The Galapagos Islands are an incredibly unique destination and vacation experience.   Our tour has been specially crafted to take you to the best excursions, to see the most wildlife with a perfect balance of rest and personal time to explore!

Enjoy the island nightlife with a sustainable land-based tour that supports and embraces the local community.  While yacht tours travelers are forced to board their ships daily by 6 PM, we will enjoy our evenings strolling through the downtown to see sea lions, pelicans and sharks at the docks, then having a relaxed, specially prepared dinner with longtime local restaurant partners.

Other tours try to impress visitors with numerous islands, but have similar experiences with the same animals from island to island and risk poor drinking water and food quality at lesser inhabited islands.  Our tour is based on the two most populated islands with reliable water treatment systems and trusted hotels and restaurants.  We feature the top-rated excursions and partner with the best local guides.  While every trip is unique and dependent on external day-to-day factors like the weather and wildlife, our excursions and guides will give you the best chances to have the most interactions with all the land and sea animals!

With their location along the Equator and few migratory species, the Galapagos is a fantastic destination year-round with temperatures between 68-88 degrees F.  The best time to visit depends on your personal tastes and preferred experience.  Due to typical current and wind patterns, the Galapagos is described to have two general seasons,  cool and dry (June to November) and warm and wet (December to June).

Our specially crafted trips are planned in key times of mid-November and early January.  During this time, the weather is transitioning from cool to warm, with little rainfall.  The seas are generally calmer allowing for better visibility during snorkeling and scuba diving.  The calmer water is also greatly appreciated by guests that want to enjoy snorkeling but suffer from motion sickness.  The transition to warmer weather means wildlife gets more active, with many species starting their mating seasons.

Make sure you’ve reviewed the Trip Options and made all reservations so you don’t miss out on any limited or time-sensitive Add-Ons.  The Bartolome Yacht Tour quantities are extremely limited and likely to sell out 1-2 months in advance. Make sure to check out the Luxury Amazon Riverboat Add On to make your South American Adventure complete!

Ecuador requires a valid passport from all people entering the country and proof of return tickets to the traveler’s home country or another country after Ecuador. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure from Ecuador.  Please submit a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after August 28, 2019). Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Starting August 6, 2018, Medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists visiting Ecuador.  All tourists and travelers entering Ecuador will be required to submit a certificate, invoice or proof of international travel insurance, whether public or private, valid for the duration of their stay in Ecuador.

If you haven’t already made flight reservations, consider making reservations as early as possible.  Flights around holiday dates may be limited and high price increases can be expected if booked last minute. Our STI reservation specialists are available for assistance with airfare, travel insurance or to review your reservation and recommend additional services.

Are you thinking about staying extra nights in the Galapagos, adding additional tours, or visiting the Amazon Jungle?  Contact your hosts Sarah and Robert at info@ecuadormvi.com for additional help on getting the best deals on bundled tours.

Once you make your online reservation you will receive a final invoice from us confirming your reservation details. Our STI reservation specialists are available to review your reservation and recommend additional services. Depend on them for assistance with airfare, proper protection, pre and post tour services, etc. Contact us with your travel requests.

READ your invoice and the FAQ page very carefully and advise if any changes need to be made.

Next, say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat!

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be posted on the Your Travel Documents button on the trip page 14 days prior to trip start date. Questions? Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

The Galapagos are part of the Republic of Ecuador.  Ecuador requires a valid passport from all people entering the country and proof of return tickets to the traveler’s home country or another country after Ecuador. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure from Ecuador. We recommend keeping your passport safely at the resort, and carry a copy with you at all times while in Ecuador.

Medical insurance is mandatory and can be satisfied with travel insurance.  All tourists and travelers entering Ecuador will be required to submit a certificate, invoice or proof of international travel insurance, whether public or private, valid for the duration of their stay in Ecuador.

Medical insurance is mandatory and can be satisfied with travel insurance.  All tourists and travelers entering Ecuador will be required to submit a certificate, invoice or proof of international travel insurance, whether public or private, valid for the duration of their stay in Ecuador.

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard and in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.  If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

The Tour Begins in Quito (UIO), December 26, 2019 and Ends January 1, 2020. Therefore, the tour is 7 days/6 nights.  You can purchase additional nights in Quito as needed by checking the Price My Trip Page.

