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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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.

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 Lourdes Pesantes
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.
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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.
Profile Image of Diego Barahona
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.
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