Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History
Program No. 6043RJ
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Galápagos as you learn about iconic wildlife, delicate ecosystems, volcanic activity and the science-altering legacy of Charles Darwin.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Filling Fast!
May 10 - May 20, 2024Jun 5 - Jun 15, 2024
Jun 21 - Jun 30, 2024
Aug 16 - Aug 26, 2024
Aug 21 - Aug 31, 2024
Filling Fast!
Sep 4 - Sep 14, 2024Filling Fast!
Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2024Filling Fast!
Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2024Oct 14 - Oct 24, 2024
Filling Fast!
Oct 23 - Nov 2, 2024Nov 13 - Nov 23, 2024
Nov 20 - Nov 30, 2024
Nov 27 - Dec 7, 2024
Filling Fast!
Dec 4 - Dec 14, 2024Dec 6 - Dec 16, 2024
Dec 9 - Dec 19, 2024
Filling Fast!
Jan 1 - Jan 11, 2025Full Inventory
Jan 6 - Jan 16, 2025Jan 17 - Jan 27, 2025
Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2025
Full Inventory
Jan 29 - Feb 8, 2025Full Inventory
Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2025Full Inventory
Feb 3 - Feb 13, 2025Filling Fast!
Feb 12 - Feb 22, 2025Feb 14 - Feb 24, 2025
Filling Fast!
Feb 19 - Mar 1, 2025Full Inventory
Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2025Full Inventory
Feb 28 - Mar 10, 2025Full Inventory
Mar 3 - Mar 13, 2025Mar 5 - Mar 15, 2025
Full Inventory
Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2025Full Inventory
Mar 19 - Mar 29, 2025Full Inventory
Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2025Full Inventory
Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2025Full Inventory
Apr 14 - Apr 24, 2025Apr 16 - Apr 26, 2025
Apr 23 - May 3, 2025
Full Inventory
May 7 - May 17, 2025Full Inventory
May 14 - May 24, 2025Full Inventory
May 23 - Jun 2, 2025May 26 - Jun 5, 2025
Full Inventory
May 28 - Jun 7, 2025Full Inventory
Jun 4 - Jun 14, 2025Full Inventory
Jun 11 - Jun 21, 2025Full Inventory
Jul 21 - Jul 31, 2025Full Inventory
Aug 15 - Aug 25, 2025Full Inventory
Aug 20 - Aug 30, 2025Full Inventory
Sep 1 - Sep 11, 2025Full Inventory
Sep 10 - Sep 20, 2025Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2025
Full Inventory
Oct 8 - Oct 18, 2025Full Inventory
Oct 13 - Oct 23, 2025Full Inventory
Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2025Full Inventory
Oct 29 - Nov 8, 2025Full Inventory
Nov 10 - Nov 20, 2025Full Inventory
Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2025Full Inventory
Nov 19 - Nov 29, 2025Full Inventory
Nov 24 - Dec 4, 2025Full Inventory
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2025Full Inventory
Dec 8 - Dec 18, 2025Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2025
May 10 - May 20, 2024
Jun 5 - Jun 15, 2024
Jun 21 - Jun 30, 2024
Filling Fast!
Aug 16 - Aug 26, 2024Aug 21 - Aug 31, 2024
Filling Fast!
Sep 4 - Sep 14, 2024Filling Fast!
Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2024Filling Fast!
Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2024Filling Fast!
Oct 23 - Nov 2, 2024Filling Fast!
Nov 13 - Nov 23, 2024Nov 20 - Nov 30, 2024
Filling Fast!
Nov 27 - Dec 7, 2024Filling Fast!
Dec 4 - Dec 14, 2024Filling Fast!
Dec 6 - Dec 16, 2024Filling Fast!
Jan 1 - Jan 11, 2025Filling Fast!
Jan 17 - Jan 27, 2025Filling Fast!
Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Jan 29 - Feb 8, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2025Filling Fast!
Feb 12 - Feb 22, 2025Filling Fast!
Feb 14 - Feb 24, 2025Filling Fast!
Feb 19 - Mar 1, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Feb 28 - Mar 10, 2025Filling Fast!
Mar 5 - Mar 15, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 19 - Mar 29, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2025Filling Fast!
Apr 16 - Apr 26, 2025Filling Fast!
Apr 23 - May 3, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
May 7 - May 17, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
May 14 - May 24, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
May 23 - Jun 2, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
May 28 - Jun 7, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Jun 4 - Jun 14, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Jun 11 - Jun 21, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Aug 15 - Aug 25, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Aug 20 - Aug 30, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Sep 10 - Sep 20, 2025Filling Fast!
Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Oct 8 - Oct 18, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Oct 29 - Nov 8, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 19 - Nov 29, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 24 - Dec 4, 2025Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2025Filling Fast!
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 202511 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
3
Baltra Island, Board Boat, Mosquera Islet
Galápagos Islands
4
Sullivan Bay, Rabida
Galápagos Islands
5
Punta Espinoza, Elizabeth Bay
Galápagos Islands
6
Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove
Galápagos Islands
7
Puerto Egas, Bartolome
Galápagos Islands
8
Sombrero Chino, Dragon Hill
Galápagos Islands
9
Santa Cruz Highlands, Wild Tortoises, Charles Darwin Station
Galápagos Islands
At a Glance
Study unique animal and plant species on this small ship voyage in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings — the Galápagos Islands. Encounter the fascinating wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Daily walks on sharp volcanic stones and loose rocks. Potentially rough water transferring from yacht into a Zodiac. Wet and dry Zodiac landings onshore. Almost daily snorkeling; from beach or deep sea. Quito, Ecuador has an elevation of 9,350 feet. Some participants fly in a day early to acclimate.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Encounter exotic animals that made the Galápagos famous including Blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, iguanas and giant tortoises.
