ago. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow colored tuff cones appear. There are few plants well adapted to the dry conditions such as Mollugo grow out of the fissures, lava cactus and chamaesyce. Tree molds are holes in the surface of hardened lava where a tree once stood, indicating that in that position large size plants grew in small crevices, until the lava flow of past eruptions burned down the flora of the island.

Multi Day Tour

Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Galapagos Sea Star

Show on Map

DAY

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise and Departure

After a bus ride of 40 minutes from Puerto Ayora, you will reach the highlands. Here you will set out on a walk where it is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers and cattle egrets (often standing on the tortoises' shell and cows). This expedition offers great opportunities to see the contrasting ecosystems that the Galapagos has on each island. Galapagos giant tortoises are present on the trail, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. A light rain jacket is suggested to visit this point because it is often misty or rainy. After this excursion you will be transferred Baltra airport for your return flight to the mainland (Guayaquil or Quito).

Multi Day Tour

Highland Tortoise Reserve and Departure

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Quito, Ecuador

Galapagos Sea Star

The Blue-footed booby inhabits the tropical regions of the eastern Pacific

Blue-footed booby, Galapagos Islands

Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano and is clearly visible from Quito

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

QuitoOccasional Showers

23°C / 74°F

69mm / 2.7"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Verified

The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

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Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

Verified

Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

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A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

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I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

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Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

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We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

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I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

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We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

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Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province

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Insider Benefits

Quito & The Galapagos Sea Star Yacht

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Quito

Private Full Day Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

Private Full Day The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave and Dinner Reservations

Depart from Quito and Begin Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise and Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Quito

Private Full Day Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

Private Full Day The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave and Dinner Reservations

Depart from Quito and Begin Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise

Galapagos Sea Star Cruise and Departure

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.