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Ecuador & Galapagos Vacation Packages

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands Adventure Tours

Explore stunning terrain and discover fearless wildlife as you hike, bike, kayak, snorkel, and more on our Galapagos Islands vacation packages.

Set off on a Galapagos vacation without a care in the world. Our Galapagos vacation packages include everything you need for a stress-free exploration of the incredible landscapes, uninhibited wildlife, and welcoming locals of this famous archipelago.

Hike along volcanic trails and protected highlands and marvel at lava bombs and lava tubes on your way to the top of a volcano. Behold centenarian giant tortoises who can stand as tall as a toddler, snorkel alongside warm-water penguins and watch as a blue-footed booby dances in courtship. Return each night to a fresh meal and a restful night’s sleep in the comfort of your local hotel.

While you’ll spend plenty of time in the water kayaking, snorkeling, or diving, we choose to keep our Galapagos Islands vacations land-based to better allow you to connect to the local culture. Get to know “island life” each night as you relax in comfortable lodging and lounge like a local. During the day, we lessen our impact on the environment and marine life by using smaller boats to journey between the islands.

Our Galapagos vacation packages are designed to help you relax your mind, energize your body, and ignite your inner adventurer.  

Best Galapagos Vacation Packages

Central & South America

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.53

  • Duration 13 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

Explore Machu Picchu and other parts of Peru before jumping on a flight to the Galapagos Islands to swim with turtles and hike volcanoes.

Trip Start: Cuzco Trip End: Quito

Central & South America

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.59

  • Duration 10 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

Hike, cycle, snorkel and swim the Galapagos Islands. On this 10-day tour we’ll give you a fresh perspective as we land-hop from island to island, soaking in the Galapagos culture and wonderful wildlife.

Trip Start: Quito Trip End: Quito

Central & South America

Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • Duration 7 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

Explore the best of the Galapagos Islands on this seven-day island-hopping adventure. Snorkel Kicker Rock, cycle San Cristobal, hike volcanic landscapes, see incredible wildlife, and get to know local life as you relax on land each night.

Trip Start: Quito Trip End: Quito

What guests are saying about their Galapagos vacation

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Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2022

Bucket list trip for sure!!

"After having had my retirement bucket list trip snatched from under me in 2020, I… read more

"After having had my retirement bucket list trip snatched from under me in 2020, I was delighted to finally take it this April. Active Adventures deserves huge kudos for honouring its commitment to the trip. I travelled with two friends, and we were in a group of 15 on the trip - from the US and Canada. What a fantastic group of people! Best of all though, were our two tour guides from the Galapagos, Pepo and Paulo. They were the best ambassadors for the islands and Ecuador - very knowledgeable, professional, kind hearted - and just plain fun. They made us feel safe and relaxed throughout the trip. The islands are gorgeous - and the wildlife does not disappoint. I found deep ocean snorkelling a bit out of my comfort zone, and wished I had practiced a bit in a pool before I left. However, it is an essential part of the trip, and cannot be skipped. Learning about tectonic plates, volcanoes and the conservation efforts for the giant tortoises was food for thought. As for helpful tips, bring lots of sun screen, sun protective clothing, and bug spray. These items are not readily available on the islands, but they are absolutely essential. Also bring a reusable water bottle as recommended by AA, because although bottled water is available for purchase everywhere, it makes more sense to fill up from the large reusable containers provided and not create plastic waste. I would definitely recommend this beautiful active adventure - my first with this company, but not my last. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Serena, Canada

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2022

Bucket List Trip

"We loved our trip to Galapagos! Our guides, Pepo and Paulo were so knowledgeable… read more

"We loved our trip to Galapagos! Our guides, Pepo and Paulo were so knowledgeable about the islands and loved sharing it all with us. The warm weather was so welcome after a winter in New England. All of the logistics were handled smoothly so that all we had to do was enjoy the varied land and marine wildlife. An amazing trip that I highly recommend! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Claudia, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2022

Somethings really do live up to the hype. This was AMAZING!!

