Galapagos
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – November 2026
From November 10th to the 18th, 2026, this program will be offering an amazing opportunity to experience the remote and unique Galapagos Archipelago. Lying on the equator, 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast is the Galapagos, consisting of 21islands in which only 5 are populated and account for only 3% of the total Galapagos Island area. Over many hundreds of thousands of years, animals and plants somehow migrated from the mainland. As time passed, they adapted themselves to Galapagos’ conditions and came to differ more and more from their mainland ancestors. Thus, many of the species are unique, like nowhere on earth. The islands were not uninhabited until 1535 and the animals and fish still have little instinctive fear of man. Due to constant ocean currents providing an endless food source, the wildlife of the Galapagos supports a wide array of endemic flora and fauna in and out of the ocean. In 1959, the Galápagos National Park (Parque National de Galapagos) was established and covers roughly 97% of the Galápagos Islands, spanning 3,087 square miles. It is a pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique biodiversity, active volcanic landscapes, and the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin. There are numerous documentaries showing the splendor of the region. Also, a famous Hollywood with beautiful scenery is “Master and Commander” with Russell Crowe.
Destinations, Activities & Wildlife
This tour is a maritime adventure, interacting with nature where land meets the ocean. Many of the activities involve being on or in the water. The group will be riding on ferries, motorboats and a yacht. Multiple sites require a moderate degree of effort, walking over trails, sand, and lava rock. The temperatures and sun can be hot, requiring vigilant hydration, sunscreen and adequate clothing. Each participant can embrace the organized activities to the level at which they are comfortable. Here is a list of scheduled adventures across multiple islands.
- Baltra Island: Fly into the barren cactus landscape of Baltra Island Airport (GPS) and ferry across the Seymour Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Traversing across the island highlands, peer into Los Gemelos, twin extinct volcanic craters.
- Puerto Ayora: Throughout the tour, the group will be staying in a guesthouse in the town of Puerto Ayora on the southern shore of Santa Cruz Island. A small, but bustling town where shops, restaurants, fish market, pier, and plaza are all within walking distance. Locals and travelers alike, favor the nighttime open-air food midway for the freshest seafood and local cuisine. Throughout the days, Tortuga Bay is a 20-minute hike from town for swimming and wildlife viewing of seals and iguanas.
- Santa Cruz Island: Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about ongoing conservation and specie preservation efforts. Hike through Lava Tunnels made famous by pirates and hidden treasure. Stroll Garrapatero Beach, known for its white-sand beach and lagoon, home to local flamingos. Swim Las Grietas, a lava-formed canyon filled with crystal clear cool water, accessible only by a water-taxi from the town pier and a short hike.
- Seymour North and Mosquera Islands: Board our private sailing vessel for a day-cruise of these two uninhabited islands to see a colony of giant sea lions and their seal pups. Snorkeling with manta rays, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks, and a wide array of various aquatic life. Watch for costal birds while dinning on the ship’s top-deck under the Ecuadorian sun.
- San Cristobal Island: A day-tour by motorboat to San Cristobal to visit the Galapagos Visiting Center displaying information on the volcanic origins of the islands, swim Lobos Beach with Galapagos sea turtles, walk to a blue footed booby nesting area, and hike Las Tijeretas, a viewpoint known for frigate birds and their nesting colony.
Traveling Costs for Galapagos Tour
In the past, Galapagos tours typically utilized live-aboard sailing vessels. The packages were extremely expensive, excluding many curious travelers. Over the past years, land-based tours, utilizing hotels and day-tours, have made this destination a reality for all travelers around the world. Peru Alive is proud to offer an economical but highly immersive tour. This all-inclusive program lasts 10 days and costs $3,900 per person with double occupancy. This includes flights from NYC, MIA, SFO, or LAX, Included are all listed excursions and activities on the itinerary, private chartered boat cruise, lodging, daily buffet breakfast, lunches on day tours, all ground and water transportation, snorkel gear, eco-lectures, interpretive centers, and licensed tour guides. Peru Alive can arrange flights departing from alternative cities in the USA but may vary the price. Single occupancy fee is $300 extra.
