What’s included on the 10-day tour?

What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides 10 days of Active Galapagos holiday Transportation during the tour Airport transfers (for domestic flights) Inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela (personal baggage allowance of 25 lbs (20 lbs for check-in, 5 lbs for carry-on), extra baggage $2, can be paid directly) Speed boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island Accommodation based on double occupancy 5-star hotel in Quito 3-star hotels in Galapagos Meals (9 breakfasts, 3 lunches) Gear (snorkeling mask and fins, life vest) Activities listed in the itinerary Snorkeling in Kicker Rock, La Loberia and the Lava Tunnels Biking to the Wall of Tears Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano Snorkeling and kayaking in Tintoreras Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands What’s not included: International flights Airport transfers for international flights Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520) Single room supplement Travel insurance (mandatory) Meals not included in the itinerary INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change) Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change) $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change) Wetsuit rental ($10) Guide gratuities — optional

What’s included on the 14-day tour?

What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides 10 days of Active Galapagos holiday Transportation during the tour Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (round-trip) Airport transfers (national flights) One-way flight San Cristobal — Isabela Sea transportation Santa Cruz — Isabela islands Private & comfortable land and sea transportation Accommodation based on double occupancy 5-star hotel in Quito 3-star hotel in Baños Eco-jungle lodge in Tena 5-star Spa Resort Papallacta 3-star hotels in Galapagos Meals (12 breakfasts, 6 lunches) Gear (hiking sticks, cross-country bikes (disc brakes and front suspension), helmets, gloves, rafts, paddles, life vest, snorkeling mask and fins, mountain bikes, kayaks) Activities listed in the itinerary Biking in Llanganates National Park and Road of Waterfalls in Baños Hiking to Pailon del Diablo waterfall Jatunyacu river rafting Hiking in the cloud forest with toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, etc. Volcanic hot springs Snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla de los Lobos Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano in Isabela Island Snorkeling in Lava Tunnels Kayaking in Tintoreras Biking to the Wall of Tears Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station Hiking in Santa Cruz Highlands What’s not included: International flights Airport transfers for international flights Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520) Single room supplement Travel insurance — mandatory Meals not included in the itinerary INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change) Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change) $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change) Wetsuit rental ($10) Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To participate in one of the Galapagos active tours, you should have a good level of fitness and be in good health. These tours are rated to have a moderate activity level. Daily activities will include shorter hikes, kayaking, snorkeling (almost every day), or biking (plus rafting for the 14-day tour). The most that you’ll hike will be 5 hours to Sierra Negra, and other than that, you’ll have two one-hour hikes. It’s important that you wear comfortable walking shoes and that you can endure standing for prolonged periods of time. Check out the itinerary to see day-by-day activities. Having said that, these tours are family-friendly—if you have kids over the age of 8, they’re welcome to join!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Spare clothes for layering Light sweater or sweatshirt Lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts… T-shirts Underwear and socks Swimming suit Sport sandals Sneakers Comfy shoes Waterproof rain jacket Wide brim or long bill hat Cap Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What’s the food like?

A huge part of going on the Galapagos active holiday is getting to experience and taste the local cuisine. Your guide will give you terrific recommendations and suggest the best places to enjoy the food. Some meals are included in the price of the tour, but you also get enough free time and flexibility to pick out what suits you best. Ecuadorian cuisine blends the culinary traditions of Spain, the Andes, and the Amazon. The stars of the show are the fruit of the sea, though you will also find various meats readily available. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please let us know upon booking! Your guides are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, and they will coordinate substitute meals with chefs and restaurants.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For these Galapagos active holidays, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 16:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. The price is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of the same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, you can add that at an additional cost upon booking at checkout. Galapagos active holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Galapagos active holidays on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Quito, the starting point of your Galapagos active holidays, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) . It will take you anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half to reach Quito city, depending on your mode of transfer. The cheapest way to reach the city is by taking the bus. The first day is all about reaching Quito and getting settled in. You will meet your guide and your team at a welcome briefing at 6 pm.

Safety measures in Ecuador

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Galapagos giant tortoise next to a hiker

GALAPAGOS | ECUADOR

Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos

5.00 ()

Season

Year-round

Duration

10 or 14 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Hotels, spa resorts, and lodges

Guides

Dagmar Vacas, Gabriel Salas, Adventure Journeys

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $3,990 () / 10-14 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Want to chill with penguins, swim with sea lions, and hang out with giant tortoises? Welcome to Galapagos, one of the most biodiverse and volcanically active archipelagos in the world! 97% of it is a national park—for this is a place like no other on Earth. With its constant 12-hour days, it’s great to visit year-round, and you can explore its natural wonders and its wildlife by hiking, cycling, and kayaking. We can either spend 10 days discovering the marvelous archipelago alone, or we can extend our trip and add a couple of days in mainland Ecuador as well! Whatever it is, you’ll end up with tons of amazing pictures and lifelong memories.

