A one-of-a-kind adventure that blends comfort with action, this Galápagos multisport trip takes you kayaking, cycling and hiking through diverse landscapes while staying in first-class hotels. Snorkel with sea lions, hike volcanic trails, and explore remote islands all while learning about local conservation efforts and island culture.
Day 1: Welcome to Quito
Arrive in Quito and receive a personal welcome at the airport. You’ll be transferred to a peaceful hotel near the airport to relax after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Highlands and Tortoises of Santa Cruz
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, where you’ll begin with a locally sourced lunch on a highland farm. Explore El Chato and Los Gemelos to see giant tortoises in the wild and marvel at volcanic sinkholes. Wrap up with dinner in Puerto Ayora.
Day 3: Kayaking Santa Cruz & Tortuga Bay
Paddle across the clear waters of Santa Cruz Bay among rays, turtles and playful sea lions. In the afternoon, head to the soft white sands of Tortuga Bay, where you can swim, stroll or just relax under the mangroves.
Day 4: Snorkelling and Conservation at Santa Fe
Sail to Santa Fe Island, home to unique land iguanas and towering cactus forests. Snorkel in lively waters then meet local fishermen to learn about how sustainable practices are being used to protect this ecosystem.
Day 5: Biking and Wildlife on Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island by speedboat and cycle along the coast to see Flamingo Lagoon and the Turtle Breeding Center. After lunch, kayak around Tintoreras Islet with close views of penguins, sea lions and reef sharks.
Day 6: Hiking Sierra Negra & Volcán Chico
Hike to the enormous caldera of Sierra Negra and explore the rugged lava fields of Volcán Chico. Enjoy a fresh lunch on a highland farm before a relaxed afternoon in the town to unwind and reflect.
Day 7: Lava Tunnels & Farewell Dinner
Snorkel through ancient lava tunnels filled with sea life, then relax with lunch onboard the boat. In the evening, celebrate the week’s adventures with a special farewell dinner by the beach.
Day 8: Return to Santa Cruz & Departure to Quito
Catch the early speedboat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. Accommodation options are available either near the airport or in the historic city centre.
Day 9: International Departure
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your international flight home, with memories of volcanoes, wildlife, and island life fresh in your mind.
The Galápagos Islands are located around 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Your trip starts in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and mountain surroundings. From here, you’ll fly to Santa Cruz Island, the main hub of the archipelago, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay.
You’ll also explore Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos, known for its volcanoes, unique wildlife, and quiet beaches. Day trips to Santa Fe Island and Tintoreras Islet provide even more variety, from iguanas and sea lions to snorkelling through lava-formed tunnels. Throughout the itinerary, you’ll encounter the diversity of the islands’ habitats—from highland forests and white sand beaches to volcanic landscapes and coral-filled bays.
You’ll stay in comfortable first-class hotels chosen for their charm and proximity to key sights. In Santa Cruz, enjoy sea views and easy access to the town at Angermeyer WFI or similar. In Isabela, relax at Iguana Crossing or a comparable hotel, known for its beachfront location and relaxed vibe. The first and last nights in Quito are spent near the airport unless you opt to stay in the historic city centre.
All accommodation has been carefully selected to complement your travel experience, combining comfort with local character. Meals are mostly included, featuring fresh Ecuadorian flavours and regional specialities.
Participants must be comfortable with moderate physical activity, including hiking on uneven terrain, kayaking in calm seas, and cycling short distances. You don’t need technical skills, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience. The itinerary balances activity with time to relax and soak in the environment.
No prior experience in kayaking, snorkelling or biking is required—guides will provide instruction and all equipment. You should be able to swim confidently for snorkelling activities. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unexpected events.
The company behind this experience has over a decade of expertise in crafting adventure and cultural tours across South America. Combining German precision with Ecuadorian insight, they focus on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Each trip is planned with care, balancing activity with comfort, and offering access to places and people beyond the typical tourist trail.
Based in the heart of Quito, the team operates across Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. Their multilingual staff and certified Galápagos guides ensure smooth logistics and deep local knowledge. Whether you’re hiking a volcano or snorkelling with sea turtles, they aim to create meaningful travel experiences that connect you with the people and places you visit.