*Participants can purchase their own flight reservations to GPS and meet the group in Puerto Ayora when the group is scheduled to arrive. Transportation to and from the airport into town are not included when booking own flight. No portion of the tour is refundable should you flight not align with the group itinerary and dates. The cost of the trip without flight is $2,900 per person for double occupancy.
Trip Payment
Contact Peru Alive or download an application packet at www.peru-alive.com. Please indicate if you are single occupancy and/or are making your own flight arrangements. Return the completed packet and an invoice for total cost will be sent to your email address. Once the payment is received in full, Peru Alive will purchase your flights and transportation needs for the trip. An initial sum of $1,600 is immediately used for trip transportation and logistical costs and is non-refundable. However, your flights will be purchased in your name with your own confirmation number. If you cancel or are unable to attend, the international airline ticket remains in your name and is yours to manage for seating, upgrades, meals, etc. You will be subject to the specific airline’s refund policy, change fees, and ticket credit, should you modify or cancel.
The remaining balance of your full payment will be $2,300 and is 100% refundable before September 8th; 50% refundable before October 15th; and 0% refundable after October 15th, 2026. The only guarantee for full or partial reimbursement outside the Peru Alive refund policy listed above is to purchase your own traveler’s insurance policy. This is not required but certainly suggested due to trip cancellation, unforeseeable catastrophic events, natural disaster, elevated high risk advisories or any unforeseeable circumstance presenting real threat to the safety of the group. You can make payments to Peru Alive by PayPal or Venmo. (3day+ to avoid fees). All payment information will be sent directly to your e-mail when we receive and approve your application packet.
Additional Costs Not Included
Additional costs NOT included in the program are National Park entrance fee ($200), Galapagos Transit Card ($20), Dinners (approx. $20 each), bottled water, personal gear, gifts and souvenirs, personal snacks, any medical or emergency needs, Covid or any Medical Action Plan expenses, traveler’s insurance, tips for local guides and staff, flight upgrades/ seat selection/additional baggage, single lodging occupancy, airline meals and layovers, transportation to and from international flight, lunches on free-days, and optional tours organized on free-days. A 2-tank dive day costs $250. Groceries and food can be more expensive than mainland Ecuador due to shipping costs. Dinner time allows participants to get some free time and explore the culture away from the group.
Traveling Abroad
It is a timely and tedious excursion traveling from the USA to Ecuador but once you arrive, it will all be worth it. US passport holders can enter Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 12-month period. You only need a valid US passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. No advance application, no fees, no special documents are required. The law does not require vaccinations, but those decisions are better to be consulted with your family’s physician. Most people living in the United States have already been immunized against various diseases found in less developed countries. Booster shots against tetanus, measles, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio are common recommendations. “Traveler’s Flu” and diarrhea are common occurrences with any foreign travel. Antibiotics can greatly improve a possibly miserable situation (like a boat ride). We strongly recommend having your physician prescribe an antibiotic to help. The prescriptions need to be filled-in the United States prior to departure.
The Galapagos Islands are generally arid and rocky. The landscape is covered with harsh lava rock, making protective but comfortable footwear essential. The Galapagos lies along the equator and is closer to the sun than anywhere else on the planet. When the sun is shining, it is extremely hot and intense. Please consider items necessary to keep safe in the sun (hat, lotion, light long sleeve shirts). Some “thinning” heads and light skin can even burn in the water. A sweatshirt or long sleeve at night or on boat rides can be useful. Please pack light but remember the essentials. If you forget anything, it will be available in shops and markets. Spanish is the dominant language but most places will speak English, as well. Informational books on the specific nature of the Galapagos Islands will enhance the trip. A pocket Spanish Dictionary can come in handy. The Ecuador economy uses the US dollar, not requiring any currency exchange.
Lodging
The group will be staying in guesthouse in Puerto Ayora, a short walk to all amenities. This will be the homebase for all activities with hot water, air conditioning, a community kitchen, Wi-Fi, community space, and beautiful views. Throughout the entire visit, there are restaurants, Wi-Fi hotspots, hospitals, 24- hour pharmacies, markets, and cellular service. Puerto Ayora is known to be safe for foreign travelers while still possessing a local feel. All lodging is based on double occupancy rooms. Single hotel occupancy requests will require an additional $300 fee.
Health Issues and Safety
The tourism industry has certainly changed since the pandemic. Peru Alive has made some adjustments to best accommodate unknown future factors of living in a post-pandemic era. If any member is to encounter a health ailment in which they cannot continue or contract Covid, they will be provided a personal hotel room, close to adequate medical facilities, to quarantine and recover. A medical professional will be made available. The traveler will assume all additional costs needed to follow the safety plan keeping themselves and the group safe. There will always be times to rest, hydrate, and eat during the tours. If anyone is feeling sick or fatigued on a tour, Peru Alive will assist the participant to shade, or escort them back to their lodging. There are certain disabilities and medical conditions that would make the Galapagos an unsafe travel destination. Please complete the application packet accurately and discuss any physical or mental concerns directly with Mick Stemborski. Peru Alive reserves the right to refuse services to any applicant who presents medical or mental issues that would deem this program unsafe or inappropriate to the individual or group as a whole.
Traveling in Ecuador
The Galapagos is a terrific place to visit anytime of the year. From November through May the water temperatures (avg. 76 degrees) and air temperatures (avg. low/high 72/86 degrees) are slightly warmer. Rainfalls are common for a short period of time each day, but the remainder of the day tends to be very sunny, resulting in high humidity. Flowers come into bloom and vegetation is more colorful. The itinerary entails overnight international flights, walking tours, swimming/snorkeling (optional), boat and ferry rides, and bus/van transports that cover ground paved and unpaved roads. Walking tours will require a moderate level of effort (3-4 hours) with multiple steps and stairs, across uneven terrain on nature trails, beaches, lava rock, docks, boat ramps, and moving sea vessels. There will be no trekking or camping involved. Reported on October 14, 2025, Ecuador remains on a Level II Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Precautions. This includes The Galapagos. Specified areas in Ecuador do have a Level III Travel Advisory but our group will not be anywhere close to these regions. You can follow more safety information and alerts for Ecuador at www.travel/state.gov.
Alcohol and other Substances
Peru Alive wants to encourage all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles to experience a positive, memorable trip. Due to the spiritual nature of the program, cultural sensitivity, risks of sickness, and legal issues; alcohol and other substance-use is discouraged. This can lead to multiple problems abroad and can possibly limit the level of fulfillment our travelers are seeking.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance policies vary depending on the price of the trip, and the tier-level of coverage you want, from basic, to premier. Any policy you review will offer some form of emergency medical reimbursement, emergency evacuation reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, trip interruption stipends, and trip refunds for various pre-approved reasons depending on the tier. Only the highest tier and most expensive policies will offer a 100% cancelation refund for any reason.
Every travel insurance website will ask the same basic questions; destination(s), travel dates, and age. These answers are set according to our itinerary. Next, they will ask how much your trip costs. This is the amount they will use to determine what percentage of trip refund you can collect, should you cancel the trip (for the pre-approved reasons). You do not have to list the actual price of the trip. You can start as low as $50 trip cost, which allows you to receive medical coverage and other benefits for the lowest cost without any type of refund for cancellation. If you are seeking trip reimbursement for cancelation, you need to list the actual amount of $3,900 to assure the higher refund amounts and reimbursement rates. Once you have entered this information, you will get multiple quotes for various tiers of coverage.
