galapagos islands hiking tours

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Galapagos Southeast Islands

• Visit Cerro Brujo´s lava formations
• Hike across Española Island
• Swim and snorkel at Devil´s Crown

Northern Islands

• Swim and snorkel at Darwin Bay
• Discover Genovesa Island's birdlife
• Hike to Dragon Hill

Galapagos Multisport

• Kayak and snorkel among wildlife
• Learn about Galapagos conservation
• Cycle to Isabela's coastline
• Snorkel in Concha Perla
• Hike the rim of an active caldera
• View giant Galapagos tortoises

North & Central Islands

• Observe the Pinnacle Rock
• Snorkel through clear blue waters
• Visit James Bay
• Spot giant tortoises in Highlands
• Visit Cerro Dragón and see iguanas
• Explore Genovesa Island's paradise

Southern Islands

• Visit Tijeretas Hill bird colony
• Discover Floreana Island's beaches
• Snorkel with sea lions

Northwestern Islands

• Encounter pink flamingos
• Discover Chinese Hat
• Explore Genovesa Island
• Visit Bachas beach

Central East & Southern Islands

• Explore lava tunnels in Santa Cruz
• Visit Rábida's red sand beach
• See marine iguanas at Punta Pitt
• Encounter wildlife at Isla Lobos

Southern & Northern Islands

• Enjoy exploring Española Island
• Discover Floreana's beaches
• Interact with the playful sea lion

Western Islands

• Relax and swim at Bachas Beach
• Spot flightless cormorants at Tagus
• Visit Darwin's Lake and snorkel
• Witness flightless cormorants

Central East Islands

• Explore the Santa Cruz highlands
• Hike to Bartolomé's summit
• Land at South Plaza for forest walk
• Greet playful sea lions

Volcanic Wonders

• Cruise around Kicker Rock
• Hike up Prince Philip's Steps
• Observe Galapagos flora and fauna
• Snorkel or stand up paddle board
• Observe Galapagos giant tortoises
• See the blue-footed boobies dance
• Look for Galapagos penguins
• Cruise along Moreno Point

Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise

• Hike 375 stairs to panoramic views
• Trek through mangroves
• Snorkel in search of marinlife

Private Charter - Eastern Islands II

• Visit Post Office Bay´s mailbox
• Swim and snorkel with sea lions
• Visit Fausto Llerena Center

Western & Eastern Islands

• Visit the beautiful Junco Lagoon
• Bird watching at North Seymour
• Snorkel & Kayak across Tintoreras
• Discover Sierra Negra volcano

West & Central Islands + Genovesa

• Kayay & Snorkel around Genovesa
• Walk over recent lava flows
• Visit Arnaldo T. Breeding Center
• Hike along cactus groves at Rabida

Top Galapagos Travel Destinations

• Charles Darwin Center
• Daphne Island
• North Seymour
• Puerto Ayora
• Puerto Villamil
• San Cristobal
• San Cristobal Airport
• South Plaza Island
• Wolf Island

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6 BEST HIKES IN THE GALAPAGOS 2024 HIKING GUIDE

Home > Galapagos > 6 BEST HIKES IN THE GALAPAGOS – 2024 HIKING GUIDE

• Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Hiking in the Galapagos is a dream for many who wish to witness endemic wildlife and unique volcanic landscapes next to paradisiac beaches.

For avid hikers seeking a challenge, I’ve compiled the top 6 hikes on the archipelago. Excluding short strolls from tours, this guide is for those who want to test themselves and reach unforgettable summits and viewpoints.

Considering this, I have included a beach hike in San Cristobal, a highlands hike in Santa Cruz, and four on Isabela, which is undoubtedly the best island for hiking – two in the highlands and two volcanic hikes.

NAVIGATION MENU CHOOSE YOUR GALAPAGOS HIKE

(or alternatively, choose an activity from the drop-down menu underneath), choose your activity from the list (click on the arrow and scroll down).

HIKING IN GALAPAGOS

General info.

Planning a trip to the Galapagos? Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Most activities require a guided tour with a naturalist guide.
• Tour prices are standardized across agencies, but you may be able to negotiate if booking multiple tours.
• Many beaches have specific opening and closing times for turtle nesting reasons.
• Book your tours in advance to secure a spot on the best ones.
• Don’t forget seasickness medication for water-based tours.
• Apply strong sunscreen, as the equatorial sun can be intense.
• Pack mosquito repellent, especially at sunset when horseflies are active.
• Drone use is strictly regulated and requires a special permit from the National Park.
• Rentals for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles are not available – transportation must be by taxi, bus, boat, bicycle, or on foot.
• Respect the wildlife by avoiding physical contact and touching the animals.

In a Hurry? Save it for Later.

SAVE TO PINTEREST

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

1. hike to playa baquerizo beach.

The Playa Baquerizo beach hike is the sole free hike on the island that doesn’t require a tour. Although you can trek to another beach beyond it, I think this trail is sufficient for an average hiker, especially in hot weather.

This beach is a beautiful, lengthy stretch of white sand that’s a bit hard to get to, so there are few people around. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, and I saw turtles, many fish, and a white-tip reef shark in the water. Marine iguanas can also be found on the sand and in the water.

View the full blog post here: CERRO TIJERETAS AND PLAYA BAQUERIZO HIKE

Also, if you’re interested in beaches:   BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL 

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Santa cruz island, 2. hike to media luna, puntudo and cerro crooker hill.

This is probably the only proper wild hike on Santa Cruz island that doesn’t necessitate a tour.

To start your hike, take a taxi to Bellavista, which is located a short distance from Puerto Ayora. The hike to Cerro Crooker hill’s base is a challenging 8 km trek that takes approximately 3 hours each way.

Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the island’s volcanic hills and its lush miconia vegetation. Be sure to keep to the trail, as straying from it can disturb bird nests and lead to getting lost. Don’t miss the opportunity to spot the Galapagos Petrel, which nests on these mountains.

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Isabela island, 3. hike to the wall of tears.

The Wall of Tears on Isabela Island is a controversial attraction. It is a stone wall built between 1946 and 1959 by inmates of the former Isabela Penitentiary Colony. Here hundreds of prisoners were forced to work under extreme circumstances. They built this wall for no other purpose than to be punished. While enduring this hardship many people died.

