Wild Galapagos Escape – winter warmth and wildlife

SUMMARY

The Galapagos with WalkingWomen

Dates: Monday 1st to Monday 8th February 2027

Arrival: Friday – arrive in Quito (we recommend arriving a few days early to acclimatise if you can – we can arrange extra night accommodation and we add extras to your invoice) You will be met at the airport and transfered directly to your hotel in Quito. You can arrive at a time to suit – the morning would be preferable.

Departure: We will travel back to Quito .You must book your return flights from 21.00 Monday 8th February  as flights from the Galapagos to Quito arrive earliest 12 noonish and this will allow time for any delays/transfer time. We recommend a night in Quito on return to be sure.

Let us know if you would like to extend your trip – we can assist!

Guide: local guide Ale

Walking Grade: we grade this 2 Goats. It is easy to moderate walking but you do need to be fit for the climate and for being active most of the day. This is a relaxed holiday to escape the cold  and experience something truly incredible in winter. So much wildlife and incredible landscapes to make this a memorable trip and we want you to be full of energy to get the most out if it.

Max. Elevation Gain: 300m

Temperatures: Warm season but there could be tropical rain. 72-88 F or 22 degrees C to 31 degrees C

Base: we stay in 3 lovely hotels

Casa Ilayaku – your stop over in Quito.In the hills outside Quito and a perfect place to stop before heading off the next day to the Galapagos. If you can have a few days extra here we would recommend it.

La Isla, Santa Cruz Island  – you will have a night here on arrival and your last two nights here. It is a lovely hotel just a stroll into Santa Cruz with lots of interesting shops and fill of cafes and restaurants.

Volcano, Isabella Island where  you spend 3 nights

All hotels are 3-4 stars – all comfortable in great locations.

Price: £3999 per person for this unique trip with solo occupancy room ( a double bed)

If you bring a friend /partner and share a room the price is £3600 per person and we will adjust your invoice with the discount once you have paid your deposit.

Included:

• Internal Flights Quito to Galapagos return ( please note flight prices fluctuate and we will charge the actual )
• English speaking female local guide throughout
• Galapagos Naturalist Guide
• Hotels and all breakfasts
• Airport Transfer on arrival and departure day ( if travel outside these days it is extra. We will arrange.)
• Private local transport needed for the trip – internal flights, inter island speed boats , mini buses ..
• All activities/excursions and meals as the itinerary ( 6 lunches and 6 evening meals )
• Snorkelling equipment
• Galapagos Fees, internal flights,boats and specialist  local naturalist guide
• Gratuities for drivers and canoe/boat crews

Not included:

• Flights to and from Ecuador
• Evening Meal on two free evenings.
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Wet Suit if needed
• Passport/visa fees required
• Travel insurance – you must have it.
• Tips for your daily guide and specialist naturalist guides
• Personal expenses

DETAILS

The Galápagos Islands are an evolutionary wonder which inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Imagine spending a winter holiday in a place called a living museum full of such wonders of the world. You can laze on white sandy beaches but you can also walk amongst giant tortoises , iguanas, sea lions and a multitude of birds including the blue booby. And swim with sea turtles , sea horses , reef sharks , eagle rays, damsel fish – it’s like being in an aquarium. 

Read more about this unique place UNESCO World Heritage Site

HIGHLIGHTS:

• First class and customised service throughout 
• Warm, welcoming hotels providing an authentic local experience.
• Relaxed time on two enchanting Galapagos Islands where you can get a real sense of this island life
• Nature, white sand beach, snorkelling and up close encounters with endemic wildlife

ITINERARY

Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, national park regulations, or unforeseen situations.

Day 1 ; Quito arrival

You will be met at whatever time you arrive. Look out for a welcome sign displaying your name as you exit the arrivals area. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Once the entire group has arrived, we will gather for a brief orientation followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Casa Ilayaku

Included meals: Dinner

Day 2: Flight from Quito to Santa Cruz –  Giant Tortoises and Trapiche

Morning flight from Quito to Galápagos Islands. A public bus takes us to the Itabaca Channel, where we will board a ferry to cross to the other side. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting to take us to the highlands of Santa Cruz.

In the highlands, we will visit private farms that conserve pristine, native, and endemic vegetation, providing a natural habitat for the Galápagos Giant Tortoise. We will have the incredible opportunity to get up close to these magnificent creatures. As we follow the winding trail through this lush landscape, we will have plenty of chances to marvel at the giant tortoises in their full glory—just don’t forget your camera! These majestic animals, known for their dome-shaped shells and impressive size, are often seen partially submerged in mud ponds, either to combat skin parasites or. to regulate their body temperature on warm, sunny days.

After a delicious lunch, we will visit El Trapiche Ecológico Galápagos, a wild, eco-tourist destination where we will learn about the process of creating organic products such as coffee, fine aroma chocolate, and sugarcane.

We will also have the chance to participate in agricultural activities, including the traditional process of extracting sugarcane juice using a rustic method known as “Trapiche”

In the late afternoon, we will continue our journey to our hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Accommodation: La Isla

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Speed boat to Isabela Island –  Tortoise Breeding Center & Wetlands

After a two-hour boat ride, we will arrive at Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel to drop off our luggage before beginning our first exploration of the island.

Our excursion will start with a visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where we will learn about the important conservation efforts aimed at protecting the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. We will then continue to the nearby wetlands, a unique ecosystem of mangroves, lagoons, and coastal habitats. This area is home to a wide variety of bird species and offers a beautiful introduction to Isabela Island’s remarkable natural diversity.

