Panama, Quito & the Galapagos
From cityscapes to beautiful beaches with exciting wildlife!
This South American exploration vacation package takes you through Panama, Quito, and the Galapagos! Surround yourself with beautiful beaches, stunning cities, and incredible wildlife. Choose from a 10-, 12-, or 14-night option. Consider upgrading your vacation to include additional tours!
What's Included
- Roundtrip Airfare into Panama and out of the Galapagos
- Arrival transfer from Panama airport/PTY to Panama City hotel
- 4 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Panama City, or similar
- Metro card for up to 4 rides on Panama City Subway
- Departure transfer from Panama City hotel to Panama airport/PTY
- One way flight from Panama to Quito
- Airport transfer Quito/UIO to Quito hotel
- 3 nights at Hotel Ibis Quito
- Airport transfer from Quito hotel to Quito/UIO
- One-way flight from Quito to the Galapagos
- Airport transfer Baltra/GPS to Puerto Ayora hotel, including Santa Cruz Highlands tour
- 5 nights at Galapagos at Villa Laguna (or similar)
- Airport transfer Puerto Ayora hotel to Baltra/GPS
- Daily breakfast
- Galapagos National Park Entrance: $100.00 per person
- Galapagos Transit Control Card: $20.00 per person
- Bus airport Baltra to Canal and return to airport from Canal $10.00 per person ($5 each way)
Great Ways to Explore
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Take the Panama City subway as you make your way around the city!
Experience the city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador!
-
Look for rare and unique wildlife in the Galapagos!
-
See the Twin Craters in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island!
-
Discover three important pieces of South American culture!
Visit Panama City, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands on this incredible 12-night vacation!
Begin in Panama City! Spend your first few nights here to kick off your trip. Explore the Old Town, relax on the beach, and tour the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn how the Panama Canal works!
Your next stop is Quito! Here, you'll experience beautiful churches and important historical sites. You'll also have free time to explore as you wish!
Your final stop is Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos! You'll have plenty of free time here to soak up the sun, gaze at the beautiful beaches, or indulge in water sports.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Upgrade for $299 pp to Include Even More!
- Quito City Tour with entrance to San Francisco Church and La Compania Church
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
*Please note: the included full-day boat excursion will be to one of the following islands: North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. The exact island will be confirmed after booking as the time of travel and daily weather conditions will determine which island will be the best experience for your trip.
Let's do this!- Roundtrip Airfare into Panama and out of the Galapagos
- Arrival transfer from Panama airport/PTY to Panama City hotel
- 4 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Panama City, or similar
- Metro card for up to 4 rides on Panama City Subway
- Departure transfer from Panama City hotel to Panama airport/PTY
- One way flight from Panama to Quito
- Airport transfer Quito/UIO to Quito hotel
- 3 nights at Hotel Ibis Quito
- Airport transfer from Quito hotel to Quito/UIO
- One-way flight from Quito to the Galapagos
- Airport transfer Baltra/GPS to Puerto Ayora hotel, including Santa Cruz Highlands tour
- 5 nights at Galapagos at Villa Laguna (or similar)
- Airport transfer Puerto Ayora hotel to Baltra/GPS
- Daily breakfast
- Galapagos National Park Entrance: $100.00 per person
- Galapagos Transit Control Card: $20.00 per person
- Bus airport Baltra to Canal and return to airport from Canal $10.00 per person ($5 each way)
-
Take the Panama City subway as you make your way around the city!
Experience the city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador!
-
Look for rare and unique wildlife in the Galapagos!
-
See the Twin Craters in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island!
-
Discover three important pieces of South American culture!
Visit Panama City, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands on this incredible 12-night vacation!
Begin in Panama City! Spend your first few nights here to kick off your trip. Explore the Old Town, relax on the beach, and tour the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn how the Panama Canal works!
Your next stop is Quito! Here, you'll experience beautiful churches and important historical sites. You'll also have free time to explore as you wish!
Your final stop is Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos! You'll have plenty of free time here to soak up the sun, gaze at the beautiful beaches, or indulge in water sports.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
Upgrade for $299 pp to Include Even More!