Although it’s a hard place to visit, due to its history, the landscape surrounding it is particularly beautiful. Definitely, a place to visit. If you like hikes and views this is where to go, from here you can go onto the “El Radar” viewpoint and have a beautiful view of Isabela beachfront.

View the full blog post here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA

To rent a bike: Check any of the many local bike shops in Puerto Villamil.

4. EL RADAR VIEWPOINT HIKE

The El Radar Viewpoint hike in Isabela Island is a short but beautiful hike you can do after arriving at the  Wall of Tears .

The Wall of Tears is a stone wall built between 1946 and 1959 by inmates of the former Isabela Penitentiary Colony. Here hundreds of prisoners were forced to work under extreme circumstances. They built this wall for no other purpose than to be punished. While enduring this hardship many people died.

On your way to El Radar Viewpoint, there are other beautiful viewpoints like the Wall of Tear’s viewpoint, some meters after the wall.

From all of them, you can have a beautiful view of Isabela island’s beachfront and its green landscape.

View the full blog post here: EL RADAR VIEWPOINT HIKE

5. SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO HIKE (TOUR)

The Sierra Negra Volcano Tour is the best volcano hike you can do in the Galápagos and one of the best tours in Isabela island. For a land-based experience, this is definitely on my top 5 Galapagos Islands tours list.

You will walk on the rim of the massive Sierra Negra volcano’s caldera, whose last eruption happened just in 2018, and visit the Chico Volcano, a little offspring of Sierra Negra with a view to the Northwestern part of Isabela Island.

This tour has to be done with a Naturalist guide from the Galápagos National Park. You can book a tour with an agency and they hire the guide. You can’t simply hike your way up, unfortunately.

Along the hike, the landscape changes at least three times. From foggy and green, to dry and orange, and then to red and black. At the last stage, everything around you looks like an apocalypse. It’s an impressive and desolate place created by the destructive force of nature.

View the full blog post here: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO TOUR

To book this tour:  Check the local company Coral Blanco Tour Operator (click on the icons), or book it online on Viator with any of the tours underneath:

6. SIERRA NEGRA SULFUR MINES HIKE (TOUR)

This one is among the most epic tours in Isabela I, unfortunately, didn’t have time to do but it looks absolutely stunning. Instead of seeing the volcano from a viewpoint with its red and black surfaces of lava, you get to see and smell a vivid yellow sulfur mine with constant smoke coming out of it.

It is an amazing alternative to do if you’ve already seen the volcano from the top. When I go back to Isabela this is for sure the first tour I will do. It must be incredible. And very smelly Ahah. 

If you want to do the Sierra Negra Volcano tour I’ll leave you the link down below.

To book this tour:  Check the local company Coral Blanco Tour Operator (click on the icons)

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The most complete guide & map of ecuador, +300 unique places: galapagos - amazon - andes - coast.

Unlock exclusive access to hidden gems and local insights with my guide! Your purchase fuels my dedication to providing free travel content and supports my passion for sharing the best of Ecuador. Plus, enjoy lifetime updates and personalized assistance. Let’s explore together! 

ALL THE ARTICLES ABOUT THE GALAPAGOS

San Cristobal Island  – The easternmost island of the Galapagos, the “Isla Bonita”

Santa Cruz Island  – The island with the best tourism infrastructure.

Isabela Island  – The most adventurous and less explored island of the main three.

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THE 10 BEST Galapagos Islands Walking Tours

Walking tours in galapagos islands.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Private Tours
• Photography Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano

2. Day Trip to Isabela Island and Tintoreras in Galápagos

3. Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island

4. Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island

5. Snorkeling and Fauna Observation at Las Tintoreras Islet

6. Full-Day Tour to Floreana Island, Cave of Pirates and Punta Cormorant

7. 8 Day Galapagos Adventure in San Cristobal, Santa Cruz & Isabela

8. 5-Day All-Inclusive Galapagos: Isabela and Santa Cruz Island

9. Beach Wildlife and Snorkel Adventure with Underwater Specialist

10. 5-Day Guided Galapagos & Los Tuneles Tour

11. Half Day Tour in Sierra Negra Volcano & Lava Fields

12. 4-Day Wildlife Tour in Santa Cruz Island

13. Full Day Pinzon Island, Finishing in la Fe with Snorkeling and Lunch included

14. 4-Day Galapagos Tour: Santa Cruz & 2 Uninhabited Islands

15. 4 Days Galápagos - Isabela Islands and Santa Cruz

16. Wetlands Tour with Wall of Tears from Isabela Island

17. Galapagos By Land And Sea 4d-3n

18. 11 Days Galapagos Full Experiences " Santa Cruz- Isabela - San Cristobal "

19. Full Day Santa Fe and Playa escondida with Snorkeling and lunch Included

20. Full day San Cristobal Tour - 360 Degrees

21. 6 Days Galapagos Land Tour starting in San Cristobal Island including Santa Cruz

22. 4-Day Galapagos Land Tour: San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Island

23. 4D Magic of Santa Cruz

24. Walking Tour to Sierra Negra volcano and Chico Volcano from Isabela Island

25. Tour Lobos Island from San Cristobal

26. Seymour North Island & Las Bachas Full-Day Tour

27. 5 Days Galapagos Tour: Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands

28. Full Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

29. Transfer from San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz Island

30. Full Day Española Island

What travelers are saying.

• Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
• Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island
• Day Trip to Isabela Island and Tintoreras in Galápagos
• Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island
• Snorkeling and Fauna Observation at Las Tintoreras Islet
• Galapagos by Local Guides
• Galaxy First-class Yacht
• Yacht Angelito
• Galapagos Fishing Adventures Gustavo Tour S.A
• KINGFISHERGPS Travel Agency & Tour Operator

Galapagos Hiking Adventure: 9 Best Hikes in the Galapagos Islands

If you’re craving to have a South American adventure with plenty of wildlife sightings, there’s one place that comes to mind—Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Islands is a province of Ecuador. This volcanic archipelago can be found in the Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect hideaway for those looking for a beach paradise. You’ll get to be friends with seals and land iguanas. Don’t worry. They’re completely harmless as long as you leave them be.

And because the landscape is ideal for treks and walking adventures, you will never run out of hills and peaks to explore when you visit the islands. It’s one of our favorite activities in the area, so we’re gladly sharing it with you if you plan to visit Ecuador anytime soon.

Here are nine of the best hikes in the Galapagos Islands:

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the default go-to of tourists when they visit the archipelago. It’s well-known for its sandy beaches and lagoons with tortoises and marine iguanas to swim with you.

Tortuga Bay is one of the highlights of the place where you can take a hike to the beach. It’s an hour walk at a lovely hiking trail where you can find the most exotic kinds of cactus you’ll ever see in your lifetime.

You can also take the walking trail at Dragon Hill, where you can spot Galapagos flamingos and land iguanas.

San Cristobal Island

San Cristobal Island has an exciting hiking trail that takes you to the top of Tijeretas. It’s the perfect place for birdwatching, especially if you wish to see the Great Frigate and different boobies species like the blue-footed, Nazca, and red-footed.

Geologically speaking, this island is the oldest among the other islands, making it an exciting stop when you visit Ecuador. It’s a pretty popular spot for tourists because you have plenty of different activities that you can do here.

Hiking in San Cristobal is one of the best. They’re considered to be reasonably easy hikes, but the sights are impressive. You can choose to visit Cerro Brujo, Pitt Point, or Lobos Island if you’re in the mood for some hiking.

You can take all three trails but don’t forget to bring  hiking poles . Have mercy on your legs, please.

Santa Fe Island

If you’re looking for a more thrilling trail, you can always go to Santa Fe Island. This is where you can find rocky paths and steep ravines, all while admiring the surrounding forest filled with Opuntia cacti, more commonly known as the prickly pear.

Galapagos hawks will make your trip to this island more attractive because they tend to hover above the area.

Now, the adventure in Santa Fe doesn’t end when you spot these large hawks. Seeing the yellowish Santa Fe iguana will make the trip complete.

Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela

Sierra Negra is one of the many active volcanoes in the Galapagos Islands. It’s a great hiking site for those who aren’t afraid of rocky terrain.

It will take you about three to four kilometers of hiking before you reach the caldera. Once you get the rim, there’s nothing else on the horizon but the caldera’s 6-mile diameter. It will leave you breathless and mesmerized by the fact that this beauty in front of you  erupted last in 2005 .

You can still see remnants of its last eruption by the lava field and craters down below.

Bartolome Island

Like Sierra Negra, Bartolome Island is also volcanic. But unlike Sierra Negra, there is no known recent eruption of the volcano because it’s now considered extinct.

Despite its being defunct, Bartolome Island still feels very much like a volcano because of its shape and peak. You can easily climb it up, though the steps may be steep.

You can walk through lava fields and experience what it feels like to be exploring an ancient volcano. You can check one of our  Galapagos tour options  that includes a visit to the central islands. 

North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island is another haven for bird watchers. Like San Cristobal, North Seymour is also home to the blue-footed boobies that Galapagos is known for.

It’s one of the most uninhabited islands in the entire Galapagos archipelago. If you’re looking for activities away from the crowd, take a boat ride to North Seymour and hike through the island’s black basalt stones.

Sullivan Bay, Santiago

If you’re looking for the most pleasing display of pahoehoe lava, you need to go straight to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. The trail is composed of a blackened lava flow, which will make you feel like you’re walking in a burst of volcanic sunshine.

There’s nothing quite like Sullivan Bay because of its geographic features. To hike through its uneven terrain means a lot, most especially if you’re a fan of the earth’s origins.

Delight yourself in the abundance of wildlife in this area—Spot a lava heron, lava lizard, lava gull, and other species native to Galapagos.

South Plaza Island

South Plaza Island is the smallest in the archipelago, but it’s the most colorful.

The warm tones of the vegetation field create a nice contrast with the Galapagos Opuntia Cacti colors. You can finish the trail quickly even when you have to go through rough terrain. Just the sight of the beastly but cute animals roaming around the area is enough reason for you to continue hiking.

Cerro Dragon

Spend your entire day hiking around Cerro Dragon, where you can experience three different natural environments. It’s an exciting trail with equally fascinating displays of flora and fauna.

You might come across iguanas during the hike. After all, the area is named after them, so that shouldn’t surprise you.

Charles Darwin  had a ball of a time when he went here sometime in 1835. I’m pretty sure you’ll also enjoy your trip to the Galapagos.

The key takeaway from this story is that no matter how many iguanas you’ve seen in your lifetime, it doesn’t compare to the iguanas you’ll see in the Galapagos in just one trip. 

They’ll be everywhere in your hike, so might as well say a cheerful hello. They will probably stare at you as if judging you, but who cares?

Check our galapagos cruises:

THE 10 BEST Galapagos Islands Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in galapagos islands.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Sierra Negra
• Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay
• Latin Adventures Tour Operator
• Nature Galapagos & Ecuador
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing

2. Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano

3. Private Tour Sighting Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels

4. Bartolome Island Full Day Tour

5. 5 Days Isabela and Santa Cruz Island Hopping

6. Beach Wildlife and Snorkel Adventure with Underwater Specialist

7. Hiking Day Trip to Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos

8. Private Charles Darwin Station Tour &Tortuga Bay Beach with lunch

9. Private/Charter Catamaran Yacht on San Cristobal Island

10. 8-Day Best of Quito and Galapagos -Santa Cruz, Isabela & unhinhabited Island

11. Sierra Negra Volcano hiking in Isabela: 5-6 hours Day tour

What travellers are saying.

• Private Tour Sighting Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels
• Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing
• Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
• Hiking Day Trip to Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos
• Beach Wildlife and Snorkel Adventure with Underwater Specialist
• Rebecca Adventure Travel
• EcoGalaxy First-class Catamaran
• Galaxy First-class Yacht
• Galapagos Fan Dive
• Yacht Angelito
• The Darwin Path - Travel Agency
• Alya Luxury Catamaran
• VOYAGERS TRAVEL
• Galaxy Diver

Galatrails – Mapping your adventure

• M/C EcoGalaxy
• S/C Nemo II
• S/C Nemo III
• Before you go
• Our Policies

The natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands await you! Journey through a land of unparalleled beauty, where exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes will take your breath away.