Early Arrival and Travel Insurance is highly recommended to ensure no weather, flight or luggage delays cause you to miss your flight from Quito to the Galapagos. If you arrive after the flight boards on December 27th, you will miss the departure to the Galapagos. Guests that miss the flight from Quito to the Galapagos will be responsible for the cost of flight changes, additional hotel nights, meals, and any additional costs for the personal itinerary change.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Refer to the Price and Options tab for the amount. Final payment is due in our office by August 28, 2019. A reminder will be emailed to you 14 days prior to due date and you may choose to pay your remaining balance, via PayPal, or contact our accounting department at 877-765-6874 option 4, with your payment details, to secure your reservation. If you make a reservation after August 28, 2019, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply. Note that on occasion, charges are processed after the final due date, so there is no need to be concerned if you do not see the charges on that day.

Please remember the tip for the local guide is not included in our package price. We recommend $20/day, per guide, per person. Also, Galapagos Registration costs of $120 must be paid in cash upon arrival.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

*After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $300.00 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.

*Between August 28 and September 27, 2019 – 35% penalty applies.

*Between September 28 and October 27, 2019 – 50% penalty applies.

*Between October 28 and November 26, 2019 – 75% penalty applies.

*After November 26, 2019 – any cancellations or “no-shows” – 100% penalty.

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

Plan your flights into Quito (UIO) on December 26, 2019.  Once your flight lands you will proceed through customs and collect your bags.  Our package includes airport transportation and a host or driver will meet you at baggage exit with a sign with your name. They will take you to the hotel, about 20 minutes away where you will meet your fellow travelers.

Guests arriving to the Hotel by 7:00 PM can join the welcome dinner.  Guests arriving late in the evening are recommended to purchase snacks or meals at the airport if needed as the restaurant closes between 9-10 PM.  Later arrivals will meet the group in the hotel lobby at 6:30 AM on December 27th with luggage packed and ready to depart for the Galapagos Islands. If a guest is not packed and ready to depart at 6:30 AM, guest may miss the flight to the Galapagos and is responsible for any and all costs associated with changing flights, meals, new hotel reservations and individual itinerary changes.

Due to the early morning departure to the Galapagos on Dec 27th, early arrival and travel insurance is highly recommended to prevent missed flights to the Galapagos Islands.  If you arrive after the flight boards on December 27th, you will miss the departure to the Galapagos. All flight and hotel reservations and pre-booked and guests will be responsible for any additional charges incurred due to late arrival or missed flights.  Guests that miss the flight from Quito to the Galapagos will be responsible for the cost of flight changes, additional hotel nights, meals, and any additional costs for the personal itinerary change.

All Guests:

Please submit your flight schedule and photocopy of your passport, as soon as your plans are made. Please submit no later than August 28, 2019 or within 24 hours if booked after August 28.  Make sure to include your airline and flight number so we can track flight changes or delays for your pickup. Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate without paying an equivalent fee to the rest of the group that made the reservation with STI. Your credit card on file will automatically be charged.

Of course! Early arrival is encouraged to prevent any potential problems with weather or flight delays. Additional nights in Quito can also be purchased for before or after the tour. Each additional night is only $159 per person and will include airport transfers, lodging, breakfast, and all Ecuadorian tax and service fees. To ensure your reservation is made with the group and airport transportation is arranged, additional nights must be paid for in advance with STI.

Additional excursions can also be planned for early arrivals or late departures. Please contact hosts Sarah and Robert at info@ecuadormvi.com as soon as possible to confirm cost and make reservations.

To accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, international airfare into Quito (UIO) is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.  Contact a reservation specialist for help purchasing your airfare.

Your roundtrip flights between Quito and the Galapagos Islands are included as part of your vacation package.

Plan your flights into Quito (UIO) on December 26, 2019.  Plan to arrive by 5 PM in order to enjoy the welcome dinner at 7 PM. If your flight arrives after 7 PM you can skip the welcome dinner, but make sure you are prepared to be packed and ready for departure at 6:30 AM on December 27.  To prevent problems with flight delays, early arrival on December 25 is highly recommended.

Once your flight lands you will proceed through customs and collect your bags.  Our package includes airport transportation and a host or driver will meet you at baggage exit with a sign with your name. They will take you to the hotel, about 20 minutes away where you will meet your fellow travelers.

Early arrival is encouraged to prevent any potential problems with weather or flight delays. Additional nights in Quito can also be purchased for before or after the tour.

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Your package includes all airport transfers and ground transportation throughout the tour. Guides will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotels.  While in the Galapagos Islands, hotels will be located within safe walking distance to restaurants or shops, with taxis readily available for $1-3 per ride.

The tour does not include Ecuador required international health insurance which can be satisfied with travel insurance.