Adventure highlights

Wildlife found nowhere else in the world

80% of land birds, 97% of reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of plants are endemic
The birth of a groundbreaking work

Charles Darwin based his On the Origin of Species on observations and insights from Galapagos
Pristine and conserved environment

Explore the unforgettable Galapagos National Park by trekking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, and snorkeling

Available itineraries

10-Day Active Holiday in Galapagos

This trip is a total immersion in all-things Galapagos. There’s no better way to explore this marvel of an archipelago than by having expert local guides by our side, who will take us to different places every day. One day we’ll hike up to a volcano, the other we’ll snorkel with the turtles—the biodiversity and the change in landscapes here is astounding. Accommodation, tons of activities, and most meals are included, but you’ll always have enough time to relax on the beach and spend your tropical vacation as you wish!

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city of America! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the city is considered to be the Cultural Capital of South America. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and its surrounding area.

Your guides can help you organize a day trip—make sure to ask in advance. In the evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, which is when you’ll go through the details of the adventure ahead. Get some rest, as tomorrow the adventure begins!

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Get ready to explore Galapagos, an incredible archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. Board a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once you arrive, get transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and go through a short briefing about the days ahead.

In the afternoon, head to La Loberia, a beach that is home to large Galapagos sea lions. Today’s hike will last approximately one hour, and goes across ground that is flooded along the shoreline at high tide, over lava rocks and some mangroves. You’ll have the chance to spot the red-billed tropicbird, blue-footed bobbies, and Nazca bobbies, as well as yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin’s finches. In between the rocks, you can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. After that, go snorkeling to spot sea lions and sea turtles—sea lions are very curious and might approach you underwater! There will also be time for a refreshing swim and relaxing on the beach.

Accommodation: Sea Side Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, take a boat to Kicker Rock, located off the coast of San Cristóbal, also known as the Sleeping Lion due to its resemblance. These are the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 ft above the ocean, forming a small channel.

This natural monument has become a spectacular site due to many tropical birds, frigate birds, and booby birds filling the sky. Beneath the surface, crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colorful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks. After lunch, spend some time at the beach and go back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Sea Side Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hop on over to Isabela island, the largest one in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity is reported! Formed by six shield volcanoes (with 5 of them still active), the island is a beautiful place to explore by bike. You will discover its coastline by bike and go through an incredible ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife, including flamingos, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.

Start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks, which dates back to the 1950s when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad (because of the isolation they experienced). Continue riding along the coast and explore white sand beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. Birdlife is teeming here, and you’ll also find sea lions and marine iguanas.

Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll explore amazing formations of lava created by last eruptions of the volcanic island. This magical place has been filmed by the BBC and National Geographic. It’s a labyrinth of lava arches made of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.

The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through Los Tuneles. Here is where you’ll have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these animals around you, including the Galapagos penguins! You can also enjoy some optional activities today, such as snorkeling at Concha de Perla, cycling, or just relaxing on the beach. Your guides recommend a visit to the giant tortoise breeding center located near the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, depart for Sierra Negra Volcano, drive to the highlands of Isabela, and start hiking! The volcano, with its height of around 4,920 ft and an outer diameter of approximately 6 miles, is the second biggest lava dome in the world. Have lunch at a local restaurant, whose owners prepare food sourced from their organic farm, which is then prepared on a lava rock grill. For some after-lunch relaxation, walk among the fruit groves or take a nap in one of the hammocks.

Make your way back to the pier, and after a short briefing, hop into your kayaks! Along the way, you can observe penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguana marinas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and sometimes sharks tintoreras juveniles. To finish the day, visit Concha y Perla, a small beach in Puerto Villamil where you’ll snorkel. A short walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk will lead you to the spot with turquoise waters and wildlife galore!

Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4 hours both ways, 6 miles / 10 km (or 10 miles / 16 km to Volcan Chico)
Elevation gain: 950 ft / 290 m (max elevation 3,687 ft / 1,125 m)
Kayaking time: 2 hours
Snorkeling time: 1 hour
In the morning, head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. You’ll learn about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. Later, continue by car to your first stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

These highlands are home to the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Here you’ll visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out for a walk in search of the giant tortoises. You’ll also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies. Afterwards, continue cycling to the other side of the island to Garrapateros beach. Stop at the Trapiche to learn about the process of making sugar cane liquor. Finally, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

Accommodation: Hotel Albermarle or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the whole day at your own leisure, whether that be scuba diving (please request in advance) or sipping cocktails on the beach. You can also go on a self-guided exploration walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay (3.5 miles / 5.6 km), a white sand beach, and a nesting site to thousands of marine turtles—a really inviting spot for some swimming or snorkeling! Alternatively, you can join any of the optional activities (at an extra cost), such as a trip to Floreana Island, Bartolome Island, or a scuba-diving day trip.