Our galapagos tours packages offer an unforgettable adventure, with expert guides and first-class accommodations that will make your trip truly memorable. from hiking scenic trails to snorkeling with sea turtles and penguins, every day promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience. come explore this rare and precious ecosystem, and leave with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the amazing world around us. don't wait to book your galapagos tour package today - adventure awaits.

5 Days / 4 Nights ISABELA & SANTA CRUZ COMBINED

For travelers with limited time that wants a full Galapagos experience, this tour gives you a great introduction of the Galapagos Islands while you have the chance to visit tranquil Isabela which is one of the archipelagos favorite.

7 Days / 6 Nights GALAPAGOS IN DEPTHS

7 day experience in the archipelago with some of its iconic highlights. Explore remoter islands on day trips (uninhabited) to get close encounters with wildlife. Learn about the geology of the islands by hiking the second largest crater in the world!

5 Days / 4 Nights  SANTA CRUZ EXPLORER

Only less than a week available to see Galapagos? No worries we have the right tour for you. You are able to experience Santa Cruz Island as it fullest while having the chance to explore uninhabited islands which gets you to remoter spots.

6 Days / 5 Nights  CLASSIC GALAPAGOS

In this 6D/5N night tour you can experience the beauty, wonder and challenges Isabela and San Cristobal island have to offer. Combining hikes its 2 young volcanos, experiencing the Galapagos sea life by doing Kayaking or Paddle board, continuing your next adventure to San Cristobal island by small aircraft. 

4 Days / 3 Nights  Short break San Cristobal

Thinking to do a short extension trip to the islands? this tour give you a great introduction to the Galapagos while you have the chance to visit Cristobal Island the well know by the locals as “la isla bonita”​ the inhabited island with the biggest sea lions colonies.

5 Days / 4 Nights  GALAPAGOS HISTORY AND ADVENTURE

In this tour you get the opportunity to see the capital, visit the first inhabited island (Floreana) with its small town along the human history on the Galapagos. Easy walking days and lots of options makes this tour ideal for the lone or group traveler.

5 Days / 4 Nights Galapagos Emcompassed

This trip gives you an excellent chance to combine Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Island where you are able to explore some of the uninhabited islands in its surroundings. Enjoy also a free day where you have the chance to visit islands such as the remote Española, in the search of the waved Albatross. 

4 Days / 3 Nights The coffee route

The opportunity to explore Santa Cruz Island from a mix different perspective. Hop on a bike and do community tourism, explore the highlands and see the giant tortoises in natural hábitat, while a time to experience the first craft beer process on the Galapagos, combined with the “Coffee route” how the famous organic Galapagos coffee is grown, roasted and processed

5 Days / 4 Nights  Glide Through Galapagos

During these excurtions you spend time on the boat, sailing around the offshore looking for sea birds resting on the top of the islets. But most in particular give you the chance to experience more snorkeling and swim with sea turtles, sharks, rays to name few, follow with walk and resting in beautiful Galapagos beaches.

Combined santa cruz and San Cristobal

For the traveler that wants the full Galapagos experience this is the tour for you! After enjoy what Santa Cruz and the unhabited island have to offer, ending up in San Cristobal the provinces capital.

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands

Explore a wide diversity of fully guided tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 231 adventures that vary from 1 days to 30 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.

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231 fully guided galapagos islands tours with 566 positive reviews.

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos Multisport

The trip was well planned

• In-depth Cultural

Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

This was a great experience if you are looking for a little adventure! It is not a luxury, relaxing vacation, but has a good mix of exciting experiences, eating good food, waking up early to travel to new stops, and some time to chill and interact with other travelers.

Galapagos Discovery

lovely tour - very good itinerary and comfortable pace

Best of Galapagos

good guides. nice variety

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

The tour was relaxed and interesting. The hotels clean with courteous staff. The tours professional. What I really liked is the snorkeling. You float in the water and see many different colored fish. The speedboat rides are a bit tedious, but unavoidable. Kayaking in Tortuga Bay is very nice but it is difficult to see the wildlife. All in all a tour that is definitely worth it.

Galapagos Multisport

Adventure Journeys is a very professional tour operator. All of our guides were excellent and did there best to please us. The hotel in Quito is definitely five star. Make sure that you ask to be placed in the second tower as the rooms are of nicer quality and they have air conditioning (on the chance that Quito is not cool). The accomodations on the islands are nice but your experiences can vary depending on the rooms you are assigned. They vary in size and views. Most are small hotels so there aren’t a lot of choices to go around if you are in a large group. We stayed on San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz. Arianna was our tour guide on San Cristobal. Knowledgeable and very helpful. I especially enjoyed the Kicker Rock excursion. They take you to a beautiful beach that you get to explore for about an hour an a half and then you go snorkeling around Kicker Rock for a couple of times for a total of about 1 1/2 hr. The snorkeling was amazing as you see much wildlife (sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, lots of fish and one side of the rock is beautiful). My favorite snorkeling experience on Galapagos. It was nice to take the inter island flight to Isabela and save us a 4 hr boat ride. Los Túneles was snorkeling was fun as we saw sharks, lots of turtles and sea horses. Definitely was enjoyable swimming with the turtles. Water could have been clearer. The highlight was walking on the islands and getting up close and personal with the blue footed boobies! Guess it should be mentioned that we went in mid April as conditions change as do the animals. Wetsuits were provided but nowhere was the water overly cool. We also saw some penguins on this excursion. The walk through the marsh was great for the flamingos and other birds. Also, enjoyed the bike ride on Isabela to the Wall of Tears. Nice little hike for a 360 view to a lookout point and later a short walk through the mangroves. It was cool running into the tortoises in the wild as well. We had a rainy and cloudy walk to the crater. It would have been cool to see it without the clouds, but this was the only weather problem we encountered. The kayaking at Las Tintoreras was more swimming with turtles and penguins. We literally were swimming with the penguins here. It is nice as all the animals on the Galapagos aren’t afraid of people, so you’re pics and experiences are all magnified. There is a two hour boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz. Sit up top with the captain and miss out on the vomit fest downstairs with everyone else. On Santa Cruz, the highlights were the Charles Darwin Center and the Tortoise Reserve. Once again at the reserve, you can see the giant tortoises up close in the wild. Very cool. Not to be left out was kudos for our guide on Isabela and Santa Cruz, Maritza. She was great the whole time and a treasure trove of information. AJ has great guides! Christian, one of the owners (I think) took us and picked us up at the airport in Quito. On the way back, we asked about street food and he asked us if we’d like to go to La Floresta and try the local street food. Great idea and great experience! Super experience and great tour company!