- Quito City Tour with entrance to San Francisco Church and La Compania Church
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
*Please note: the included full-day boat excursion will be to one of the following islands: North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. The exact island will be confirmed after booking as the time of travel and daily weather conditions will determine which island will be the best experience for your trip.
Day 1. Welcome to Panama City!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and take a stroll! Find a great place to enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Shared transfer to Panama City hotel
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Panama
The Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel is a hotel in the financial district of Panama City. The hotel is located near banks, embassies, the University of Panama and few miles from first-class restaurants, casinos and great shopping. Pick up souvenirs from the Multiplaza Shopping Center or Albrook Mall; explore the Casco Viejo, the historic part of the city; catch a performance at the National Theater; or visit the Panama Canal.
After a long day of sightseeing, the hotel's facilities will help you relax. Enjoy a traditional Panamanian dish at the on-site La Galeria Restaurant, then grab a nightcap at the Memories Sports Bar & Lounge. Sweat it out at the fitness center followed by a dip in the outdoor pool.
Day 2. Panama City
Perhaps you'd like to start your day at Panama Viejo, the old Panama City. You can get your historical bearings and learn about Panama in the informative visitor center. Browse the unique crafts market here.
Day 3. Panama City
Use today to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center which after almost 100 years still attracts visitors from across the globe. The Miraflores Visitor Center is the place to see how the Panama Canal works. From the observation decks, you can watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit. You will learn about the past, present and future of the modern engineering that unites the world by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
Day 4. Panama City
Enjoy the day at your leisure in Panama. One of the most unique landmarks in Panama City is the Bio Museo, created by architect Frank Gehry.
Tonight, indulge in traditional cuisine such as Sancocho, a chicken stew or some of Panama's delicious and fresh seafood!
Day 5. Panama City - Quito
Today, you'll arrive at the Panama airport for your flight to Quito! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your new hotel.
Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Quito is set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Quito has a total of 86 churches and monasteries, giving it the name of the “Convent of America."
Spend your first night in Quito trying the local cuisine like hornado (roasted pork) and llapingachos (corn cakes). The more adventurous eaters should try cuy (guinea pig)!
Transfer to Panama Airport
Flight from Panama - Quito
Transfer to Quito hotel
A walkable 1.3 miles from El Ejido Park and even closer to attractions such as La Carolina Park, Foch Square, and the Ecuador Natural Science Museum, Hotel Ibis Quito is the ideal place to stay while visiting the area. Enjoy a comfortable stay in your cozy guestroom after a full day of excursions and exploring. With this hotel's close proximity to excellent restaurants, museums, and more, this property is the ideal base from which to explore Quito.
Keeping guests happy and comfortable for 30 years, Hotel Embassy is an excellent choice if you want to stay close to the city. Located only a short walk from Foch Square, popping out for a quick lunch or a walk through the park has never been easier. Less than half a mile from the Artisanal Market and El Patio de Comedias Theater, leisure time is easy to enjoy regardless of transportation.
The hotel offers amenities such as an on-site restaurant, bar/coffee shop, and room service. Grab a shuttle into the city or stop by the tour desk to pick up tickets to see a show. Whatever way you enjoy your stay, the friendly staff are ready to help make it perfect.
Day 6. Quito
In the morning, head to Quito's Old Town and admire its picturesque plazas and magnificent churches. Plaza Grande is a great place to get a true sense of the city! You'll also pass a few incredible churches like Basilica de Voto Nacional, La Merced, and Compania de Jesus.
Quito lies 15 miles south of the equator - this afternoon, consider heading just outside of the city to La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Take a photo standing on the equator line and visit the small accompanying museum.
In the evening, return to Quito's old town and head to Calle La Ronda, a narrow cobbled street. Here you'll find some of the tastiest Ecuadorian treats to end a day of sightseeing!
Day 7. Quito
Today is yours to explore Quito on your own. For spectacular views over Quito's mountainous landscape, hop aboard the cable car known as TelefériQo, which takes you on a 10-minute ride to the top of Cruz Loma.