Accommodation: La Isla or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After your final breakfast on the Galapagos (and the last few pics of sea lions), transfer to Baltra’s Airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Spend the last night in the bustling Quito.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
The trip has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore Ecuador, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

14-Day Active Holiday in Galapagos & Ecuador

If you book this 14-day tour in Galapagos and Ecuador, you can start looking forward to spending your vacation in a tropical paradise! We will have professional guides by our side, who will have arranged all logistical arrangements, such as accommodation, flights, tickets, most meals, etc., giving us the chance to just focus on exploring these incredible places, with some occasional hiking, cycling, snorkeling, rafting, kayaking, etc. Ready for the best two weeks of your life?

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city of America! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the city is considered to be the Cultural Capital of South America. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and its surrounding area.

Your guides can help you organize a day trip—make sure to ask in advance. In the evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, which is when you’ll go through the details of the adventure ahead. Get some rest, as tomorrow the adventure begins!

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
The snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano is your main goal today. After breakfast, drive through the Andes and enjoy magnificent views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Once you reach the Cotopaxi National Park, you’ll have your first acclimatization hike around Limpiopungo Lake at 13,000 ft (3,800 m) above sea level, and sea wild horses, wild bulls, and some bird species. From here, enjoy a spectacular view of the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world’s highest volcanoes!

In the afternoon, transfer to the town of Baños, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife, drink some cocktails and dance salsa.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
This morning you will mountain bike from Llanganates National Park down to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying beautiful scenery of cloud forest along the way. The road will take you through some Andean farms and a beautiful canyon with many waterfalls. While descending into the jungle, you’ll get breathtaking views of Baños, very well known for its spectacular location right on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, active since 1999, and the main attraction of the region. Conclude your journey with a 20-minute hike down to Pailon del Diablo, the second largest waterfall in Ecuador.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Amazon rainforest to visit a small village called Misahualli (or “monkey town”), an incredible place where monkeys have adapted to live together with people. Finally, head to an eco-lodge where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodation: Homestay or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Greet the day by preparing your gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located one hour away from the entrance of the LLanganates National Park. The beauty of this river will reveal the magic of the Amazon rainforest. After a safety briefing from your rafting guides, you’ll start your class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clean waters and exciting rapids.

After rafting down the river and exploring one of the canyons, you will end the journey with a delicious picnic prepared by your guides. Conclude your day with a drive back up to the Andes, stopping to visit the paradise of hummingbirds in Guango Reserve and finally continuing up to the volcanic hot springs resort, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Termas Papallacta or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Put your rubber boots on and explore the magic of the thick cloud forest! Today you’ll hike for around 3 hours, during which you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see an incredible diversity of birdlife, including toucans, hummingbirds, jays, hawks, parrots, quetzals, cock-of-the-rock, etc. Flowers are abounding in this region, so have the cameras ready for pics of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, etc.

After the hike, you will soak in the volcanic hot springs at the Papallacta Spa Resort, enjoying the view of the majestic Andean mountains. Later on, you will transfer back to Quito. In the evening, a guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding your Galapagos adventure.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Get ready to explore Galapagos, an incredible archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. Board a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once you arrive, get transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and go through a short briefing about the days ahead.

In the afternoon, head to La Loberia, a beach that is home to large Galapagos sea lions. You’ll have the chance to spot the red-billed tropicbird, blue-footed bobbies, and Nazca bobbies, as well as yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin’s finches. In between the rocks, you can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. After that, go snorkeling to spot sea lions and sea turtles—sea lions are very curious and might approach you underwater! There will also be time for a refreshing swim and relaxing on the beach.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, take a boat to Kicker Rock, located off the coast of San Cristóbal, also known as the Sleeping Lion due to its resemblance. These are the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, two vertical rocks rising 500 ft above the ocean, forming a small channel.

This natural monument has become a spectacular site due to many tropical birds, frigate birds, and booby birds filling the sky. Beneath the surface, crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colorful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks. After lunch, spend some time at the beach and go back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hop on over to Isabela island, the largest one in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity is reported! Formed by six shield volcanoes (with 5 of them still active), the island is a beautiful place to explore by bike. You will discover its coastline by bike and go through an incredible ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife, including flamingos, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.