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

Just wanted to share that our trip to the Galapagos Islands was fantastic. Everything worked out seamlessly! The hotels and the tours recommended by Guidecuador were excellent! Hotel locations in particular were ideal. We did all as promised, especially the awesome snorkeling with sharks and pinguins, that experience was very special for us. Also, the communication with the staff was very easy for us too. It was nice that we could all check out the daily plan at any time, and be able to pull up all the vouchers and tickets Thank you again Sofia and Alejandro from Guidecuador for making our bucket list place tour an unforgettable lifetime experience. We will definitely go back to you guys in our next trip to Latin America.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Essentials

My husband & I had one other traveler with us on our Adventure Journeys "Galapagos Essentials" land-based tour so this allowed for a more personalized experience. We flew to Baltra but immediately went to Santa Cruz for 2 nights, then San Cristobal 2 nights. We thoroughly enjoyed most of our experiences there however for all the flights/expense required to get to/from the Galapagos, seemed like a lot of travel for just a few hours/day/3 days of sightseeing: lesson learned. Be advised, the 2+ hour boat ride between the 2 islands, especially if the afternoon winds/swells are up, is NOT fun (insist on a seat up top)! Our guides on each island were excellent: knowledgeable locals who love their home and were good company while sightseeing! One can choose to spend a lot or not so much for meals on both islands, some delicious vegan options available (Agave Studio, a few minutes walk from our Hotel Fiesta on San Cristobal, makes a delish vegan ceviche!). Unlike mainland Ecuador, the islands are busy with tourists; obviously, a safe place to visit/explore.

Koln Tourist Superior Yacht - 8 Days

4-day Galapagos Surprising Tour (Private Tour)

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

We had a lot of fun in the Galapagos on the Rebecca Adventure tour. This was different from tour groups in the past since one just follows the itinerary purchased and not necessarily in a big group. For example, the first three days of our 7 day tour overlapped with the 9 day tour, then on day 4 we traveled to a different island while the 9 dayers had one more day on Isabela. It felt like our private tour with others joining us for each excursion. The coordinators for each island were each top notch and met with us each evening to let us know what to expect the next day. Day guides and transportation were always on time. A no worry, no hassle vacation.

Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)

Galapagos islands was great. Having a pre-booked tour made everything easy. We were met at the airport and then driven to our accommodation - Galapagos Dreams - the staff at Galapagos Dreams were very helpful and provided transport to all our activities. The day trip to Northern Seymour island was great for the wildlife, the Santa Fe day trip was great for snorkelling, Isabella island was great for snorkelling and hiking.

Monserrat Galapagos Cruise - South East Islands in 4 Days

Everything was excellent. The guides were excellent, the cruise was excellent. I only wish I booked a longer cruise. Couple concerns with the website for the actual booking. First, it said the flight to Galapagos was included, and then added $500 for the flight. Secondly, there was no mention about Insurance being required until the very end, and it was very complicated to actually get the insurance set up. Because of these two things, the actual price for the tour wound up being over $1000 more than initially advertised.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Galapagos Islands

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

Other Regions in Ecuador

• Ecuador Andean Highlands (144)
• Avenue of the Volcanoes (125)
• Cotopaxi National Park (42)
• Amazonian Region Ecuador (41)
• Cayambe Coca National Park (16)
• Chile Coastal Lowlands (13)
• Yasuni National Park (12)

Other types in Galapagos Islands

• Budget (25)
• Luxury (53)
• Group (304)
• Family (221)
• Christmas & New Year (192)
• Wildlife (172)
• Explorer (168)
• Active (123)
• Partially Guided (113)
• Personalized (87)
• Ocean Cruise (80)
• Sailing (59)
• Private (46)
• In-depth Cultural (31)
• Island Hopping (23)
• Historical (21)
• Hiking & Trekking (12)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Geführte Rundreise Galapagos Inseln
• Français: Circuits et voyages Entièrement guidé – Îles Galapagos
• Español: Totalmente guidado circuitos en Islas Galápagos
• Nederlands: Volledig Begeleid Rondreizen in Galapagos Eilanden

Hiking in the Galapagos – The Best Hikes in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos is a well renown paradise, not just for traditional tourists, but also for scientists who are willing to visit and observe this live laboratory discovered by Charles Darwin in the 18th centuries. However, there is another class of visitor that is increasing in number within the last few years, for this particular destination in the Pacific ocean.

This third kind of visitor is the explorer, who searches for adventure along natural´s environment and its enchanting paths. Explorers can get fascinated by the islands and its landscapes, along its exotic flora and fauna that constantly show the concept of life.

If you are more focused on adventure, and alfresco explorations, then the Galapagos Islands is the place to be.

So, let’s start by explaining the meaning of Hiking. It is just a walk based on pre-marked or pre-charted paths that will show you the way through the destination you are visiting. When the hiking activity is apply during the daytime, it is called day Hike, whereas if it is apply during the evening, it is called night hike. By contrast, trekking is a long journey undertaken on foot in remote areas or places where is not transportation available, whatsoever. It implies long walks through a number of days on uncharted paths along with challenging environments in the wilderness, along hilling or mountainous surfaces. Nonetheless, keep in mind that trekking does not necessarily means mountaineering.

After this brief explanation, perhaps the chances to get a trekking activity in the archipelago would be in the scenario of doing some special research in the wilderness, or camping outside the boundaries of the established paths for visitors and tourist on the ecosystems of then islands.

In order to move outside the path or territory allow for tourist, you need special permission from the Galapagos National park, which depending of the length of the research can be granted for a period of months.

However, let’s start with the characteristic of the spots that are considered popular for hiking, where you can enjoy as a regular tourist in the archipelago.