Yes, all accommodation is in first-class hotels selected for their comfort, style, and convenient locations close to key activities. In Santa Cruz, you’ll stay at properties like Angermeyer WFI, offering sea views and quick access to Puerto Ayora’s town centre and waterfront. On Isabela, hotels such as Iguana Crossing sit right on the beach, offering direct access to the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for downtime between activities.
Each hotel combines high standards of service with local character. Rooms include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi where available. The first and final nights are spent in a hotel near Quito Airport unless you request to stay in the historic centre. All accommodation is handpicked to match the tone of the trip—active during the day, relaxing in the evenings—so you’re well-rested for the next day’s adventures.
A moderate level of fitness is required as the trip involves a mix of hiking, cycling, kayaking and snorkelling. You don’t need to be a seasoned athlete, but you should feel comfortable walking several kilometres a day and spending time in or on the water. The pace is steady rather than intense, and you’ll always have time to rest and take in the surroundings.
The guides are experienced in supporting mixed-ability groups and will ensure you’re safe and comfortable. Instructions and safety briefings are provided before each activity. If there are any sections you prefer to skip, alternatives such as extra rest time or shorter walks are sometimes available. However, to get the most from the experience, you should be ready for a mix of active days.
No previous experience is needed in kayaking, cycling or snorkelling—this trip is designed for beginners as well as active travellers. All activities are led by certified naturalist guides who provide full instruction and safety guidance. If it’s your first time snorkelling or kayaking, they’ll make sure you feel confident before heading out.
Bikes and kayaks are well-maintained and suited to the terrain and conditions. Activities take place in calm environments: kayaking happens in protected bays, and cycling routes are mostly flat or gently undulating. This makes the trip accessible while still offering the chance to try something new and exciting each day.
Yes, the experience is ideal for solo travellers, couples, families with older children (12+), or small groups of friends. Shared activities, mealtimes, and transport make it easy to get to know other travellers if you’re coming on your own. The trip has a friendly, small-group feel with plenty of opportunities to socialise or enjoy quiet time depending on your preference.
For families, it offers a safe and memorable way to explore the Galápagos together. The mix of wildlife encounters, beach time and hands-on activities makes it especially engaging for curious young people. Guides are experienced in working with mixed-age groups and adapt their briefings and support to suit different comfort levels and interests.
Throughout the itinerary, you’ll encounter a huge variety of iconic Galápagos wildlife both on land and in the water. Expect to see giant tortoises in the wild, colourful marine iguanas, Galápagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and land iguanas. In the highlands, birdlife is abundant, including finches and warblers.
In the sea, snorkelling sessions may bring you face-to-face with sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, penguins and shoals of tropical fish. Each island has unique species adapted to its landscape. Your naturalist guides will help you identify and understand the behaviours of the animals you encounter, making this more than just a wildlife-spotting trip—it’s a learning experience too.
Flights from Quito to the Galápagos are included in the trip package. On Day 2, you’ll fly from Quito to Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island) where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation. All domestic flights, including return flights to Isabela and back, are arranged for you.
Your guide and support team will assist you with checking in and luggage transfers, so there’s no need to worry about logistics. Quito itself is well connected by international airlines, so your only responsibility is to get to Quito for the start of the trip. Your departure transfer from your Quito hotel to the airport on Day 9 is also included.
Most meals are included, with the exception of some dinners which allow you the freedom to choose your own dining spot. Meals are freshly prepared, using local ingredients wherever possible. Expect Ecuadorian dishes featuring seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables, and traditional staples like plantain and rice.
You’ll enjoy farm-to-table lunches in the highlands, onboard meals during boat excursions, and occasional special dinners by the beach. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. The focus is on nutritious and satisfying food that complements the activity levels and gives you a taste of the islands’ cuisine.
All essential equipment—such as kayaks, bicycles, and snorkelling gear—is included in the trip. You’ll be given access to masks, fins, snorkels, bikes suited to local terrain, and stable sea kayaks with paddles and life jackets. Gear is checked and maintained regularly for safety and comfort.
However, you will need to bring personal clothing suited to each activity. This includes swimsuits, light hiking shoes or trail runners, breathable clothing for cycling, and sun protection. A full kit list will be provided before departure. If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear or padded cycling shorts, you’re welcome to bring them along.
About the centre
Quito, Ecuador
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