The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History

After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.

Conditions of Carriage & Liability Waivers: Road Scholar participants enrolling in this program are subject to Rolf Wittmer’s (Tip Top Fleet) terms and conditions of carriage which includes a waiver of liability to participate in snorkeling activities during the cruise. Participants will be asked to sign this waiver form at the site and no action is required at this time. Your Preliminary Information Packet will have a copy of the form for your review. An International Vaccination Certificate must be presented as proof of yellow fever vaccination by travelers arriving from at-risk locations on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list. The website link for the most current WHO list can be found in the Recommended Websites section of your initial preparatory material booklet, immediately after the suggested reading resources for your program. Please note that travelers arriving directly from the US or Canada (without en-route travel to at-risk areas) are not required to be vaccinated. Additional resources about vaccination requirements and suggestions, health advisories, and country-specific recommendations can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Persons who cannot receive the vaccination for medical reasons should obtain a medical waiver from a Certified Yellow Fever Vaccine Provider such as their local health department. The waiver must be dated and printed/written on letterhead stationary; it must also include the center’s official yellow fever vaccination stamp and the attending clinician’s signature.

A passport is required for this program. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

This information about travel documents pertains to participants holding U.S. passports. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

All routine vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, hepatitis A, flu shots, etc.) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice; especially if you plan to travel internationally. In preparation for your program, you should check health and travel advisories that affect your itinerary. Information from organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health Organization), and the U.S. Dept. of State can help you plan ahead. At least six weeks prior to departure, make arrangements to see your physician or the travel nurse at your local public health clinic to determine what vaccinations are appropriate based on your medical history and travel itinerary. Some vaccinations do not offer immediate protection and require some time to take effect; therefore, do not leave your doctor's appointment and vaccinations to the last minute. The rigors of travel and changes in diet can sometimes disrupt sensitive digestive systems. Some participants have suggested taking probiotic supplements to ensure a healthy digestive system during travel.

If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Arrival day is on December 9, 2026

Meet the group at Sheraton Quito Hotel in Quito

Start of Trip:  3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; Day 2 8:00 a.m. Orientation.

Getting to the site: Independent travelers and those deviating from the program dates are responsible for arranging their own transfers. Please see the options below. If you prefer to schedule a private transfer, please contact (800) 866-7111 or email roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for additional information no later than 45 days before the program’s start date. Taxi transportation is available at the international airport in Quito. Participants who wish to hire a taxi, can do so at the Airport Taxi Service booth located after clearing Customs. Please stop at the booth and stop at the booth and let the representative know that you need a taxi to take you to your hotel (give hotel name) in Quito. The representative will give you a ticket that notes your destination and fare, from there you will exit the airport and look for a taxi service representative wearing an official airport badge who will direct you to the next available taxi. The driver will assist you with your luggage, collect your ticket, and drive you to your hotel. The taxis are not metered; the fare is a set rate, calculated based on your final destination. Payment to the driver must be made in US dollars, cash, and tipping is optional. Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar. Some hotels offer an airport shuttle service which is complimentary or available at an additional cost. Please check the accommodation section of your Preliminary Information Packet for more information and contact the hotel directly to make a reservation if applicable/appropriate.

Your trip ends on: Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Quito at Hosteria Rincon de Puembo

End of Trip: 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out.

Getting to the airport: If you prefer to schedule a private transfer, please contact (800) 866-7111 or email roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for additional information no later than 45 days before departure date. Please check the accommodation section of your Preliminary Information Packet for information on the availability of an airport shuttle service at your program hotel. Airport transfers sometimes need to be booked in advance and might include additional fees. These arrangements, if applicable, must be made directly with the hotel. Taxi transportation can be arranged at the hotel; please ask for assistance at the front desk if you wish to hire a taxi.

Information if you are purchasing your own airfare: Participants who have not purchased airfare through Road Scholar are responsible for making their own transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program, as well as from the last site at the end of the program. The Information Packet Road Scholar sends in advance of the program includes details needed to make your transfer arrangements. If you wish to purchase airfare through Road Scholar, please call (800) 241-1404. Please note: In the unlikely event Road Scholar must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. Participants who have purchased Road Scholar airfare are protected against airline change fees; however, anyone who has not purchased Road Scholar airfare will be required to make their own adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline.