Day 1 Quito July 1
We will gather in our hotel for a get-acquainted meeting before exploring the historic center with our local guide. Our explorations will include a chocolate tasting before enjoying our first Ecuadorian meal together.

Day 2  Intinan, Casa Agave
In the morning we will visit the Intiñan museum. This fun museum features life-size dioramas depicting Ecuadorian daily life and interactive demonstrations designed to test the unique physical forces at work in the equatorial region. Next we will visit Casa Agave, a fascinating museum project dedicated to preserving Agave culture, one of the oldest of the Andes.

Casa Q Hotel (2 nights)

Day 3  Flight, Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hll, Punta Carola
We begin this day with a flight to San Cristobal Island, with its dramatic landscapes and pristine shores. After settling into our accommodation, we commence with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center, learning about the islands' ancient origins and their ongoing role in ecological research and conservation. Then we ascend Tijeretas Hill, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the island. Next up, Punta Carola's sandy shores provide an idyllic evening retreat, with possible sightings of sea lions and marine iguanas. 

Day 4  Lobos Island, Manglesito Beach
Today we embark on a journey to Lobos Island, named after its impressive colony of sea lions. We’ll have the chance to hike the island's trails while observing its diverse and exotic birdlife. We’ll experience the beauty of the island's rich marine life as we snorkel the island’s pristine waters. We conclude our visit at Manglesito Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or do more snorkeling.

Miconia Hotel (2 nights)

Day 5  Floreana Island Excursion
On this morning a speedboat transfers us to Floreana Island where a world of contrasts awaits. We’ll visit black sand beaches and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon our trusty craft will speed us to Isabela Island, the largest and most dramatic of the Galapagos.

Day 6  Sierra Negra Volcano, Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Isabela Island's Sierra Negra Volcano looms on the horizon, its immense caldera promising an otherworldly experience. We’ll hike through lush highland vegetation to the rim, where we are rewarded with panoramic views of the crater. We conclude our day with a visit to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center where we will see the iconic giant tortoises, symbols of the archipelago's conservation efforts.

Day 7  Los Tuneles
Another boat journey transports us to Los Tuneles, a maze of naturally formed lava tunnels and arches. Potential snorkeling encounters beneath these geological wonders include seahorses, reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon you are free to relax or enjoy the beautiful beach and have some time on your own during the sunset.

San Vicente Hotel (3 nights)

Day 9 Darwin Research Station
This morning we will transfer to Santa Cruz Island. After settling into our hotel, we'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. This facility provides insight into the ongoing conservation of the Galapagos and the opportunity to see giant tortoises again.

Day 10 Tortuga Bay, El Chato Reserve

A morning hike takes us to beautiful Tortuga Bay where we can watch the daily procession of marine iguanas making their way to the salty waters. Our afternoon pursuit is the El Chato Reserve, where we hope to see tortoises in the wild. We will also explore a series of lava tunnels before returning to town for a free evening.

Day 11  Full day island tour
Today we will explore one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Our choice will be determined by weather conditions, seasonal opportunities, and what we have already seen in the islands. Options include:

• Seymour Island
  Seymour is home to many different species of birds and animals. It is a good place to spot frigates, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals. In the afternoon we’ll sail to Bachas’ beach, a nesting area for sea turtles.

• Santa Fe Island
  Highlights include a beautiful bay where we can snorkel with eagle rays, sting rays, sea turtles, and lots of fish. Santa Fe is known for its large colony of sea lions and there are several excellent hikes available.

• South Plaza Island
  South Plaza boasts one of the most concentrated wildlife environments in the Galapagos. Encounters might include sea lions, iguanas, swallow-tail gulls, frigates, pelicans, and other tropical bird species. We will sail to Punta Carrion for more snorkeling.

• Bartolome Island
  Bartolome is the most recognizable and photographed island in the archipelago thanks to its distinctive pinnacle rock. We’ll hike along a wood trail to the top of this once-active volcano, observing the different lava formations on the way, for a fantastic panoramic view. Later, we’ll take a zodiac in search of Galapagos penguins, and then disembark on the beach for some snorkeling. This is a great place to see white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, many fish, and maybe swim alongside sea lions.

Fernandina Hotel (3 nights)

Day 11  Flight Quito
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to the Baltra airport for our flight back to Quito (scheduled arrival time: 16:15). We'll gather for a final Happy Hour to reminisce about our adventure together.

Wyndham Airport Hotel (1 night)

Day 12 Tour ends after breakfast

[Hotels and tour activities are subject to change.]