"To be honest, I was a little leery traveling with a new company, with new… read more

"To be honest, I was a little leery traveling with a new company, with new people and well, Covid. But this was abso-fricking-lutely the BEST ADVENTURE TRIP! From our guide, Pepo (who completely hit it out of the park), to the places we saw, to the organization behind the scenes and those wonderful meals, this was amazing! If you want the best way to SEE the Galapagos Islands, this is it. I can't say enough great things about Galakiwi (Active's partner) and our guides. They made this trip unforgettable. Pepo and Paolo answered our flora/fauna questions (we had lots!) and happily shared us what makes this place so special. And man, Pepo can dance - and surf! We're already talking about our next Active Adventure - we can't wait! :) read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Lori, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Fabulous trip!

"First “big” trip in 2 years due to the pandemic. Honestly, more anxiety than excitement… read more

"First “big” trip in 2 years due to the pandemic. Honestly, more anxiety than excitement prior to the trip but once I arrived in the Galapagos, the excitement hit and so glad my friend and I decided to go on the adventure together. AA tour made the trip really easy. I really like the balance of being “active” and some downtime of my own. The tour guides were friendly and very knowledgeable. The meals were all very good except for the first night dinner on San Cristobal Island…to me, it wasn’t good. I thought the fish weren’t well prepared and tasted too fishy. Another person ordered the same meal and I noticed she hardly touched hers. Later I found out hers was too salty. Another low light for me was the accommodations on Floreana Island. Apparently, very limited hotel selections on the island. Hotel Wittmer was ran down and we all had cold showers that night. I also found a smashed dead mosquito with blood on the wall! Isabela Island was fun and where we stayed was wonderful. I wish we had more time on Santa Cruz Island. All in all, I had a fantastic trip and would recommend this trip to my friends who enjoy the outdoor and animals! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Hui-Chien, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Wonderful wildlife adventures

"The Tortuga trip was full of once in a lifetime experiences. Pablo, our guide was… read more

"The Tortuga trip was full of once in a lifetime experiences. Pablo, our guide was so passionate about the islands and knowledgeable about the wildlife and all aspects of our trip. We swam with sea turtles, rays, sea lions, and sharks!. The land tortoises were great to see in their natural habitat and in the breeding centers. I learned so much about the history of the islands, the environment, Darwin's studies and plans for the furture on the island. The snorkeling in Los Tunels was the highlight as well as the hike to the volcano lava fields. The Galapagos is truely a unique and fascinating place. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Barb, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Great trip with Great people

"I could write pages about our Tortuga trip in April . Instead I will just… read more

"I could write pages about our Tortuga trip in April . Instead I will just say that we were so surprised how much we enjoyed traveling with Active Adventures. We are typically not "group travel" people but in the Galapagos it seems necessary...so many things to line up and local people and facilities to communicate with. AAdventures did this with amazing competency. Things flowed seamlessly. Our guide Pepo and his assistant Paolo were amazing. They seemed to do all this and yet still ENJOY being with us, answering questions and getting everyone excited for the next adventure. I will advise that this is an active trip, not intense but lots of exercise, sweating and moving every day. It is important to know that and be prepared or know that you might skip some of the longer things. I also want to add that the guides' English was beautiful and Pepo's knowledge about the area, the geography and the animals was impressive. To anyone who is worried about the "group" aspect but needs the logistics AAdventures can provide, be assured. They still respect your privacy, your right to skip something if its not for you and the small size makes it not feel chaotic. Food was also very good, fresh and simple but abundant and well prepared. I had dreamed of this trip since I was a little girl and read about the tortoises in National Geographic. I never thought the experience would live up to the dream, but it truly did and I think Active Adventures had a big part in that. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Lynn, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Our 4th trip with Active

"Another great guide. Beautiful diving, biking and hiking adventures. Great local food and accommodations. We… read more

"Another great guide. Beautiful diving, biking and hiking adventures. Great local food and accommodations. We have loved every single Active Adventure. As always though, the Active guides are what make the trip special. This time Pepo and Paulo were absolutely awesome with their knowledge and communication. The people in the group always seem to come together as great friends and we have the guides to thank for that! Can't wait for the next one! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Paul, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Tortuga with Pablo

"Fantastic adventures from snorkeling with sharks, kayaking with blue footed boobies and penguins, hiking volcanic… read more

"Fantastic adventures from snorkeling with sharks, kayaking with blue footed boobies and penguins, hiking volcanic craters to exploring island murder ? mysteries. Had a once in a lifetime experience. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Sandy, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2022

Just what we wanted!

