
Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos
Hike, bike and snorkel this unique archipelago and encounter its special wildlife, on an adventure immersed in the natural world
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesGuesthouse
9 nights in locally owned boutique hotelsMeals
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinnersInternal flights & transfers
Flights between Quito and the Galapagos; airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your biking and snorkelling equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?






























Hike to the otherworldly Sierra Negra Volcano - one of the largest, and most active, volcanic craters in the world
Cycle to pristine beaches dotted with sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and flamingos
Come face to face with the Galapagos’ most famous resident, the giant tortoise, and snorkel with reef sharks and sea turtles
Want to extend your travels? Check out our Ultimate Galapagos and Amazon
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Ecuador!

After touching down at the airport in Quito your host will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the Tababela area. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy the gardens at the hotel and shake off any jet lag. There will be a group meet up at 19:00 where you can get to know your guides and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Explore Quito and visit the equator

Soak up Quito's Old Town with its squares, churches and classic art before grabbing some traditional Andean food for lunch. Head up to the best viewpoint of the city at Panecillo Hill before making your way over to the San Antonio area of Quito. Here you will find La Mitad del Mundo - The Middle of the Earth. This is where Ecuador's namesake, the equator, runs through the country, and you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
Day 3
First glimpse of the Galapagos Islands

Hiking
In Quito, hop on a plane bound for Baltra Island in the Galapagos - the flight is a spectacular one, crossing the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean for a couple of hours before the first islands come in to view. Touch down on Baltra and take a short ferry ride over to Santa Cruz Island, where you can get stuck straight into some of the island's highlights. Check out Los Gemelos (The Twins) – two giant volcanic sinkholes; El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe these magical creatures in their natural habitat; and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Day 4
Visit a Coffee Farm and bike to Garrapatero Beach

Cycling
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before jumping in the van and climbing into the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit an organic coffee plantation and sup a fresh cup of Joe. After lunch, drive up to the Cerro Mesa Nature Reserve where you can jump on a mountain bike and pedal (approx 10km) over to Garrapatero Beach – an amazing beach teeming with wildlife. Have some downtime on the beach, enjoy a swim, then head back to Puerto Ayora either by bike (22km) or on the bus for dinner and drinks.
Day 5
Hike to Tortuga Bay then Boat over to Isabela Island

Hiking
Head out to one of the largest white sand beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. This beautiful beach is only accessible by an hour-long hike and you may spot lava lizards, native birds and huge marine iguanas. You can grab a quick dip, snorkel, or kayak here, or you can just hang out on the beach and keep the local marine life company. Hop on a speed boat to Isabela Island and check into your boutique hotel in the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll around the town and find a spot to enjoy the sunset at one of the best white sand beaches in the Galapagos.
Day 6
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano

Hiking
Tackle a spectacular hike today at Sierra Negra Volcano. After a couple of hours, you'll reach a spot where you can take in the views from the rim of one of the largest and most active volcanic craters in the world. The hike continues over to Lava Nueva, a neighbouring volcanic landscape. The hike is easy-going as you hike at a gradual pace while soaking up the spectacular surroundings. Back in Puerto Villamil by late afternoon, you can unwind on the beach with another swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Day 7
Bike to 'The Wall of Tears' and snorkel at Concha de Perla
Cycling
Snorkelling
Swap hiking boots for a mountain bike today for a ride over to Muro de las Lagrimas (the Wall of Tears) – an infamous 10-metre high wall of volcanic rock that was formerly part of a penal colony. Since the prison closed down, wildlife has taken over and it now makes a truly unique place to see giant tortoises and flamingos. Continue on two wheels to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre where you can say hello to five different species of endemic giant tortoise. In the afternoon you’ll snorkel at Concha de Perla – eyes peeled for reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, turtles and even penguins. Wind down with a traditional Isabela Island restaurant dinner and maybe sample the Galapagan nightlife.
Day 8
Swim with Galapagos marine wildlife

Snorkelling
Tick off more islands today as you make your way to Islote las Tintoreras, a chain of small islands named after the white-tipped reef sharks who love to hang out here. Enjoy a boat trip around the bay to look for the famous or unique residents, such as Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and sea lions, then visit The Cliff – a natural tunnel where sharks can often be seen resting. Jump in the water for another snorkelling adventure with the chance to see manta rays, marine iguanas, and of course the famous reef sharks of this part of the Galapagos. Bid farewell to Isabela Island later, as you take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island for your final evening in the Galapagos.
Day 9
Goodbye Galapagos