For a dose of art and culture, see the magnificent works of pre-Hispanic and colonial religious art at Ecuador's National Museum or learn more about Quito's history at the City Museum.
In the evening, head to Plaza Santo Domingo to watch the street performers along with quitenos (as Quito's residents are known). This plaza is absolutely breathtaking at night!
Day 8. Quito - Santa Cruz Island
Depart Quito and fly to Baltra Island! From the airport, take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you will board a ferry to the other side of Santa Cruz island.
Santa Cruz is the second-largest island of the Archipelago and is the most important harbor. Colonized since the 1920s, Puerto Ayora is the main tourist hub and is home to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
En route to your accommodation, enjoy a tour of the Santa Cruz highlands where you will see the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)!
Transfer from Quito hotel to Quito Airport
Flight from Quito to Baltra
Transfer from Baltra Airport to ferry terminal
This boutique hotel in Puerto Ayora has just 16 rooms, offering a quiet and comfortable stay. It boasts a poolside bar and restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All rooms are equipped with complementary toiletries, a flat screen television, and free WiFi. Just a 12 minute walk away is the beach, plus a slew of waterfront bars and restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, the Galápagos National Park is just over 8 miles away. Whatever adventure you choose, Villa Laguna will provide a comfortable stay.
Hotel Deja Vú is an adults only hotel in Puerto Ayora. The hotel boasts a bar and restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Free American breakfast is included with your stay. All rooms are air conditioned and include free toiletries. If you're interested in a beach day, Playa de la Estación is within walking distance, and Playa de los Alemanes is a 10 minute drive away. Spend a day exploring Galápagos National Park, only 2,650 feet from the hotel, or take a stroll to the downtown area. Whatever adventure you choose, you'll be satisfied with your decision to stay at Hotel Deja Vú.
Drink in views of the sea from the terrace of Grand Hotel Lobo Del Mar Santa Cruz Island! Your trip to the Galapagos will want for nothing at this amenity-rich property. Spend your free time splashing in the water of Las Grietas or take a stroll to the nearby market, Don Vidal. Moments away from Tortuga Bay, this is an ideal spot to call home during your stay. The hotel is equipped with amenities such as swimming pools, shuttle service to nearby attractions, an on-site restaurant, and more! Let the beauty of the Galapagos surround you whether you're out exploring or relaxing inside.
Santa Cruz Highlands Tour (en-route to Puerto Ayora hotel)
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and see the Twin Craters, also known as Los Gemelos. Located side by side and connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the magnificent Twin Craters were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, signaling the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure.
The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia trees, giving the whole landscape a lush green feel. See a lava tunnel and take a short walk where you can observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Day 9. Santa Cruz Island
Begin your day in Puerto Ayora with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research station and breeding center housing an extensive collection of preserved specimens of Galápagos plant life and the famous giant tortoise. See how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10. Santa Cruz Island
Today, consider a visit to Las Grietas, a rocky bay surrounded by high cliffs which offers an amazing spot to snorkel with colorful fish as the water is crystal clear and shines in all shades of blue. You reach it after a short water taxi ride from the pier of Puerto Ayora and a 15-minute walk along the incredible volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.
On the way you pass the “Playa de los Alemanes” (“Beach of the Germans”), where you can make a break in order to enjoy the sun and swim in the refreshing ocean!
Day 11. Santa Cruz Island
Make it a beach day! El Garrapatero Beach is a beautiful beach with tide pools and lagoon with flamingos and other exotic birds.
In the evening, head to Calle de los Kioskos (Street of the Kiosks) to experience the local life of the Galapagueños. Every night at 6:30pm restaurants put out their tables on the streets to attract hungry customers. Choose from a variety of cuisines including just-caught seafood. Watch how it is prepared in front of you!
Day 12. Santa Cruz Island
Consider taking a day trip (extra cost) to another island. San Cristobal Island is a great choice, as you will pass the incredible Cliff Kicker Rock which is extremely popular among divers.
Day 13. Depart Ecuador
This morning you'll head to the Baltra Airport for your flight home!
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.