Land exploration of the Galapagos Islands

Prefer land-based over yacht-based? Settle into comfortable hotels and lodges on the Galápagos Islands and explore facets of the Islands not usually visited by tourist boats. Kayak and snorkel in coastal waters, hike up Sierra Negra volcano, and visit a tortoise breeding center. Stay at a classic hacienda and hike in the Ecuadorian Highlands, too, for a taste of mainland Ecuador. 

Galapagos Travel & Adventures: See all trips

South America Travel & Adventures: See all trips

Wildlife Travel & Adventures: See all trips

Activities

Moderate hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, wildife viewing; minimum age is 12

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak, snorkel and hike in the world's top nature destination
• Hike on an active volcano (whose last eruption was just five years ago!)
• Experience up close and personal encounters with wildlife
• A perfect alternative to our yacht-based adventures

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Quito End Location: Quito

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Quito

  Arrive in Quito, Ecuador.

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  Day 2 : Hiking the highlands, with views of Cotopaxi and Illiniza

  Hike in the Ecuadorian Highlands, outside of Quito, with views of Cotopaxi and Illiniza along the way. Stay overnight in an historic hacienda.

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  Day 3 : To the Galápagos –San Cristóbal Island - Kayaking

  Fly from Quito to the the Galápagos Islands.  We land on the island of San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago and spend the afternoon kayaking from Puerto Baquerizo to Tijeretas Bay (also known as Frigatebird Hill), giving us an intimate first glimpse of the Enchanted Isles.

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  Day 4 : San Cristóbal Island and beyond – Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, Isla Lobos – Snorkel & Hike

  After breakfast we’ll depart for a snorkeling excursion and explore Cerro Brujo,home to blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. Then we're off to Kicker Rock—a towering vertical rock formation off the coast of San Cristóbal.

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  Day 5 : Isabela Island – Shoreline Hike & Tortoise Breeding Center

  Morning flight to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos Archipelago. We visit the impressive Humedales (wetlands), home to many nesting birds and characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores and mangroves and visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

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  Day 6 : Hiking on Volcán Sierra Negra

  Hike up Sierra Negra volcano (4,890'), which most recently erupted in October 2005, to see its 30-square-mile caldera, petrified lava formations, fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

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  Day 7 : Santa Cruz – Islands & Highlands – Snorkeling / Wild Tortoise Hike

  Fly to the island of Santa Cruz and navigate the waters for a visit to view the shore of Daphne and enjoy the company of Galapagos residents: blue-footed and nazca boobies, red billed tropicbirds and magnificent frigate birds. Then, off to a beautiful beach for snorkeling and end the day with a walk with giant tortoises in the wild.

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  Day 8 : Santa Cruz – Enchanted Beaches – Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming

  Start the day with kayaking along the rocky shore to Punta Estrada. After lunch we visit Enchanted Beach—with turquoise water that's great for snorkeling and swimming. We end the afternoon with wine and snacks in this beautiful setting.

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  Day 9 : Fly back to Quito

  After breakfast, say farewell to the Islands and fly back to Quito.

• Day 10 : Depart

  Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or join one of our extensions in Ecuador’s highlands, Amazon, or Peru’s Machu Picchu!

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  Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

  Puerto Ayora

  Located on the "Punta Estrada" waterfront, this quiet inn is built around Gus Angermeyer's legendary cave. Lava rocks and drift wood form some of the construction materials for this uncommon piece of Galapagos history. The inn has its own beach, and is within easy reach of downtown Puerto Ayora and the beach at nearby Finch Bay. Its comfortable guest rooms all have en suite bathrooms, and the inn features a guest lounge with full bar service, generous buffet breakfast on the patio each morning, and, of course, excellent views of Academy Bay and Santa Cruz Island.

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  Hacienda Hato Verde

  Set amidst lush gardens in the spectacular countryside of the Ecuadorian Andes, Hacienda Hato Verde can accomodate up to 18 people in comfort, elegance and tranquility. The original house was restored in strict accordance to traditional materials and techniques. In keeping with its colonial style, Hacienda Hato Verde features nine luxurious rooms, each one with private bathroom and fireplace. The meticulous design employed in each room includes extremely comfortable beds with goose-feather pillows and duvets, ensuring comfort and a good night's sleep.

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  Hotel Casa Marita

  Isabela Island

  This custom hotel on the beach of Puerto Villamil sits on some of the best stretches of Isabela Island, only a short walk to the village center but exposed to all the island's natural beauty. Rooms with balconies that overlook the beach, and expansive ocean views from the dining room.

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  Casa Opuntia

  San Cristóbal

  A fun waterfront guesthouse, Casa Opuntia offers comfortable accommodation on San Cristóbal Island. Its airy, mediterranean architecture, spacious patios with excellent views, adjacent cactus gardens, and easy access to Playa de Oro Beach lend it a relaxing feel. The Opuntia Waterfront Restaurant offers some of the island's best seafood dishes, which pair perfectly with beautiful ocean vistas.

• Hilton Quito

  Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All Hilton Colon Quito hotel rooms have wireless internet access, and the hotel features a relaxing Fitness Center & Spa, complete with outdoor heated pool. For meals you can choose from 5 dining experiences, including gourmet Mediterranean and Japanese.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Brenda Ernst