During this tour we will explore Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Perched high in the Andes, it is known for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial Old Town. The city blends dramatic mountain scenery with rich history and vibrant culture. A day-long foray takes us to the nearby Equator and an explanation of the importance of agave in Ecuadorian culture. Then the real adventure begins when we explore the diverse wildlife and scenic vistas of the amazing Galapagos Islands. Our agenda includes exploring remote islands, observing unique animal species, and snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and marine iguanas. This tour is scheduled to connect with Imprint's Peru tour. Please inquire for details info@imprinttours.com.

·      Walking tour Quito

·      Intinan Equator Museum & Casa Agave

·      8 nights in Galapagos Islands

·      Opportunity to observe sea lions, rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, marine iguanas, birdlife, and seahorses

·      See and learn about the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises

·      Explorations of volcanic landscapes and seascapes

·      Excursions to remote islands

Visa Requirements:  U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Ecuador. However, one must complete an online Customs Registration Form (Formulario de Registro Aduanero – FRA)

Note: The responsibility to acquire the correct visitor documentation rests solely with the traveler. Since Imprint does not provide this service, we have no special expertise, connections, or experience on which to draw. Therefore, we are unable to assist with difficulties. Any information offered for a specific tour is provided as a courtesy only. Said information is not to be viewed as complete and total.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour and serving as your deposit receipt. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details. Also included is information for purchasing travel insurance. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Q: Is my deposit refundable?

A: Your deposit is refundable for 30 days, after which it is non-refundable for any reason.

Connecting with Peru

Q: How do I connect this tour with Imprint's Peru tour?

A: The two tours are scheduled with a couple days in between. Transportation and accommodations between tours are the traveler's responsibility.

Q: What if I am not interested in the Nazca Lines optional extension?

A: Then you will have to make alternative plans for the extra couple of days before the Peru tour begins.

Flight/Hotel Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included.

Q: What airport do I use to join the tour?

A: The tour starts in Quito (UIO) on July 1 (3:00PM).

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: What airport do I use to depart the tour?

A: The tour ends at a Quito airport hotel on July 12, after breakfast.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers to join or depart the tour are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter. 

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When should I book my flight?

A: Avoid booking flights before Oct 30, 2026 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Oct 30?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Jan 4, you may assume the tour is a go.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?

A: For pre-tour nights, book the Q Hotel For post-tour nights, we will be using Wyndham Airport Hotel. Bookings are under Intrepid DMC Ecuador and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Q: If I want to book pre-tour nights in Quito can Imprint assist in making sure I stay in the same room when the tour begins?

A: No, Imprint is unable to assist with this. You must deal directly with the hotel to make any special arrangements.

Q: What if the first and/or last tour hotels are fully booked for the pre- and/or post-tour nights I am interested in?

A: You must make your own alternative arrangements. We suggest using your favorite hotel booking engine to choose an accommodation with the location, price, and standard of your choice.

Itinerary/Tour Hotels/Facilities

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: Hotels are listed in the itinerary section above.

Q: Will there be hair dryers available in the hotels?

A: Yes, hair dryers are available.

Q: Will there be opportunity to do laundry during the tour?

A: Yes, there are laundry facilities available.

Tour start/end

Q: What time will the tour start on July 1?

A: 15:00 (3:00PM) 

Q: What time will the tour end on July 12?

A: After breakfast

Q: If I have booked a flight departure for late on July 11, or early hours July 12, can I skip the final breakfast?

A: Yes

Payment: Early Pay Discount (EPD) and Full Price

Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)

A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?

A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.

Q: If I have registered for the EPD price, but then need to switch to 'full price' and pay my balance later, can Imprint accommodate me?

A: Yes, we can switch packages for you. Simply send us an email - info@imprinttours.com

Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?

A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. 

Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?

A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees. 

Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until Feb 28, 2027?

A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by Feb 28. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.

Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?

A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until Feb 28. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).

Q: What if I have to cancel after Feb 28, 2027?

A: After Feb 28, 2027 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason. 

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

ages for visa stamps.

Note - It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to provide up-to-date passport information. If a passport has expired or will expire prior to six months beyond a traveler’s intended departure from their Imprint tour destination, it is the responsibility of the traveler to update the passport data in their registration. Imprint Tours is not responsible for transportation booking delays, mistakes, or omissions if registration passport data is out of date.

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from Ecuador, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays, mistakes, or omissions due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal and/or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Ecuador. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.
This tour involves moderate to demanding physical activity, including walking tours, climbing steps, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, respectful, independent-minded, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling. We recommend Trawick. For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

·       Trip Cancellation

·       Trip Interruption 

·       Trip Delay 

·       Missed Connection

·       Baggage Benefits

·       Baggage and Personal Effects 

·       Baggage Delay 

·       Emergency Accident and Sickness

·       Medical Expense 

·       Dental Expenses 

·       Emergency Evacuation 

·       Repatriation of Remains  

·       Accidental Death & Dismemberment

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.