Great explorer trips in Isla Santa Cruz in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 20+ explorer tours with 70+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 27% on Bookmundi.com!
Activities include
Physical Rating
Departures
Duration
7 days25 days
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Design your own personalized Explorer trip to Isla Santa Cruz with help from a local expert.
Work with a local expert to plan a seamless itinerary through Isla Santa Cruz and Ecuador.
Explore Peru and the Galapagos on this epic adventure from Lima to Quito. In the ancient land of the Incas, you’ll uncover historic architecture, vast Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, busy markets and welcoming locals. Visit the famed Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and maybe opt to take the One Day Inca Trail trek to see the citadel from two angles. Share two pachamanca meals with locals– one in the middle of the desert near the Nazca Lines and one in the Andean community of Huilloq. Then, fly to Quito for your week-long sailing voyage through the incredibly scenic southern isles of the Galapagos. Watch as sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds go about their daily business. Go snorkelling near mighty manta rays, turtles and tropical fish and soak up the natural, rugged landscapes of the area, seeing what Charles Darwin saw more than 180 years ago.
From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the fabled Galapagos Islands, the "Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos" explorer tour offers an 18-day immersion into South America’s wildest wonders. Adventurous travelers will trek through the Amazon rainforest guided by Indigenous experts, canoe to an eco-lodge nestled on the river’s edge, and hike the dramatic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park. Discover the Galapagos by foot and boat, encountering exceptional wildlife both above and below the waves. A highlight of this journey is a homestay with a local family, where you’ll lend a hand with daily tasks and share in seasonal activities—an authentic glimpse into Ecuadorian life. With accommodation, meals, and transport all arranged, this small group trip delivers unforgettable moments of cultural connection, rare wildlife encounters, and natural splendor, making it a standout tour package for those who crave a balance of activity, learning, and adventure.
Set sail from Quito to Lima on the 24-day Galapagos Cruise & Peru in Depth (Grand Queen Beatriz) tour, a dream journey for those craving South America’s most iconic wonders. Explore the Galapagos Islands for ten days—spotting blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and sea lions—before flying to Peru to discover rainforests, valleys, and the ancient Inca heartlands. Traverse from Lima to Arequipa, witness condors soaring over Colca Canyon, and delve into the wilds of the Amazon Jungle. Whether you trek the Inca Trail or opt for the scenic train to Machu Picchu, you’ll be guided by local experts every step of the way. This trip’s unique selling point is the seamless combination of Galapagos wildlife adventures with in-depth exploration of Peru’s natural and cultural treasures—all in one expertly coordinated package.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Can
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, San Cristobal Island, Amazon Jungle, Bartolome Island, Puerto Egas, Isla Santa Cruz, North Seymour Island, Cerro Dragón, Rábida Island
Begin in Quito and end in La Paz on the Galapagos Cruise & Peru’s Land of the Incas (Grand Daphne)—a 21-day odyssey across Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Glide past flamingos on Isla Floreana, sunbathe with sea lions on Gardner Beach, and snorkel with turtles and rays. Then, shift gears to explore Peru’s and Bolivia’s highlands: trek through the Sacred Valley, walk the cobbled streets of Cusco, and venture into the Amazon Jungle. Enjoy a homestay on Lake Titicaca and choose to see Machu Picchu by trek or scenic train. With its challenging activity level, this tour is made for adventurous travelers who crave active, in-depth exploration. The USP is its rare combination of Galapagos island-hopping and immersive Andean and Amazonian cultural experiences, catering to those seeking variety and depth in their journey.
This well-rounded adventure focuses on South America’s heavy hitters – the Amazon, the Galapagos and the Andes. Take 25 days to explore these wildly different parts of the region. Snorkel the turtle-filled waters of Leon Dormido, then wander the ancient cobblestone streets of Cusco. Visit an organic farm where giant tortoises roam freely, and later conquer the 4215-m-high Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail. Hike to the top of one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, then stand in awe of the man-made elegance of Machu Picchu. This is an immersive and active trip in two of South America’s bucket-list destinations.
Dive into the wonders of the Galapagos with the "Galapagos Island Hopping Diving Full Experience 8D/7N" tour package, designed for both young adults and seasoned explorers craving a blend of adventure and discovery. Beginning and ending in Quito, this eight-day trip leads you through the vibrant marine world of San Cristobal Island and Isla Santa Cruz. Guided by local experts, you'll embark on exhilarating dives in crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic sea life, while also enjoying immersive wildlife tours and visits to untouched beaches. What makes this tour truly exceptional is its combination of thrilling underwater exploration with authentic land-based encounters—allowing you to interact with unique fauna and experience the islands’ rich culture. With accommodations, meals, and transport seamlessly arranged, this trip ensures you get the most out of every island and every dive. Perfect for those who seek both adventure and connection, this Galapagos diving tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey into one of the planet’s most spectacular ecosystems.
Curious about the best of Ecuador and Peru? The "Quito, Galapagos & Peru (Superior) - 11 days" tour offers a thoughtfully paced adventure for experienced travelers seeking a touch of luxury. Begin with three nights on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll snorkel with turtles, spot giant tortoises, and hike scenic trails. Continue to Peru, discovering Lima’s vibrant culture and journeying to the Sacred Valley to meet indigenous communities. End with an unforgettable train ride to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s true wonders. This tour’s unique feature is its blend of world-class wildlife encounters and immersive cultural experiences—all with superior amenities and seamless logistics.
This 10-day adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant culture and well-preserved colonial center.
The journey continues to the Galapagos Islands, where you'll explore the diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. On San Cristobal Island, you'll visit "La Loberia," a beach teeming with playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and various bird species. You'll then embark on a thrilling speedboat trip to Kicker Rock, a renowned snorkeling site known for its diverse marine life.
Next, you'll fly to Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you'll encounter flamingos, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and other fascinating creatures. You'll explore lava formations, snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins, and witness sea turtles navigating lava tunnels.
The adventure concludes on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the unique endemic species and ongoing conservation efforts.
Finally, you'll return to Quito, where you'll have time to reflect of the memories made in the Galapagos Islands.
In the Galapagos we offer a selection of tours of varying lengths and activity levels:
7 Day - Galapagos Essentials - Our lead-in product, ideal for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Galapagos without being too active. This tour visits the Islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobel.
7 Day - Best of the Galapagos - For those looking for an activity based trip to the Galapagos, our Best of the Galapagos tour has a more active itinerary, including a hike on the Sierra Negra Volcano. This tour visits the Islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz.
10 Day - Galapagos Uncovered - For passengers with more time available, our Galapagos Uncovered tour is a great option, this tour includes a good mix of activities and includes visits to three islands; San Cristobel, Isabela and Santa Cruz.
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Quito to Cusco with the "Quito, Galapagos & Peru - 11 days" tour package. Designed for seasoned explorers and seniors, this trip combines the wild wonders of the Galapagos—where you’ll snorkel, hike, and spot giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island—with the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. Marvel at Lima’s vibrant sights, meet indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley, and ride the train to the legendary Machu Picchu. The highlight? The rare opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Galapagos, followed by a cultural deep dive into the heart of the Andes—all in one seamless itinerary.
Cruise through the Galapagos Islands on this remarkable 14-day explorer tour, bookended by charming Quito. Designed for travelers who cherish wildlife and scenic beauty, this trip weaves together easy-paced hikes, close encounters with sunbathing sea lions in Elizabeth Bay, and the chance to spot marine iguanas on Fernandina Island. Enjoy panoramic volcano hikes, discover sea turtles near Bartolomé Island, and visit the wildlife-rich shores of South Plaza and Lobos Island. Explore Santa Fe and San Cristóbal, absorbing the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. The journey’s highlight is a 12-day cruise encompassing the central, north, east, and west islands, offering unmatched access to the region’s varied landscapes and creatures. With accommodation, meals, and transport seamlessly included, this tour package stands out for its depth and diversity—ideal for those seeking an in-depth, easy-paced Galapagos adventure with all the comforts of guided travel.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Genovesa Island, South Pl
Quito, Genovesa Island, South Plaza Island, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Darwin Bay, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Sombrero Chino, Isla Santa Cruz