Galápagos Grand Voyage
Overview
Experience Ecuador through a seamless blend of cultural depth and refined exploration, culminating in an exceptional seven‑night luxury cruise through the Galápagos Islands. From enriching encounters that reveal the country’s heritage and iconic landmarks, the journey transitions effortlessly into an exclusive island voyage designed for discerning travellers. Aboard your elegant cruise ship, enjoy personalized service, sophisticated comforts and expertly guided discoveries set against some of the world’s most pristine and awe‑inspiring landscapes.
Important notes:
- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
- Due to the natural characteristics of the Galapagos Islands, all the activities that visitors undertake there, both on Cruises as well as in the Combined Programs (Hotel + Excursions), require certain levels of physical effort and adequate mobility. These activities include:
- To climb up and down stairways and steps.
- The excursions include walks over irregular natural trails as well as aquatic activities such as snorkelling.
- Most of the walks are over irregular terrain made of lava, rocks or sand.
- To constantly get in and out of small boats in motion, on landings that can be “dry” or “wet.”
- Dry Landing: Passengers step directly from the boat to a small pier or onto the rocks.
Wet Landing: The boat reaches a beach, and passengers disembark in the water, usually with maximum knee-high water.
Unfortunately, due to the local conditions, the cruise vessels as well as the Combined Programs (Hotel + excursions) in the Islands do NOT have facilities for passengers who need a wheelchair or who have limitations of mobility by themselves.
- Galápagos Islands entry procedure:
Before boarding your flight to the mainland, all travellers’ luggage must pass through the ABG Biosecurity inspection, where bags are screened and sealed to prevent prohibited organic material from entering the islands. Upon landing in Baltra or San Cristóbal, visitors proceed to pay the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee, which for foreign adult travellers is US$200 & US$100 for children under the age of 12 years old (fee subject to change without notice). After completing this final step, travellers collect their luggage, pass the local biosecurity checkpoint and exit the arrivals area.
Format
Locations
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Otavalo
- Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos Islands
- Papallacta
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), Quito, Ecuador
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Quito (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip domestic flight in economy class between Quito and Baltra Island
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 11 nights accommodation in select category (2 nights in Quito, 1 night in Otavalo, 7 nights in Galápagos cruise, 1 night in Papallacta)
- Early check-in upon arrival
- Daily breakfast, unless noted otherwise
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Quito walking tour
- Otavalo Market tour
- Mitad del Mundo Monument visit
- 7-night cruise
- Papallacta Hot Springs experience
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Quito – Otavalo
Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll proceed through customs and immigration. After collecting your luggage, you’ll be greeted by a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name, who will escort you to your hotel for check‑in.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a walking tour of Quito, where history, culture and daily life come together in a vibrant tapestry.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Otavalo to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quito walking tour
Discover the charm of Quito on a guided walking tour through its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Wander past grand plazas, ornate churches and lively streets filled with local culture. Enjoy stunning Andean views as you explore hidden gems and architectural landmarks. This immersive stroll is the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s vibrant capital.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 2
Otavalo – Mitad del Mundo – Quito
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide and set off to explore Otavalo’s vibrant and world‑famous market, a highlight of Andean culture and craftsmanship.
Savour a delicious lunch before returning to Quito. Along the way, you’ll stop at Latitude 0°0′0″, the iconic Mitad del Mundo, for a memorable visit to the Earth’s equatorial line. Continue back to the city and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Otavalo Market tour
Wander through this vibrant market, a lively maze of colour filled with beautifully crafted textiles, ponchos, hats, jewelry and unique handmade treasures, an inviting setting for exploring authentic Andean artistry.
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Mitad del Mundo Monument visit
Stand at the legendary “Middle of the World” as you visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument, where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. Explore this iconic site, learn about the equator’s unique geography and enjoy fun interactive exhibits that bring science and culture to life.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3 to 9
Baltra Island – Galápagos Cruise
After breakfast and your hotel check out, you’ll meet your local representative in the lobby for a seamless transfer to the airport for your flight to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, one of the main gateways to the enchanting Galápagos Islands.
Upon arrival, you’ll complete the standard entry formalities before proceeding to the arrivals area, where a dedicated representative will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be escorted to your transfer and taken to the pier to board your Galápagos cruise, marking the beginning of an unforgettable island journey.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to settle in, relax and enjoy the onboard amenities as you sail into one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.
More Moments Activities Included
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7-night Galapagos Islands Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable seven‑night voyage aboard your floating home in the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Each day unveils a new and breathtaking setting, brought to life by expert naturalist guides who share their deep knowledge of these pristine environments. Enjoy immersive land explorations paired with up to two snorkelling experiences daily within one of the world’s largest marine reserves. Along the way, encounter the islands’ iconic wildlife—remarkably calm and unafraid—allowing for rare, close‑up moments with the natural wonders that make the Galápagos truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Galápagos Island Cruise – Baltra Island – Papallacta
On the final day of your Galápagos cruising experience, savour your last moments aboard as you reflect on the unforgettable days spent exploring these extraordinary islands. After disembarkation, you will be transferred to Baltra Island, where you will connect with your flight back to Quito.
Upon arrival, a representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign will welcome you and guide you to your transfer. You will then be taken to Papallacta hot springs in the Cloud Forest. Spend the day relaxing in the therapeutic pools while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Papallacta Hot Springs experience
Escape into a world of tranquillity, where nature and relaxation come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by misty mountain landscapes and lush Andean vegetation, these thermal pools invite you to unwind in naturally heated waters renowned for their restorative qualities.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 11
Papallacta – Quito
Spend most of the day at leisure, enjoying the serene setting of the Papallacta Hot Springs. Relax at your own pace as you soak in naturally heated thermal pools surrounded by misty mountain landscapes and lush Andean vegetation, or simply unwind and embrace the peaceful atmosphere. With ample time to rest, rejuvenate and connect with nature, this restorative escape offers a perfect balance of wellness, tranquillity and natural beauty.
Later in the day, you will be transferred to Quito, where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 12
Quito – Canada
After breakfast and check out, your local representative will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 Adults
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 Adults
Important Information
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Every Thursday between December 4th 2026 to March 26th 2027
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Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages during meals
- Porterage of luggage at hotels
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
- Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
- Galápagos National Park fee
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport and mainland Ecuador sightseeing transfers
- Flight from Quito to Baltra Island
- Cruise in the Galápagos Islands
- Plane from Baltra Island to Quito
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- The room category assigned at the following properties will determine the accommodation differentiation selected:
- Holiday Inn Quito Airport by IHG: Premium Accommodation will receive an Executive Suite Sky Club Room.
- The room category assigned at the following properties will determine the accommodation differentiation selected: