5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $5999/per adult
Next available departure
16 Dec - 22 Dec
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
There's no doubt you'll be mind blown by the contrasting landscapes, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the crystal clear water of Isabela Island, on our Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure. Starting in Quito, you'll wander the colonial city unchanged from the colonial days. From here, it's just a hop over to the Galapagos Islands. The next 6-days will be yours to snorkel next to Kicker Rock, cycle the San Cristobal highlands, hike Sierra Negra Volcano, sea kayak near Isabela Island and get up close to all manner of wild creatures and relax on isolated beaches. If you're only likely to visit this part of South America once in your life, we'll make sure our Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure is an adventure you'll never forget.
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Sierra Negra volcano and Santa Cruz
Hiking
Isabela Island
Kayaking
Kicker Rock Snorkeling
Plus ...
Lava tunnels
Plus ...
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. If you’re flying in early today, you’ll have a chance to journey to the city from the airport (or your hotel) to explore the beautiful town squares, quaint cafés and colonial architecture. Quito is a mesmerising city to visit, with its cobbled streets and towering cathedrals, nestled in a valley flanked by majestic mountains. On a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the capital. As well as being in a beautiful location, this colonial city is rich in history and much of the old town is well preserved, the buildings are unchanged and to walk down the narrow streets is to step into bygone eras. You'll meet your guides in the evening to chat about the Galapagos journey that lies ahead and to enjoy dinner together.
Hotel EB, Quito (Dinner)
Day 2
We’ll hop on a flight to Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Once there, we’ll take a short stroll to the highlands where we’ll have a chance to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, along with intriguing birdlife like the vermillion flycatcher. Later, we’ll take a look inside the lava tunnels scattered throughout the highlands. These tunnels were formed by molten lava flowing beneath the surface, which left behind large tube-like caves, some almost a mile long!
Hotel Solymar or similar, Santa Cruz Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3
This morning we’ll hike to Tortuga Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos. Tortuga Bay is accessible only by foot and is home to hundreds of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Later, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the breeding programs that are saving vulnerable species of tortoises and land iguanas. Also, there will be a chance to see different types of carapace that help differentiate the tortoise species. This afternoon, we’ll head to Isabela Island - the largest island in the Galapagos.
Hotel Albemarle or similar, Isabela Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), 1-2 hours
Day 4
Our hike today will take us towards the summit of Sierra Negra volcano, rising nearly a mile above the ocean. See the lowland vegetation change before your eyes as we ascend through a lunar-like landscape on our way to the top. This is one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, and one of the most active. As we hike, we might be lucky enough to see Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, finches and fly-catchers that inhabit this region. We'll head back down to sea level in time for lunch and then for a kayaking trip in the calm waters of Isabela Bay. Here we’ll have the chance to see some of the island’s most amazing wildlife up close. Marine iguanas bask in the sun, blue-footed boobies sit in pairs on the rock tops and Sally Lightfoot crabs scurry out of our way along the water’s edge. In the clear waters below us, rays gracefully swim by and turtles pop up for a breath of air.
Hotel Albemarle or similar, Isabela Island (Breakfast, Lunch)
Hiking: 8 kilometers (5 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 65 meters (213 feet)
Kayaking: 1-2 hours
Day 5
This morning, we’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras or Shark Alley, an isolated islet and popular iguana-nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Afterward, you can test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and green sea turtles who like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Later, we’ll take a short flight to San Cristobal Island, the oldest and eastern-most island of the Galapagos archipelago. On arrival in San Cristobal, we’ll head up into the highlands for a scenic downhill bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, we’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until we reach a beach called La Loberia - a beach that is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. You’re not likely to see this many sea lions in one place anywhere else in the world! They play, they nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! If you’re keen on a swim, hop on in.
Casa Blanca or Blue Marlin Hotel, San Cristobal (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: 14.5 kilometers (9 miles), flat, 2-3 hours
Day 6
Today we’ll cruise to Kicker Rock off the coast of San Cristobal, where we’ll either snorkel or don wet suits, snorkels and masks (and tanks for the divers – diving option extra fee applies) and explore the around the remains of an underwater volcano with a rock face rising 150 meters (500 feet) above the surface of the water. Afterward, we can visit one of three beaches - Manglecito, Puerto Grande and Cerro Brujo and enjoy lunch here. This evening, we’ll dine on local produce and fresh fish.
Casa Blanca or Blue Marlin Hotel, San Cristobal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Diving/Snorkeling: Snorkel or dive Isla Labos & Kicker Rock: 2 snorkels, 30-45 mins each OR 2 dives, 30-45 minutes each (extra fees)
Notes: Optional Kicker Rock diving experience (additional cost applies): You can opt to swap the snorkel for a dive if you wish. This option must be selected at the time of booking.
Day 7
This morning, you're free to visit San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago, from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present-day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage Site. Afterward, we’ll take a short flight back to Quito on the mainland, and depart for home. We’ll make sure you return home relaxed and refreshed from all the great activities, fine food and friendly people you’ll have met while traveling with us in the Galapagos Islands.
No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)
Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T&Cs Apply. Read more here.
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.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
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.
