Islands and Highlands

Galápagos luxury adventure and historic Andean hacienda

The best of Darwin’s Islands followed by history, culture and wildlife in the Andes

Welcome to the enchanted islands of the Galápagos

Your journey has been meticulously crafted to explore Darwin’s islands under the guidance of hand-selected naturalist guides. Your base of exploration and home for the week is a yacht that has repeatedly been hailed as "the finest in the islands".

Islands and Highlands has been designed for the discerning traveler with an innate curiosity of the natural world and an appreciation for history and culture.  Start your luxury travel experience with a week-long voyage of discovery through the Galapagos Islands followed by a stay in a 17th century manor and working hacienda nestled in the Andes two hours north of Quito.
More about Galapagos »

Daily exploration

Naturalist-led shore excursions and snorkeling delight guests with intimate wildlife encounters.

Each day you will explore the islands, many unchanged since Darwin's time. Your naturalist guide will lead shore excursions to observe flora and fauna with engaging descriptions of the natural forces at work shaping the islands.  Our naturalist guides »

The Luxury Yacht INTEGRITY

An elegant base for 16 discerning guests to discover the islands. Stabilized. Comfortable. Spacious.

The best way to visit the Galapagos is by yacht. And the best, most luxurious yacht in the islands is Integrity. INCA is the exclusive worldwide representative of Integrity. Nine spacious staterooms accommodate 16 guests in comfort, style and safety aboard a yacht that has never missed a day of service. Stabilized and secure with redundant safety, communications, and engineering systems ensures a smooth, uninterrupted journey.  An abundance of public spaces allow guests to spread out and enjoy quiet time or socialize with companions.  More about INTEGRITY »

Hacienda Zuleta

A beautifully restored 17th century manor home with fourteen guest rooms and seven junior suites.

Built in 1691, the chapel and main buildings around the central courtyard were once part of a Jesuit mission. In 1898, the property was acquired by José Maria Lasso and eventually became home to Galo Plaza Lasso, diplomat and former president of Ecuador (1948 - 1952). More about Hacienda Zuleta »

Your Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday) | Arrive Guayaquil or Quito

Most flights will arrive Guayaquil or Quito late in the evening. A hotel room has been reserved for you for the brief overnight stay before your departure to Galápagos the following morning.

See Hotel Options in Guayaquil »
See Hotel Options in Quito »

You may wish to consider adding a buffer day simply to guard against flight delays, or simply spend extra time exploring Guayaquil or Quito. 

See Extending your Stay »

Day 2 (Saturday) | To Baltra and Santa Cruz

You’ll be transferred back to Guayaquil Airport for your 2 hour flight to Baltra, Galápagos. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the VIP arrivals lounge where staff will collect your passport and facilitate your entrance formalities with the Galápagos National Park. Once you’ve collected your luggage, you will transfer from the airport across the Itabaca channel to the Island of Santa Cruz for lunch in the highlands and the opportunity to search among the lush grasses for grazing giant tortoises.  Time permitting, explore a lava tunnel. Continuing to the town of Puerto Ayora, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, stop to check the fit of your wetsuit, before boarding INTEGRITY to begin your cruise.

Days 3 - 8 (Sunday to Friday) | Aboard the yacht

Using INTEGRITY as your home, you'll cruise the islands spending as much time ashore as the Park rules permit. With our licensed, INCA-selected naturalist guides, you'll learn about the birds and animals, geology, marine life and oceanic systems of the Galapagos Islands.
Eastern itinerary »
Western itinerary »

One of the highlights and an integral part of any visit to the Galápagos is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the marine life—tropical fish, sea lions, turtles and sometimes with penguins!  On most days, you'll snorkel at least once, some days twice. While back on board, you’ll enjoy delicious meals, complimentary WiFi, and weekly laundry service.

Day 9 (Saturday) | Disembark, fly to Quito, transfer to Hacienda Zuleta

From your anchorage in the Baltra harbor, Say "adios" to INTEGRITY and its dedicated crew, and adjourn to the Baltra airport to await your morning flight to Quito. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred two hours north through the picturesque Avenue of the Volcanoes to Hacienda Zuleta, where you will arrive shortly before dinner.

Day 10 (Sunday) | Hacienda Zuleta

A full day of activities is available, from nearly 40 miles of self-guided walks and hikes, to hosted tours of the hacienda grounds and farm, to a visit to the Andean Condor Huasi project.

