Sports and discoveries in the Galapagos
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAmerica / Ecuador
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AgeFrom 8 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions143.66 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
Spanish
In a few words
Explore the Galápagos Islands on a 7-day active trip to the heart of this unique archipelago. This itinerary immerses you in the wild and pristine world of these volcanic islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each day combines hiking , snorkeling , and kayaking for an active and immersive experience.
Between white sand beaches , turquoise lagoons , and hidden mangroves , you'll get up close to exceptional wildlife: sea lions , sea turtles , land iguanas , and iconic birds. The trails reveal breathtaking panoramas of lunar landscapes , testaments to the archipelago's volcanic origins.
Designed for nature and adventure lovers, this trip alternates between active exploration and moments of contemplation in a pristine environment where every encounter with wildlife is a source of wonder. An unforgettable escape to one of the last natural sanctuaries on the planet.
The highlights
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Exceptional wildlife encounters and spectacular landscapes
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Discover a unique archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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A variety of sporting activities in connection with nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
In figures
Snorkeling
- Average duration/day: 3h
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 4h
Road bike
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
English
Spanish
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Program
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Welcome to the enchanted Galapagos archipelago!
- Transportation Car - 01h - 45km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to the Galapagos!
You will arrive at Baltra Airport, located on a small island adjacent to Santa Cruz, and you will be met by your guide.
You will then pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park before collecting your luggage.
You will reach the Itabaca Channel by public bus (5 minutes) which you will cross by public barge (10 minutes). From there, you will continue to the main island by private pickup truck to reach Puerto Ayora (45 minutes).
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galápagos by area and the most populated in the archipelago.
You will make a stop in the Highlands of the island.
This lush landscape contrasts sharply with the arid lands of most of the archipelago's smaller islands. During your walk, you'll pass through diverse ecosystems, from dry areas covered in Opuntia cacti to Scalesia forests in the highlands. You'll visit a finca to observe giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat .
An additional surprise awaits you with the visit to the lava tunnels, which are over a kilometer long. They were formed by the solidification of the periphery of the lava flows, while the liquid lava continued to circulate inside.
Free time in Santa Cruz. Suggested visit: the Charles Darwin Science Station.
Overnight stay at the Lava House hotel in a Standard room.
Day 1 -
Free day in Santa Cruz
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free day in Santa Cruz.
Suggestions for visits and activities: There are many options:
- Several day trips by boat are available, with different destinations each day. Activities offered during these excursions include hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife and flora observation. The boat typically accommodates 16 people, with a crew consisting of the captain, two sailors, and a bilingual Spanish-English guide from the Galapagos National Park. The boat is equipped with all the safety equipment required by the Ecuadorian Navy. Possible destinations include: Seymour Norte, Bachas Beach & Cabo de Carrion (Santa Cruz Island), Plazas Islands, Santa Fe Island, Bartolomé Island, and Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island).
- Las Grietas: This is a lava crevasse where you can swim in complete tranquility. It's a half-hour walk from the port. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery, a mix of volcanic rock, endemic prickly pear cacti (Opuntia), and wetlands with iridescent waters ("humedales").
- The "Los Alemanes" beach. Even before Grietas, you will pass by it and can stop for a swim.
- Turtle Beach ("Playa Tortuga Bay"): reputed to be the most beautiful beach in the archipelago. You can get there on foot (be careful of the intense sun) or by water taxi from the port.
- The Charles Darwin Centre, if you haven't already visited it.
Overnight stay at the Lava House hotel in a Standard room.
Day 2 -
Snorkeling in Isabela
- Transportation Ferry - 02h30 - 100km
- Activity Snorkeling
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Puerto Ayora pier.
You will travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela aboard a fast public speedboat. The crossing takes between 2 and 3 hours.
NOTE: Upon arrival in Isabela, you will need to take a water taxi (included), then pay the Isabela Island tax ($10 per person, not included).
A Spanish-speaking driver will meet you at the port of Puerto Villamil and take you to your hotel.
The Tintoreras are small volcanic rock islands located opposite Puerto Villamil. You can reach them in 10 minutes by boat and stay for 3 hours.
They are named as such because the population of sharks called Tintoreras is abundant in these turquoise waters.
These sharks take refuge in crevices near the islet and can be observed from the rocks.
