Galapagos / Chile

Galapagos, Easter Island Tour

12 days | 11 nights
Private tour
From 5190USD per person

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Tour Description

2-Week Private Travel Vacation – Custom Trip Through the Galapagos Islands & Easter Island’s Unique Landscapes and Rich Culture

12-Day Easter Island, Galapagos Islands Tailor-Made Tour

Head off to the Galapagos Islands for a truly unique chapter of your South American journey—where evolution comes alive. Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, with visits to the lush highlands, expansive lava tunnels, and the dramatic Twin Craters, home to wild giant tortoises. Continue to Isabela Island for vibrant wildlife at Flamingos Lake, peaceful walks through The Wetlands, and unforgettable snorkeling at Tintoreras or Cabo Rosa Tunnels. Back on Santa Cruz, dive into the turquoise waters of Las Grietas and explore the pioneering Charles Darwin Research Station.

Your private Easter Island vacation immerses you in the island’s fascinating Polynesian heritage and extraordinary archaeological wonders. Witness the vibrant Maori Tupuna Show, a celebration of traditional Rapa Nui dance and storytelling that brings the island’s rich culture to life.

Explore legendary sites such as Anakena Beach, where the soft white sands meet the striking Ahu Nau Nau moai statues. Discover the ocean-facing figures of Ahu Akivi, the solar-aligned Ahu Huri A Urenga, and the towering giants of Ahu Tongariki, standing as silent sentinels near the sea.

At Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where the moai were carved, walk among the unfinished statues frozen in time. Visit the sacred site of Ahu Te Pito Kura, home to the island’s largest moai and the powerful magnetic stone Te Pito o Te Henua. Uncover ancient legends at Ahu Akahanga, believed to be the burial place of the island’s first king.

Continue your journey to Orongo Ceremonial Village, dramatically set on the edge of the Rano Kau crater, where birdman rituals once took place. Stop at the red stone quarry of Puna Pau, where the moai’s distinctive topknots were shaped.

Beyond exploration, take time to unwind and absorb the serene atmosphere of this remote and mystical island, making it an unforgettable highlight of your custom Easter Island journey.

This expertly designed private vacation through the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island perfectly balances nature’s wonders with rich cultural experiences, creating a truly unique adventure.

Unlock the magic of the Galapagos and Easter Island with a private journey crafted exclusively for you—reach out today and let your extraordinary adventure begin.

Destinations

Multi-Country

Trip at a glance

Visits

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands, Twin Craters, Giant tortoises, Lava Tunnels, Las Grietas (The Cracks), Charles Darwin Station, Isabela Island: Flamingos Lake, The Wetlands Complex, Tintoreras, Snorkeling at Finados, Cabo Rosa Tunnels

MAINLAND ECUADOR: City Center, Middle of the World

EASTER ISLAND: Anakena Beach, Orongo Ceremonial Village, Maori Tupuna Show, Moais: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Huri A Urenga, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Ahu Akahanga, Te Pito o Te Henua, Ahu Nau Nau, Craters: Puna Pau, Rano Kau, Rano Raraku

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL TO QUITO

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre, Quito International Airport.

Meet and greet with your English-speaking guide.

Transfer to the city center and check-in at your hotel.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 QUITO CITY TOUR, MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

Morning

Discover with your guide the least-altered and best-preserved Latin American capital.
Take a walk to visit the colonial churches and monasteries of this urban jewel, the first city in history to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace your visit will include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall.
Ramble through the city's old streets on your way to El Sagrario church and its exquisitely carved stone façade and step inside the awe-inspiring church of the Society of Jesus.
Walk on to the Convent and Church of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings on the South American continent.
Drive up to the top of the Panecillo hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Quito.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, drive out of the city to the Equatorial Valley (50 min), north of the capital, where you will visit the 'Middle of the World' monument. 

A monument and a museum exhibiting an ethnographic collection indicate the Equator line. 

Transfer back to your hotel in Quito (1 hour 30 min).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 FLIGHT TO BALTRA, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Highlands, Twin Craters, giant tortoises, Lava Tunnels

Morning

Your day begins with a transfer from your hotel to Quito International Airport, accompanied by an English-speaking driver guide (1 hour).