Day 11 (Monday) | Hacienda Zuleta back to Quito Airport

You’ll have the entire morning to enjoy the many trails and activities available at the hacienda. After lunch, you’ll depart the hacienda to visit the charming market town of Otavalo, known for its indigenous crafts market. Your host will provide options for dinner en route back to Quito Airport where you will arrive in time to check-in for your flight home.

Extending your stay

Explore more of Ecuador with visits to the Andean highlands, Amazon Jungle or Peru. A variety of options are available.
See extension options »

Islands and Highlands - Dates & Prices

Islands and Highlands operates weekly year-round.  All prices are per person, double occupancy unless otherwise specified.

2024 Departures

Upgrades, supplements, inclusions and exclusions

INTEGRITY Owner’s Suite upgrade

• Stateroom upgrade to the Owner’s Suite is $1600 ($800 per person)

INTEGRITY Single Guests

• A dedicated single stateroom is available at no additional supplement (limit 2 per voyage, subject to availability).

• Single use of a double occupancy stateroom or Owner’s Suite: please call for details.

• Land single supplement is $1095

Children

• Please call for applicable child discounts

Yacht Inclusions

• All airport transfers

• One night hotel with transfers on arrival in Guayaquil

• 8-day / 7-night cruise

• All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 9

• Complimentary and unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, house wine, and beer while aboard the yacht

• Complimentary laundry service available on board the yacht

• Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi and Internet

• Complimentary use of wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkels

• Complimentary use of eight 2-person sea-kayaks, where permitted by the National Park

Hacienda Inclusions

• Roundtrip transfers from Quito Airport to Hacienda Zuleta

• Local host assigned to help plan your stay

• All meals, and non-alcoholic beverages

• 40 miles (60 km) of self-guided walking trails

• Visit to Andean Condor Huasi rehabilitation project

• Guided tour of chapel and gardens, as well as 5000 acre (2000 hectare) hacienda grounds and farm operation, including cheese museum, trout farm, milking sheds, organic vegetable garden

• Self-guided tour of 14th century Caranqui archeological pyramids

Hacienda activities available at additional cost

• Horseback riding

• Horsedrawn carriage rides

• Mountain bike rentals

• Embroidery lessons

• Cooking lessons

• Leather workshop

Additional costs (subject to change without notice)

• International airfare to Ecuador

• Galapagos airfare ($555 per person, effective Apri 01, 2024)

• Galapagos National Park entrance fee (currently $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12)
  INCREASES TO $200 PER ADULT / $100 PER CHILD EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST, 2024.

• Galapagos Transit Control Tax (currently $20)

• Additional wine and other spirits are available for purchase aboard ($10-$15 per glass)

• Gratuities for naturalist guides and yacht crew. Gratuities are always at the guest’s discretion however the recommended amounts are $100-$150 per guest for the naturalist guide and $200-$300 per guest for the yacht crew.

• Gratuities for hosts and guides at Hacienda Zuleta (detailed tipping guidelines will be provided)

Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule*

*Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible.

INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS OF ONE TO FOUR TRAVELERS

Deposit

• A deposit of $1000 per person is due at time of booking

• Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services

Payment

• The balance is due 90 days before departure

• Domestic or regional airfares are due at time of ticketing

Cancellation

• Up to 151 days before departure – deposit may be refunded, or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date

• 150-91 days before departure – deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.

• 90-61 days before departure – all monies received are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.

• 60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited

SMALL GROUPS OF FIVE OR MORE TRAVELERS

Deposit

• An initial deposit of $1000 per person is due at time of booking

• A second deposit of $1000 per person is due 150 days before departure

• Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services

Payment

• The balance is due 90 days before departure

• Domestic or regional airfares are due at time of ticketing

Cancellation

• Up to 151 days before departure – the initial deposit may be refunded or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date

• 150-91 days before departure – initial deposit and second deposit are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date

• 90-61 days before departure – 50% of full trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable, but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of original trip date

• 60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited

See additional Terms & Conditions »

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the East and West routes?

Both routes have been expressly designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the islands. See more »

When is the best time to go?

Galapagos is a year-round destination, but there are some temperature variations. See more »

Is this trip right for me?

You will be transferring to and from INTEGRITY by zodiac, and enjoying daily walks and snorkeling. Terrain is varied, ranging from simple beach combing to walking over rough terrain. Learn more »

What is the maximum number of guests?

The Galapagos National Park has licensed INTEGRITY to carry no more than 16 passengers, without exception.  

