Ecuador: Wild Galapagos

Arrive into Quito’s international airport (OIU) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Decompress from your international flight and enjoy a comfy bed before an early flight to the Galapagos tomorrow morning. 

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. 

Overnight: Hotel, Tababela

Wake up early as we head to the airport for the 4 hour flight to the Galápagos! Upon arrival, we will waste no time seeing as much as possible with a visit to Las Primicias tortoise refuge for a unique experience to see Giant Tortoises in their natural environment.

You’ll have a delicious lunch at Las Primicias while observing the tortoises from afar as you eat. After lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn all about the natural history and global importance of the Galapagos Islands. 

Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island

The next 6 days will be dedicated to seeing as much of the Galápagos as possible! An early morning ferry will bring us to Isabella island, the youngest and most active of the archipelago. The geographical diversity is just one of the many things that make the islands so special. Our first night on Isabela will be spent at a glamping site in the highlands where we will experience the unique biodiversity of a pacific volcano. 

Overnight: Glamping, Isabela Island

Today is an action packed day starting with a thrilling bike ride down the volcanic slope to Puarto Villamil right to the door of our hotel for the next few nights. After a tasty lunch, we will head to the picturesque Concha Perla bay, for a kayaking tour around the rocky shore in search of treasured sightings of Galapagos penguins, sea lions, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas. In the evening we will relax in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s volcano hike. 

Overnight: Hotel, Isabela Island

This will be a full day boat adventure, exploring the island from the sea. Keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles and black- tipped reef sharks! After snorkeling, relax on the white sand beaches of Isabela. 

Overnight: Hotel, Isabela Island

What better place to learn to hang 10 than on a gorgeous Galapagos beach. With low to medium height, punchy waves perfect for learning to surf safely, we will hit the beautiful ‘La Playita’ beach for some lessons on surfing techniques. This is the perfect opportunity to get that unforgettable and compelling experience of riding a wave in the company of pelicans and sea lions that love to play in the waves just like us! Midday, we’ll have a well earned and delicious lunch with our host family at the hotel before saying our goodbyes to them and heading out for the afternoon ferry to Santa Cruz island. On arrival in Santa Cruz, the group will get settled in and have a late afternoon stroll around Puerto Ayora town in search of the perfect sunset.   

Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island

Today we will visit a real highlight of the islands, Las Grietas, which are large geological formations immersed in pristine waters for perfect bathing and aquatic animal observation. After a typically scrumptious Galapaguenan lunch, the group will head out for an afternoon of relaxation and games on the white sands of Tortuga Bay. In the evening, a final walk around Puerto Ayora and dinner at a popular restaurant follow. 

Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island

After a final morning of shopping, say goodbye to the Galápagos islands and fly back to Quito. On our last ride through the hills we will have time to reminisce about all the incredible experiences you had in the Galápagos.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.