- Navigate inlets, swim with sea lions and snorkel off remote beaches in search of tropical marine life.
- Learn about the unique and hardy vegetation of the Galápagos including lava cacti, Scalesia trees, lichens, mangroves and Opuntia cacti.
General Notes
Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. Please refer to the date-specific detailed itinerary on the Road Scholar website to check on the vessel and visitor sites included in your program. The expedition-style Galápagos vessels offered on this program can hold 16 passengers in comfortable cabins with en suite facilities.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jorge Carrera
Jorge "George" Carrera is an accomplished Ecuadorian group leader and a veteran with decades of field experience. He recalls as a child, being drawn to studies focused on history, geography and politics. Later, while studying for a degree in the travel industry, he also developed a passion for art, archaeology, ethnic studies and cultural anthropology. Jorge has traveled extensively throughout Ecuador and spent time in some stunningly beautiful locations, ranging from Andean landscapes to lowland forests and coastal beaches.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jorge Carrera
View biography
Jorge "George" Carrera is an accomplished Ecuadorian group leader and a veteran with decades of field experience. He recalls as a child, being drawn to studies focused on history, geography and politics. Later, while studying for a degree in the travel industry, he also developed a passion for art, archaeology, ethnic studies and cultural anthropology. Jorge has traveled extensively throughout Ecuador and spent time in some stunningly beautiful locations, ranging from Andean landscapes to lowland forests and coastal beaches.
Lourdes Pesantes
View biography
Lourdes "Lulu" Pesantes' love of the Galapagos Islands began while growing up on Santa Cruz, where she attended school and volunteered at the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park. She attended college in Quito then returned to work at the Galapagos National Park. She saw the fulfillment of a lifelong dream when she qualified as a Galapagos naturalist leader and began leading field trips and teaching about local plants, animals and geology. Lourdes' favorite pastimes include snorkeling, wildlife observation and photography.
Patricia Alvarez
View biography
Patricia Alvarez hails from Quito, Ecuador's vibrant Andean capital. She studied hotel administration and tourism at the Instituto Técnico Particular (INSTUR) and has been a certified expedition leader since 1990. As a child, Patricia found herself drawn to art, culture, and archaeology. Her interest in Ecuador’s cultural heritage grew stronger in this city steeped in history, dating back to the Quitu and Inca civilizations. Patricia has a special interest in gastronomy and is an avid collector of masks and folkloric artefacts from around the world.
Diego Barahona
View biography
Diego Barahona is a certified Galápagos Islands National Park naturalist and a chemist. He is a native Galápageño with a passion for science and travel. Diego studied abroad on scholarships and completed his B.S. in chemistry and M.S. in fundamental and applied chemistry at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. After working for Petroamazonas and Ecuador’s food and drug administration, he gave in to the pull of his beloved islands and became a naturalist in 2017. Diego enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and playing soccer.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History
Program Number: 6043
Galapagos, World's End
A wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition, including an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos by Ruth Rose. A contemporary reviewer wrote, "Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance, exact science and wild adventure." Originally published in 1924, it includes several color plates and maps.
Insight Guide Ecuador and Galapagos
Presenting the natural history, politics, culture, wildlife and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with style and authority.
Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photo-graphs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin
Sis illuminates Darwin's grand life: his travels, ideas and impact, using watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. The richly embellished pages feature a gorgeous gatefold spread as well as diary pages, maps and charts.
Darwin and Evolution for Kids, His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
An interactive, illustrated biography of Darwin for kids ten and up (and their families). The book, which includes hands-on activities, covers Darwin's career from his youth to his mind-expanding voyage aboard the Beagle to the development of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Galapagos Wildlife
This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.
Boobies, Iguanas and Other Critters
This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the Galapagos for ages 10 to 14. Clear, detailed and accurate, it explains the volcanic formation of the islands, ecology, wildlife and scientific research.
The History of Ecuador
this compact book includes chapters on Ecuador today, Ecuador's indigenous and colonial past, the oil boom and other events.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
The Galapagos, A Natural History
Editor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust magazine and author of Lonesome George, Henry Nicholls charts the human and natural history of the archipelago from its fiery origins through famous visitors and current conservation challenges.
Charles Darwin
A new addition to DK's acclaimed Biography series, this is a detailed and accessible chronicle of Darwin's life, sure to grab the interest of younger readers. With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations.
Inside the Beagle with Charles Darwin
MacDonald gives detailed accounts of daily life aboard the Beagle, animals and places encountered, as well as excellent illustrations and a balanced discussion of Darwin's ground-breaking scientific theories. Ages 8 and up.
Galapagos: The Enchanted Islands, Through Writer's Eyes
Hickman weaves original accounts by Galapagos whalers, gentleman pirates, fitful castaways, settlers and scientists, including Ambrose Crowley, Herman Melville, Charles Darwin and William Beebe, in these tales of the colorful human history of the archipelago.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
Evolution's Workshop
A vivid history of the Galapagos and the role of the islands as a crucible of evolutionary ideas, written by a Pulitzer Prize winner. Larson covers Darwin and the discovery of the islands, the visits of Hancock and Beebe, the influence of the United States during WWII and the establishment of the national park.
Galapagos, A Natural History
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.
Galapagos Islands Explorer Map
A detailed map of the Galapagos archipelago for the traveler at a scale of 1:400,000, including illustrated biographies of famous visitors, a brief wildlife guide with color photographs, a map of Darwin's route.
The Boy on the Back of the Turtle
Humorist, novelist and family man on a quest, Quarrington offers an entertain-ing account of a Galapagos voyage in the company of his seven-year-old daugh-ter and seventy-year-old father.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
Voyage of the Beagle
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
Also available on Blu-Ray, this stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before.