Galapagos Multi-sport Adventure [9 days]

For those wishing to experience the Galapagos Islands by land instead of by sea, we offer our Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure. This diverse land-based Galapagos trip includes daily visits to the central and southern islands and overnights in hotels. You'll spend nine magical days observing the Islands' vast array of wildlife from the up-close perspective afforded by kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, trekking and horseback riding. This unique tour combines the best of Galapagos nature, wildlife, history and landscapes with adventure and sports activities. [scroll down for tour details]

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.

Tour details: Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

Day 1: QUITO
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Upon early arrival, optional tours to museums or other Quito attractions can be arranged.

Day 2: QUITO - SAN CRISTÓBAL (Hiking)
The morning begins with a transfer to the airport for the flight to San Cristóbal Island. After arrival and check-in at a comfortable hotel, take an invigorating hike to nearby Frigate Hill where you witness breathtaking views of the coastline and Puerto Baqueriz Moreno on the other side. This is an excellent birdwatching spot where magnificent frigatebirds, with wing spans of over six feet, soar above. The great frigates share the hill with blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and Darwin's finches. On the way back, you'll stop for a tropical swim along the white sands of Mann Beach. The first night is spent at a charming San Cristóbal hotel. (B,L)

Day 3: SAN CRISTÓBAL (Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling)
From the sparkling coast, slip into sleek ocean kayaks and spend the day paddling along the turquoise waters to Playa Ochoa, watching sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds along the way. After reaching Playa Ochoa, stretch your legs on the beach and take a swim with friendly sea lions. Enjoy a hearty lunch before paddling to Roca Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone often covered with seabirds. The jutting rocks offer excellent snorkeling, and certified divers will find this location to be one of the best dives in the Galapagos. Here, marine life is abundant, with hammerheads, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, golden rays, clams, starfish, marine invertebrates and dozens of tropical fish species swimming in and out of the rocky channels. Return to the hotel
to relax for the evening. (B, L)

Day 4: SAN CRISTOBAL - SANTA CRUZ (Biking)
After breakfast, you'll take a fast boat from San Cristobal to the island of Santa Cruz, where you'll be transferred to El Chato Reserve, and a natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. Here pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds may be seen bathing in freshwater lakes. You'll explore unique volcanic tunnel formations in lava caves, and if the weather is clear, be able to see Media Luna, an ancient collapsed crater at the top of the island. In the afternoon, drive to Cerro Mesa high on the island to begin the afternoon's mountain bike excursion. You'll travel through highland farmlands and the village of Bellavista before reaching the Islands' most populous town, Puerto Ayora. This twelve-mile ride is mostly downhill on dirt and paved roads. Spend the night at a Puerto Ayora hotel. (B, L)

Day 5: SANTA CRUZ (Hiking and Charles Darwin Center)
After breakfast, you'll hike around Cerro Crocket in search of Galapagos tortoises and visit the lava tunnels. Sea kayaking in Divine Bay may be an option but new regulations have prohibited all sea kayaking in the area, however, regulations change erratically and if kayaking is available your guide will change the itinerary. Next you'll visit famed Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about Galapagos conservation and wildlife management efforts. Passengers may choose to add on an optional self-guided hike to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the archipelago. One of few Galapagos hikes that one may take without a guide; this is four mile loop on trails through dry forest habitat. You'll return to your hotel in the afternoon and have the evening free to sample the cuisine and nightlife. (B, L)

Day 6: ISABELA ISLAND (Hiking and Snorkeling)
In the morning, travel by boat to Puerto Villamil, capital of Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. Isabela was formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but one of these volcanoes is still active, making this island one of the Earth's most volcanically active places. Despite the island's potential for destruction, Isabela's wildlife is rich beyond comparison. In the afternoon, visit the Isabela Breeding Center for the giant tortoise, exploring various trails along the coastline. Hike through thick mangrove trees and salty lagoons, home to graceful herons and flamingos. Isabela Island was once a penal colony and its prisoners built the famous "Muro de las Lagrimas," a lava stone wall. With curious Galapagos penguins looking on, snorkel the bay, perhaps catching a glimpse of marine iguanas or sharks in the crystal waters. Stay overnight at an Isabela Island hotel. (B, L)

Day 7: ISABELA ISLAND (Horseback Riding and Hiking)
After breakfast, travel to Santo Tomas. The day's explorations are on horseback. Ride for about two hours over six miles of steep terrain to reach the rim of volcano Sierra Negra which possesses the second largest caldera in the world. From this high vantage point, the views of the five by six-mile wide caldera and Perry Isthmus are astonishing. Following a satisfying lunch, set off on foot to Volcano Chico, looking for evidence of volcanic activity. This site is a natural museum containing examples of the geologic occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands. In the late afternoon, return to town to stay overnight at the hotel. (B, L,D)

Day 8: ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ - BALTRA - QUITO
The morning begins with a peaceful boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island. From there, transfer by bus to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito.
Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel.(B)

Day 9: QUITO
Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, the end of Southern Explorations services. If you are interested in more Galapagos tours, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito, we would be happy to arrange them. (B)

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Prices in GBP, USD and CAD are informative and may vary with the official exchange rate.

Please don't forget to choose the charity of your choice from our list!

Carbon Footprint for this package: EUR 4.50