During this trip you will see colonies of sea lions, sea turtles , iguanas, and Galapagos penguins .
If you go snorkeling, it will be an opportunity to swim among the turtles that are often abundant in these places.
Free time in Isabela. Suggested visit: the "Arnoldo Tupiza" land tortoise breeding center.
Overnight stay at the Gran Tortuga hotel in a Standard room.
Day 3 -
Horseback riding in the Sierra Negra volcano
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
You will enjoy a horseback ride to the Sierra Negra volcano along a trail that winds through the lunar landscapes characteristic of the Galapagos. Sierra Negra is the second largest crater in the world , with a diameter of approximately 10 kilometers and a depth of 100 meters.
Your walk will take you to the Chico volcano. You'll feel the earth's heat as you approach, as it's an active volcano , just like the Sierra Negra. The panoramic view from there is spectacular.
This activity is one of our favorites.
NOTE: Due to recent activity of the Sierra Negra volcano, some parts of the reserve may be closed to visitors. Your excursion could therefore stop at the Elizabeth Bay viewpoint, without being able to reach the Chico volcano.
Free time in Isabela. Activity suggestion: Concha & Perla.
Overnight stay at the Gran Tortuga hotel in a Standard room.
Day 4 -
Between nature and ocean: explore Garrapatero by bike and kayak
- Transportation Ferry - 02h30 - 100km
- Activity Road bike
- Distance 15 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Puerto Villamil pier.
You will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz on a fast public ferry. The crossing takes approximately 3 hours.
A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up at the port of Santa Cruz and take you to your hotel.
You will travel by private transport to Bellavista, in the upper part of the island, where you will begin your bike ride through the characteristic vegetation of the landscape, opuntia cacti , scalesia and breathtaking views of the ocean will line your route until you arrive at the entrance to Garrapatero beach.
You'll leave your bike behind and take a short path surrounded by manzanillo forest that will lead you to Garrapatero Beach . On this magnificent white sand beach bordered by mangroves, you'll kayak along the coast, enjoying the scenery and, with luck, might spot Galapagos birds such as pelicans or blue-footed boobies fishing near the mangroves.
Distance by bike : 15 km. Difficulty : easy, route entirely downhill.
Free time in Santa Cruz. Suggested visit: Tortuga Bay.
Overnight stay at the Lava House hotel in a Standard room.
Day 5 -
Departure from the Galapagos
- Transportation Car - 01h - 45km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be taken by private transport by a Spanish-speaking driver from your hotel to Baltra Airport.
Day 6
Accommodation
The recently renovated Lava House hotel is ideal for families or those on a budget. It's a welcoming establishment with a lovely garden where you quickly feel at home. The owners are friendly and the common areas are pleasant.
Hostal La Gran Tortuga could be considered a bed and breakfast; the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. This establishment is ideal for budget travelers or families, as the rooms are spacious and bright.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
• All inclusive items (hotels, transport, guides, meals, entrance fees) mentioned for each day;
• Hotel and tourist service taxes;
• French-speaking assistance from our team 24/7 during your stay;
• Fees and taxes related to land, sea and air transport;
• Fees for guides and/or drivers.
• Meals mentioned
The price does not include
• Round-trip international flight
• Domestic round-trip flights
• Insurance (cancellation / repatriation / multi-risk / etc).
• Drinks
• Tips
• Galapagos taxes (National Park entrance 200 USD, Migration card 20 USD, Isabela Island tax 10 USD).
• Personal expenses
• Potential visa fees and legal immigration procedures for traveling to Ecuador, depending on your nationality
Options
- Single supplement : CHF105.20 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Snorkeling equipment is included, but you are free to bring your own equipment if you wish.
Equipment to bring
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with very good UV filtration
Binoculars
Gourd
Adapter with American flat plugs for electrical appliances from Europe
Personal pharmacy
Mosquito repellent
Camera (drones are prohibited on the archipelago)
Clothing to bring
Lightweight clothing: shorts, t-shirts, light shirts and trousers.
Swimsuit / UV-protective swimwear
Bring a warm garment for the evening.
Waterproof jacket, K-Way type, for rain showers.
Suitable footwear:
Whether for walking or sports, the volcanic trails, dirt paths and pebbles are ideal.
Closed, non-slip sandals for getting into the water, flip-flops for the beach
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