Start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks, which dates back to the 1950s when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going mad (because of the isolation they experienced). Continue riding along the coast and explore white sand beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. Birdlife is teeming here, and you’ll also find sea lions and marine iguanas.

Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After driving up from Puerto Vilamil to the trailhead, prepare your backpacks and hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Your destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano whose last eruption was in 2018. Explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, over six miles wide at its widest point.

If you feel energetic, you can continue your hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations, which are terrific examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Villamil and go kayaking in Tintoreras to watch sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas.

Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Today you’ll explore amazing formations of lava created by last eruptions of the volcanic island. This magical place has been filmed by the BBC and National Geographic. It’s a labyrinth of lava arches made of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.

The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through Los Tuneles. Here is where you’ll have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these animals around you, including the Galapagos penguins! You can also enjoy some optional activities today, such as snorkeling at Concha de Perla, cycling, or just relaxing on the beach. Your guides recommend a visit to the giant tortoise breeding center located near the hotel.

Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
In the morning, head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. You’ll learn about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, head to the El Chato Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoise. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful scenery with those giants is a truly unforgettable experience! You’ll also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, and finches, as well as frigatebirds which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Spend the whole day at your own leisure, whether that be scuba diving (please request in advance) or sipping cocktails on the beach. You can also go on a self-guided exploration walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay (3.5 miles / 5.6 km), a white sand beach, and a nesting site to thousands of marine turtles—a really inviting spot for some swimming or snorkeling! Alternatively, you can join any of the optional activities (at an extra cost), such as a trip to Floreana Island, Bartolome Island, or a scuba-diving day trip.

Accommodation: La Casa de Judy or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After your final breakfast on the Galapagos (and the last few pics of sea lions), transfer to Baltra’s Airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Spend the last night in the bustling Quito.

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
The trip has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore Ecuador, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

Get free trip brochure

Download Active Holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Dagmar Vacas

Born and raised in Santa Cruz in Galapagos, Dagmar has loved the outdoors and nature since she was a child. She feels lucky to be a guide in the tropical paradise of Galapagos and Ecuador, and every day is a new experience. Dagmar is passionate about introducing other people from all over the world to this enchanting archipelago, and teaching them all about it.

5.00

Gabriel Salas

Having grown up in Santa Cruz of the Galapagos Islands, Gabriel realized that his true calling was to be in the outdoors and share his knowledge with other people. He is proud to say he works as a naturalist guide in his home, showing guests all the beauties and interesting things about Galapagos. Gabriel always focuses on guests having a terrific experience, but also teaching them the importance of conservation of nature.

5.00

Adventure Journeys

Adventure Journeys is a lead adventure travel company based in Ecuador’s Quiot and the Galapagos Islands. Founded by Henry Sisa, a very knowledgeable expert National Geographic expedition leader and naturalist guide, the company focuses on offering life-changing adventure experiences and tailor-made expeditions. Adventure Journeys’ mission is to always achieve customer satisfaction, as the client’s happiness, enjoyment, and education are the company’s pillars.

Watch our webinar

Suspension bridge and waterfall in Ecuador

Watch now

Discover the Galapagos & Ecuador With a Local Guide

Henry Sisa

Guide, CEO, and Founder of Adventure Journeys

5.00 (4 reviews)

Vivienne123 (source: Trip Advisor)

We have just returned from our trip which included Equador and the Galapagos with Adventure Journeys. We had such excellent guides. Diego in Equador was outstanding. He was so knowledgable and friendly and looked after us so well. As well as the fantastic experiences he gave us a real insight into this interesting country. Armando was also an excellent driver. On the Galápagos Islands our guide was Dagmar who was also wonderful. She is so knowledgable about these islands and the wildlife and we saw so many wonderful things with her. She really looked after us even supplying a celebration cake for our anniversary. Our highlights were the solar clock at 00 degrees, farm visit, Quito city, Charles Darwin Research Centre, Giant tortoise reserve and the boat trip seeing all of the wildlife and the swimming. This certainly was a trip of a lifetime.

Renske S (source: Trip Advisor)

Had an amazing time in Ecuador with our tourguide Diego and our driver Armando! They took care of everthing and made us feel welcome. We had such good experiences with them guiding us through the country and activities. It was nice Diego gave us all kind of information about the country and the place we would visit that day.

Dion S (source: Trip Advisor)

Amazing country, amazing views and amazing tourguide. Took the time for us and had a lot of knowledge about the visits, and is the most funny ecuadorian

Paul H (source: Trip Advisor)

Thanks to Jorge for expertly guiding us through this spectacular scenery and making this a trip of a lifetime .

