Galápagos from island to island

The adventure between volcanoes and reefs

Adventure Safari Nature

Galápagos from island to island - Hauptfoto des Aufenthalts

Galápagos from island to island - Foto 2 der Reise

Galápagos from island to island - Foto 3 der Reise

Galápagos from island to island - Foto 4 der Reise

Galápagos from island to island - Foto 5 der Reise

This island-hopping trip in the Galápagos, accompanied by a French-speaking guide, focuses on hiking, kayaking and snorkeling to get close to fascinating endemic wildlife. Designed against the current of cruises and classic trips, it offers a rare immersion among volcanoes, isolated coves and wild beaches, in a preserved archipelago where nature reigns supreme.

Beschreibung der Reise

This trip offers a rare immersion in the heart of the Galápagos, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved archipelagos in the world. Here, endemic wildlife freely occupies the space: sea lions, marine iguanas, and coastal birds share the beaches and urban areas, indifferent to the presence of visitors. The National Park places animals at the center of daily life, offering a unique experience of close contact with wildlife. The entire trip is accompanied by a French-speaking guide, ensuring an in-depth reading of the ecosystems and a coherent guiding thread throughout the itinerary. We begin in Quito, a colonial capital perched in the Andes, before heading to the archipelago. On Santa Cruz, volcanic craters and giant tortoise reserves offer a first encounter with the islands’ unique biodiversity. Isabela then reveals its spectacular landscapes: snorkeling in the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa, ascent of the Sierra Negra volcano, and exploration of the Tintoreras islets. Bike rides to the Muro de las Lágrimas and swims in the coves complete this immersion. Next, we head to Floreana, the most secluded of the large islands, where hikes to the Asilo de Paz and Bahía del Correo recall the history of the first settlers and whalers. Kayaking and snorkeling make it possible to explore its wild coasts before returning to Santa Cruz, then San Cristóbal. Here, coastal hikes, swims with sea lions and turtles, and discovery of the interpretation center set the pace for the days. The kayaking expedition to Puerto Grande, with a night camping on an inaccessible beach, is a highlight of the trip. The tour ends in Quito, with a visit to its UNESCO-listed historic center, before the return flight. Designed against the grain of classic cruises and mass tourism, this itinerary favors walking, kayaking, and land-based immersions. Each stage is designed to maximize contact with nature and reduce exposure to the most frequented areas, in order to preserve the intimacy of the experience and offer a different way to discover the Galápagos.