What is the minimum number of guests?

INTEGRITY will operate with a minimum of four passengers. If there are fewer than 4 passengers, guests will be given the opportunity to transfer to an alternate departure at no additional charge, and will be credited up to $250 per person toward costs to cover airline change fees (restrictions apply).

What is the policy regarding children?

For individual bookings, the minimum age is 8 years.  Children ages 8-17 receive a $500 discount (maximum 3 discounted children’s rates per family).  There is no minimum age restriction on private charters.

What about single guests?

INTEGRITY can accommodate a limited number of single guests in single staterooms with a supplement and also accepts singles on a “willing to share” bases with no additional supplement.  Guests may reserve a Standard or Owner’s Suite as a single but at 1.9x the double rate.

How large are the staterooms?

The King-bedded Owner’s Suite is 350 ft² and spans from port to starboard.  Standard twin/king/queen staterooms are 150 ft². The single stateroom is 120 ft².

How many naturalist guides will be aboard? 

There is one naturalist on board for up to 16 guests.  INCA personally selects all naturalist guides serving aboard INTEGRITY.  Naturalists dine with guests. 

Is a second guide an option?

A second guide may be arranged for an additional charge, for both FIT and charter bookings.  This allows guests to travel at their own pace and is popular with bird-watchers, photographers, those with mobility issues, and families.

How many crew?

There are 10 crewmembers, normally consisting of Captain, Helmsman, Engineer, assistant Engineer, Chef, assistant chef, Barman, Seaman, and 2 Stewards.

Will INCA book the Galapagos flights?

For logistical reasons, INCA will book guests’ Galapagos flights to coordinate arrival times with all other guests.

May guests arrive and depart on other Galapagos flights?

For operational reasons, the group transfer is timed to coincide with a specific arrival and departure.  Guests arriving on other flights risk missing the transfer or long wait times at the terminal.  Flights used will be based on airline schedules and availability at time of booking.

Can guests pre-pay their Galápagos Transit Control Tax?

Yes. INCA will arrange all paperwork and pre-payment of the Galapagos Transit Control Tax to save guests having to wait in line at the airport.

Can guests pre-pay their Galápagos National Park Fee?

Yes. Guests may pre-pay their National Park entrance fee. Upon disembarkation at Baltra Airport, guests must still present their passports for verification.

What Gratuities are included?

Tips for porters and drivers are included.  Tips for guides, naturalists and yacht crew are not.

Can gratuities be pre-paid?

Due to Ecuador’s tax and labor regulations, we ask all gratuities to be paid in cash at the end of the cruise.

Can guests pre-order their wetsuit?

There is no need to pre-order a wetsuit, unless a custom size is required.  In such cases, we recommend bringing your own, as the dive shop stocks standard sizes ranging from XS – XXL.

Can guests scuba dive while on tour?

Galápagos National Park rules prohibit scuba diving from any vessel other than licensed dive boats.  Guests may arrange day-dives from Puerto Ayora independently either before or after their cruise.  INCA does not arrange scuba diving due to liability limitations.

How can guests pay their bar tab?

Bar tabs may be paid in cash or credit card aboard INTEGRITY.

May I see a bar list?

A sample bar menu is available upon request.

May guests bring their own alcohol or order special labels?

Guests may bring their own bottles in their checked luggage.  Ecuadorian law allows, at this date, up to three liters of alcohol per person to be brought into the country.  Special labels may be pre-ordered at applicable Ecuadorian rates.

What about special dietary restrictions?

INTEGRITY can cater to almost all dietary preferences, allergies and restrictions. During the booking process, guests will have the opportunity to specify any dietary preferences, allergies or limitations.  Hard to source or highly specialized provisions may require a supplement.

Is there Wi-Fi aboard and during trip?

A satellite-based marine Wi-Fi system has been installed aboard INTEGRITY.  It is available free of charge. More information is available on request.

Is there a satellite phone aboard?

Yes, there is satellite phone service aboard INTEGRITY.  Usage will be billed to guest.  Satellite phones may also be rented at home and brought on the trip.

What entertainment is on board?

Each stateroom is equipped with DVD player and digital music speakers that guests may connect with their phone or music source.  The library is stocked with Galapagos titles and DVDs, cards and a few games.  A projection system is available for naturalist presentations and guest use.

What amenities and services?

Minibar with individual water bottles; hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash; daily towel service; weekly laundry service.