Active Adventure Galapagos and Equator: Galapagos Beauty Island Hopping

Day 01: Sunday Oct. 4, 2026: Arrival Day- Airport GYE (Guayaquil) - Leisure Afternoon - Welcome Dinner

Arrival Day: Transfers not included, Hotel free Shuttle Provided

Guayaquil is a vibrant coastal city in Ecuador, known for its rich culture and bustling economy. As the largest city in the country, it serves as a key port and a gateway to the stunning Galapagos Islands. Guayaquil boasts a lively waterfront, the Malecón 2000, where visitors can enjoy scenic views, parks, and local eateries. With its of modern architecture and historical sites, Guayaquil offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Dinner not included in tour price- Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Monday Oct.5, 2026: Fly to San Cristobal - 

Frigatebird Hill, Interpretation Center, Carola Beach (3 Hours)

Departure Time: 9:30AM , Flight time at 11:26AM Breakfast included 

You will visit the island’s Interpretation Centre, where photos, historic documents and  maquettes will help you get a glimpse of the seriousness and complexity of preserving the unique ecosystems of Galapagos.

You will ascend to its summit through a precious trail of endemic trees where both Magnificent and Great frigatebirds form a mixed breeding colony. Once at the top, you can marvel at the panoramic views of this primal rugged coastline.  On the way down, you will cross a Charles Darwin statue, which is a reminder that this scientist, along with his scientific expedition, anchored here in 1835. The trail descends to Carola point, a secluded beach and popular surf location, where you might opt for a refreshing swim in accompanied by baby sea lions (snorkeling gear provided). Transfer to hotel.

Day 3: Tuesday. Oct 6, 2026: El Junco- Galapaguera- Puerto  Chino - Hike - 1h30M- Land Experience

Departure Time: 9:00AM  Included Breakfast, Guide, Lunch

This morning you will be picked up from the hotel by a guide, who will take you to explore unique places in the highlands and the southern coast of San Cristóbal.  First you will visit El Junco, the only freshwater lagoon on the island, located in the middle of the crater of a volcano, at a height of 680 meters. In its waters you can see beautiful frigate birds cleaning the salt from their wings. The paths around the lagoon lead through moss-covered bushes, bathed in a permanent curtain of mist, giving the area a mystical atmosphere.
Then you will arrive at a breeding and rescue center for giant Galapagos tortoises, where you can enjoy the majesty of these animals, as well as learn about their evolutionary history. The staff of this center collects turtle eggs in nature, to raise them, reproduce them, and finally re-introduce them to their natural habitat. If it were not for this work, several species of giant tortoises would probably have already become extinct, since the human presence in the Galapagos has had negative effects on the balance of the ecosystems.
Finally, you will descend from these highlands towards Puerto Chino, one of the most beautiful coral sand beaches on San Cristóbal Island. Deep black lava rocks contrast with populations of red crabs, and nearby are parts of an ancient whale skeleton. While you're enjoying the beach, some intrepid blue-footed boobies and fur seals may approach you. After optional snorkeling, return to the hotel.

Day 4: Wednesday Oct 7. 2026 :  Kicker Rock Amazing Snorkeling Experience

Departure Time: 8:00AM- Boat Tour- Breakfast & Box Lunch 

Kicker Rock is an impressive natural sculpture that rises up from the ocean at the northeast coast of San Cristobal Island. 
From the side it has the shape of a giant shoe upside down with the tower as a high heel (hence its name Kicker Rock). In its longitudinal direction, it rather resembles a sleeping lion (which explains its Spanish name Leon Dormido).
Plunge into this chilly tropical aquarium, carefully overseen by your guide and the closely following boat. The surge around hauls you into the wide channel between the tower and the main formation of Kicker Rock, an area teeming with rarely seen marine life. While floating between its high walls, a bright day may offer dazzling views down to the bottom. Before and after your swim, you might also enjoy the plentiful presence of seabirds that nest and breed in the edges of Kicker Rock. Galapagos shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, blue-footed and Nazca boobies are a regular sight. 

Day 5: Thursday. Oct 8. 2026: Espanola Island 

Departure Time: 9:00AM  Included Breakfast & Box Lunch

​Gardner Bay, Española Island

A long white sand beach and clear blue waters make this an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. In the water, sea turtles, rays, colorful tropical fish, sea lions and maybe even a white-tip reef shark may be seen. Excursion options: beach walking, swimming, or a deep-water snorkel for experienced snorkelers​

Suarez Point, Española Island

Española is the oldest island in the Galapagos and home to an abundance of wildlife. At this site, visitors can expect to see sea lions, Galapagos Hawks, marine iguanas, and both blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Excursion options include a long, rocky walk to look for Waved Albatrosses (March to January), and observing an impressive blowhole that spews water like a towering geyser.

Day 6:  Friday. Oct 09. 2026: Morning Leisure- Boat Transfer to Galapagos at 15:00

Time of Departure : 14:00 to the Dock.

