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 certified, naturalist guides in the Galapagos IslandsGuesthouse
9 nights in locally owned boutique hotelsMeals
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinnersInternal flights
Flights between Quito and the GalapagosTransfers & Equipment
Your transfers including boat transfers between islands, plus 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…
…
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 trip to explore Ecuador's rainforest after your island adventures
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 Lágrimas (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).
This trip has been rated as Easy
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, hiking and biking. The activities aren't strenuous, the aim on this trip is to breathe in and soak up the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands while immersed in your surroundings.
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.
Best money I’ve ever spent
I honestly think this is one of the best things I’ve ever done! The actual islands were spectacular and the wildlife spotting is a once in a lifetime experience. What really made the trip special were our local guides who were knowledgable, friendly, thoughtful, and really tried their best to make our trip as good as it possibly could be! In particular our Galapagos guide Ericka was thoroughly wonderful, full of knowledge, and helped create a fun environment throughout. This trip packs a lot - there is little down time, but you’ll get home feeling like you’ve made the most of every moment! The company had selected a great range of local restaurants and the food was overall great and really varied! I also want to emphasise that I felt really safe throughout the trip - both in Quito and on the islands, which was really important to me as a solo traveler. We had a great group dynamic and I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow travelers! Thank you to everyone who made this happen!!
Living My Best Life in the Galapagos
I think I genuinely had some of the best moments of my life on this trip (e.g. swimming with sharks - not something I ever expected I'd do!?) We were lucky enough to see all the animals and wildlife/nature we could have hoped for, and learn lots too. It was a privilege to witness the respect and harmony in which animals and people are living together in the Galapagos. The guides (Wilson, Edwin, and especially Ericka on the islands) were fantastic: knowledgeable, organised, and fun!
The programme, organisation, and communication were great. It was such a luxury to just turn up and not have to do any of the planning, yet still get a once in a lifetime, incredible experience! It was a little fast-paced at times, but not too much and for me that was a good thing because it meant we got to fit loads in. The food was really good too; we went to some lovely restaurants in beautiful settings and vegetarian options were always available. I love that MBA creates autonomy and custom for local guides, businesses, and families, so you get an exclusive and authentic experience, while supporting local communities.
Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful and it just made the trip even more special. If you're into nature, wildlife, adventure, and generally just living your best life, I can't recommend the Galapagos trip highly enough. This was my first time doing a group tour and my advice to anyone thinking about it is: do it!
Fantastic adventure in the Galapagos
This trip was fantastic from start to finish - before departing, Wilson was available to answer any questions and put us in touch with each other. During the trip, Wilson, Edwin and Ericka couldn't have done more to make sure we got the best experience possible - from making sure all dietary requirements were met to managing to make sure the weather and animal spotting ticked every item on our bucket list! The programme was fantastic - there was so much to do every day and everything was perfectly organised. The food was brilliant and we ate really well, stayed in lovely accommodation and generally felt very welcome and well-looked after. I can't thank them enough for everything!
Worth every penny
The trip to the Galápagos was incredible. It truly belongs to the animals and we were fortunate enough to share it with them for a short time.
Wilson and Edwin were fantastic and helpful in Quito and before the journey. Our guide in Galápagos was Ericka and she was knowledgeable, organised and added to the trip.
I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to go. I will never forget swimming with sharks or hanging out with tortoises. Trip of a lifetime.
If you have any hesitations in booking this trip, DO IT. You will not regret it.
An Epically Awesome Adventure!
Trip of a lifetime - as I had hoped it would be. Absolutely first rate from start (and before start) to finish. Just perfect!
The Galapagos Islands were just so stunningly beautiful, they stole your breadth away...
With famous endemic species in abundance wherever you looked it was an animal and nature lovers dream.
Nature or Pacha Mama as they call it there is more interwoven into peoples daily way of thinking on the Galapagos. It was an amazing thing to see and be a part of for a little bit.
The activities and guides were exceptional! Local native people who took great pride in sharing there passion and love of their country and Pacha Mama with guests. Their knowledge was extensive and they enjoyed answering my every question.
In the Galapagos, our guide was Karla. She was completely brilliant in every way and it was a pleasure swimming with sharks with her! Thank you Karla so much.
I then did the Amazon Rainforest add on with Kayaking and Rafting. This was truly awesome in every way imaginable again! So breathtakingly incredible - The Amazon Rainforest...
Kayaking and rafting were for me exhilaratingly adventurous and so much fun, I know I will be going back to do it again! The guide Bene was the most insanely good kayaker and the nicest guy in the world.
I defiantly recommend adding this on to your Galapagos trip if you can.
Then there was the Legend Guide Wilson who looked after me from start to end and looked after my every need with a big smile on his face. We spent many hours chatting and laughing and I would like to thank him for sharing and showing me his incredible country. I know I will be back soon...
Best time!
The organization and guides were totally on point. Everything ran very smoothly. Heaps of enthusiasm and love for the special place was evident.