Wave goodbye to the islands as you jump on a plane back to Quito. The afternoon and evening are free to explore some more at your own pace or enjoy some well-earned downtime in the hotel gardens. You'll share a final evening together with your group, sharing memories, adventure stories and probably the odd photo of a giant tortoise from your time in the Galapagos.
Day 10
Transfer to Quito Airport for your onward flight

Your adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to the airport in Quito in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito
Anytime on day 1
Ends
Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito
Anytime on day 10
Transfers
Your host will meet you at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and transfer you to your hotel a short drive away. On the last day of the trip, your host will return you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Airport transfers are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 10. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and pre/post-trip accommodation. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito from major airports across the UK, Europe, North America and Australasia.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

In Quito, there will be an array of traditional Ecuadorian food to sample, including street snacks as you roam around the old town. Traditional dishes tend to be meat-heavy, however, seafood ceviche is popular and there are plenty of vegetarian options using potato, plantain and local cheeses.
In the Galapagos Islands, expect plenty of seafood options. Your host has a keen eye on visiting the restaurants with the most sustainable approach to sourcing their seafood. Ceviche is perhaps the Galapagos's most famous dish, however, there are often traditional Ecuadorian highland dishes with meat, potatoes and grains, along with coastal ingredients like yucca. A local breakfast in the Galapagos Islands typically involves fried dumplings of green plantains (bolones) and fresh fruit, however, there are American-style breakfasts at the hotel on Santa Cruz Island as well.
Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and any food allergies can be catered for. Please let your host know of your requirements in advance.
What is the accommodation like?

Quito
Before and after your time in the Galapagos you'll usually stay at the pretty Quinta La Constanza; an independent country house style hotel in Quito, a short drive from the airport. The location is convenient for the short hops to and from the airport, but also has quiet and peaceful surroundings with lovely gardens to relax in during your downtime here. For some departure dates the local host may reserve an alternative nearby hotel of the same standard.

Santa Cruz Island
During your time on Santa Cruz Island, you'll stay in a lovely boutique hotel called Deja Vu, located in the Eden neighbourhood just outside Puerto Ayora. Deja Vu has cool, comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool to enjoy during any down time after your adventures around the island, and it also includes epic American-style breakfasts to fuel you up each day.
Isabela Island
On Isabela Island, you'll stay at Hotel Cally, a small family-run hotel near the centre of Puerto Villamil, which has the added advantage of being just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is close to several bars and cafes.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Seasons in the Galapagos are split into the cool and dry season (June to November) and the warm and wet season (December to May). The seas are warmer, calmer and have better visibility in the warm and wet season. Rain showers in the wet season tend to be over quickly, and are often a pleasant break from the heat and sun.
Average temperatures in the warm and wet season from December to May range from a low of 22°C (70°F) to a high of 31°C (84°F).
Average temperatures in the cool and dry season from June to November range from a low of 19°C (68°F) to a high of 27°C (82°F).
The wildlife in the Galapagos can be seen year-round, as many of the big draws are resident to the islands, with few migratory species.


Book the trip!
This was the absolute trip of a lifetime. The place itself is so beautiful and so interesting. Wilson and Belen were the perfect guides. Belen expertly took us through the Galapagos with so much knowledge and she was kind and fun, radiating everything a guide should be. Wilson was a brilliant guide - bringing the positive vibes always, showing so much passion for his country and the MBA company, and so much more. He ensured my dietary requirements were always met and helped look after me when I was not feeling well. Everything was expertly planned, the food and accomodation were great and we saw all the amazing wildlife that we hoped. We met loads of amazing locals along the way thanks to Wilson's planning and the work of MBA. Couldn't have asked for more.


Wonderful wildlife experience
Beautiful islands. The tour was action packed. Great food and guiding throughout. Our guides Wilson, Bellin and Edwin were fantastic throughout. A once in a lifetime trip.