Volcano Sierra Negra

Sierra Negra has 5 miles of hiking lengths, into the highest point of the westerly island of Isabela. On top, the landscape looks more like a piece of art, where lot of fields covered black lava stones, converge into marvelous volcanic cones where you can watch yellow sulfide, evaporating from the surface.

As you climb to the top of the volcano, the temperature drops, considering that the highest point of crater´s peak is 1490 meters above the sea level. At this point, the clouds moves around in order to reveal the great sweep of the caldera, which size is 70 sq km, and it is considered the second largest in the world. At this level, you can observe the island’s geography in its splendorous immensity. Finally, we will close it up with Volcano Chico.

Volcano Chico

Each flow marked on the surface of this volcano shows a different texture, making the Galapagos Islands an adventure. As far as you continue on your “day hike” through the vast surface, you walk on a smooth flow of unbroken lava. On this particular surface the lava didn’t ruffle as it cooled. Here, the vegetation is sparse; a few thousand-year-old candelabra cactus has dodged the various eruptions, and still stands erect on the horizon. As you get down the road, the hike becomes easier until you approach to the low lands nearby the shores.

Tortuga Ranch

Is a private ranch, where tourists and visitors can come by in order to see the giant tortoise in their natural habitat and observe its behavior on the wilderness. According to the season, you will be able to see a significant amount of tortoises. Usually, during rainy season the presences of the giant tortoise is more predominant in the area. Nearby there is a ranch house, where the lucky owner can see everyday these famous giant tortoise, a luxury that very few people have access.

Cerro Dragon

Located on the north-western side of Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon has 1600 meters length of path that goes through 3 different natural environments. The place got this name in memory of the few land iguanas that were found in healthy conditions back in the mid seventies. In attempts to preserve this specie in Santa Cruz island, some of these iguanas were taken into captivity by the Charles Darwin Research Station, while others were allocated in the islet of Venice. The first offspring were born in 1974, and eventually this specie was reintroduced in 1990 into Santa Cruz highlands.

Additionally to these Galapagos Islands tours, there are the famous lava tunnels, which have been illuminated on the inside for a better appreciation of their structure to visitors and tourists. The hike in here will last 15 minutes approximately.

So in case you decide to engage in any of these hiking activities, be aware that you need a pair of good sport shoes, or exploration boots. For all these random activities, LATIN TRAILS will be always open to give you the best itineraries among island hopping services, as well as the most popular visitors spots in the Galapagos Islands.

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• Galapagos Islands Tours
• Galapagos Hiking & Kayaking Adventure

Trip Highlights

Active Adventures with Abundant Wildlife

Get an Eye-Level View on Marine Life from Your Kayak

Stay at Our Private Tortoise Camp

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The Most Immersive Galapagos Itinerary You'll Find

• Kayaking Permits = A Unique Itinerary Through permits originally secured decades ago when we pioneered paddling expeditions in the Galapagos, Nat Hab has permission from Galapagos National Park for guided kayaking exploration that goes well beyond the standard excursions accessible to most visitors. Via paddling, we discover the water and shoreline at eye level, with seabirds bobbing alongside and turtles in view just below the surface.
• The Smallest Groups—and Best Guide-to-Group Ratio (1:7!) With approximately 14 guests led by two Galapagos National Park-certified Expedition Leaders, this trip offers the smallest group size in the Galapagos. The typical ratio for most boat tours is 16 guests to one naturalist guide. Our ratio is one guide for just seven guests.  This gives us flexibility to offer different concurrent activities: one group can paddle along the shoreline while the other opts for a deepwater snorkeling opportunity, for instance. With two Expedition Leaders, equally qualified guides accompany each set of guests when we divide into smaller groups. 
• Our Catamaran is the Ideal Floating Base Camp Our motorsailing catamaran is the optimal vessel for this adventure. Stylish, sporty and well-appointed, Nemo III offers an experience that's ideal for explorers with an adventurous spirit who would prefer a smaller craft with a small crew, instead of a less personal larger ship. With a crew of seven plus two naturalist guides, Nemo III  offers exceptional flexibility. We can move quickly, embark and disembark with ease, and spend more time exploring from the kayaks and panga, on land, or snorkeling. For a closer look at Nemo III, take a virtual walkthrough —examine the decks, cabins and interior common spaces in detail.
• A Private Stay at Our Safari-Style Tortoise Camp Unique to Nat Hab's Galapagos adventures is a stay at our exclusive Tortoise Camp. Located in the volcanic Santa Cruz highlands, the private camp is secluded within giant tortoise habitat, and these placid reptiles often wander directly among our raised walk-in safari-style tents and treehouse cabins overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Though the accommodations are rustic, they offer plenty of comfort , with  en suite facilities. Meals are served in the covered open-air dining room, and a sheltered lounge with log fireplace offers a cozy spot for relaxing. 
• The Best Naturalist Guides Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the finest naturalist guides on the planet. In the Galapagos, our elite Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years' guiding experience each and receive additional resources from WWF scientists, an advantage that further enhances your experience. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• An Itinerary Shaped By World Wildlife Fund As WWF’s travel partner, we are privileged to work with some of the world's most accomplished scientists to develop the best nature travel adventures on the planet. This small-group itinerary, arranged in conjunction with WWF, features walking, hiking and kayaking excursions for close-up wildlife viewing in the most personalized manner. 
• Active Physical Pursuits Throughout the Itinerary Unlike many Galapagos itineraries, this one includes a mix of active adventures, every day. Via our special kayaking permits, we paddle far more than other tours that offer much more limited kayaking opportunities. We include daily chances to snorkel and hike ashore, offering a multifaceted perspective on the islands' flora and fauna you won't get in other contexts.
• Better Snorkeling Experiences With inquisitive sea lions, sea turtles, rays, dolphins and penguins abundant in the island waters, snorkeling with friendly Galapagos wildlife is a huge highlight. If you're traveling aboard a large ship, it can be disappointing to find yourself surrounded by more snorkelers than marine creatures, however. In our small groups, secluded snorkeling encounters are guaranteed, with much more direction and attention from our guides.
• See More of Ecuador with a Stay in Quito Ecuador, though small, is one of the world's most geographically diverse countries, with a rich history. As a complement to your Galapagos adventure, we include a visit to Quito, whose colonial heritage is reflected in extravagant churches and European, Moorish and indigenous influences that have made the 16th-century Old Town a  UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Highest-Quality Gear for Comfort & Safety If you've ever tried kayaking in basic (cheap) kayaks with subpar equipment, you'll agree that it can be uncomfortable—and, frankly, not much fun. With our decades of experience leading kayak expeditions, we know what equipment is required for the best paddling experience...and we make sure our guests get the very best, for both comfort and safety.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Special Galapagos Experience With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee: that we will meet the lofty expectations we establish in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

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ISLAND HOPPING GALAPAGOS TOURS

Starting at $663 pp.