"The trip was so well-planned and executed. Pepo was FABULOUS! So knowledgeable, capable, supportive… read more

"The trip was so well-planned and executed. Pepo was FABULOUS! So knowledgeable, capable, supportive and professional. Paulo was equally helpful and assured that all was taken care of for us. The trip was well organized and the visit to Pepo's family place was very special. I felt we saw and experienced the maximum with regard to wildlife, sealife, local sites and important points of interest. With Pepo and Pualo's guidance, that was THE BEST snorkeling experience I ever had. The equipment was excellent and Paulo kept it clean and prepared always. The masks were such good quality and with proper preparation from P &P I could snorkel for up to an hour with no fogging, not getting cold, etc. Our Super Plans were executed exceptionally! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Debbie, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - March 2022

Amazing trip!

"I had booked and rebooked this trip so many times due to the pandemic, I'm… read more

"I had booked and rebooked this trip so many times due to the pandemic, I'm so happy it finally happened! Our guide, Pablo, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the islands. All activities were well coordinated and went off without a hitch. The islands were gorgeous and the trip was everything I had been hoping it would be since 2020! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Betsy, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2022

A Bucket List Adventure

"The Active Adventures Tortuga trip provided great mix and range of activities. We… read more

"The Active Adventures Tortuga trip provided great mix and range of activities. We got to experience the Galapagos in a variety of ways, from land and sea. We saw more wildlife than we could have imagined, including thousands of marine iguanas and sea lions. The vistas ranged from austere lava fields to lush highland forests. The food and accommodations were great. If you like fresh fruit and seafood, the Galapagos have your number. The logistical arrangements went without a hitch, which is surely a testament to a lot of work behind the scenes at Active Adventures. In the front of the scenes, Pablo and Paolo were world-class guides. Highly recommended. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Stephan, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2022

Super plan Tortugas

"Most awesome trip. The airlines tried their best to ruin our experience both coming and… read more

"Most awesome trip. The airlines tried their best to ruin our experience both coming and going. However, once we got to Pepo all clouds disappeared and the sun shined brightly. Fabulous guide. Can’t say enough - knowledgeable, caring, respectful, great leader, passionate about the islands. Best I’ve had…ever. I’d keep him on the payroll!
Wonderful food & accommodations. Loved all the local fish entrees and the fresh fruit was
to die for. Popcorn in the soup!?
Crazy but fun.
Wildlife the best. Unexpected landscapes like (the “tunnels”) were truly amazing. One of the best trips ever.
Thanks!
Tom & Carol read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Tom, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2022

Tortuga trip 2022

"A wonderful trip to an amazing place. Pablo (our guide) was extremely knowledgeable and… read more

"A wonderful trip to an amazing place. Pablo (our guide) was extremely knowledgeable and his enthusiasm for the islands was infectious. I highly recommend you check out this trip. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Lynne, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2022

Excellent guides

"Besides all the amazing flora and fauna we had the superior information and support from… read more

"Besides all the amazing flora and fauna we had the superior information and support from our two guides. Food was almost always five star and the accommodations quite comfortable. read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Greg, United States

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2022

Trip of a lifetime!

"This was truly one of the best trips ever, thanks to the amazing itinerary, remote… read more

"This was truly one of the best trips ever, thanks to the amazing itinerary, remote and unspoiled landscapes, unique and plentiful wildlife, seamless logistics, and excellent fellow travelers, but most of all because of our incredible guide, Pablo! His deep understanding of the science, his passion and enthusiasm, and his dramatic delivery kept us all enthralled. He had answers to all of our questions and made sure everyone was OK at all times. THANK YOU FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!! read less

5 Stars (1564 reviews)

Joe, United States

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Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.  

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FAQs about visiting the Galapagos Islands

How many days do you need in the Galapagos?

We recommend a minimum of 5 days to visit the Galapagos Islands. Considering you need to fly in and out or take a 3-day boat journey, you will want to make the most of it! The Galapagos Islands occupy an area of 45,000 square kilometres over 21 islands (13 of those form the 'major islands'.)

Are the Galapagos safe to visit?

While the Galapagos & Ecuador are pretty safe places, we recommend taking the same precautions you would anywhere else - just to be on the safe side! Pickpockets occasionally operate in areas where visitors are found so we suggest you leave any valuables you don’t need with you in the hotel safe (e.g. passports and credit cards). A copy of your passport and any valuables you do need with you should be kept in a passport wallet under your clothes and a small amount of money in your pocket/purse. It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walk.

