Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 09:54

Galapagos: In Darwin’s Footsteps

Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Ecuador
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 15 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 14 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: TPG
  • Carbon Footprint: 93kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Embark on a unique trek amid the volcanic Galapagos archipelago

Extended trekking on Isabela Island in the remote Galapagos archipelago is a rare privilege and we are one of only a few operators allowed here. As part of this trip, we enjoy two days of trekking on the Sierra Negra volcano, going to the 7mi (11km) wide crater rim, a hike blessed with striking views of the lava-strewn landscape and smouldering fumaroles. As well as having five major volcanoes, Isabela is also one of the last remaining habitats of the Galapagos giant tortoise. Elsewhere in the Galapagos, we undertake shorter walks to appreciate the geological features of these enchanting islands and discover their endemic wildlife.

Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:

This unique trip combines volcano treks, fascinating geology and encounters with near-tame wildlife. The Galapagos archipelago has been on my bucket list for years. Where else in the world can you see smouldering fumaroles, spot neon-coloured chameleons and snorkel with friendly sea lions on the same day?”

At a Glance

  • Two full days of walking; up to six other walks
  • Altitude: Sea-level to 3,940ft (1,200m) in Galapagos; 9,350ft (2,850m) in Quito
  • 13 nights in hotels and guesthouses
  • Part of the Aldo Kane Collection

Highlights

  • Trek to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra volcano
  • Enjoy plenty of island walks to discover the Galapagos landscape
  • Experience incredible wildlife-viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals
  • Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful sea lions and turtles
  • Island hop by motorboat but sleep in hotels and lodges

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Most of the walking is at a leisurely pace but the Sierra Negra volcano trek has been graded moderate. In the Galapagos, the underfoot conditions are often very rough, with some walking on sharp lava rocks. It is also likely to be hot at times, as the lava reflects the sun fiercely. We recommend this trip to those who are in a good state of physical fitness and who can withstand strong sunshine. A little patience and flexibility are also required, as it is not always possible to follow a strict schedule due to weather and sea conditions –sometimes it is better to do the planned activities in a different order (but almost always on the same day as the activities is originally planned).

Walking times stated are given as approximates only and these usually include lunch and photo stops although this varies depending on the group’s pace.

Altitude: Sea-level to 3,940ft (1,200m) in Galapagos; 9,350ft (2,850m) in Quito.

Group

The trip is led by a local English-speaking leader. We also use registered Galapagos guides when visiting each island.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

TPG Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Quito
  • End City: Guayaquil Airport

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Quito

Aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients – make sure to check the Joining Instructions for information on how to secure your spot.

Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Day 2
Quito city tour

This morning, we gather for the first time as a group at the welcome briefing and then take a guided tour of the main city sights. Quito is the second-highest capital in the world, standing at 9,350ft (2,850m) on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals in South America. Due to the altitude, you are advised to take it easy at first.

Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Fly to San Cristóbal; visit the Galapagos Interpretation Centre

Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, we settle into our hotel and have time for a light lunch in the small town and a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Centre. This afternoon, we walk to the cliffs at Las Tijeteras to see frigatebird colonies. There is also time to swim and snorkel close to a sea lion colony.

Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Snorkel León Dormido and walk along one of three white-sand beaches

We travel by small motorboat to Kicker Rock (also known as León Dormido), an impressive lava tuft formation. Several species of nesting seabirds reside here, including masked boobies. We have the opportunity to snorkel and, with any luck, spot eagle rays, Galapagos turtles, hammerhead sharks and a great variety of colourful fish.

We continue by boat to one of three white-sand beaches where we can walk: Playa Ochoa, Playa Manglecito or Cerro Brujo. Playa Ochoa is an expanse of white sand dominated by a large sea lion colony and is home to many birds and marine iguanas. Playa Manglecito offers both the opportunity to visit a white-sand beach and a mangrove area. Cerro Brujo is in a volcanic zone, has abundant vegetation and is home to sea lions, marine iguanas and many birds.

Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
San Cristóbal highlands walk; snorkelling at Puerto Chino

After breakfast, we drive to the San Cristóbal highlands. A one-hour walk brings us to the fringe of El Junco Lake, one of the few permanent freshwater lakes in the Galapagos where frigatebirds can often be seen bathing nearby. The highlands offer panoramic views across the smaller islands lapped by the Pacific. Afterwards, we visit a reserve where Galapagos giant tortoises roam free before snorkelling in a nearby bay. After lunch, we can visit La Loberia, a sea lion nursery, the perfect place to unwind surrounded by colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas.

Accommodation: Hotel Paraiso Insular (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6
Boat to Floreana; visit highlands

A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Floreana, one of the first islands to be inhabited in the Galapagos. En route, we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch, we visit the highlands, where one of the few sources of freshwater in the entire archipelago exists. Visit lava caves once used by pirates and see a large enclosure of Galapagos giant tortoises.

Accommodation: Hotel Wittmer (or similar)

Distance covered: 2mi (3km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Visit sea lion colony on Floreana; sail to Isabela and visit the Wall of Tears

After an early breakfast, we go on a walk to discover the black volcanic beaches, which are home to red iguanas and sea lion colonies. There is also time for snorkelling this morning (please note, the visit to this beach might be done in the late afternoon on Day 6 on some departures). Just before midday, we navigate to Isabela and see Tortuga Island, a huge eroded marine crater where thousands of sea birds, such as blue-footed and nazca boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds, nest.

This afternoon, we visit the Wall of Tears, a reminder of Isabela’s very different past when the island was used as a penal colony. Between 1946 and 1959, convicts were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava simply as a form of punishment, which, combined with the harsh conditions, led to many deaths. After this sobering visit, we hike back to the town through mangroves, wetlands and along sandy beaches. This is one of the best places on the islands to view migratory birds, including Wilson’s phalaropes, blue-winged teals and, if we’re very lucky, ospreys. This region has also seen the reintroduction of Galapagos giant tortoises from the breeding centre and we are likely to encounter several on our walk.

Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Sierra Negra volcano trek

Our first day of trekking on Sierra Negra. It takes us across stark, lava-strewn highlands punctuated by miconia shrubs and other vegetation. The otherworldly landscapes are incredible and we pass many volcanic features along the way, where we can observe fumaroles and a variety of lava formations.

Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9
Trek to the Sulphur Volcano

We have a long day to reach the Sulphur Volcano and we need to trek approximately 16mi (26km). If anybody wishes to turn back at a halfway point, we have two local guides and can therefore split the group into two. Please note, we may not be able to descend into the crater to visit the fumaroles, depending on the level of volcanic activity.

Accommodation: Hotel Loja (or similar)

Distance covered: 16mi (26km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10
Snorkelling excursion in the Cabo Rosa area

Today we snorkel in the Cabo Rosa area. On this snorkelling trip, we can swim with sea turtles, manta rays, marine iguanas and many different fish species.

Accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11
Visit Las Tintoreras; afternoon free to relax

We spend the morning sailing to the islets and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the islands to see whitetip reef sharks, plus penguins and sea lions. There is time for snorkelling. On this morning’s excursion, we may be lucky enough to spot the endangered chatham mockingbird. The afternoon is free for swimming, snorkelling, walking or just relaxing on one of the beaches around Puerto Villamil.

Accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 2mi (3km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
Sail to Santa Cruz; optional visit to Charles Darwin Research Station; visit Tortuga Bay

We navigate by motorboat to Santa Cruz very early this morning and have breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast, we have the option of visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is home to the headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation. This is the main research centre on the islands and scientists come from all over the world to study the flora and fauna here. After our visit, we have lunch at a local restaurant.