Biggest collection  of land based Galapagos Tours

A Smart experience unlike any other. Carefully crafted island-hopping itineraries to explore the magic of Galapagos as a local. BEST PRICE GUARANTEE. We are a local DMC specialized on the Galapagos Islands and Cuyabeno Amazon Reserve. Working only with the best local suppliers, the income from tourism goes directly to locals and not big international companies. 

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GALAPAGOS TOURS 

Choose the perfect itinerary, activities, accommodation and budget for you.

48 different tours to choose from:

How long are you planing your adventure?

5D - GALAPAGOS WISDOM TOUR

5 DAY - ESSENTIAL 

FAMILY MULTI-SPORT

7D - GALAPAGOS

360 "A" - IDEAL

7 DAY - IDEAL

SNORKEL ADDICTS

4D - BELA ISABELA - IDEAL

4 DAY - IDEAL

MULTI SPORT

8D - GALAPAGOS WISDOM  TOUR

8 DAY - ESSENTIAL

MULTI-ADVENTURE

7D - GALAPAGOS WISDOM  TOUR

7 DAY - ESSENTIAL 

9D - GALAPAGOS 360 "B"

9 DAY - ESSENTIAL

7D - SUPERIOR 360 GALAPAGOS TOUR "A"

7 DAY - SUPERIOR

MULTI-SPORT

5D - GALAPAGOS

WISDOM - IDEAL

5 DAY - IDEAL

360 TOUR "A"

7 DAY - ESSENTIAL

MULTI ADVENTURE

6D - DIVING LION

GALAPAGOS - IDEAL

6 DAY - IDEAL

DIVING ADDICTS

10D - GALAPAGOS 360 "A"  - IDEAL

10  DAY - IDEAL

8D - GALAPAGOS 360 "A" - IDEAL

8 DAY - IDEAL

4D - BELA ISABELA TOUR

4 DAY - ESSENTIAL

5D - CRAZY DARWIN TOUR "A"

5 DAY - ESSENTIAL

5D - BELA ISABELA 

6D - GALAPAGOS WISDOM  - IDEAL

11D - GALAPAGOS 360 "A" - IDEAL

11 DAY - IDEAL

8D - GALAPAGOS 360 "A"

Check our diving tours:

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Diving Lion

7 Day - Ideal

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6D - Galapagos

6 Day - Ideal

Relax on untouched uninhabited Islands surrounded by white sand beaches and endemic wildlife. Walk  inside naturally made volcanic tunnels.  Snorkel amongst sea lions and sharks.  Enjoy the beauty of this majestic archipelago.

Walk inside petrified Lava Tunnels!

Inmerse yourself into a naturally created lava tunnel.

Observe Giant Galapagos Tortoises 

...on their natural habitat.

Beach time at beautiful White Sand Beaches.

Relax & enjoy.

Enjoy a Premium Yacht tour to an Uninhabited Island!

Premium life-style surrounded by pristine nature.

Snorkel with unique Marine Life

Such as friendly Sharks, Tortoises, and Sea Lions.

Face to face encounters with Endemic Wildlife

...like the Blue footed Boobie.

Enjoy wonderful landscapes

Volcanic landscapes!

Dive with sharks

Friendly sharks!

We have Hand-Selected and visited each of these hotels. We guarantee by personal and professional experience that you are getting the best service for each price range.

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Travel Tips

Prepare for your galapagos trip.

It has a tropical and semi arid climate. It tends to be a rainy and hot season from December to May.  From July to November it tends to be a cooler, dry and cloudy season with daytime temperatures around 24/25 °C.

Galapagos landscapes are desolate, except in the highlands, which receive more abundant rainfall. although in the equator, galapagos tends to have a cooler climate because of the multiple currents that pass through.,  night temperatures are pleasant and fresh at around 18/19 °c but can get cold during rainy nights. the average yearly humidity  is: 79.0%, with an average of 5.1cm of rainfall a year (in highlands). the month where it most rains is in march., galapagos is a perfect destination all year long but weather can vary, so make sure you know what climate is going to be in galapagos before you pack  from december to may (warmer period): bring light clothing, a light sweatshirt, backpack, good camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light raincoat or umbrella for rain showers, a sun hat,  and sandals. when going hiking on highlands and volcanos, you need a warmer sweatshirt, a raincoat, and hiking shoes. from july to november (cooler period): bring light clothes, backpack, good camera, a sweatshirt or sweater and a light jacket. when going hiking on highlands and volcano s, you need a warmer sweatshirt, a raincoat, and hiking shoes. optional items: dry bags to put your clothes in. if you have, bring on your binoculars with you..

Health Precautions

Galapagos is one of the safest places in latin america, but its always recommended to have travel insurance and be aware of your belongings. it's also always smart to have sunscreen on hand, since skin care is important especially in the equator., why travel with us.

We are a small local D.M.C. travel company made up of eco-business travel addicts with deep local knowledge, international service and love for nature. As specialists of Galapagos and Cuyabeno Reserve, we can offer our clients the best prices and services for your budget. 

Deeply committed to helping our planet stay green, traveling with us makes your travel a smarter and more gratifying adventure.

Why choose Us?

Awarded Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice award winner 2022

Galapagos Trip & Cuyabeno  Advisor Specialists

Truly personal service & advise

We plant up to 50 trees for each Galapagos guest

We lived Galapagos and know by personal experience the best hotels, islands and services.