You will then board a domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (2.5 hours).

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our agency staff or your naturalist guide will greet you and assist with your transfer.

First, you will take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel (10 minutes), followed by a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island (10 minutes).

Once on the island, a vehicle will take you through the scenic highlands of Santa Cruz (45 minutes), where your first stop will be at Los Gemelos Craters. These twin volcanic sinkholes are surrounded by lush vegetation, including the endemic Scalesia trees, offering a unique introduction to the island’s highland ecosystem.

Afternoon

After exploring Los Gemelos, you will visit a local ranch where you can observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and life on the islands.

The tour continues with a guided walk through one of Santa Cruz’s volcanic lava tunnels (100 meters / 328 feet), during which your guide will explain the geological history and volcanic activity that shaped the Galapagos.

Following this exploration, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora for check-in at your hotel (30 minutes), where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 Isabela Island: Flamingos Lake, The Wetlands Complex, Tintoreras

Please note that a municipal tax of 10 USD / person must be paid in cash upon arrival at the dock.

Morning

Your day begins early with a transfer from your hotel to the passenger dock (approx. 10 minutes), where you will take a water taxi to board the speedboat heading to Isabela Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Isabela, another water taxi will take you from the boat to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short land transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

Once settled in, you'll visit Poza de Flamingos, a semi-natural lagoon formed from old quarries, where you can observe the striking pink flamingos. These birds, white as chicks, turn reddish-pink as adults due to their diet, making for a beautiful and iconic Galapagos sight.

Then you will explore the Wetlands Complex, a network of trails showcasing the island's diverse ecosystems. Your visit will include several key sites:

  • La Playita, a quiet beach trail
  • Los Tunos Viewpoint and Pozas Verdes, where you can observe native flora and fauna; Playa del Amor, a rocky beach popular with locals
  • The Tunnel of the Estuary, a 75-meter trail that ends in a lava tunnel
  • Poza Redonda, a 50-meter path leading to a pool inside a collapsed lava tube
  • La Poza Escondida, a trail through a mangrove forest ending in a tranquil pool
  • The Estero, a 227-meter lava rock trail with a picnic area used by the local community for recreation.

Each site offers unique perspectives on the volcanic landscape and biodiversity of Isabela Island.

Afternoon

Later in the day, you’ll take a guided excursion to Tintoreras, a group of small black lava islets located just off the coast.

This 3-hour tour begins with a panga ride around the bay for wildlife observation, where you might spot lava herons in the mangroves, Galápagos penguins, and sea lions along the shore.

After disembarking, you’ll walk along an easy black lava trail to reach the Tintoreras channel, where whitetip reef sharks are often seen resting in the shallow waters.

The excursion concludes with snorkeling in the calm, clear waters around Tintoreras, which provide excellent underwater visibility and the chance to observe marine life up close.

Afterward, you will return to your hotel.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Isabela Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 ISABELA ISLAND: Snorkeling at Finados, Cabo Rosa Tunnels

Depending on the schedule assigned by the Galapagos National Park, your tour may begin in the morning (from 7:30 am to 1pm) or in the afternoon (from 11 am to 4:30pm).

Your naturalist guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the dock (10 minutes), where a boat will be waiting.

You will then embark on a scenic ride to Cabo Rosa Tunnels (45 minutes), with your first stop at the Finados site. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, Finados is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Here, you’ll snorkel among an abundance of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and even seahorses—all amid stunning underwater lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity.

After snorkeling, the excursion continues with a guided walk over the lava formations of the Cabo Rosa Tunnels.

This unique volcanic landscape is home to numerous seabird species such as blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, pelicans, herons, and frigate birds, all of which can often be observed resting or nesting on the black volcanic rock.

Following the tour, you will return to Puerto Villamil by boat (45 minutes) and transfer back to your hotel (10 minutes).

Free afternoon or free morning depending on the assigned schedule.

Evening

The evening is at your leisure to relax, explore the town, or enjoy a quiet dinner after a day of unforgettable wildlife encounters and exploration.