Our destination this afternoon is Tortuga Bay, a long stretch of white sand regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail leading to the beach is paved and takes between 45 minutes and one hour, with possibilities to observe Galapagos finches and lizards along the way. The beach is scattered with marine iguanas, who lay among the clusters of black rocks or stroll along the sand. In the water, turtles can sometimes be seen. Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents. After a relaxing afternoon, we hike the same route back towards the main town of Puerto Ayora where our hotel is located.

Accommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13
Explore Bartolomé, South Plaza Island or North Seymour

Visit either Bartolomé Island, South Plaza Island or North Seymour (depending on the national park restrictions).

South Plaza Island has a remarkable vegetation of succulents and cacti that provide a unique habitat for land iguanas. The iguanas form small colonies at the base of the tall opuntia cacti, waiting for their flowers and dead pads to fall to the ground so they can feed on them. The island rocks are home to swallowtail gulls, shearwaters and sea lions.

North Seymour is a flat, boulder-strewn island and a major nesting site for frigatebirds. It’s also a good place to see blue-footed boobies performing courtship rituals and sea lions playing in the powerful surf.

Bartolomé is a spectacular scene of dramatic lava cones, clear seas and affords perhaps the most famous view of the Galapagos Islands, looking across the red cinder cones to the recent black lava fields on James Island. If possible, we snorkel today (usually around Bartolomé) where the water is calm.

Accommodation: Mainao Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14
Fly to Guayaquil; end Guayaquil

After breakfast this morning, we drive to the airport at Baltra and fly to Guayaquil where it’s possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards.

You may prefer to arrange post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise your international flights for the following day, in case of delays returning from the Galapagos to mainland Ecuador.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses

We spend 13 nights in hotels and guesthouses.

The hotels and guesthouses on the Galapagos Islands are generally small, family-run establishments with limited facilities, yet all have rooms have private bathrooms and hot water.

Single supplement from £ 600

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, seven lunches and one dinner are included.

Some days, packed lunches of sandwiches, fruits and juice are provided while at other times, meals are taken at restaurants. For the included meals at restaurants, we usually have a set menu with two or three options. The choice of meals in some areas of the Galapagos can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking. When flying to and from the Galapagos, snacks are usually included on the flights.

Transport

We use private buses, minibuses and cars for airport transfers and short drives within the Galapagos Islands, and small motorboats for the navigation between the islands.

Weather & Seasonality

In Quito and the highlands, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20C (68F), with nights around 8C (46F). Expect some rain from February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short, and Quito is considered to have quite a pleasant climate.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations do impact what you see and there are climatic changes to note. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region: the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to the Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.

Dry season

Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler dry season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garúa) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time, the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy and anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures are 27C-31C (81F-88F), the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures are 19C-24C (66F-75F).

Wet season

Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. Approximately every seven years, the El Nino current actually hits the islands and there are heavy rains in these months. In other years, rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Vieja Cuba, La Niña N26-202 y Diego de Almagro, 170150 Quito
Phone: +593 2-290-6729
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Quito Airport (UIO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Catching your return flight

The tour ends at Guayaquil Airport (GYE) where it’s possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.

You may prefer to arrange post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise your international flights for the following day, in case of delays returning from the Galapagos to mainland Ecuador. Speak to your sales representative for more information and to book.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Quito
Location end: Guayaquil Airport

Transfer Details

Exodus offers FREE airport arrival transfers for any flight for this trip, for both Land Only and Flight Inclusive clients, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. We do not offer free departure transfers on this trip because the tour ends at Guayaquil airport. All those taking advantage of the free airport arrival transfers must provide full flight details in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Large water bottle
  • Swimwear
  • Closed-toe sandals or water shoes for wading ashore or for walking on the islands if you don’t want to wear your trekking boots (strong footwear is needed because of the very rough lava: flip-flops or similar flimsy shoes are not suitable)
  • Waterproofs
  • Seasickness tablets, as the sea can be rough at times
  • Snorkel gear: It may be preferable to bring your own snorkel gear for hygiene reasons; however, we do provide snorkel gear for you free of charge. If you would like to hire a wetsuit, please advise us of your size requirements (medium, large etc) and height prior to departure. The cost to rent a wetsuit locally varies per island but is between US$6-US$12 per day, payable locally in cash