Trip of a lifetime
What an adventure! This trip was so well planned…. From the first WhatsApp message to airport drop off, nothing was missed. The beauty of Galapagos speaks for itself, but the kindness and knowledge of the guides made all the difference. Each activity, restaurant, hotel, boat, etc was even better due to the amazing hospitality. I felt safe, listened to, and supported by the guides (and the group). The knowledge, love of nature, and information shared by the guides was top notch. This was my first group travel with strangers trip, but won’t be my last! Wilson, Belen, and Edwin are the absolute best at what they do!!
A dream tour in the Galápagos Islands
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this amazing tour!
We saw so much wildlife (giant tortoise, marine and land iguana, blue footed booby, lava lizard, galapagos mockingbird, frigate bird, sea lion, penguin, baby shark) including many unique species and were able to experience this special place in a way that felt authentic and unobtrusive. Our guides Wilson and Stephi couldn’t do enough for us and ensured that each person in the group was able to get the most out of the activities, from hiking the Sierra Negra volcano to cycling and snorkelling. Wilson never let those ‘positive vibes’ falter: activities were carefully planned but never overly prescribed, food was delicious and logistics were taken care of so that we were able to relax and go with the flow. It was great to meet people from across the Atlantic (and close to home!) and we had lots of fun together.
The Galapagos Islands are all about the amazing wildlife and with this tour, we were lucky enough to experience this and also so much more.

Incredible
Well organised, amazing food, varied activities, good accommodation and so much incredible wildlife. Steffi & Wilson were the perfect duo to show us the beautiful Galapagos. Very glad I picked this company - great value, recommend to all, trip of a lifetime. Thank you!


Adventure in the Galapagos
Our time in Santa Cruz and Isabela in the Galápagos was honestly unforgettable. Santa Cruz had this great mix of energy and wildlife, from wandering through the highlands to seeing giant tortoises just casually living their best lives. Isabela felt wilder and more peaceful, with those “I can’t believe this is real” moments around every corner.
Wilson was a huge part of what made the trip so special. He was amazing, fun, patient, and genuinely passionate about the islands. Every walk, boat ride, and wildlife encounter felt like an adventure with him. And Stephi was fantastic too, super knowledgeable and experienced, always adding depth and context to everything we saw. You can tell they both really love what they do.
Overall, though, the landscapes, the wildlife, and the people guiding us made this a trip we’ll be talking about for years.

Incredible nature, incredible guides
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Bring your mask and underwater camera. Swimming with schools of 200+ golden rays, blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles. The first part of the trip started a bit slow, with a focus on cultural Quito and then conservation centres once in the Galapagos. But the volcano hike and swimming was the best I’ve done in a lifetime of island travel. Wilson and Steffi are (hands down) the best guides I’ve ever had on any adventure trip ever. I can’t recommend this trip enough.

Incredible Tour!
I cannot recommend this tour enough! It was really well organised, the guides (Wilson and Stefania) were fantastic - so kind, funny & always willing to help. The accommodation and restaurants were all really good and the wildlife was so incredible! Once in a lifetime trip 😊



Just incredible
It's hard to put into words how good this trip was!
As soon as I was picked up from the airport, I felt taken care of and knew that I was in for an amazing time. Wilson, our host, was brilliant and our short time in Quito was filled with well-organised tours, activities and delicious food.
Once we arrived in the Galapagos, the holiday hit another level. Everywhere you look there are weird landscapes and strange wildlife - all absolutely beautiful. Our guide Stephania was absolutely fantastic! She had the knowledge to enhance our trip, telling us all the information we needed, answering all our questions, but never attempting to be the centre of attention, as we'd seen some other guides be. She let the landscapes and the wildlife do the talking and was the perfect, friendly leader of our group.
The itinerary was packed. The days we spent on the islands were filled with excursions and activities, any one of which could have been the highlight. For me, cycling along sandy beaches, hiking up the volcano, and snorkelling with sea turtles and sea lions were all pinch-me moments, but my absolute favourite was kayaking around a small bay, with sharks and turtles swimming underneath us, and Blue-footed Boobies perched on rocks nearby.
I'm not sure I've ever eaten so well as on this trip. Meal after meal of delicious, fresh fish, local and international dishes, and a good range of vegetarian meals too.
This was, quite possibly, the best week of my life!