An additional expense which is not included are the Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance ($100) & Visitor Card ($20) Fees. Guests must bring cash to pay these fees upon Check-In to the Galapagos Islands. After checking in for your flight to the Galapagos, you will be required to pass a special registration for the Galapagos. You will be required to pay $20 in cash for your Visitor Card.  Once your plane arrives in the Galapagos, you will need to pass through Galapagos Island National Park customs where you will be required to pay $100 in cash for your entrance.  The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar, and you will need to bring cash for these fees.

Package does not include gratuities to hosts ($10-15 per day for excellent service) or local guides ($2-10 for excellence on special excursions).

You are responsible for alcoholic beverages, personal purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, incidentals such as massages, laundry and meals outside of the established itinerary.

A Luxury Yacht Tour of Bartolomé Island and Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock or Bartolomé and can be arranged pending availability. See our Price & Options page to add these options.

Additional nights in Quito are available for $159 per person, per night and include airport transfers, lodging, breakfast, and the Ecuadorian tax and service fees. In order to ensure your reservation is made with the group and airport transportation is arranged, additional nights must be paid for in advance with STI. Please contact hosts Sarah and Robert at info@ecuadormvi.com as soon as possible if you would like to quote additional excursions for early arrival or additional nights in Quito.

The itinerary is established in advance and may vary due to unforeseen circumstances. However, if you opt to do something that is different than or in addition to what is planned for the group, you are at your own expense.

The tour includes 2 Nights Accommodations in Quito, 2 Nights Accommodations on San Cristóbal Island and 2 Nights Accommodations on Santa Cruz Island.

Lodging in Quito is at the beautiful Garden Hotel San Jose, a restored colonial hacienda with newly updated rooms, each with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The grounds are exquisite with acres of gardens and walking trails, two pools, a Jacuzzi, workout room and spa. It is conveniently located with a short commute to the airport, and in a tranquil valley outside the traffic of the city.

Depending on the group size and seasonal availability, Galapagos tour accommodations will be selected from one of our many trusted, highly-rated partners in the Galapagos Islands.  All have been personally reviewed so we can ensure quality accommodations and service.  Hotels are located within walking distance to restaurants and shopping, with taxis readily available for about $1-3 per ride.

Breakfast is served every morning at the hotels. Lunches and Dinners will be served either on location or at the hotel depending on the day’s excursion.

Dining will be a mix of group meals at your hosts’ favorite restaurants with some personal dinners where you can explore and choose to your liking.  One of the best parts of a land-based tour is the opportunity to enjoy the freshest seafood selections or other culinary treats.  You’ll be treated to some traditional highlands and coastal Ecuadorian cuisine, along with international favorites.

For any dietary restrictions or requirements, notify your host at least 35 days prior to arrival.  Every effort will be made to cater to these dietary needs, as long as the products are available.  Please email info@EcuadorMVI.com with any allergy or dietary needs.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 20 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our STI Travel Directors are waiting to meet you (in this case, Robert & Sarah, from MVI). Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you. The bonds that develop on our adventure tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Be sure and take advantage of our community features including the viewing of profiles of those already signed up to go. Send messages and meet your fellow travelers even before you take off!

Our Adventure is perfectly suited to physically active members in the 35-65 age range. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ages or ratios.

The average daytime temperature for December in the Galapagos varies from 70-85 F.  Late December to early January is generally an ideal time to visit the Galapagos as weather is transitioning from the dry/cool to wet/warm season.  Temperatures in late December are ideal with lower chances of rain.

In Quito, our resort is in the warm valley of Puembo, at a lower altitude than Quito. Weather is similar year-round, with warm sunny days giving way to very cool nights. Our resort enjoys the perfect weather with 60s in the early morning and nighttime, but reaches temperatures of 80-85 during the daytime, all year round.

Due to the environmental protection and regulation of the Galapagos Islands, luggage is more strictly checked and regulated. Since this tour involves travel between multiple islands, packing light is recommended.  The following are current baggage recommendations only, you must verify with your carrier for the latest and most accurate restrictions.

Check-in luggage: 1 Piece with a weight of 50lbs. Total dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (height+length+width)

Carry-on luggage: 1 Piece, not to exceed 22lb or 45 inches (height+length+width)

Standard international airline baggage quantity, weight, and size restrictions vary greatly by airline and seat purchased.  Please verify with your carrier for the latest and most accurate restrictions.

Please abide by the carry-on luggage restrictions. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. All items must be stored in a clear, 1 quart, zip lock bag.

Just in case your luggage is lost, we strongly recommend that you pack a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack money, travel documents, jewelry or medicine in your checked baggage. Hand carry these essential items!

The Galapagos and Quito are located along the Equator, so be prepared for intense sun exposure.  Comfortable, casual clothes are recommended throughout the trip.  Since this tour involves travel between multiple islands, packing light is recommended.  Minimize packing and suitcase weight by mixing and matching using 1-3 colors, such as khaki, brown and white that you can layer as needed.

