The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unforgettable destinations one could have on a travel bucket list. Also known as the Enchanted Islands, this is a destination for anyone interested in adventure, nature, animals, pristine beaches, active volcanoes and even history.
Surrounded by wonders, the Galapagos Islands are the best place to disconnect from the rest of the world, but what to do in the Galapagos? There are hundreds of things to do, and here are the top 5.
1. Snorkeling
This is one of the favorites for many visitors. Snorkeling is the chance to get up close and create and intimate contact with the marine wildlife. For snorkeling you don’t need any training, however, it’s important that you get briefed thoroughly before.
You can choose a variety of sites around the Galapagos to snorkel, such as Kicker Rock near San Cristobal, Pinnacle Rock on San Bartolomé, and Devil’s Crown off the coast of Floreana.
2. Hiking
The Galapagos Islands are a World Heritage Site, so given their national park status not every part of the park can be explored.
However, trails are marked for those who enjoy hiking; in Galapagos you can enjoy a unique lava rock trail where you will see blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
3. Kayaking
Yes, sea kayaking! You don’t really need any training to paddle along the rugged shoreline of the Galapagos Sea. You will be able to see several animals swimming by your side, including penguins and sea lions.
4. Biking
You can sign up for any cycle tour depending on how advanced you want it to be, take part in fun rides through the divine scenery. Cycle exploring some of the highest points on the island while you enjoy the native flora and fauna.
5. Scuba diving
For this one you need to have some experience or training, but don’t worry you can sign up for a scuba diving course. Then you can go deep into the hidden waters of the Galapagos and swim by the side of white-tip sharks, marine iguanas, penguins, golden rays, hammerheads and more.
The Galapagos islands are the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world, this top 5 activities are the most popular but not the only ones. Galapagos is a place where you can find anything to do.
We can help you planning your trip to the Galapagos. Contact us!
Sacha Warmi Project Half-Day Trip on 22 May, 2021
Review: Due to a curfew in Ecuador we did this trip instead of another we had planned. It was great to experience a rural area and spend time with a family. We got to see the things they were growing and a nice rose farm. They were so hospitable and made us a great meal!
Sacha Warmi Project Half-Day Trip on 18 Jun, 2021
Review: A wonderful introduction to the hospitality and history of an indigenous community on my first day in Ecuador. We were welcomed into the home of a family, went on a guided tour of the community farm (with newborn animals and various crops), learned about the medicinal use of plants, hiked with community members to an overlook of the Otavalo valley with folklore and stories, and were treated to a wonderful home cooked meal. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who is interested in the culture and real-life experience of Ecuador.
El Altar + Papallacta Hot Springs
Pax: Kristen Hecht. Review: This experience was AMAZING! I loved all the hiking and activities, the lodges and accommodations were varied and unique, I liked trying all the different types of Ecuadorian foods, and above all, my guide Paul was great! He was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, motivating, and personable. I...
Galapagos & Amazon Adventure
Pax: Mary Martha Henson. Review: Phenomenal experience seeing this beautiful country and her people. It was a action packed itinerary with lots of adventure, learning about the Ecuadorian culture and seeing the diverse landscapes - all that make Ecuador a country to visit!
Ecuador Trekking Avenue of Volcanoes
Pax: Marissa. Silkroski. Review: It was a fantastic trip. Both our guide and the owners of every accommodation we stayed at were amazing. The views along the routes we took every day were so beautiful that it's hard to describe them.
The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos
Pax: Rebekah Staples. Review: My experience in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands was incredible. Paul went above and beyond to make sure everything was seamless.
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Visiting the Galapagos had always been a bucket list item for me. My time on the islands met my expectations and then some. Blue Footed Boobies, Flamingos and Galapagos... read more Penguins!!!! Our guide had a wealth of knowledge. But the mainland of Ecuador exceeded any ideas of a place. What an amazing experience!! The Andes, the Amazon, the food, the culture, the people, the scenery, the laughs, the memories. Can't be beat. The guides and the bus drivers are top notch
Patty N
1 agosto 2021
This was my first tour with adventure journeys and it was a great intimate experience with a small group. Our tour guide Paul and driver Jose were the best guides... read more I have ever had. Paul was extremely knowledgeable of every aspect of Ecuador and each community we visited. He had an answer for everything. Our group felt like a family and there was never a dull moment. Your days will be full of activities and surprises. It’s worth it - it wouldn’t be the same experience if you did this tour on your own.
