South America is trending with Kiwi Travel, as World Journeys reports significant growth in sales to the destination.
The company recently held an Ecuador and Galápagos event in Auckland in conjunction with Galápagos tourism expert Klaus Fielsch, who has worked as a naturalist guide, expedition leader, and product manager for the past 30 years. Agents were updated on the different ways to explore the Galápagos, from small to larger ships, along with island-hopping and accommodated options. Visitor numbers to the Galapagos are restricted to minimise impact on the pristine environment, so the wholesaler urges agents fielding enquiries about the destination to get in quick as Galápagos cruises book well in advance. Fielsch recommends incorporating a Galápagos cruise within a wider Ecuador itinerary, highlighting how well it combines with the Amazon or the Cloud Forest, or with other countries such as Peru.
. . . When To Go
The wholesaler has some other tips to help agents sell the Galápagos, including that the best time to visit is during the dry season, Jun-Nov when there’s a more active range of marine life and an abundance of young wildlife. Cruise ships need to be matched with clients, however the larger ships of up to 100 guests offer a wider range of activities, and more guides on board. If opting for a smaller ship, note double-hull catamarans offer more stability. Popular cruising itineraries to recommend, it says, include World Journeys’ five-day Galápagos Islands: Yacht Isabela II & Yacht La Pinta package, which a number of the World Journeys team have experienced personally and can highly recommend. Prices start from around USD4630pp twin share in 2026.
. . . Land
While cruising is the most popular option in the Galápagos, World Journeys’ Caroline Clegg says there are also great land-based options. “For example, you can base yourself at the acclaimed Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel and enjoy excursions to various islands each day, or you can travel between some islands by ferry or light aircraft.” For clients looking for this style trip, recommend travel Dec-May, when short afternoon showers create lush vegetation which, in turn, attracts more land-based wildlife.
For more details on the Galápagos, see HERE.