How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

It takes 3 days to reach the Galapagos Islands via boat. That's why our tours fly from Quito. 

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are a unique and remote set of islands located around 800 kilometres (500 miles) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The area was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986, as it is home to so many unique species. There are 7 major oceanic currents that assemble in the Galapagos marine ecosystem, making it a mecca for a mixture of wildlife - 17% of Galapagos fish species are endemic to the islands.

How do you get around the Galapagos Islands?

Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in the Galapagos. You'll spend most time on a boat in the Galapagos Islands as you make your way from island to island during the day. We have domestic flights included in our Galapagos Islands trips to shorten our travel times and to ensure you have the best experience possible. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Where do you stay in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos islands are located in a unique and remote part of the world, and to maintain an ecofriendly relationship with the environment, large modern hotels aren’t built. We prefer to stay in locally owned accommodation, which can be fairly rustic, to give you a better opportunity to meet the locals and gain a real understanding of life in the islands. We’re also lucky to be able to stay on land every night of the trip where as some operators aren’t permitted to do this.

Can I go diving and snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands?

Wetsuits are provided for diving and snorkelling – SCUBA is recommended for experienced divers only because of strong swells and currents. Snorkelling is equally as good. The diving option includes two dives (add US$250). Diving is “subject to conditions” for visibility and we have a qualified dive master on the trip.

Do I need a visa to visit the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

What about vaccinations for Ecuador and the Galapagos?

For travel to Ecuador we recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid at least two months before your trip starts. For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. There are no official vaccination requirements for entry, however if you’re entering from a country that is considered to be at risk from Yellow Fever, or when you go home afterwards, then you may be required to show a certificate of vaccination (to be obtained from your doctor prior to travel).

Can you help me find flights to the Galapagos?

We recommend booking your flights through our preferred travel partner – Fuzion Travel. They’re our experienced hand-picked experts in travel, passionate about what they do, and will tailor-make your flight itinerary to match your Active Adventures tour. Get in touch with them directly by email – [email protected] fuziontravel.co.nz or on +1-833-244-5886. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

What's included on your Galapagos trips?

Accommodation

In Ecuador mainland you'll stay in hotels and jungle lodges, and on the Galapagos Islands you'll stay on dry land, meaning you're free to walk around each evening and get to know the residents of these famous isles.

Transport

Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in the Galapagos. You'll spend most time on a boat in the Galapagos Islands as you make your way from island to island during the day. We have domestic flights included in our Galapagos Islands trips to shorten our travel times and to ensure you have the best experience possible. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals

All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. On the hiking portion of our trips (such as on the Inca Trail) we work with an outstanding team of cooks who will amaze you with what they can produce on a campsite miles from the nearest town. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed.

Trip leaders

Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting. In the Galapagos Islands you will be accompanied by a specialist Nature Guide, qualified to provide you with plenty of information about the species that make their home on the islands.

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need Hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes or sneakers should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the food like in the Galapagos?

Ecuadorian base ingredients are usually combinations of chicken, fish, shrimp, corn, potato, quinoa, rice and seasonal fruit. If you’re vegetarian or vegan your options may be more limited. Vegetarians should ask for un plato vegetarian (a vegetarian dish). Vegan choices may be limited though we’ll do our best to help find things you may like.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the currency in Ecuador/Galapagos?

The currency of Ecuador is the US dollar (USD)

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currency?

Your trip fare includes all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except any optional activities). We recommend bringing around US$100-200 with you, and have the option to withdraw more if required. 

ATMs are a convenient way of getting cash in Ecuador. In cities they are readily available but in smaller towns they may occasionally be out of order. 

Credit cards can be a great back up in Ecuador in larger establishments, but may not be accepted in smaller places. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, whereas AMEX is less readily accepted. 

What altitude will we be at in the Galapagos?

Quito is located at 2,850m (9,350 feet) and the highest elevation reached in the Galapagos is 1,000m (3,300 feet). If you’re concerned about the altitude on your arrival into Quito, chat to your doctor about a Diamox prescription or consider taking alternative treatments of ginkgo or Oxyshot/Oxishot.

