Galapagos Island Hopping

Fly from London to Ecuador’s vibrant capital, Quito, where your Galapagos adventure begins.

On arrival, transfer to Casa Gardenia for a 2 night stay (B&B). This charming six-room boutique hotel enjoys an elevated position in Quito’s historic centre, offering spectacular views across the city and surrounding Andean peaks.

The following day, discover the highlights of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with your private guide. Wander the colourful streets of La Ronda, admire the gilded interior of La Compañía Church, visit the Presidential Palace and climb the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional for panoramic views across the city. You can also enhance your stay with a chocolate tasting experience, a visit to the Equator at Mitad del Mundo, or extend your time in the Andes with a day trip to the famous Otavalo Market or the thermal springs of Papallacta. Want to explore further? Ask us about a full-day trip to Otavalo Market or the Andean hot springs at Papallacta.

Fly to Baltra and cross to Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll travel through the lush highlands to Hotel Ikala to spend 3 nights (B&B). This stylish boutique hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance of Puerto Ayora’s waterfront, where sea lions, pelicans and marine iguanas are a familiar sight!

En route, visit the El Chato Tortoise Reserve to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat before exploring one of Santa Cruz’s fascinating lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

The following day, enjoy a full-day excursion to North Seymour Island, one of the Galapagos’ finest wildlife destinations. Walk among blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds displaying their inflated red throat pouches, land iguanas and marine iguanas, before snorkelling in crystal-clear waters where sea lions, reef sharks and colourful tropical fish are often seen.

Your final day is free to explore at your own pace. Walk to the pristine sands of Tortuga Bay, snorkel at the dramatic volcanic fissure of Las Grietas, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Puerto Ayora. Want something off-grid? Ask us about a full-day fishing-and-snorkelling tour to Pinzón Island, where sea lions and turtles abound.

A two-hour speedboat whisks you to Isabela, the archipelago’s youngest and largest island. Stay at Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel for 4 nights (B&B), a sleek eco-lodge with poolside volcano views and the beach at your feet.

Over these four days, your expert naturalist will guide you through the island’s dramatic landscapes and waters. You’ll hike across the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, peer into its enormous caldera, and descend into lush forested trails that change with the altitude.

Another day brings a guided snorkelling tour to Los Tuneles, where lava tunnels form protected pools rich with life – from sleeping reef sharks and seahorses to eagle rays and schools of colourful reef fish. You’ll also explore Las Tintoreras, a nearby islet that teems with whitetip sharks, penguins and marine iguanas. Want more? Add a night snorkel off the jetty or try paddleboarding through the bay at sunrise. Birders might enjoy a guided lagoon walk in search of flamingos and migratory herons.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Take to the skies in a light aircraft for a scenic 45-minute flight to San Cristóbal, the easternmost and geologically oldest Galápagos island. On landing, you’ll transfer to Casa Playa Mann for 3 nights (B&B). This quiet 6-room hotel is just steps from Playa Mann, where sea lions nap in the sand and pelicans dive in the surf!

Spend the afternoon unwinding or walk to the Interpretation Centre to understand the archipelago’s human and ecological history. For a peaceful first hike, take the coastal trail to Cerro Tijeretas, a nesting spot for frigatebirds with panoramic views.

A full-day boat tour takes you to Española Island, where waved albatross (Apr–Dec), Nazca boobies and lava lizards thrive on rugged cliffs. This is one of the best islands for bird photography, and your guide will lead you along rocky paths to witness courtship dances and dramatic blowholes.

On your final day, consider a snorkelling trip to Kicker Rock, a split volcanic cone rising from the sea where sharks, rays and turtles glide between coral-covered walls. Prefer something gentler? Relax on Playa Mann or kayak along the coast to La Lobería, where sea lions play in the shallows and marine iguanas bask on rocks.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight back to the mainland and Transfer to your departure flight back to the UK. If needed, we can build in a final night in Guayaquil or Quito for a more relaxed departure.

Welcome home, with your memory card full and your soul changed!