Parque Nacional Sangay Ríos Ecuador/Yacu Amu

Active Galapagos

All content by Intrepid

10 days (ex Quito)

Destinations visited: Ecuador, The Galápagos Islands, Quito, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,035

Book now

Description

Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour Galapagos's outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot, boat and bike on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's 'Theory of Evolution', spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures, and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands.

Highlights

Get acquainted with Quito's dizzying altitude.
Bike around San Cristobal.
Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the Galapagos Islands.
Scale Isabela's volcano.
Snorkel over underwater worlds.
Meet near-extinct Galapagos tortoises.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Travel to Quito and discover this vibrant city resting beneath Volcan Pichincha. Explore the picturesque streets and cobblestone alleys on a walking tour. The many churches, cathedrals and colonial mansions reflect the history of the region and are well worth exploring further.

Days 2-3 Isla San Cristobal

Head off to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Saddle up on mountain bikes for a ride around the island, stopping to see cheeky sea lions sunbathe at La Loberia, before a welcome dinner back in town. The next day, visit Isla de Lobos and Cerro Brujo Beach to observe blue-footed boobies. Take to the sea and swim or snorkel with playful sea lions or opt to go diving for a deeper look into the Galapagos. Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the Galapagos's history before heading to Mann Beach for another swim.

Days 4-6 Isla Floreana/Isla Isabela

Glimpse dolphins frolicking in the waves and experience some of the Galapagos's best diving and snorkelling at Isla Floreana. In the afternoon, journey into Floreana's highlands to visit the mysterious Pirate and Whaler caves. Take a walk along mangrove-lined paths to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, seeing the efforts made to prevent their extinction, before hopping aboard pangas (small boats) to explore Shark Alley, visiting a nesting site for marine iguanas. On day 6, get a bird's-eye view of this magical landscape from Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the region and then relax and enjoy the spoils of island life before dinner.

Days 7-8 Isla Santa Cruz

Greet the day kayaking in pristine waters in search of the Galapagos penguin and other wonderful creatures, before making tracks to Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the interesting and informative Charles Darwin Research Station to meet the breeds of tortoises and land iguanas brought back from the brink of extinction, then head to the white sands of Tortuga Bay to swim and see the quirky marine iguanas playing in the breakers.

Days 9-10 Quito

Journey into the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the amazing lava tunnels - striking geological formations that create a unique habitat for wildlife â“ and witness the Giant Tortoise in the wild. Then it's time to farewell the majesty of the Galapagos Islands and return to the mainland on a flight back to Quito. Enjoy free time to revel in the nightlife of this enchanting city, and perhaps sample traditional fare at a local eatery or street stall for a final taste of Ecuadorian cuisine. There should also be time to hit the markets to pick up colourful souvenirs.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts)

Transport

Plane, Minibus, Bicycle, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $150 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,035

Book now

Traveller reviews for Active Galapagos (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.