What language do they speak in Galapagos?

Spanish is the main language of Ecuador with English being spoken in some hotels, airports and tourist areas but not everywhere. Your Active Adventures South America trip leader will be there to translate for you in most scenarios though it’s worth learning a few basic Spanish phrases before hand!

What time zone is Ecuador and the Galapagos in?

The Galapagos & Ecuador are in the Peru/Ecuador Standard Time. It is -5 hours behind of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in the Galapagos & Ecuador?

Ecuador operates on a 110V AC system and uses the same type of plug as the USA (two vertical prongs side by side)

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regular access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at some of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, usually for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive, though it may be sporadic.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos?

There are two main weather seasons in Ecuador – the rainy season and the dry season - but these vary depending on your region, as the unique geography means the weather can be very localized, and the temperature will change with your elevation. There are four main geographical areas of Ecuador as follows.
Galapagos: The islands have two distinct seasons. The warm/wet season from January to June, where there can be strong but short periods of rain, but it’s generally sunny and warm. The cool/dry season which lasts from July to December when water temperatures can be chillier and a misty precipitation known as garúa surrounds the highlands. From July to October the seas can be a little rougher, so if you’re prone to sea sickness bring some ginger tablets or something similar.
Highlands/Quito: The climate here is often described as one of ‘perpetual spring’, with warm days and chilly nights and little variation of temperature around the year. June to September is the dry season here, with the wetter months being December to March. Higher altitudes mean average temperatures are very cool, especially at night. Rain can happen in any season, so quality rain gear is essential.

What is El Niño?

Every three to seven years, for a period of anything from 6-18 months, the normal climatic pattern is dramatically disrupted. There is no 'sea of confusion' about temperature zones when El Niño swells into Galapagos waters. The sea becomes uniformly tropical, which for most creatures reliant on phytoplankton-rich oceans is a catastrophe of dire proportions. The cool Cromwell and Humboldt currents that nourish life vanish, replaced by warm, clear waters that are almost entirely devoid of phytoplankton. Starvation hits whole populations, often whole species, with astonishing mortalities. In the last 40 years there have been 5 big El Niño events in the Galapagos, the last one in 1997-8.

What books could I read to learn more about Galapagos?

Here’s our list of recommended books to read before your trip with us and also great books to bring with you!

  • 'Charles Darwin Slept here' by John Woram - The book focuses on the human history of the Galapagos Islands, all the way from a to z.
  • 'Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide' by Andy Swash - Simple, easy to use pocket field guide with excellent photos for identifying species throughout the archipelago. Encompasses all the birds, mammals and reptiles that a visitor might encounter.
  • 'The Galapagos: A Natural History' by Henry Nicholls - Great book to read prior to visiting the Galapagos. Provides general and useful information regarding the history, geology, fauna, flora and conservation of the islands
  • 'Volcanic Galapagos Volcanico' by Theofilos Toulkeridis - The true rock star! Animals aside, Galapagos is a wonderland for geologists. Theo makes geology (with a focus on vulcanology) fun and easy to comprehend. Colorful images and plenty of photos, this book explains the unique geology of every island.
  • 'The Beak of the Finch' by Jonathon Weiner - while the book focuses on the field studies done by the Grants (Peter and Rosemary Grant), Weiner updates the history of the idea of evolution, examining it from its inception with Darwin all the way to the modern-day DNA era The book focuses on the meticulous study of over 20 generations of finches by the grants.
  • 'Flowering Plants of the Galapagos' by Conley K. McMullen - Botany of the Galapagos made simple. This is a great guide of the Galapagos flora, covering endemic, native and exotic plants with a detailed explanation of each species. Conveniently gives a list of plants likely to be seen at popular tourist sites. The introductory bit not only assists readers in knowing where to find specific plants but also provides insight about the ecology of the plants. Beautiful photos accompany the text as well
  • 'Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos' by Paul Humann - The best companion guide for snorkellers (keep in mind that non-snorkellers can use our glass-bottom boat) that are looking to marvel at the fascinating underwater creatures of the Galapagos. As an added bonus, the book also details the ranges and depths at which the fish are likely to be found. Definitely a must-have for all those willing to check out the underwater life of the Galapagos.

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Meet Your Galapagos Vacation Guides

Why Travel With Us

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”