12 Day Galapagos Explorer: Land & Sea Expedition
Premier Private Guided Tour
For nature lovers, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit destination. But there’s plenty to love about this South American gem of a country beyond the boobie birds and iguanas. This fun-filled adventure combines the wildlife of the world’s most fascinating archipelago with historic and gastronomic experiences in Ecuador’s colonial urban centers. It starts in Quito, Ecuador’s beautiful capital city. One of the first ever UNESCO Heritage Cities, the preservation of its Old Town will surely impress as you step back in time. From Quito, the trip moves some 700 miles to the west into the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos archipelago. Made famous by naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835, this string of volcanic islands is home to some of the world’s most unusual plants and animals, not to mention some incredible experiences. On Isla Santa Cruz, you’ll get to go kayaking and snorkeling in search of boobies, sea lions, and white-tipped reef sharks; go hiking around Cerro Mesa, and take a private tour of the rock formations of Las Grietas and explore secluded Tortuga Bay. Later, take to the surf itself on a four-night cruise that visits must-see spots like South Plaza, Darwin Bay, El Barranco, and the Giant Tortoises of the Santa Cruz highlands before heading back to the mainland. Wrap things up back on dry land in Quito, Ecuador’s political and cultural capital. Then return to Quito on a private tour that introduces you to its UNESCO-protected colonial architecture, followed by a tasting of the world’s finest cocoa before sitting down to cocktails and a delicious tasting menu at a beloved local restaurant.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
- Luxury
- Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Kensington Cares drives meaningful social impact through Range Foundation, the charitable arm of Navigatr Group. Kensington clients contribute directly to these transformative initiatives—1% of all trip sales is dedicated to supporting our impactful programs. Additionally, during the booking process, clients have the option to add a personal donation, amplifying their journey’s impact.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in Kenya. Our efforts have helped Mara West Foundation in funding two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
- 800 primary students supported by Kensington Cares since 2008
- 52% increase in the number of girls who now have access to secondary education since the opening of Kensington Hall
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
What you'll receive
- Personalized journeys
- Expert planning
- Private guides
- Unbeatable support
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Kensington Cares drives meaningful social impact through Range Foundation, the charitable arm of Navigatr Group. Kensington clients contribute directly to these transformative initiatives—1% of all trip sales is dedicated to supporting our impactful programs. Additionally, during the booking process, clients have the option to add a personal donation, amplifying their journey’s impact.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in Kenya. Our efforts have helped Mara West Foundation in funding two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
- 800 primary students supported by Kensington Cares since 2008
- 52% increase in the number of girls who now have access to secondary education since the opening of Kensington Hall
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
What you'll receive
- Personalized journeys
- Expert planning
- Private guides
- Unbeatable support
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