Any emergency medical cost you accrue abroad needs to be paid out-of-pocket before you leave the medical provider’s facility. This is why a credit card is essential for travel emergencies. When you return home, you submit a claim for your medical and emergency bills to the travel insurance claims department. Reading the fine print of any insurance policy will inform the holder of what services are covered. Peru Alive cannot assist with this process and make no guarantee of refund. Peru Alive cannot assist with claims and have influence in refund amounts.
How to Apply
Step 1: Once you receive the application packet, please complete and sign with all the information requested. Peru Alive can email an application to you, or you can find it at www.peru-alive.com. Enrollment is now open and there are limited seats. All information provided is kept in privacy and is relevant to your safety and well-being while traveling abroad. You can submit your application by email to mickstem@hotmail.com or by text if you don’t have access to a computer. When your application is reviewed and approved, Peru Alive will send you an invoice and payment information for a direct bank transfer (free) or by PayPal (3+ day transfer. Please list if single occupancy and/or not needing flight.
Step 2: Flight confirmation and itinerary, trip updates, travel tips, gear list, and useful information will be distributed by e-mail to help prepare for the adventure. Group participants will be invited to an informal meet-and-greet sometime in early November (TBA). This meeting is highly encouraged but NOT mandatory.
Trip Facilitator and Lead Guide
Mick Stemborski discovered the wonders of Galapagos on a personal trip in 2008. Mick is lead guide for Peru Alive, a Cultural Immersion Traveling Program and Study Abroad Program for higher education. He holds a master’s degree in professional counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. His under-graduate Degree is in Business Recreation and Leisure. Mick has been developing unique programs that introduces various groups and students to the cultural and natural wonders of the world. He has the honor of working with many amazing people around the world and cherishes these friendships.
Money Abroad
Probably the most common question when traveling to developing countries. Here is a basic suggestion. Bring 3 forms of money. Start with a Visa or Mastercard. This can be used for bigger purchases or emergencies. Second, bring an ATM card. This will provide the best exchange rates and can be replaced if lost. Lastly, bring a few hundred US dollars in cash and keep for back-up when there are no ATMs or power outages. You can put this away for unexpected situations. Please: keep your passport and major means of currency on your person.
Final Thoughts
The program requires extensive traveling by plane, boat, and van. The lighter the pack, the easier the traveling can be. Please, do not exceed the gear list recommendations unless you have special needs. If you require additional supplies or clothing, local merchants sell all goods at extremely low prices compared to the United States. A mild to moderate degree of physical activity is required to participate in the itinerary. Please, remember life is different outside the United States. The level of services, degree of modern infrastructure, time management and local cuisine may not be what Americans are accustomed to. This is all part of the “international experience.” All program meals, transports and sleeping accommodations will be safe, adequate, and reflect the cost of the program. Daily Itinerary provided below. Thank You.
Itinerary
Date Daily Activity
Nov 10, Tue
Nov 11, Wed
Nov 12, Thurs
Nov 13, Fri
Nov 14, Sat
Nov 15, Sun
Nov 16, Mon
Nov 17, Tues
Nov 18, Wed
Depart US Origin to Ecuador – International Flights TBA
Overnight Flight
Mainland to Galapagos (GPS) – Puerto Ayora
Orientation to Town, Check-In, Tortuga Bay
Santa Cruz Day Tour – Charles Darwin Research Station
Giant Tortoise, Flamingos, Lava Tunnels, & Beaches
Chartered Boat – N. Seymour and Mosqueras Islands
Snorkel, Dine, & Cruise all Day
San Cristobal Day Tour – Galapagos Interpretive Center
Lobos Beach & Las Tijeretas – Return to Santa Cruz
Free Day: Optional Tours and Activities Not Included
Isabella Island Day Tour, Scuba Diving, Surfing
Santa Cruz – Las Grietas Swim and Hike in AM.
Free Afternoon
Depart GPS – International Flight TBA
Overnight Flight
Arrive US Destination