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides
  - 10 days of Active Galapagos holiday
  - Transportation during the tour
    
    Airport transfers (for domestic flights)
    
    Inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela (personal baggage allowance of 25 lbs (20 lbs for check-in, 5 lbs for carry-on), extra baggage $2, can be paid directly)
    
    Speed boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island
  - Accommodation based on double occupancy
    
    5-star hotel in Quito
    
    3-star hotels in Galapagos
  - Meals (9 breakfasts, 3 lunches)
  - Gear (snorkeling mask and fins, life vest)
  - Activities listed in the itinerary
    
    Snorkeling in Kicker Rock, La Loberia and the Lava Tunnels
    
    Biking to the Wall of Tears
    
    Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano
    
    Snorkeling and kayaking in Tintoreras
    
    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
    
    Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands
What’s not included:
- - International flights
  - Airport transfers for international flights
  - Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520)
  - Single room supplement
  - Travel insurance (mandatory)
  - Meals not included in the itinerary
  - INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change)
  - Wetsuit rental ($10)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides
  - 10 days of Active Galapagos holiday
  - Transportation during the tour
    
    Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (round-trip)
    
    Airport transfers (national flights)
    
    One-way flight San Cristobal — Isabela
    
    Sea transportation Santa Cruz — Isabela islands
    
    Private & comfortable land and sea transportation
  - Accommodation based on double occupancy
    
    5-star hotel in Quito
    
    3-star hotel in Baños
    
    Eco-jungle lodge in Tena
    
    5-star Spa Resort Papallacta
    
    3-star hotels in Galapagos
  - Meals (12 breakfasts, 6 lunches)
  - Gear (hiking sticks, cross-country bikes (disc brakes and front suspension), helmets, gloves, rafts, paddles, life vest, snorkeling mask and fins, mountain bikes, kayaks)
  - Activities listed in the itinerary
    
    Biking in Llanganates National Park and Road of Waterfalls in Baños
    
    Hiking to Pailon del Diablo waterfall
    
    Jatunyacu river rafting
    
    Hiking in the cloud forest with toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, etc.
    
    Volcanic hot springs
    
    Snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla de los Lobos
    
    Trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano in Isabela Island
    
    Snorkeling in Lava Tunnels
    
    Kayaking in Tintoreras
    
    Biking to the Wall of Tears
    
    Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
    
    Hiking in Santa Cruz Highlands
What’s not included:
- - International flights
  - Airport transfers for international flights
  - Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (for the 10-day tour only, estimated at around $520)
  - Single room supplement
  - Travel insurance — mandatory
  - Meals not included in the itinerary
  - INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (subject to change)
  - Wetsuit rental ($10)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To participate in one of the Galapagos active tours, you should have a good level of fitness and be in good health. These tours are rated to have a moderate activity level. Daily activities will include shorter hikes, kayaking, snorkeling (almost every day), or biking (plus rafting for the 14-day tour). The most that you’ll hike will be 5 hours to Sierra Negra, and other than that, you’ll have two one-hour hikes.

It’s important that you wear comfortable walking shoes and that you can endure standing for prolonged periods of time. Check out the itinerary to see day-by-day activities.

Having said that, these tours are family-friendly—if you have kids over the age of 8, they’re welcome to join!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Light sweater or sweatshirt
  - Lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts…
  - T-shirts
  - Underwear and socks
  - Swimming suit
  - Sport sandals
  - Sneakers
  - Comfy shoes
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Wide brim or long bill hat
  - Cap
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
A huge part of going on the Galapagos active holiday is getting to experience and taste the local cuisine. Your guide will give you terrific recommendations and suggest the best places to enjoy the food. Some meals are included in the price of the tour, but you also get enough free time and flexibility to pick out what suits you best. Ecuadorian cuisine blends the culinary traditions of Spain, the Andes, and the Amazon. The stars of the show are the fruit of the sea, though you will also find various meats readily available.

If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please let us know upon booking! Your guides are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, and they will coordinate substitute meals with chefs and restaurants.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For these Galapagos active holidays, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 16:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
  - The price is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of the same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, you can add that at an additional cost upon booking at checkout.
Galapagos active holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Galapagos active holidays on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Quito, the starting point of your Galapagos active holidays, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). It will take you anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half to reach Quito city, depending on your mode of transfer. The cheapest way to reach the city is by taking the bus.

The first day is all about reaching Quito and getting settled in. You will meet your guide and your team at a welcome briefing at 6 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total trip cost.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.