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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.

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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
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
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Edgar Vargas
Edgar Vargas was born and raised in Ecuador's famous Galápagos Islands. He attended college in Guayaquil, on the mainland, with additional studies at the University of Colorado. Prior to becoming a naturalist in the Galápagos in 1990, Edgar taught environmental education for the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as biology and chemistry classes at a local high school. In the mid 1990's, Edgar became the head of tourism for the Galápagos National Park. Being a PADI diver, he is just as comfortable exploring the underwater world as he is living on land.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Edgar Vargas
Edgar Vargas View biography
Edgar Vargas was born and raised in Ecuador's famous Galápagos Islands. He attended college in Guayaquil, on the mainland, with additional studies at the University of Colorado. Prior to becoming a naturalist in the Galápagos in 1990, Edgar taught environmental education for the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as biology and chemistry classes at a local high school. In the mid 1990's, Edgar became the head of tourism for the Galápagos National Park. Being a PADI diver, he is just as comfortable exploring the underwater world as he is living on land.
Profile Image of Eduardo Borja
Eduardo Borja View biography
Although he is a native of Quito, Eduardo Borja lived in the U.S.A. for a time as a child, then perfected his English at the American School of Quito after returning to Ecuador. Following high school, he rediscovered his passion for Ecuador’s wonders and his enjoyment of sharing them. He returned to the U.S.A. to earn a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. Today, Eduardo lives in Quito and enjoys both the city’s cultural offerings and the natural beauty of Ecuador’s countryside.
Profile Image of Ana Lucia Huerta
Ana Lucia Huerta View biography
While in high school, Ana Lucia Huerta had the chance to travel a few times within Ecuador. Those experiences awakened a love of travel that only grew stronger over the years. She holds a bachelor's degree in ecotourism and is an advocate of mindful tourism; believing that every person has a part to play in making the world a better place. When she's not leading educational groups or exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time outdoors birding. Other personal favorites include painting, reading and practicing her slackline skills.
Profile Image of Jorge Carrera
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.
Profile Image of Joel Mariño
Joel Mariño View biography
Joel Mariño — "Joelito" to his friends — is a certified naturalist for the Galápagos Islands National Park. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Isabela Island, playing in the surf and joining his older brother on outdoor adventures. Becoming a naturalist was a calling, not a choice, and one that allows him to contribute to the preservation of the islands he loves. Photography is one of his favorite hobbies; he takes pleasure in capturing the unique beauty of the islands and sharing those images with loved ones.
Profile Image of Juan Carlos Naranjo
Juan Carlos Naranjo View biography
Juan Carlos Naranjo became a naturalist expedition leader in the Galapagos Islands National Park in the late 1980s. He has worked on expedition vessels in the Galapagos Islands as a scuba diving leader as well as an onboard naturalist, and he has even been featured in a few internationally syndicated documentaries.
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