For the treks, you need:

  • Headtorch (head lamp)
  • Solid hiking boots
  • Walking poles
  • Warm fleece
  • Woollen hat
  • Good quality waterproofs
  • Backpack for carrying water bottle, sunscreen etc
  • Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (pants) to provide some protection against the sharp lava rocks

During wet weather the trek can become muddy and slippery and as such waterproofs and walking poles will become a necessity.

Optional Equipment

  • Camera with telephoto lens
  • Spare memory cards/batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Wetsuit (particularly during the cooler dry season)

Practical Information

Visa

Ecuador

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Ecuador

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda or if you have transited through those same three countries for more than 12 hours.

If you plan to visit the Amazon Rainforest, we recommend a yellow fever vaccination. Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya and zika, all viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please note: All visitors to Ecuador will be required to show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.

Local Time

Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)

Electricity

US-style 110V twin-pin sockets are widely available in the hotels. There are no power facilities when camping.

Money

Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)

ATM Availability

ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available in Quito. In the Galapagos, Banco del Pacifico has ATMs in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal), which accept Mastercard, Visa and most debit cards, but queues can be long and not all internationally issued cards are accepted. Please check with your bank for further details and advise them about your travel plans prior to departure.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You should carry your money in US dollars cash. Obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100 and US$50) can be difficult, and in some cases, they may not be accepted due to recent increases in the circulation of forged high-value banknotes. You should carry a number of small notes (US$1 or US$5), as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.

On this trip, there is a compulsory Galapagos Tax of US$100 (increasing to US$200 as of August 1st, 2024) which can only be paid locally in cash (US dollars) and will be collected by the National Park Service on arrival at San Cristóbal. In addition, all visitors to the Galapagos are required to obtain an immigration control card (Ingala card) in mainland Ecuador – these cost US$20 per person and are supplied and paid for locally in cash (US dollars). Galapagos taxes are subject to increase without notice, and any such increase will be collected in Quito or San Cristóbal.

For meals not included, budget roughly US$10-US$15 for lunch and US$15-US$20 for main evening meals (22% tax included). It is possible to eat more cheaply or expensively than this, and the estimates don’t include alcohol. Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes throughout Ecuador, and we recommend leaving a tip between 10% and 15% of the total bill if the service charge is not already included. Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in the Galapagos, as everything is imported from the mainland.

Tipping

It is usual for groups to tip each member of staff on the trip, including the local guides, drivers and support staff on the trek. We generally suggest that each group member contributes about US$70 for this purpose and find that a tip kitty managed by the group works well.

The trip leader can be tipped separately. If you feel the leader has performed well, a tip of about US$6-US$8 per person per day would be well appreciated. While widespread in Latin America, tipping is entirely voluntarily.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. Most accommodation on this trip is family owned.
  • In the Galapagos, all hotels must meet requirements including recycling and waste management procedures on a Ministry of Tourism checklist.
  • We stop on Floreana Island and the meals there are at a community-run restaurant.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. A percentage of the entry fee for the Galapagos funds the conservation of this unique and significant area of the world.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We follow the Galapagos Island’s environmental protection policies.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Our local partners have reached B Corp Certification which requires that they demonstrate high social and environmental performance.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

In line with our ‘book and travel with confidence’ promise which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 42 days prior to departure, or transfer to another trip free of charge up to 21 days prior to your trip starting in country, please be aware that this excludes ‘irrecoverable costs’. Details can be found here: https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

For this trip the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.

Accommodation – £207 / US$255 / AU$357 / €222

Flights (Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil) – £41 / US$50 / AU$70 / €44

Costs are accurate at time of writing in September 2020

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.