Overview
Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and witness creatures found nowhere else on earth. Ecuador’s remote Galapagos Islands offer an abundance of biodiversity, including over 400 species of fish alone. Due to its isolation, this 20-island volcanic archipelago teems with endemic species around every corner. The islands are situated where three tectonic plates come together: the Nazca, Pacific, and Cocos plates are part of the reason the Galapagos is so diverse. You will snorkel with rays, visit Galapagos penguins, and hike with iguanas on our newest itinerary.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Ecuador! Begin your adventure in Guayaquil.
Meet your group in Guayaquil and enjoy a local Ecuadorian dinner as a group as you settle into this vibrant epicenter of South America.
Day 2: Start your Galapagos Islands adventure with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit to The Charles Darwin Research Station where you'll learn about conservation and research efforts in the area from local researchers. Settle into your eco-lodge for a serene evening admiring the forested highlands from your own personal balcony.
Day 3: Enjoy a wildlife-rich morning at sea searching for tortoises, iguanas, and crabs; transfer to Isabela Island.
Visit a large sea lion colony and have an opportunity to snorkel with these amazing mammals. Explore areas teeming with white tip sharks, sea tortoises, marine iguanas, crabs, pelicans, and more. Travel to Isabela Island, our home for the next couple nights.
Day 4: Explore the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa before snorkeling with schools of colorful fish.
Spend the day exploring Cabo Rosa, a small islet in the middle of the ocean. See lava tunnels and lava bridges under and over sea level. Admire the colorful fish and vibrant sea life that abounds.
Day 5: Visit the tiny islet of Tintoreras and admire the famed blue-footed booby.
Marvel at a Galapagos Penguin breeding ground frequented by blue-footed boobies. End your day snorkeling in a lava canal teeming with white tip sharks before returning to Santa Cruz Island.
Day 6: Set sail for North Seymour Island where you will hike alongside the large colonies of sea birds.
Hike trails that take you along some of the largest colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos Islands. Watch frigate birds with their enormous red pouches hanging up from their necks and spy a blue-footed booby. Swim in the sea before saling back to Santa Cruz for dinner.
Day 7: Embark on your final sail to Bartolome Island and take in views from the top of an extinct volcano.
Bartolome Island is legendary for its picturesque landscapes in all of Galapagos. Climb to the top of this extinct volcano and be amazed at this spectacular landscapes below. Explore Pinnacle Rock and the half-moon beaches that are perfect for a sunbath or snorkel with sea turtles and penguins. Return for your final evening in the islands.
Day 8: Share stories with your trip mates before your return flight back to the mainland.
Enjoy your final meal on Galapagos before your return flight to the mainland. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your journey ends.
What to Expect
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE:The primary activity will be walking along beaches, on rocky trails, and through towns. Your group will also have the option to snorkel, kayak, and swim in the ocean. Travel is primarily in a large passenger van, boat, or by foot. We will travel moderate distances each day, with plenty of opportunities for exploration. The hiking is not strenuous, although one should expect to walk on uneven terrain.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport at 7:00 PM (local time)
End: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport at 5:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip officially begins at the Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín De Olmedo (GYE), where your group leader will meet you the evening of the first day. The trip ends when your group leader takes you back to the airport at approximately ____ on the last day. We strongly recommend booking your return flight for at least two hours after your anticipated arrival at the airport to allow enough time to go through security and customs, and to find your gate. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements or wish to purchase travel insurance, we recommend Travel One, Inc. Inform Travel One that you are going on a Wilderness Inquiry trip, as they are familiar with our itineraries. You can reach Travel One at (800) 247-1311 or www.traveloneinc.com. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
Is this hiking trip wheelchair accessible?
Since hiking over rugged trails is a primary activity of our hiking trips, we do not recommend these trips for persons who use wheelchairs. Several of the hikes and activities are not very accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Our canoe, kayak, and dogsled trips are generally more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Water based travel is the great equalizer when it comes to outdoor activities. Fortunately, we have many trips to choose from.
All that said, if you use a wheelchair and are interested in going, please call to discuss the trip with us. We never want to say never!
Which immunizations do you recommend when traveling to an international destination?
Prior to departure, we recommend that you check with your doctor as early as possible to ensure you are up to date on your standard immunizations. Your doctor is in the best position to recommend specific vaccinations to specific destinations.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
We require a nonrefundable deposit of 10% of the trip fee or $100, whichever is smaller. So, for example, if the trip fee is $250, the deposit would be $25. If the trip fee is $3995, the deposit would be $100.
If you choose to cancel your trip:
For trips in the continental United States:
• 6 weeks prior to start date — we will refund fees paid minus deposit.
• Less than 6 weeks — we will refund 50% of the total trip fee, or 100% of fees paid can be transferred to a future trip.
• Less than 1 week— no refunds will be issued.
For trips outside the continental United States:
• 12 weeks prior to start date— we will refund fees paid minus deposit.
• Less than 12 weeks — we will refund 50% of the total trip fee, or 100% of fees paid can be transferred to a future trip.
• Less than 2 weeks — no refunds will be issued.
In the rare event that WI cancels a trip, or we are unable to serve you, all fees are immediately refunded, including the deposit. Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for personal expenses such as airline tickets. To protect your investment in your travel plans we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Information on travel insurance is included in your trip confirmation packet. If after registering you wish to switch trips, you may do so subject to availability. Fees may apply.
Under certain circumstances, such as death of a family member, change in health status, loss of employment, etc., we may make exceptions to our refund policies. Please let us know immediately if your plans change!
Do you have a single supplement for Galapagos Hike and Explore?
You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $995 during the registration process.