Incredible from start to finish
Jam packed with wildlife, culture, amazing food and wonderful people. Stefania was an outstanding guide for our Galápagos days, super friendly and very knowledgeable about the islands. The pace and level of info she gave us was perfect. Wilson was also fab on the Quito side, taking us on a whistle stop tour of all the best parts on day one and making sure everything ran smoothly with our flights. Genuinely cannot fault this trip, I had high expectations for the Galápagos and even they were exceeded.
One of the best trips
One of the best trips we've ever taken! Wilson in Quito & Stephania in the Islands covered every detail from logistics to tickets to hotels to excursions with professionalism & genuine care & helpfulness even when flights were canceled and a passport was lost.


Unforgettable Journey through the Galápagos
This was my first MBA trip, and it was genuinely life-changing and an adventure I’ll never forget. From exploring beautiful Quito to experiencing the magic of the Galápagos, every moment felt special. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the sense of adventure were matched only by the amazing people I met along the way.
Several of my fellow travelers were repeat MBA adventurers, and every one of them said this was by far the best MBA trip they’ve ever taken.
Wilson and Edwin were both excellent guides, incredibly knowledgeable, consistently positive, and always willing to share insights about the places we visited. Their enthusiasm and professionalism added so much to the overall experience. Erickita was the real star of the show. Her knowledge is unmatched, her personality is positive and exuberant, and she is incredibly organized. The daily recap texts she sent each evening to remind us what we would need the next day were extremely helpful and made the journey even more enjoyable because we had what we needed, when we needed it.
My only suggestion would be to update the kit list. You don’t need a towel because they were always provided or many long-sleeve shirts. You’ll be in shorts and short sleeves most of the time. One or two UV long-sleeve shirts are perfect for especially hot days in the Galápagos, but otherwise pack light.
I’m so grateful for this experience and will carry these memories with me forever. I can’t recommend this trip enough. 5 stars!!

ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP
This was my first MBA holiday and it truly surpassed all my expectations! The itinerary was superb, fitting in lots of activities everyday but it never felt too much. We snorkeled, hiked, biked and kayaked and it was so much fun. We had absolutely superb guides Edwin, Wilson and Erika, who made us feel right at ease, from meeting us at the airport to everything else. They are all so knowledgeable and kind (and great fun!), they truly felt like friends. We saw so many wonderful animals tortoises, turtles (so many!), sharks, blue footed boobys, frigate birds, tropical fish, sea lions, iguanas, it was animal heaven and they are all lounging around, not bothered by people at all. Getting the chance to swim alongside marine iguanas, sea turtles and sea lions will be an experience I will never forget. All the meals were really yummy and they catered well for the veggies in the group. I'm used to organising my own trips, so trusting an organisation to do it for me was a little scary for me but I honestly couldn't have planned it better myself and it was so stress free, all the tickets/domestic flights/hotels/restaurants etc being sorted for us we literally just had to turn up and enjoy the ride! My group also made the experience for me, we all got on so well. I also love so much that they include the local people in experiences and we had the opportunity to visit local people and see the work behind some of the produce, so I know that we were supporting the local economy whilst there.
If you are considering booking this trip, do not hesitate you will not regret it!

Perfect adventure - get booked!
I’ve wanted to travel to the Galapagos for a very long time, and I’m so glad I chose MBA to travel with. The organisation was perfect - everything was timed to get the best out of every single day without ever feeling too much. From the tour of Quito through to Galápagos island hopping our guide Wilson made sure we all had everything we needed to have fun, feel safe, and have truly magical experiences from beginning to end. Including handling my suitcase lost in transfer like a pro - Wilson went above and beyond beyond to make sure I was reunited with my clothes as soon as possible and ensure I was sorted in the interim (tip: be better than me and pack hand luggage wisely, especially with a short flight transfer window!!). Our guide for Galápagos, Ericka, was absolutely outstanding - her encyclopaedic knowledge and passion for the islands as well as fun energy and genuine care for us as a group made the trip extra special, and something I will never forget. Great people, great landscape, magical memories and outstanding hospitality across all the team - including local businesses, craftsmen, hotels, and more. Massive thanks to all the team for creating such a fantastic trip, and highly recommend anyone thinking about it to get booking!




