Project Description
SMILE. YOU’VE LANDED IN THE GALAPAGOS.
The Galapagos Islands, also known as the “Enchanted Isles”, offer some of the world’s best wildlife viewing. UNESCO declared the islands a World Heritage Site in 1975, and a Biosphere Reserve in 1985.
IMAGE GALLERY
INFO
CapitalPuerto Baquerizo Moreno
LanguageSpanish
EcuadorUS Dollar
ReadMy Father's Island
TasteEncebollado
SipColada morada
ExperienceSnorkel with Sea Lions
The archipelago and surrounding waters are also a national park, marine reserve, and whale sanctuary. Under the supervision of licensed naturalist guides, visitors can swim with sea lions, witness avian mating rituals, and learn about the unique adaptations of resident species.
Penguins, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas, tortoises, flamingos, and whale sharks can be observed here in close proximity. The islands are located in the equatorial Eastern Pacific, 604 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast.
The archipelago consists of 13 main islands, six junior islands and over 100 islets and large rocks spread out over 45,000 square miles of ocean. These volcanic islands began to emerge between five and ten million years ago. The youngest islands, Fernandina and Isabela, continue to grow with new volcanic eruptions.
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. During the warm season (December to May) temperatures hover in the 80’s and 90’s. Rainfall is uncommon but strong, with water temperatures near the surface averaging 75°. The Garua, or cool season (June to November) brings fog, drizzles and cool winds.
Air temperatures reach the 70’s and water temperatures fall to the 60’s. These months are the height of the breeding season for many of the island’s avian species. The Galapagos can be reached by air from Quito (three hours) and Guayaquil (1.5 hours) via daily flights. Airports are located on Baltra and San Cristobal islands.
Most visitors embark on three, four, or seven-day cruises. Many of these programs visit the major island cluster, offering daily guided wildlife and geology tours. For those interested in diving, longer cruises to the outlying islands are available. Hotel options near Puerto Ayora and private yacht charters can also be arranged.
LANDED plans itineraries and arranges travel throughout the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador. We offer private charter, small ship and land-based options. Extensions to Machu Picchu in neighboring Peru are available. Contact us at 801.582.2100 for more information.
FEATURED POST
CHARTERING IN THE GALAPAGOS IS UNFORGETTABLE
“The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention…Considering the small size of the islands, we feel the more astonished at the number of their aboriginal beings, and at their confined range…Both in space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact—that mystery of mysteries—the first appearance of new beings on this earth.”
“The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention…Considering the small size of the islands, we feel the more astonished at the number of their aboriginal beings, and at their confined range…Both in space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact—that mystery of mysteries—the first appearance of new beings on this earth.”
Charles Darwin
THE ISLANDS
GALAPAGOS CRUISE OPTIONS
CRUISE OPTIONS
GALAPAGOS LODGES
GO WITH LANDED.
Could not have been more pleased. This was the trip of a lifetime for our family. Thank you!
IF YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL.
What an amazing adventure we have had. Many thanks to you for putting it together. The whole rhythm of the trip was perfect, and leaving one place for the next worked perfectly. This trip definitely made me want to experience other great spots in South America as the people have been wonderful and the places incredible. Wish we had a month to really explore. Everybody in the family had a great life experience. Thanks again!
DO IT.
One of our best trips ever, made excellent by LANDED’s attention to detail. When planning the trip our travel planner listened to us carefully, asked the right questions, and customized the trip to have just the right balance of adventure and city sights for us. The guides, drivers, and “handlers” were superb. The hotels were top notch. We felt relaxed and pampered all the way. Will definitely look to LANDED to plan our next trip to South America.
Absolutely amazing. Thanks again John. Carlos was the best guide I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. Top notch talent.
We returned yesterday from our trip and I wanted to let you know that it was absolutely amazing! There is not a single thing on the itinerary that we would change. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and prompt. The hotels were beautiful, the food delicious and the pace of the activities was perfect for us. Thank you so much for making our trip such a fantastic experience.
In short, our trip was amazing, and, as we had hoped, the Inca civilization was fascinating to us. Thanks so much for your constant assistance and thorough planning.
The planning, service and execution of the trip was flawless – thank you for making it perfect!
LANDED’s services were excellent. You were helpful and knowledgeable, making our trip a memorable one. I will use your services in the future as I continue to explore Central & South America.
It was like being in a very well organized dream. Your patience with my questions and concerns during the planning stage was remarkable.
I’ve never had such great service from a tour operator. Not only were you a great help on the planning-insuring that I was staying at the right places and enjoying the type of activities we love-but the follow up was incredible. Your team checked in with us several times during the trip to confirm that everything was going well, and that the guides you assigned were satisfying us. It’s one thing to get a “thank you card” or a “hope your trip was great” note after you’re back, but to insure that it’s going well during the trip is a welcome first! I look forward to working with you again on a another trip.
You actually got to know us, which made it possible to know just what we like. You promised the best trip ever and you kept your promise.
The entire trip was amazing. Both the hotel & restaurant recommendations were well thought out and helped us thoroughly enjoy our honeymoon.
LANDED is like the ultimate virtual guide, suggesting the high points and helping us get the most out of a week’s time.
We had a great time, and didn’t miss anything. We zip-lined, rafted, sailed and surfed. The contacts and drivers were professional and courteous. We don’t want to be back at work. Thank you for all of the work you did to set up this trip.