Accommodation: Volcano

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinnerwww.nolimitsreisen.com

Day 4: Tuneles / Finado (Isabela Island)

In the morning, we will depart by boat for Cabo Rosa, with a navigation time of approximately 1 hour from Isabela Island. During the journey, we will enjoy scenic views of the ocean and the volcanic coastline as we approach one of the most spectacular marine sites in the Galápagos.

Once we arrive at the area known as Los Túneles, we will begin exploring this unique volcanic landscape by boat, navigating through a series of natural lava arches and submerged tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Over time, lava flows created underground channels, which later collapsed in sections, forming a maze of stone arches above crystal-clear turquoise waters.

This area is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Galápagos Islands, where we can clearly observe marine vegetation emerging from the rocks, calm and transparent waters, and sea lions resting or swimming gracefully between the arches. It is also an ideal location for photography, offering surreal scenery at every turn.

After exploring the lava formations, we will continue to the snorkeling site known as Finados, where we will enter the water to experience incredible marine life up close. Here, we may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks (Tintorera), golden rays, eagle rays, seahorses, surgeonfish, and damselfish, among many other species that inhabit this rich ecosystem.

Following the snorkeling activity, we will enjoy a light lunch served on board the boat while we relax and take in the surroundings. After lunch, we will begin our journey back to Isabela Island.

Accommodation: Volcano

Included meals: Breakfast, Onboard Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sierra Negra and Chico Volcanoes (Isabela Island) Distance: 10-12 km

The excursion begins at 7:30 a.m., with a total duration of approximately 5 hours. We will first take a

45-minute transfer from town to the Galapagos National Park control area, where we will register and

prepare for the hike. From there, we will begin a guided trek of around 3 hours through the volcanic landscape. The hike takes place at the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Galapagos Islands. Its vast oval-shaped caldera measures approximately 9 km east to west and 7 km north to south, making it one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. As we hike along the rim and surrounding trails, we will witness dramatic volcanic scenery shaped by centuries of eruptions. Sierra Negra has experienced at least 10 recorded eruptions in historical times, with an average recurrence of about 15 years between eruptive events, highlighting its ongoing geological activity.

Throughout the walk, we will enjoy panoramic views of the caldera, volcanic formations, and contrasting landscapes that reflect the island’s dynamic geological history. The terrain and altitude offer a moderate challenge, but the experience is highly rewarding, combining natural beauty, geology, and breathtaking views of one of the most remarkable volcanic systems in the Galapagos.

Accommodation: Volcano

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Day 6: Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Research Station

In the morning, we will take a speedboat transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, we will visit the

Charles Darwin Research Station, located just outside Puerto Ayora. This renowned institution plays a vital role in the conservation and scientific study of the Galapagos Islands’ unique wildlife. During our visit, we will learn about the ongoing conservation efforts carried out to protect the archipelago’s fragile ecosystem, including breeding programs for the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises and other native species. The research station also features informative exhibits that provide a deeper understanding of the islands’ biodiversity and the delicate ecological balance that makes the Galapagos so extraordinary.

After the visit, we will enjoy lunch before transferring to our hotel for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to relax and recharge.

Accommodation: La Isla

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Navigable Tour to Bartolome, North Seymour, or South Plazas (subject to availability)

Depending on availability, today you’ll embark on a tour to one of the following islands:

Bartolomé Island

Named after Sir Bartholomew Sulivan of the British Navy, Bartolomé Island spans 1.3 square kilometers and reaches a maximum altitude of 115 meters. Known for its striking landscapes, Bartolomé offers some of the most unique scenery in the Galapagos. On a hike up an extinct volcano, you’ll ascend nearly 395 steps along a wooden path, passing fascinating volcanic formations such as lava tunnels, spatter cones, and scoria cones—making you feel as though you’re walking on the Moon. Along the way, you’ll encounter endemic vegetation like lava cactus and Tiquilia plants, and spot Darwin’s finches. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the iconic Pinnacle Rock, formed by volcanic ash and tuff.

North Seymour Island

A small island in the Galapagos, North Seymour is a wildlife haven. It’s the best place to witness the vibrant red balloon-like pouch of the frigatebird and observe the romantic courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island is also home to land and marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, fur seals, and various seabirds such as swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, and tropicbirds. A 2-hour walk takes you through this magical landscape. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch on board before sailing to Bachas Beach, a nesting site for sea turtles. The nearby lagoon is sometimes visited by flamingos. During this day, you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel, where you may encounter sea turtles, rays, white-tip reef sharks, and vibrant fish.

South Plaza Island

Located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza is a small but biodiverse island, offering some of the most concentrated wildlife in the Galapagos. Disembarking from a dock frequented by sea lions, you’ll walk through a forest of prickly pear cacti, where land iguanas often wait for fallen fruits and flowers. The hike leads to a cliff with sweeping views, where you might see yellow-tailed mullet and a variety of seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and pelicans. At the island’s eastern end, bull sea lions gather to rest and recover after losing their territories. After this captivating walk, we’ll return to the boat for lunch and head to Punta Carrión for a snorkeling adventure. Here, you can swim with sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, sea lions, and colorful fish.

Accommodation: La Isla

Included meals: Breakfast, Onboard Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Flight from Baltra Island to Ecuador Mainland

You will be transferred to Baltra Airport in time for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.

Depending on the departure time of your international flight, you may either wait at the airport or book an additional night with us at a hotel near Quito Airport. Flights from the Galapagos typically arrive in the afternoon. If guests wish to take their international flight on the same day, they should book a departure flight that leaves after 21:00 to ensure a smooth connection.

Meals included: Breakfast