Just amazing!!
This trip will be a forever-memory for me! It was genuinely perfect in every way. To be able to step into a world filled with natural beauty, surrounded by what I consider to be friends: my wonderful guides, Wilson and Erika and my fellow travellers, was a very special experience I will never forget! Thank you so much!
This is my 7th MBA trip and I don’t think it was possible to make this a more well-organised trip, everything was planned meticulously to where we did several different activities each day. The activities we did were varied and well-balanced, with a mixture of hiking, cycling, kayaking and swimming/snorkelling to see the various landscapes and animals the Galapagos has to offer. The amount of wildlife I saw also greatly surpassed any of my expectations, I saw so many sea lions and their babies, iguanas (both marine and land), lizards, geckos, birds (of course many Blue-footed boobys), a hummingbird, many turtles, tropical fish, so many sharks and so forth! The day out in Quito with Edwin and Wilson was also varied, I particularly enjoyed the cathedrals and the equator museum!
In terms of packing, I would definitely recommend packing and using as much as possible sunscreen (our guides were always making sure we did) and long-sleeved tops and thin hiking trousers worked a treat during the kayaking and hiking days. If you have a protection sleeve for your phone or a go-pro then that’ll work a treat for filming underwater.
The accommodation and food was excellent, there was always a selection of options available to choose from for me and I always felt the quality was very good. On Isabela and Santa Cruz islands we went to several different restaurants for lunch and dinner, each with its own style and selection of food which I found exciting and new each time. Speaking on this, I really appreciate the fact that we went to a range of local businesses run by local people, not chains, for our accommodation and food. It added real authenticity to the trip.
I really must praise my guides Wilson, Erika and Edwin once again for their spectacular hosting and care. Wilson stayed with our group throughout the trip and really did pull all the stops to make this an organised, fun and safe trip for us. He is also a really kind person and an absolute pleasure to spend time with and talk to. Erika is extremely knowledgeable about the islands, able to answer any question thrown at her with passion and enthusiasm, I learnt so much from her and had fun in the process!
Thank you to ‘mi familia’, aka my guides and my group, for making this a trip to remember. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip and if you are thinking of booking go for it, you won’t regret it!


Incredible Galapagos tour!
Exceeded my expectations on every level! Wilson, Edwin, and Ericka are the most knowledgeable and organized guides I’ve ever had. I never felt in a rush to take pictures and they have every experience you could want on this trip! Local artisans, so many beautiful landscapes, biking, snorkeling and hiking activities keep you moving but not worn out. We saw so many animals and learned so much in a short amount of time. The food was also amazing and great variety. Wilson and Ericka have the most positive and laid back vibes while executing every single meal, activity, and transfer flawlessly. They went above and beyond to accommodate everyone’s needs from lost luggage to food allergies. I could not speak more highly of this trip, if you were hesitant about booking, definitely book it!



Unforgettable Galapagos experience!
This was the trip of a lifetime! The itinerary was excellent and incredibly varied—we saw so much wildlife and really felt like we experienced the best the Galapagos has to offer. The staff made the experience 10/10. Ericka and Wilson were amazing guides—their passion for nature is huge and they taught us so much. Our driver, Panchito, was also wonderful and so friendly. The whole team just has such great energy. Do not hesitate to book this; it is a very special adventure that you won't regret.



Amazing experience!
One of the most amazing trips all around. There was much beauty and uniqueness to experience. The guides (Wilson, Edwin and Ericka) were all so very kind and helpful and were so knowledgeable about the area and animals and made sure we were able to really see everything we possibly could, including spending time with local craftsman and farmers. Their joy and happiness made the trip so enjoyable and fun. This is not one to me miss!


Outstanding
This is one of the best trips I've ever had - smoothly organised from start to finish, included so many meals, activities and experiences, and with such fun and kind guides. I will never forget the people on this trip and the sheer wonder of the Galapagos.
Fantastic trip! Wilson and Ericka
Fantastic trip! Wilson and Ericka were outstanding. so well organized fun and knowledgable! We saw and learned so much- live my new family!
Fantastic trip. I enjoyed every
Fantastic trip. I enjoyed every minute. . . great group of people, wonderful guides.
Best group trip ever !
Wilson and Stefania were without exception the best and most organised guides I’ve ever been on a trip with. Everything went exceptionally smoothly and done with great care. Stefanias Galapagos knowledge is endless. She knew the answer to every question put to her without fail. The itinerary had trip itself was full of great activities and things to see. Well put together and planned. I would definitely use MBA again.
Great Trip!
We had a lovely holiday! The food was amazing, the group was so nice and the guides did a great job. I can highly recommend this adventure!