We accept credit card payments with the lowest fee (2.9%)

Local knowledge - International service

Best Price Guarantee

Free Galapagos & Cuyabeno travel planner

Carefully Hand-Selected hotels 

50% of our clients are referrals from past clients.

Hundreds of Smart & happy clients.

Fast response and availability check.

• What is the best time to visit Cuyabeno? Every month offers ideal wildlife watching and great experience, but the big difference between Cuyabeno and other parts of the Amazon is the flooded lagoon. It is best to try and avoid dry season (December-February) as the lagoon may be dry.
• Can I start my trip to Cuyabeno anyday of the week? Yes, we offer a wide variety of lodges with different operations each, so depending on your starting day we can offer a lodge that fits into your travel itinerary.
• Can you arrange my transport from Quito to Lago Agrio and back? Yes we can. We work with a third party company that offers a private touristic bus route Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito for a convenient price. $22pp per way.
• Are all the lodges the same? No, we have visited most lodges in Cuyabeno and know the differences between them. We will send you to the best quality/price option for you within your budget and travel dates.
• How far in advance should I book? We recommend to save your spot at least two to three months in advance (specially during High season from June to September)
• Can "Last Minute Tours" be arranged?" Yes, at Smart Galapagos we search for availability on all the lodges in Cuyabeno. Please try to book with at least 1 week in advance.
• Can I change my travel date once booked? Yes, we can arrange a date change this without charges depending on availability on the same lodge. If there is no availability on the changed dates and you decide to cancel, there will not be any refund.
• I'm traveling alone, can I go?" Of course! Solo travelers are welcome to travel to Cuyabeno or Galapagos with us. We don’t charge single supplement unless you prefer a private single room.
• Can children go? Yes, there is no age limit for Cuyabeno tour, but we recommend it for children 4-5 or more since we will be enjoying walking tours. Children must be accompanied by their parents or an adult.
• Can I pay with credit card? Yes, you can pay via transfer to our Ecuadorian bank or if you prefer with Credit Card for a small extra fee (2.9%, lowest in the market). Paypal is also accepted but fees are higher.
• Do you have clean energy? Yes, we do work with renewable and clean solar power that works from 6pm until 10pm.
• Are there communications & internet in the jungle? This is deep jungle, no internet is available except on one big tree in the middle of the lagoon that catches a very low signal :) For emergencies we do have telephone on most of our lodges.
• Is travel insurance recommended? Yes, before traveling to Ecuador, please get a travel insurance.
• Vaccination and insects? It is recommended to bring a repellent high in DEET. Precaution against yellow fever is recommended althought it is not mandatory to get vacinated for this part of the Amazon. Sleep with the mosquito net.

HAVE A SMART TRIP!

A guide to the Galapagos Islands

T here's no place like the Galapagos Islands. One of the most biodiverse spots on Earth, visitors will leave here having seen something entirely new, like a marine iguana or colony of Darwin's finches. It's not just the wildlife attracting intrepid travelers, either — the pristine beaches, turquoise waters and active volcanos are also big draws. The Galapagos Islands are about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and while it takes plenty of planning and time to get there, the payoff is worth it.

How to get there

First, travelers have to fly into Ecuador, to either the capital Quito or the port city of Guayaquil. From there, you'll catch a connecting flight to the Galapagos, where there are two airports: one on San Cristobal Island and the other on Baltra Island. 

Jess Heuermann, senior trip planner with Adventure Life , told The Week she recommends arriving in Ecuador two days before a scheduled trip to the Galapagos Islands, just in case of flight delays. The islands sit on the equator and are a year-round destination, with the peak travel season in the summer and around Christmas. It's best to plan a trip a year in advance, if possible. 

Note: Before flying to the Galapagos, you'll have to pay $20 at the airport for a Galapagos Transit Control Card. Once you're in Galapagos, there's another $100 national park entrance fee. The Galapagos National Park covers 97% of the islands, and this helps fund conservation efforts. Typically, your cruise or tour company will pay these fees in advance. 

Where to stay

Visitors can either explore the Galapagos Islands on a cruise or a land-based tour, where they stay overnight in hotels rather than on a boat. Cruises are the more popular choice, since they can cover more ground and travel to remote destinations. "I always recommend a cruise, because for all the time and effort it took to get there, you want to make the most of your vacation," Heuermann said. 

These are not cruises with thousands of people on board and several decks filled with entertainment. The vessels are required to have one certified guide for every 16 passengers, and cannot have more than 100 passengers total. Whether it's a relatively budget-friendly cruise or one that's more luxurious , it's all about experiencing nature and getting off the boat once or twice a day to explore, which is why you won't find huge water slides or casinos on these vessels. 

What to see and do

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago, with 13 major islands, including four that are inhabited. The main draw is nature's splendor, with travelers wanting to spend time outdoors hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and observing wildlife. "You are almost guaranteed to see on any trip sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas," Heuermann said. 

You'll want to make sure your phone or camera battery is fully charged, because photo opportunities will abound. When looking at cruise itineraries, see if there are stops on Española Island, where the waved albatross lives, and Isabela Island, home to the Galapagos penguin (the only penguin species found north of the equator). 

Most visitors will also stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. There are exhibits about the flora and fauna, as well as opportunities to see giant tortoises, baby tortoises and land iguanas. One popular beach on the island is the stunning white sand Tortuga Bay, where the turtle watching can't be beaten. This is your chance to embrace your inner Darwin, so have a notebook handy to write out your thoughts and observations.

Over the last decade, there's been a surge in travel to Galapagos. Visitors are asked to show respect to the land by picking up their trash and leaving no trace behind. 

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Galapagos Islands

Cruise in comfort through the diverse chain of volcanic islands, getting up close to wildlife found nowhere else.

A truly unforgettable adventure

One of Travel/Study’s goals has always been to look at the world as a “virtual classroom,” where lessons in history, culture, nature and science can be absorbed in the best way: firsthand. We believe that travel to the Galápagos Islands provides an incredible learning experience, both in the “classroom” during shipboard lectures and out in the field, whether snorkeling, hiking or kayaking.

Join us for a voyage 500 miles off the coast of Ecuador to this archipelago where animals far outnumber people and can be observed from just a few feet away. Our small expedition ship, the Evolution , is the perfect vessel for exploring their world.

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