​Enjoy a leisurely morning at La Loberia a stunning beach known for its large Galapagos sea lions. Embark on a one-hour hike across fascinating lava rocks and mangroves, where you can spot unique wildlife like red-billed tropbirds and marine iguanas. After your hike, dive into the crystal-clear waters to snorkel with curious sea lions and sea turtles, and unwind with a refreshing swim and relaxation on beach.

Day 7: Sat. Oct 10. 2026:  Charles Darwin & Highlands - Hike with Tortoises

Departure Time: 9:00 AM Breakfast & Lunch included

Santa Cruz is a huge island, with different climates and ecosystems. You will leave the sunny coast to explore the wet highlands along with your guide. With clear weather, this area boasts beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round.  Here you will visit the Twin Craters, which are two collapsed lava pits, as well as a local ranch where you can observe the iconic Santa Cruz giant tortoises dwelling in their natural habitat.  You will be brought to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, named after the British naturalist who developed his Theory of Evolution after visiting's these islands in 1835. Besides working as a NGO, this institution hosts the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service, from which biological research and conservation management are directed.  You will be taken on an educational stroll where the most memorable part will be the successful breeding center of Galapagos giant tortoises.  At this time you have time for lunch, and next, you will hike through a tropical dry forest towards

Day 8: Sunday Oct 11. 2026:  DAY at Leisure

Breakfast included

Suggestion for your leisure day:

Tortuga Bay is an excellent spot to kick back and enjoy the usual types of beach activities, but surrounded by the fascinating Galapagos wildlife. It is a good spot to relax and sun bathe, or alternatively to swim, snorkel or take a walk. It is important to note that you cannot swim directly from the main beach at Tortuga Bay – this is forbidden due to the strong currents, but you can do so at the nearby cove, which is more sheltered. You can also rent kayaks here.

Birdwatching is another popular pursuit at Tortuga Bay. This is because there are an interesting array of bird residing here. There are pelicans and finches, and in the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves there are sometimes flamingos too.

Day 9: Monday Oct 12. 2026:  Snorkel at Bartolome Island

Departure Time: 8:00AM Breakfast & Lunch

Bartolome is one of the most remarkable sites in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a giant pinnacle rising majestically from the bay. Enjoy stunning views from various angles before disembarking and climbing to the top of the islet. Along the way, you may encounter lava lizards, hawks, and endemic snakes. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. The bay boasts crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral formations. You may spot sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and harmless white-tip sharks.

Day 11: Tuesdeay Oct 13 2026:   Birdwatching- Walking Tour at North Seymour Island

Departure Time: 8:00AM Breakfast & Lunch 

North Seymour is a two-hour speedboat ride from Santa Cruz and is considered a bird-watching paradise.
This flat islet was formed by layers of lava and marine sediments that were once submerged but were raised to the surface over thousands of years due to tectonic plate collisions.
Upon disembarking, you'll explore a trail that passes through large colonies of frigatebirds, known for their aerial acrobatics and the males' striking red pouches, which they inflate to attract females. These frigatebirds share their habitat with the iconic blue-footed boobies, whom they sometimes chase to steal food. You’ll also have the chance to observe endemic wildlife, including land iguanas and numerous bird species.
After the activities, you will return to the dock in Puerto Ayora

Day 11: Tuesday Oct 14, 2026: Flight to Quito at 12:58PM (2h Flight)

Leisure Morning and evening

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city rich in history and culture, nestled high in the Andes mountains. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, it boasts stunning plazas, churches, and vibrant markets. The city's unique blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish influence creates a dynamic atmosphere. 

Day 12: Wednesday. Oct 17. 2026:  Trekking Ruco Pichincha's Cueva del Oso 

Departure Time: 9:00AM Breakfast & Lunch 

Today, you will go on an adventure high up in the mountains. Prepare yourselves to see Quito like never before! A trip on the TeleferiQo is without a doubt a unique experience. It invites you to discover new sensations every time you travel on it! 

 To reach the refuge you are taken by car first and then by pick up trucks  (4x4). After this, you will start the hike 2-3 hours of full hiking without including stops.

 To climb Guagua Pichincha, we will take you to Lloa and then to the flat area just before the Guagua Pichincha refuge. From there, we’ll continue in a 4x4 vehicle up to the Guagua Pichincha refuge. From the refuge, we’ll hike to the highest peak of Pichincha, Guagua, at 4,784 meters. Remember, this is a cold and windy climate, and you'll need to navigate a few small rocky sections.

• Physical level: Medium

• Technical level: Low

• Maximum altitude: 4,784 meters

• Distance: 4 km

• Elevation gain: 400 m

After your hike, you will return to your hotel.

Day 13:  Friday Oct 17. 2026: Departures to Home

Breakfast Included

Thank you for considering your departure to home. Please note that transfers are included but can be arranged upon request. If you're interested, there's also a possibility to continue your journey to the Amazon in Ecuador. Let us know if this option appeals to you!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Maximum Baggage Allowance: 1 backpack or bag (up to 5 kg) + 1 large suitcase (up to 20 kg). Extraweight: $10.00 per passenger for an additional Carry-on bag (up to 10 kg).