Trip of a lifetime
Loved every minute of this trip. Wilson and our guide Stephanie were brilliant. From walking, wildlife spotting, kaycking and more. Spotting the Marine Iguanas fighting was my favourite memory of this trip with an absolutely brilliant group of people. Being veggie the food was amazing. Wish I was still there!
Fun trip with great guides
Wilson and Stefania were amazing! Had a great time on this trip. They made sure everything was taken care of perfectly.
Make sure to pack extra snacks, as it's an active trip and you might want to fuel in between meals!

I just finished the Galapagos
I just finished the Galapagos tour and honestly cannot describe in words how wonderful it was to experience Ecuador in this way and with such a great bunch of people. The tour is jam packed with lots of activities but all are run seamlessly by Wilson and his team and our guide Stefanie was so knowledgeable that I was able to learn so much on the islands. Thank you to the tour guides and company for creating such a memorable trip, you’re all incredible!

Excellent trip - would definitely recommend 👌
This was our first time doing a longer group adventure and would highly recommend MBA. The itinerary was varied and well paced, with plenty of activities and fun things to do that had we been travelling alone we wouldn't have necessarily sought out but are so glad we experienced!
This itinerary has been really thoughtfully designed to feed back into the local economy and local people of the galapagos and this was something that I hadn't appreciated when booking but really differentiates this trip from others and is excellent.
We saw a huge variety of animals and experienced the magic of the galapagos from land and sea. The activities (hiking, cycling, snorkeling, kayaking) all helped you see more and get involved - I loved seeing the volcanic landscapes with tortoises and iguanas everywhere!
The hotels were clean and comfortable and the food was tasty and plentiful (including multiple vegetarian choices!)
The guide, Wilson is fantastic and took care of all the logistics. He communicated clearly and sorted out everything! He's a lovely guy who has so much passion for his country and this trip. Our other guides Edwin and Stefania were also excellent. Thank you to everyone!
An amazing trip, with incredible
An amazing trip, with incredible wildlife, volcanic landscapes and insights into local culture of the Galapagos islands and Ecuador. Our guide Wilson was fantastic - everything was seamlessly organised, he was always on hand to help with questions or requests and the itinerary was a great balance of trips and social time.
An incredible experience
I've just returned from this amazing trip and would highly recommend it. The itinerary is varied, with a mix of local tours in Quito followed by cycling, hiking and snorkelling in the Galapagos whilst always on the lookout for unique wildlife. It's quite a busy trip but you feel like you're making the most of the time in these beautiful places (you can also opt out of activities if you prefer). The food was tasty and plentiful (I'm a vegetarian and there were always lots of options with multiple courses per meal, mainly included in the price of the tour)
A special shout-out to Wilson and the rest of the team (Edwin and Stefania were great guides - very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful - plus all drivers were arranged seamlessly and were also very friendly and helpful). Wilson really went above and beyond both before the trip started and throughout. His organisation and attention to detail were faultless, nothing was too much trouble and he had an enthusiasm and passion for his country which I'm lucky to have been a part of. Thank you to Wilson and MBA for this incredible holiday!