Unterkunft

Keine Unterkunftsinformationen verfügbar

Reiseprogramm

Tag 1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito at the end of the day. Welcome at the airport and transfer to our hotel located in the historic center. Capital perched at nearly 2 850 m of altitude, Quito charms with its colonial alleyways and its panoramas over the surrounding volcanoes. Check-in and free time for a first immersion in the atmosphere of the city. Dinner at leisure and night in Quito.
Tag 2
Santa Cruz Island - Craters and Galápagos tortoises
Early morning transfer to the airport and flight to the Galápagos archipelago, via Guayaquil. Arrival on Baltra Island in the middle of the morning, then crossing by bus and ferry to reach Santa Cruz. Check-in at the hotel before a first discovery of the island: the volcanic craters of Los Gemelos, witnesses to the geological origin of the archipelago, then a reserve home to the famous giant tortoises and lava tunnels. In the afternoon, depending on the time available, a walk to Tortuga Bay or Playa de los Perros, between white sand and marine wildlife. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Santa Cruz. 2 km in the tortoise reserve 8 km round trip to Tortuga Bay
Tag 3
Isabela Island - Excursion to Cabo Rosa
Boat transfer to Isabela Island (about 2h30) and check-in at the hotel in Puerto Villamil. In the afternoon, departure for Cabo Rosa, nicknamed Los Túneles. This spectacular site, shaped by lava arches and bridges, is home to particularly rich marine wildlife. The outing is dedicated to snorkeling in its natural pools, where you can observe turtles, seahorses and sharks. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Isabela.
Tag 4
Isabela Island - Ascent of the Sierra Negra volcano, Tintoreras Islands
In the morning, transfer to the heights of the island, from where we will begin the ascent to the summit of the immense Sierra Negra volcano, which has one of the largest calderas in the world. The trail, which runs along the edge of the crater, offers an unforgettable panorama, emblematic of the Galápagos. We will continue towards the Chico volcano, a second crater, before retracing our steps. In the afternoon, excursion in Villamil Bay to the Tintoreras islets, accessible in about ten minutes by boat. A short land walk and snorkeling allow you to observe Galápagos penguins, white-tipped sharks and sea turtles. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Isabela. 15 km of walking
Tag 5
Isabela Island - Bike ride
Early in the morning, snorkeling is possible on Concha de Perla beach before the arrival of tourists. The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring the beaches located west of Puerto Villamil. We will hop on our bikes to reach the Muro de las Lágrimas, a poignant remnant of the penal colony that occupied the island in the 1950s. Along the way, viewpoints, mangroves and coves punctuate the ride. Picnic on site, with time for swimming, snorkeling and wildlife watching. Transfer to Santa Cruz Island at 15h. Night on Santa Cruz Island. 15 to 20 km by bike. 2h30 transfer by boat.
Tag 6
Floreana Island - Asylum of Peace
In the morning, transfer by boat to Floreana Island, the least populated and least visited of the large islands of the archipelago. Arrival in the late morning and check-in at the hotel. Hike to Cerro Pajas, a small volcano overlooking the island, then discovery of the caves of Asilo de Paz, a former refuge of the first settlers and Floreana’s only source of fresh water. At the end of the day, a walk on a nearby beach to watch the sunset. Dinner at leisure and overnight on Floreana Island. Travel time: 3h by boat 12 km of walking
Tag 7
Floreana Island - Hike to Bahia Correo
Day dedicated to a hike towards the beach del Correo. After visiting a small volcanic summit, descent through the forest down to the bay where the famous 18th-century whalers’ mailbox was located. This informal postal system allowed sailors to drop off their mail and take the letters destined for their country. Continuation of the walk to the mirador de la Baronesa, which overlooks the cliffs, then snorkeling in the bay and free time to enjoy the beach. Return by boat to Puerto Velasco. Dinner at leisure and overnight on Floreana Island. 12 km of walking
Tag 8
Floreana Island - Playa Negra, kayaking at Lobería
Last morning on Floreana, dedicated to exploring the coasts by kayak. Walk to Playa Negra and the Lobería, with the possibility of accessing an isolated cove. Free time to dive at Playa Negra before the boat departure for Santa Cruz at 15h00. Transfer to the highlands of the island and check-in at the hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight on Santa Cruz. 4 km of walking
Tag 9
Santa Cruz Island - Cerro Mesa Reserve and Garrapateros Beach
In the morning, transfer to the Cerro Mesa reserve. This site is home to a vast crater and is a prime habitat for many bird species, as well as for giant tortoises. After the visit, drive back down to Garrapateros beach, renowned for its light-colored sand and calm waters. Exploration on foot and by kayak, allowing access to secluded coves and secondary beaches. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Tag 10
San Cristobal Island - Opuntia Garden
Departure in the morning to reach the port and board the ferry to the island of San Cristóbal. Arrival in the late morning and check-in at the hotel in the port of Baquerizo Moreno. In the afternoon, transfer inland for a hike through the forest to the Jardín de Opuntia, an area of endemic prickly pear cacti where finches are frequently observed. Nearby, discovery of an isolated beach with the possibility of snorkeling. Return to the port at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight on the island of San Cristóbal. 7 km of walking
Tag 11
San Cristóbal Island - Hike to playa Baquerizo
Day hike to discover the main beaches of northern Baquerizo Moreno. Visit to the interpretation center, which traces the natural and human history of the archipelago, then a walk to Cerro Tijeretas, where frigatebirds can be observed. Descent to Darwin Bay, where it is possible to dive with turtles and sea lions. We will then walk to the isolated beach of Baquerizo to visit and dive. Return via the beaches bordering the bay, which are known to shelter many sea lions. Dinner at leisure and overnight in San Cristobal. 8 to 10 km of walking.
Tag 12
San Cristobal Island - Kayak expedition and camp on an isolated beach
Departure by kayak for a day of exploration along the west coast of San Cristobal. We make our way between coves and cliffs to the beaches of Manglecito and Puerto Grande. The latter, inaccessible by land, offers us the rare privilege of spending the night alone on a wild beach. Swimming, diving and observation of marine wildlife punctuate this exclusive immersion in the heart of the Galápagos. Setting up the camp and night on the beach. About 15 km of kayaking
Tag 13
San Cristobal Island - Hike to La Loberia
Early morning return by boat to the port of Baquerizo Moreno, then transfer by vehicle to Lobería beach, renowned for its sea lion colonies. From there, we begin a hike along the southern part of the island, between cliffs and wetlands, before reaching the port on foot. A coastal walk that allows you to observe the island’s natural richness while enjoying varied panoramas. Dinner at leisure and overnight on San Cristóbal Island. Approximately 10 km of walking.
Tag 14
San Cristobal - Quito flight
Flight to Quito in the morning or early afternoon. Depending on the schedule, a final walk or visit can be considered before departure. Arrival in the Ecuadorian capital in the middle or at the end of the day, then check-in at the hotel. Free time for a first discovery of the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Quito.
Tag 15
Quito - Return flight
Morning dedicated to visiting the historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its squares, churches and colonial residences bear witness to Quito’s importance during the Spanish era. International flight at the end of the day.
Tag 16
Arrival
Arrived at the destination, with memories full in the eyes.