Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos: The Plus Edition

After touching down at the airport in Quito your host will meet you and transfer you to your first beautiful base at San José de Puembo, a former hacienda dating back to the 17th century, just outside the city and strategically situated for easy access to the airport for your onward trips to and from the Galapagos in the days ahead. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy the gardens, the beautiful pool and the spa facilities 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.

Kick things off by exploring Quito’s Old Town – all cobbled streets, colonial churches and vibrant plazas. Tuck into a hearty Andean lunch at a popular spot in the city - a favourite haunt of your host - before climbing to the city’s best perch: Panecillo Hill with some incredible swwping views over Ecuador's capital city. In the afternoon you'll head over to La Mitad del Mundo - the middle of the world on the equator line that gives Ecuador it's name. Stand with a foot in each of Earth's hemisphere's before heading back to your base for dinner and an early night - you're heading to the Galapagos first thing tomorrow...

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. Head to Los Gemelos (The Twins), two giant volcanic sinkholes for a short hike to take in the views, then on to El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve where you can observe these magical creatures in their natural habitat. Drop into the Charles Darwin Research Station later in the day before finishing up at Puerto Ayora, the main town in Santa Cruz Island where your Wow Stay of this trip awaits. Blu Hotel Galapagos is a stunning waterfront lodge perched right on the edge of the ocean, a place where pelicans fly past your breakfast table and sunsets steal the show every evening. Settle in here for a delicious meal in the hotel's excellent restaurant to enjoy your first night in the Galapagos Islands.

This morning, catch a scenic public boat across the Pacific to Isabela Island, the largest and one of the wildest in the archipelago. Upon arrival, hop on a bike and pedal along a coastal trail toward Muro de las Lágrimas – the haunting 'Wall of Tears'. Built from volcanic rock by prisoners between 1946 and 1959, this 10-metre-high structure stands as a somber reminder of the island’s darker past. Along the way, pass by Poza de Flamingos, where you’ll spot vibrant flamingos and other wetland birds feeding in the shallows, and keep an eye out for giant tortoises ambling through the surrounding scrub. After cycling back to town, tuck into a well-earned lunch before heading out again – this time by boat – to explore Las Tintoreras, a tiny islet just offshore. This rocky outcrop is home to white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and basking marine iguanas. Jump into the water for a snorkelling session in the calm, clear bay. Glide alongside sea turtles, shimmering tropical fish, and with luck, even manta rays, all thriving in this protected marine paradise. Later on, settle into your stunning beachfront base at Iguana Crossing – a boutique eco-lodge perched right on the sand, where marine iguanas laze on the path and waves roll in just beyond the deck; the perfect spot to unwind after your latest island adventures.

Lace up your boots and set off to explore one of Isabela Island’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders – Sierra Negra Volcano, home to the second-largest volcanic caldera on Earth. This is one of five volcanoes on the island and among the most active in the Galápagos, with its most recent eruption as recent as 2018. The trail winds gradually uphill through lush highland vegetation until you emerge at the vast rim of the caldera – a jaw-dropping vista stretching out over a surreal volcanic landscape. From here, continue on to the Chico Volcano, a geologically fascinating area dotted with fumaroles, lava tubes, and fields of twisted rock in striking reds and blacks. Along the way, your guide will share the story of how these dramatic formations trace the birth and evolution of the islands. Soak up your final night at your eco-lodge, relaxing to the sound of waves, spot penguins and pelicans from your balcony, and cool off in the infinity pool.

Hop on an early speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island, and enjoy breakfast on arrival before heading inland to explore the lush highlands. Your first stop is a local organic coffee plantation, where you'll learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted in the Galápagos' unique volcanic soil. Sip a fresh cup right on the farm, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature – the perfect blend of flavour and tranquillity. After lunch, saddle up for a scenic bike ride through the highlands toward Garrapatero Beach. The route winds gently downhill, and it’s not uncommon to find giant tortoises ambling across your path – just one of those only-in-the-Galápagos moments. At the end of the trail, cool off with a dip in the calm waters of Garrapatero, a peaceful white-sand beach flanked by lava rocks and mangroves. Take time to explore the area’s rich ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you might even spot flamingos feeding in a hidden coastal lagoon nearby. Return to Puerto Ayora in the late afternoon to be reunited with your Wow Stay from earlier in the trip - you're here for two nights this time, so settle in now that you know your way around the place.

Rise early for a 06:15 pickup from your hotel in Puerto Ayora. After a scenic drive across Santa Cruz, you’ll reach Itabaca Channel, where you’ll hop aboard a speedboat bound for one of the nearby uninhabited islands – destination depending on permits and conditions for the day. The two-hour journey takes you past the Daphne Islands, a pair of dramatic volcanic cones rising from the sea, well-known for their birdlife and diving spots. Keep your eyes peeled for frigatebirds soaring overhead and dolphins playing in the boat’s wake. Upon arrival, disembark for a short guided walk through the island’s surreal volcanic terrain. Your guide will introduce you to the island’s unique ecosystem and geological history as you explore lava fields, cactus forests, and coastal cliffs. Back on the boat, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on deck with views of the island’s colourful volcanic coastline – the perfect recharge before the next adventure. Afterward, dive into the clear turquoise waters for an epic snorkeling session. Glide through marine canyons alongside white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of vibrant fish, then follow the trail through lava cactus gardens for one last look at this remarkable place. Return by boat to Itabaca Channel and drive back to Puerto Ayora for one last dreamy evening at Blu Galapagos.

Wave goodbye to the islands as you board your flight back to mainland Ecuador, leaving the sea lions, marine iguanas and giant tortoises behind (though they’ll live on in your camera roll forever). Touch down in Quito and enjoy a relaxed afternoon, you're free to head into the city to explore more of the capital’s lively markets and hidden corners or grab a final taste of Andean street food, or just unwind in the hotel gardens with a coffee or a cold cerveza in hand. As the sun sets on your adventure, gather with your group for one last evening together swapping stories from sea and shore, and plenty of tortoise photos passed around the table.

Your adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to the airport in Quito in time for your flight home.