Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore the stunning landscapes of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands! We’ll start in vibrant Quito, where colonial charm, bustling plazas, and sweeping views from the Teleférico set the stage — along with a delicious intro to Ecuador’s famous cacao.

Then the real magic begins. For 5 days and 4 nights, we’ll cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard our private catamaran, reserved exclusively for our Chicas Abroad group. With a dedicated crew and our own naturalist guide, we’ll enjoy expert insights, personalized service, and unforgettable island-hopping.

Think: walking ancient lava fields, spotting giant tortoises, snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and colorful fish — all from the comfort of our floating home. We’ll hike volcanic beaches, wander through mangroves and cactus forests, visit hidden flamingo lagoons, and float through emerald coves where sea turtles and reef sharks glide beneath us.

And best of all? You’ll be sharing it all with an incredible group of women — building connections, sharing laughs, and making memories that last a lifetime. This isn’t just a trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery, wonder, and joy. Let’s go!

This trip is best suited for women who are comfortable with light to moderate activity. Most days include walking on uneven terrain, short hikes, and optional snorkeling or swimming. You don’t need to be a hardcore athlete — just ready for adventure, a little bit of movement, and plenty of time outdoors soaking up the incredible scenery!

In December, Quito enjoys mild spring-like weather, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to low 70s °F (around 18–22°C). Evenings can be cooler, especially because of the city’s high elevation, so it's smart to pack layers. Light rain showers are possible, but they usually don’t last long.

The Galápagos Islands in December are warm and starting their "hot season." Expect plenty of sunshine, blue skies, and daytime temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s °F (around 25–29°C). The ocean begins warming up too, making it a great time for snorkeling. Occasional brief showers are common but usually come and go quickly, keeping everything lush and vibrant.

All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. Ecuador uses the US dollar for it's currency.

All gratuities are included in your adventure, with the exception of tips for your Chicas Abroad Tour Leader. While tipping your Tour Leader is entirely optional, it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation for the care, energy, and behind-the-scenes magic they bring to your trip.

If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $250–$350. In cases where more than one Tour Leader is present, you’re welcome to give your tip to one of them—they’ll ensure it’s shared among the team.

Book your international flight to land in Quito at any time — we'll be there to greet you with a warm welcome and a smooth ride to the hotel! We’ll be staying just steps from a lively plaza, packed with shops, cafés, and sights to explore if you get in early. And if you arrive before dinner, you’re in for a treat — we’ll be gathering for a special welcome dinner to kick off our adventure in beautiful Quito!

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Quito
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner 

Get ready for a day of adventure! We'll head up the Teleférico, one of South America's highest cable cars, soaring to 12,150 feet for epic views of Quito and the surrounding mountains. If you're feeling adventurous, there are short trails to explore at the top! After we float back down, we'll dive into Quito’s charming historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and grab lunch at a local spot. Then it's time for a sweet treat — a visit to a local chocolatería where you'll learn all about Ecuadorian cacao (and yes, there will be plenty of tasting!). Afterward, we'll head back to the hotel to relax.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Quito 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Welcome to the Galápagos! After landing on Baltra Island, you’ll be greeted by a friendly crew member from the Archipel I, who will help with your luggage and get you settled as you board the ship — your floating home for this incredible adventure.

In the afternoon, we'll head to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you’ll meet some of the Galápagos’ most famous residents: giant tortoises and colorful land iguanas from across the islands. You are sure to be mesmerized at the variety of species living on these islands.

Accommodation: Archipel I Luxury Catamaran

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we’ll head to Moreno Point on the north coast of Isabela Island, where you’ll step onto a wild, otherworldly landscape of smooth black lava, surrounded by towering volcanoes — some of which are still rumbling with life! As you explore, keep an eye out for craters-turned-tide-pools, where birds and marine creatures love to hang out.

In the afternoon, it’s off to Urbina Bay, a place where the Earth literally rose from the sea in 1954, leaving coral heads high and dry on the shore. Here, you might spot stingrays and sea turtles gliding through the clear waters, while flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas chill along the coastline. It’s like stepping into a living, breathing nature documentary — and you’re right in the middle of it!

Accommodation: Archipel I Luxury Catamaran

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

This morning, we’re off to Fernandina Island to explore Punta Espinosa — a wild, otherworldly place where lush green mangroves meet stark black lava flows and brilliant turquoise waters. As one of the youngest and most volcanically active islands in the Galápagos, Fernandina feels like another planet! Keep your eyes peeled for massive gatherings of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, flightless cormorants, and the impossibly bright Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling across the rocks.

In the afternoon, we'll cruise over to Vicente Roca Point at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shaped coastline. Get ready to slip into a hidden world — you’ll pass through a dark sea cave under a towering stone arch, with the sounds of crashing waves all around. Nearby, the collapsed amphitheater of Volcán Ecuador creates an epic backdrop. The calm, chilly coves here are perfect for snorkeling, where you might spot penguins, sharks, pufferfish, and even tiny seahorses floating in the crystal-clear water!

Accommodation: Archipel I Luxury Catamaran 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

This morning, we’ll land at Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, stepping onto a dramatic black-sand beach shaped by volcanic history. As you explore, keep an eye out for Galápagos fur seals lounging in the shade of lava arches or taking a dip in the sparkling, natural grottos carved by the ocean — it's pure magic.

Later, we’ll make our way to Rabida, famous for its striking red beaches — the result of iron-rich volcanic soil. Just a short walk inland, a brackish lagoon framed by cactus and Palo Santo trees awaits, where bright pink flamingos often gather. You'll also spot plenty of feathered locals, like finches, pelicans, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and maybe even a majestic Galápagos hawk soaring overhead!

Accommodation: Archipel I Luxury Catamaran

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

Before we say goodbye to the Galápagos, we have one last adventure! We’ll glide through the serene, emerald waters of Black Turtle Cove, surrounded by lush mangroves teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles floating by and groups of sharks cruising through the shallow bays — it’s a peaceful, magical way to wrap up our journey.

After soaking up these final moments, we’ll head to Baltra Airport for our flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.

Note: Return flights from the Galapagos will first stop in Guayaquil (GYE) for about 40-60 minutes, no change of planes, then continue on to Quito (UIO). Galapagos flights are booked through set allotments and we won’t know our flight schedule until roughly 1 month prior. To ensure a safe connection with all possible arrival times, you can safely fly home after 7 pm from Guayaquil, 9 pm from Quito. It’s often easiest to fly home same-day through Quito, but Guayaquil is worth considering as it would save you the Guayaquil-Quito leg of that flight. You can get a day use room at either airport hotel for long layovers, or the Quito airport also has lounge access prior to security. Guayaquil only has lounge access after security. Good to note you can typically only check-in and drop luggage 3-4 hrs prior to the flight, as the airline counters tend to not be manned before then. If looking at a flight that departs after midnight (common), keep in mind the departure day will shift to Dec 8.

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Activities: Panga Ride