Overnight at your hotel in Isabela Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch included

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island: Las Grietas (The Cracks), Charles Darwin Station

Morning

Your day begins very early with a transfer from your hotel in Isabela to the passenger dock (10 minutes).

From there, you will take a short water taxi ride to reach the speedboat that will transport you to Santa Cruz Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz, another water taxi will take you to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

After settling in, you'll begin your first excursion with a visit to Las Grietas, one of the most iconic geological sites on the island. This impressive natural formation features two towering volcanic rock walls separated by a crystal-clear channel of water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding area is dotted with striking giant cacti, adding to the dramatic landscape.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. This renowned biological research center offers rich insight into the Galápagos Islands’ history, ecology, and conservation efforts.

Through a series of interpretation rooms and exhibits, you’ll learn about the islands’ evolution, native species, and environmental challenges.

One of the highlights is viewing the embalmed figure of the legendary Lonesome George, the last known individual of his species.

The station also operates a respected giant tortoise breeding center, where you can observe these iconic creatures at various stages of development, helping to ensure their survival for future generations.

Evening

Transfer to your hotel.

Free overnight on Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch included

Day 7 FLIGHT TO GUAYAQUIL, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Ayora to Itabaca Channel (45–50 minutes).

Upon arrival, you will take a shared ferry across the channel to Baltra Island (10 minutes), followed by a short shared-bus ride to the Baltra Airport (10 minutes).

Once at the airport, you will check in for your domestic flight to the mainland.

Direct flight to Guayaquil (1 hour 50 minutes).

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel in Guayaquil.

Check-in and installation at your hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free to take a stroll or relax.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Guayaquil.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 8 FLIGHT TO SANTIAGO, SANTIAGO CITY TOUR

Morning

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile (4 hours 20 minutes).

Afternoon

Welcome and transfer to your hotel in downtown Santiago.

Discover the city-center of Santiago: Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, La Moneda Palace and the central fish market.

We will end the visit at Santa Lucia hill in order to have a panoramic view above the capital.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Santiago.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 FLIGHT TO Hanga Roa, Maori Tupuna dance show

Morning

Early morning transfer from your hotel to Santiago international airport (25 min). 

Flight to Hanga Roa, Easter Island's capital (5 hours). 

Afternoon

Arrival early in the afternoon at Mataveri International Airport and transfer to your hotel (10 min). 

Free afternoon to relax by the hotel's pool and explore the town of Hanga Roa (15 min walking distance). 

Evening

After dinner, transfer by car to Vai te Mihi (10 min) for your Maori Tupuna dance show (50 min). 

You will enjoy an immersive evening of Rapa Nui culture featuring:

  • Takona – pigments, with symbolic designs once used in rituals and celebrations. Costumes available for memorable photos.
  • Umu Ceremony – Witness the ancestral cooking method where food is steamed underground with hot stones and banana leaves. Taste the rich flavors of this traditional feast.
  • Hoko Dance – A powerful warrior dance performed with rhythmic chants and bold movements, showcasing the Takona face paintings and the strength of Rapa Nui heritage.

Transfer back to your hotel. 

Overnight at your hotel. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Dinner show

Day 10 Puna Pau, Akivi, Ahu Huri A Urenga, Vinapu, Orongo, Rano Kau Volcano

Morning

Your day begins with a journey to Puna Pau, a small crater of red volcanic scoria. This was the quarry where the Pukao—the stone hats or topknots placed on the moai—were carved. Learn about the unique material and the techniques used to create these iconic symbols of Rapa Nui culture.

Next, visit Ahu Akivi, one of the few platforms where the moai face the ocean. According to oral tradition, these seven moai represent the scouts sent by King Hotu Matu’a before his arrival on the island. Their positioning and orientation make this site especially significant.

Conclude the morning at Ahu Huri a Urenga, a striking platform that features a single standing moai with a rare and fascinating detail—20 fingers. The site is also aligned with the winter solstice, and serves as a ceremonial location tied to ancient Rapa Nui astronomical knowledge.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit of the Vinapu archaeological complex, known for its impressive stonework. The carefully cut basalt slabs used in the platform construction bear a remarkable resemblance to the masonry of the Inca in Cusco. This connection continues to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.