Dream holiday!
This trip was amazing! Every day was organised perfectly - full of activities, but the pace was perfect and we didn’t feel rushed. The variety is great too, from the Quito city trip to hiking a volcano and snorkelling - we were lucky enough to find sea turtles!
Our guides Wilson, Stefania and Edwin were brilliant - so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Anything you needed or question you had, they were able to help.
It was my first MBA trip and I will definitely book with them again. Everything was straightforward and all you have to do is show up and have a great time!
Itinerary Activities
- Explore Quito and see the equator at Mitad del Mundo
- Explore Baltra Island - visiting Los Gemelos ('the Twins'), El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Visit an organic coffee plantation
- Short hike in the Cerro Mesa Nature Reserve
- Guided bike ride to Garrapatero Beach
- Guided hike to Tortuga Bay
- Guided hike up the Sierra Negra volcano
- Guided bike ride to the 'Wall of Tears' and Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Snorkelling at Concha de Perla
- Boat ride and snorkelling around Islote las Tintoreras
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- Naturalist guides for your time in the Galapagos Islands
Accommodation
- 9 nights in family run hotels
Meals
- 9 tasty breakfasts
- 6 fresh lunches
- 9 traditional dinners
Internal flights
- Flights between Quito and Baltra in the Galapagos
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Quito Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Quito Airport at any time on Day 10
- All transfers during the trip, including boat journeys between the islands
Equipment
- All biking equipment
- All snorkelling equipment
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Additional costs
There are some payments that you'll need to make locally on this trip. Much Better Adventures usually include everything to make for a hassle free trip, however sometimes there are payments that must be made in person at borders or national parks which require cash payment along with your passport. Entry to the Galapagos is operated like this by the Ecuadorian government. Please make sure you bring along the following:
-
$200 USD in cash for the Galapagos National Park entry fee. This fee is paid by each adult visiting the Galapagos, and this payment goes towards protecting the wider national park and marine reserve. You must pay this fee on arrival at Baltra Airport while presenting your passport for immigration control. It can only be paid individually by the passport holder.
-
$10 USD in cash for a municipal tax to enter Isabela Island on Day 5. This is payable when presenting your passport upon arrival on the island.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides:
- $5 USD per day in the mainland
- $10 USD per day in the Galapagos Islands
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, flippers and snorkel)
- Bike and helmet
What do I need to bring?
Bags
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Small drybag
Clothes
- Light waterproof jacket
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear x 2
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
Other
- Padlock for left luggage
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Insect repellent (Ideally 0% DEET)
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel (Optional)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle
Double/Twin room
Payable Before Departure
Double/Twin room
…
Single room
Payable Before Departure
Single room
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Quito Airport - Accommodation (each way)
Payable Before Departure
Quito Airport - Accommodation (each way)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 1024kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Yes, there are some payments that you'll need to make locally on this trip. Much Better Adventures usually include everything to make for a hassle free trip, however sometimes there are payments that must be made in person at borders or national parks which require cash payment along with your passport. Entry to the Galapagos is operated like this by the Ecuadorian government. Please make sure you bring along the following:
-
$100 USD in cash for the Galapagos National Park entry fee (Note: From August 1st 2024 onwards this entrance fee is increasing to $200 USD per person). This fee is paid by each adult visiting the Galapagos, and this payment goes towards protecting the wider national park and marine reserve. You must pay this fee on arrival at Baltra Airport while presenting your passport for immigration control. It can only be paid individually by the passport holder.
-
$10 USD in cash for a municipal tax to enter Isabela Island on Day 5. This is payable when presenting your passport upon arrival on the island.
The tap water in mainland Ecuador and Galapagos is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the hotels which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito after your week in the Galapagos.
Your local host will provide a suitable helmet that conforms to recognised safety standards. If you have sizing concerns, contact your local host in advance so they can advise on fit and availability.
If you wish to bring your own helmet it must be suitable for the activity and conform to recognised safety standards. Please see our Cycling safety guidance for further information.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
This trip is graded Level 2
Easy-Moderate
Perfect for adventurers looking to gently step things up
Daily light activities, usually three to four hours long
Anyone with a basic level of fitness can enjoy this trip. All you'll need is to be able to handle a few hours of activity every day, mixed between snorkelling, kayaking, hikin...
Browse all our Easy-Moderate trips
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There's a level for everyone – find your match
Reviews

Book the trip!
Hannah G. April 2026

Wonderful wildlife experience
russell g. April 2026

Trip of a lifetime
Jen N. April 2026

Incredible
Sarah L. April 2026

Adventure in the Galapagos
Gennifer R. March 2026

Incredible nature, incredible guides
Russell J. March 2026

Incredible Tour!
Annie S. March 2026

Just incredible
Matthew G. March 2026

Incredible from start to finish
Nicole M. February 2026
We've got your back
Book with confidence and peace of mind.
DEPARTURE DATES
Friday 8th May 2026
to Sunday 17th May 2026
Friday 22nd May 2026
to Sunday 31st May 2026
Fully Booked
Friday 26th June 2026
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Friday 24th July 2026
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Friday 7th August 2026
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Friday 11th September 2026
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Friday 2nd October 2026
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Friday 16th October 2026
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Friday 20th November 2026
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Friday 4th December 2026
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Friday 11th December 2026
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Wednesday 23rd December 2026
to Friday 1st January 2027
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Friday 25th June 2027
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Friday 10th September 2027
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Friday 29th October 2027
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Friday 19th November 2027
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Friday 3rd December 2027
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Friday 17th December 2027
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