Days will be a mix of light hiking excursion and snorkeling/beach excursions.  You’ll have time to return to the hotel and change for dinner.  Evenings are casual, but can be cool and a light jacket is recommended.  Temperatures in November range typically range from 70-80 F. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are a must, and water shoes or secure sandals are recommended for snorkeling excursions.

For traveling through Quito, prepare for high elevation with evening temperatures dropping to the low 60’s.  Spring/summer clothing is best, with lightweight layers and a warm jacket or sweatshirt. Lightweight, long sleeves and pants will help minimize sun exposure.

For New Year’s Eve, a full celebration with live music, Ecuadorian traditions, dancing, gourmet dinner and dessert buffet, and champagne toast will be provided onsite at the hotel. Dress to your comfort from nice casual to dressy.

It is required that you bring US Dollars for Galapagos Registration Fees ($120). The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos is the US Dollar, so no exchange is necessary.  Many locations do not accept major credit cards and ATM machines availability may be limited. We recommend you bring US dollars in small denominations, $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills that are not too old, worn or ripped for personal purchases, incidentals and tipping.

**Packing Tips:** Take only what you need; don’t over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don’t pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.  This tour includes boat and bus rides.  If you suffer from motion sickness, Dramamine or a similar medication is recommended.

**Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.**

– Reusable water bottle
– A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking or hiking shoes for easy to medium terrain
– A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, sandals, etc)
– Water shoes or secure sandals for snorkeling and walking along beaches
– Clothing for walking/light hiking, beach wear, and casual evening attire for restaurants
– 1-2 bathing suits
– Lightweight rain gear, poncho
– Sunglasses, sun block (30 or higher for face), sun hat, baseball cap or visor
– Hairdryer
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials
– Personal washcloth, Makeup remover towelettes
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, anti-bacterial medication, Dramamine (if prone to motion sickness), neosporin, anti-itch cream.
– Mosquito repellant
– Photography Equipment: Water Protection, extra memory cards and batteries recommended
– Ziplock baggies to carry wet clothing
– Binoculars

The food and water systems of mainland Ecuador, Santa Cruz and Cristobal Islands are well developed, but safety is recommended to ensure you have no problems during your trip.  Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.  Bring a reusable water bottle which can be filled at the filtered water stations in the hotels.

Your tour includes a meal package with carefully planned meals and restaurants.  The water and ice provided with your meals can be well trusted.  For meals outside the group itinerary, it is recommended to take care or avoid street vendors and small restaurants. Raw fruits and vegetables must be cleaned properly to ensure they are sterilized and not contaminated with untreated water.  Check with your hosts for recommendations on the best restaurants to visit.

For any dietary restrictions or requirements, notify your host at least 35 days prior to arrival.  Every effort will be made to cater to these dietary needs, as long as the products are available.  Please email info@EcuadorMVI.com with any allergy or dietary needs.

110 Volts, 60 cycles which is the same as the US.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands do not practice daylight savings time and in comparison with the US.  The Galapagos Islands are at UTC -6:00, and Quito is at UTC -5:00.

The currency used in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar.

Many locations do not accept major credit cards and ATM machines availability may be limited. It is required that you bring US Dollars for Galapagos Registration Fees ($120). We recommend you bring US dollars in small denominations, $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills that are not too old, worn or ripped for personal purchases, incidentals and tipping.

Although no inoculations are required, pre-departure health checkups are essential for any major Latin American trip so do check in with your doctor for vaccinations in plenty of time before journeying, we recommend at least 3-4 weeks.  Today immunizations against smallpox and Cholera are not necessary or recognized even by the World Health Organization.

If you choose to get vaccination, we highly advise completing at least 3 weeks prior to travel.  This will allow you to ensure you do not have complications and that you are healthy to travel.  The major vaccinations recommended for Latin America travel to combat diseases are as follows: Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Malaria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Infectious Hepatitis, & Rabies in the jungle areas or other epidemics that may have recently sprung up such as Meningitis.

Two excellent websites outlining the major precautions are: www.cdc.gov and www.who.int which are the official sites for the centers of disease control prevention and the World health organization respectively.

**Take Precautions:** Never eat from street vendor stalls due to contamination of the handlers or street pollution from passing vehicles or drink the local water unless you have purification tablets, preferably iodine based.

Your Final Vacation Details & Meetup Info document, available here on the FAQ tab 14 days prior to departure, will include a phone contact number for your Hosts and Hotels. Instructions on international dialing codes will be provided. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

**United States:** Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.