From there, continue to the ceremonial village of Orongo, located on the rim of the majestic Rano Kau volcano. In ancient times, this was the center of the Birdman Ceremony—a ritual contest to determine leadership among Rapa Nui tribes. Explore the remains of stone dwellings and learn about the spiritual and political significance of this unique tradition.

The tour concludes with a breathtaking view from the crater of Rano Kau, a natural amphitheater filled with lush vegetation and one of the most stunning vistas on the island.

Transfer back to your hotel. 

Evening

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Box lunch included

Day 11 Akahanga, Rano Raraku crater, Tongariki, Te Pito, Nau Nau, Anakena Beach

Morning

Your tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the town of Hanga Roa. We set out toward the southeastern and northeastern coasts of the island, starting with a visit to Ahu Akahanga, a remarkable site composed of 4 ceremonial platforms, 12 moai statues, and 8 pukao (topknots). This site also offers a view of one of the best-preserved ancient villages on the island.

Next, we continue to the Rano Raraku volcanic crater, formed from consolidated volcanic ash. This iconic site served as the main quarry for the moai statues and is home to 397 moai in various stages of completion—offering a striking visual record of Rapa Nui sculpture and craftsmanship. After exploring the crater, we’ll enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on its scenic slopes.

Afternoon

Following lunch, we visit Ahu Tongariki, the island’s most impressive and largest ceremonial platform. This majestic site features 15 towering moai aligned in a row, restored after being toppled by a tsunami in 1960.

Our next stop is Ahu Te Pito Kura, where the remnants of the tallest moai ever transported and erected on a platform, Moai Paro, can be seen. Though no longer standing, the massive statue—once 10 meters tall and weighing 85 tons, with a pukao of 11.5 tons—lies in three distinct pieces. Nearby is Te Pito o Te Henua, the "Navel of the World"—a legendary spherical stone said to have been brought by the island’s first king, Hotu Matu’a.

The final destination of the day is the stunning Anakena Beach, known for its white coral sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. This beach is not only a place of natural beauty but also of great archaeological significance. Here, you’ll find Ahu Nau Nau, a ceremonial platform with 5 moai wearing pukao and intricate petroglyphs carved into their backs and surrounding stones. Notably, an extraordinary white coral eye with a red scoria pupil—discovered during excavations—is now housed in the island’s museum.

We’ll take time to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere of Anakena. The duration of our stay here will depend on the weather and the energy of the group before we return to Hanga Roa.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Evening

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Box lunch included

Day 12 Half-day at Leisure, flight to Santiago

Morning

Free morning for shopping or relaxing at the hotel's pool. 

Afternoon

After lunch, transfer to Mataveri airport with your guide. 

Assistance with boarding formalities and check-in. 

Flight to Santiago (5 hours). 

Evening

Arrival in the evening at Santiago international airport and transfer to your hotel downtown (30 min).

Overnight at your hotel. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Services

What's included

Flights

  • Quito to Baltra
  • Baltra to Guayaquil
  • Guayaquil to Santiago
  • Santiago to Hanga Roa
  • Hanga Roa to Santiago

 

Accommodation

Nights
11 nights in premium hotels

Meals

Full board plan
11 breakfasts + 6 lunches (including several lunch boxes) + 1 dinner show

Transportation

Boat
Shared boat excursions in the Galapagos Islands
Shuttle
Shared transfers in the Galapagos
Car
Private car & driver for all transfers in Mainland Ecuador and Easter Island

Orientation

Guide
Shared naturalist English-speaking guide in the Galapagos / Private English-speaking guide in Easter Island

Entrance Fees

All fees to mentioned sites are included except in the Galapagos

What's not included

  • International flights to/from South America
  • Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (200 USD/Person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/Person)
  • Isabela Island Municipal Tax (10 USD/Person)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra Meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

Each guest must strictly follow the Galapagos National Park Rules: 

  • Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife
  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you
  • Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems
  • Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife
  • Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park Department
  • It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
  • Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported
  • Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment
  • Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat
  • Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park
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