The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique places on earth. They are featured on almost every ‘places to see before you die’ list and yet remain relatively unspoilt by tourism. The number of visitors to the islands is limited and all visitors venturing out of the main towns must be accompanied by a thoroughly trained Galapaganian guide. There are strict rules for visitors and locals to abide by when visiting the island with regards to the animals and landscape. Once you have visited this enchanting place it is easy to understand the conservation efforts and guidelines in place to protect it.

Many holiday companies feature the Galapagos Islands choosing to simply cruise around several of the islands, but this itinerary was created to show a few lucky individuals the real experience. The two holidays simply cannot compare – cruising around the postcard perfect island bays or snorkelling with the playful sea lions in the water? Taking photos of the volcano scenery from the harbour town or hiking around the crater (whilst stepping over the sunbathing iguanas!)? Learning from your friendly English rep who has read many books on the Galapagos or being led through the forest by your Galapaganian guide to show you where he found a family of giant tortoises living the week before?

We could go on and on about this trip, but read the itinerary and experience the real Galapagos Islands.

Day 1: Welcome to the Galapagos Islands!
You will be met at the Island Airport before transferring to the hotel before a delicious lunch served on the terrace with an amazing view of the harbour. From the hotel a short walk to the nearby visitor’s centre provides a fascinating reminder of exactly how these volcanic islands were formed and their colourful history with practical evidence of evolution for the animals living here compared to elsewhere in the world. From here it’s up to the Frigate Hill view point which offers stunning views over the harbour and Charles Darwin Bay below. You will also see the beautiful Frigate birds who nest here.

This afternoon you will have your first snorkelling experience on the islands and in no better place than Charles Darwin Bay. Sea lions, turtles, brightly coloured Galapagos crabs and hordes of tropical fish are regularly found here. You will return to the hotel walking along a post card worthy beach, very popular with sea lion harems in the evenings. After dinner we highly recommend a short walk along the promenade to see a different sea lion colony at the edge of the harbour.

Day 2: Sea kayaking, snorkelling and Kicker Rock
A short boat ride along the coast brings you to the kayaking start point. En-route it is common to see sun bathing sea lions, heron, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Kayaking along the rocky shore allows a fantastic opportunity to get close to native animals and birds in their natural habitats. You will travel through picture perfect surroundings with crystal clear turquoise water and dramatic volcanic rock formations on the shore. You will return to the boat to have lunch before spending the afternoon snorkelling in a sheltered bay which is consistently the best place on the island to interact with sea lions. Turtles and marine iguanas are also regularly seen here along with tiger eels, a range of reef fish and some beautiful birdlife along the shoreline.

A short boat trip will then transport you to Kicker Rock; two huge rock massifs jutting out from the ocean. Kicker rock is home to a different kind of marine life and in the channel between the two rocks you are likely to see spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, white tipped sharks, star fish, sea turtles and if your very lucky hammerhead sharks. At your own risk it is possible to snorkel here but only if you are brave enough!

Day 3: Wall of Tears mountain biking
This morning we will take a light aircraft flight across to one of the other islands before checking into your new hotel. Here your guide will meet you with some mountain bikes to head off on the inland trails to the Wall of Tears. This dates back to when the island was used as a penal colony and the prisoners constructed this huge wall of lava rocks to distract themselves from the madness of isolation; a very impressive sight indeed. The route you will take on the bikes is extremely varied from sandy beaches to tunnels made from lava and then moving away from the coastline and into the territory of hundreds of Galapagos tortoises. Be on the lookout for the mangrove finch (endemic to the Galapagos Islands) flamingos, herons and other shore birds.

This afternoon includes another chance to snorkel in this new island setting with a new range of marine life to explore! After snorkelling by boat you will explore the small islets of the island and enjoy sightings of Galapagos penguins and huge numbers of marine iguanas.

Day 4: Active volcano hike
This morning you will drive as far as the road will take you to the foot of the Sierra Negra volcano. From here you will begin the hike whist admiring the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and beaches. The landscape here is otherworldly and reminiscent of mars with spectacular lava formations and dramatic puffing fumaroles. When you reach the rim of the volcano the views are completely stunning. This is the second most active caldera on the planet and is a huge 30 mile square crater. It is possible to continue the hike to a second caldera, enjoy the views or to return to the vehicle to return to the lazy beach town and relax on the paradise beaches or enjoy the rooftop hot tub.

Day 5: Giant Tortoises, Pirates and Santa Cruz
After breakfast we move onto the next fascinating island. En route keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins. On arrival to Santa Cruz Island you will head into the highlands to find the giant tortoises in their natural habitats. These remarkable gigantic creatures are fascinating and can live to be over 175 years old. There is also a wide array of bird life in the vicinity for any keen birdwatchers. After leaving your new tortoise friends, you will then explore the area’s lava tunnels.

Your guide will tell you the local legends about pirates hiding the legendary Inca gold in these volcanic caves as you explore the fascinating underground formations. You will then take part in a short hike to two of the island’s largest volcanic craters – a very dramatic sight! This evening is free for you to explore the liveliest town on the islands, with a range of bars, cafes and souvenir shops.

Day 6: Sea Kayaking and Paradise
This morning you will explore Divine Bay by sea kayak, paddling along the still turquoise waters and through some of the high-walled lava channels. Drawn to the warmer, shallower waters in the channels sea rays and white tipped reef sharks are regularly found. You can also paddle right up to the fearless red-billed tropic birds, herons and blue footed boobies. Other wildlife commonly seen are large brightly coloured sally-footed crabs and marine iguanas perched precariously along the cliffs.

After lunch a 40 minute hike will bring you to Tortuga Bay, through a unique dry forest. A variety of animals and birdlife can be found in the forest along with some unique and interesting plants. The bay itself is post card perfect with white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and beautiful views of the ocean. Whether you just want to lie back on the warm sand and relax or head into the water for a swim this is real paradise!

Day 7: Charles Darwin Research Station
These fantastic islands were first discovered by Charles Darwin and this morning you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a fantastic conservation centre dedicated to rearing endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas and giant Galapagos tortoises. The centre specialises in educating its visitors and your local Galapaganian guide will discuss the scientific and conservation purposes of the centre. This centre is of vital importance in protecting the island’s fragile eco system. This is the perfect way to bid farewell to the islands and transfer back to Quito to meet your return flights home or continue your adventures in mainland Ecuador.

Ecuador and the Galapagos islands are regularly used as examples within the industry of how tourism should be controlled and used to benefit the local community as much as possible, whilst also ensuring tourists get the best possible sustainable experience.

17% of Ecuador’s land is protected within 44 national parks and reserves across the country, the biggest of these being the Galapagos Islands. These parks are all heavily monitored and regulated to protect the stunning natural areas for generations to come. In 1998 UNESCO named Ecuador as one of only 17 countries in the world classified as “mega diverse” due to the four clearly defined regions in this small country – the stunning Galapagos Islands, the warm and sunny Pacific coast, the majestic Andes mountain range and the Amazonian rain forest.

To take part in any guided activity in the National Parks, including the Galapagos Islands, by law you must be accompanied by a fully trained native guide along with your Ecuadorian guide. To live on the Galapagos Islands you must either have been born there or to have married one of the natives. This ensures that all employment generated by tourism directly benefits the local communities. Building of hotels in the Islands is heavily regulated to ensure they are environmentally friendly and as beneficial as possible to the local community as possible. You will see clear evidence of this during your visit including only native employees, use of local produce wherever possible and recommended guidelines for behaviour from the hotel guests.