There exists perhaps no more fabled archipelago in all the world. For us naturalists, the Galapagos immediately conjured images of giant tortoises, odd and enigmatic finches, tropical seabirds, and idyllic beaches. Few folks who have not been there appreciate the ruggedness of this remote landscape. Famously challenging ocean currents swirl around looming volcanoes, while onshore the arid deserts host spiny cacti, prehistoric land iguanas, and expanses of hardened and jagged lava floes. It is precisely this juxtaposition, a paradise amidst a savage landscape, that continues to transfix visitors and scientists to this day. Only the fittest of animals might thrive here, and those that do have evolved into among the most distinct creatures on Earth.
Our visit features an unusual tour of the islands not seen by most who come to the Galapagos. With one night on land in the largest town of Puerto Ayora, we spend an additional six nights aboard a comfortable mid-size catamaran. With our hotel being our transport and our restaurant, we make efficient use of our time, weaving through the main islands, and looping around smaller less-visited ones. While we make a point to see as many endemic species as we can, we also take time to really familiarize ourselves with these enchanted islands. Partaking in a variety of landings and thrilling zodiac cruises, we make a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, and enjoy chances to see most of Darwin’s Finches, mockingbirds, and stupendous seabirds like Swallow-tailed Gull, Gapapagos Petrel, and Waved Albatross.
Join Hillstar Nature for an unsurpassed adventure to Las Islas Encantadas… the Galapagos!
Trip Focus & Features
A stirring cruise aboard a comfortable catamaran, with 7 cabins available for 14 guests.
Great couples/friends trip for birders and general nature lovers.
See famous & remote sites with a specialized itinerary for the best array of endemic species.
Iconic species include: Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Blue-footed Booby, Marine Iguana, Giant Tortoise, Darwin’s finches, the 4 mockingbirds, & much more.
2 nights in Quito (arr & dep), 1 hotel night on land in Galapagos, 6 nights onboard our catamaran.
Option for a city tour, or day of birding pre-tour, upon request for added cost.
Tour Plan*
Day 1 (7th August) : Arrival into Quito (UIO), transfer to nearby hotel. Welcome dinner & night in Quito.
Day 2 (8th August): Flight to Galapagos, board ship & begin cruise. Night onboard ship.
Day 3-7 (9th-14th August): Exploring the Galapagos. Nights onboard the ship.
Day 8 (15th August): Disembark the ship, explore Santa Cruz Island, night in Puerto Ayora.
Day 9 (16th August): Return flight to Quito. Farewell Dinner. Night in Quito.
* Exact itinerary to be confirmed by the national park administration about one month prior to departure.
Grass-green Tanager by Phil Chaon
Black-and-gold Tanager by Phil Chaon
Red-bellied Grackle by Phil Chaon
Birding & Wildlife Sites
Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve
Back in 1999 the little-explored northern slopes of the Cordillera Central were visited by a team of Colombian ornithologists with the goal of surveying the area for birds. They soon discovered a bird whose song reminded them of a horsemen herding cattle. Upon laying eyes on it they realized they had something different. Eventually in 2001 the bird was described as a new species, the Chestnut-capped Piha. Today we know it has a tiny range and an equally small population, with perhaps as few as 250 total individuals spread across just 16 square miles. While not a strikingly plumaged bird, it is a very rare and special one, the reserve established for this bird also benefits many other species, a number of which are rare, scarce or endemic. Some 523 species have been recorded here and birders that visit the area often are treated to views of Stiles’s Tapaculo, Parker’s Antbird, Red-bellied Grackle, Multicolored Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, and many more. Today the reserve is 3,271 acres strong, and the number one eBird hotspot in the country with the highest number of species in the world. Constituted of primary and secondary forest, there are also grassland areas that over time should become forest and suitable habitat also for the Arrierito Antioqueño, as it’s known locally, the "little herdsman of Antioquia".
Learn more about the reserve here.
Rio Claro Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Cañon Del Río Claro)
A popular spot to visit and vacation for nationals, the Rio Claro Nature Reserve is down the east slope of the Cordillera Central, and is an amalgam of caves, forested canyons, and waterfalls, whose waters eventually flow into the mighty Magdalena River. A three-hour drive from Medellín, we will have parts of 3 days to explore this famous birding hotspot within the Magdalena Medio region. For birders the allure is an incredible diversity of species, and the number 3 eBird hotspot in the country (by species number), with specials such as Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant, White-mantled Barbet, Saffron-headed Parrot, Citron-throated Toucan, Oilbird, Yellow-backed Tanager, Blue-lored Antbird, Beautiful Woodpecker and the Magdalena Antbird. In addition to the birds we might well encounter the endemic and polyandrous White-footed Tamarin, a primate regarded as Vulnerable due to its limited range.
Medellín
Known as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round pleasant climate, a city tour here is well worth it if you have the time. Colombia’s 2nd largest city oozes character and persona. Rich in history and popularly depicted in a manner not favored by most of the “paisas” who reside here, the city is as vibrant today as perhaps it's ever been. A city tour features a town of many murals and eye-catching graffiti (many with bird species you’ll recognize), a cable-car ride with spectacular views, and plenty of music, dance, and a good amount of romance.
Rigor, Pace & Pests:
All lodgings are comfortable, ranging from (2 or 2.5 star) rustic-but-comfortable to 4-star hotels.
Birding pace is pretty brisk, with early risings each day to spend the bulk of the day in search of special birds.
Significant time on foot in search of specialties, with walking perhaps ~3 miles/day.
Rough road required to access birding sites at the Piha Reserve.
Highest elevation reached on this trip is expected to be under 7000 feet asl; no planned excursions to high-elevation areas.
Good food, flexible to a variety of diets.
Could be some biting insects so consider repellant and/or pre-treating clothing prior to departure.
PRICE & BOOKING INFO
Tour Price/person*: $4350
Deposit: $1000/person
Single supplement: $750
Final Payment Due: 27 March 2026
Group size: 5 to 10 guests
Hillstar Nature strongly recommends all guests purchase travel insurance that covers Trip Cancellation, Trip Curtailment, Trip Interruption, and Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation.
*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of 5 to 10 registrants. Maximum group size is 10 registrants, plus guide(s) and driver(s). If there are fewer than 5 registrants, this tour may be cancelled or re-negotiated. Note that if you want a roommate we can try to find you one, but we cannot guarantee all guests a roommate. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement.
The tour price (fee) includes:
All accommodations from Day 1 until Day 8.
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
All transportation from airport pick-up on Day 1 in Medellín (MDE) to airport drop-off on Day 8, in Medellín (MDE).
All guiding services, access permits and entrance fees to birding areas included.
Tips for drivers and staff at hotels and restaurants.
Excluded from your tour fee are:
International arrival and departure flights. We can advise, but do not book international flights.
Alcoholic beverages, beyond the 1 drink included with each dinner.
Personal expenses such as laundry services, charges for phone calls, additional expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, COVID tests, vaccinations, etc.
Tips for local guide/escort (recommended $5 to $10/day/person).
Documents
All travelers must have a current passport, valid for six months beyond the start date of this tour, with at least one blank page for visas.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please review Hillstar Nature’s Terms and Conditions of Booking at the bottom of the Home page on our website.
If a guest/participant cancels registration:
● 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.
● Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.
● 89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.