Jamie W
1 agosto 2021
We loved our experience at Mandari Panga! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and had an excellent eye for wildlife. We learned so much about the rainforest, and about the Kichwa... read more culture. We saw tons of birds, spiders, frogs, monkeys, even a three-toed sloth! Our campsite was perfect, and the meals were delicious!
smcclellan7
10 febrero 2022
Before getting into the specifics of this tour, I would like to share my overall experience with Adventure Journeys (skip to next paragraph if don't care about this part). Adventure... read more Journeys came highly recommended from a friend who went on their 10-day Galapagos Multisport tour. When we were scheduling the Galapagos trip, we found out quickly what an incredible company they are. Their goal is to provide their clients with best experience through excellent service and tailor to the client's interests and needs. That philosophy started with the booking phase and I really appreciated their dedication since it can be very stressful to plan long trips to counties that you don't speak the primary language. We worked with Nicole during the booking phase, and she was incredibly kind, accommodating, and best of all, very responsive. Because of her excellent service, we decided to schedule a couple of day trips on our extra days in Quito.
Moving on to the day trip experience, my husband and I travelled for about 15 hours the previous day and we needed a mild and relaxing activities to reset on our second day in Ecuador. This day trip to Papallacta and being able to soak in the hot springs was exactly what we needed. The ~1.5 hr drive to Papallacta was scenic and we learned about Ecuador's history, geography, and culture from our guide, Juan, as we drove. We went for a brief hike, soaked in the hot springs, had delicious authentic Ecuadorian lunch (recommended by Juan), and stopped at a scenic overpass to view the Laguna Papallacta.
General recommendations, the hike was pretty quick, if you like longer hikes, I would encourage you to ask your tour guide if you can do a longer hike. Remember, this company is all about doing what you want to do and give you the best experience so don't be shy to ask. For the hot springs, there are public hot springs which is included in this day tour and then there are private hot springs connected to the spa which costs slightly more. We paid for the difference ($26) which I believe was totally worth it.
Finally, I don't know who your tour guide will be but our guide, Juan was incredible. He was kind, very knowledgeable, helpful, and just so pleasant to spend time with. My husband is pretty introverted so a long drive with someone unfamiliar is one of his dislikes but he had a wonderful time!
The hot spring spa staff spoke English very well so it's possible to do a day trip like this yourself but booking through a trusted tour company was great for us because of the convivence of having someone pick you up at your hotel, speak with the local community members was great, and most importantly, we felt incredible safe the whole time.
Ganaai115
25 marzo 2022
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This was an an Amazing adventure from Quito to the top of of several volcanoes along the Ecuadorian Andeas. My Tour guide Jorge was amazing. He was very helpful &... read more knowledgeable. I would higly recommend this itinerary to anybody who wants to push their physical limits and Reach the Peaks and Views that The Avenue of Volcanoes has to offer.
Cons: Upon arival at the Airport @ 2am my reserved Taxi never came to pick me up so it was not the best way to start the trip. Luckly airport taxi's were available to bring me to my hotel in Quito for just $25. As a Solo traveler, already paying a premium I was forced to pay almost double ( just weeks before the trip) because the group who I would have been joining bailed a couple weeks before my trip.
Had it not been for those 2 points this trip would have been perfect.
Carlos I
17 mayo 2022
This was such a great way to experience Ecuador. We had a great group and a great guide (Paul). First, we’re not cruise or touristy tours, and luckily this was... read more the opposite of that. It has the structure we needed and the flexibility to do some things on your own. Accommodations, adventures, “surprises”, and a good number of meals are included, and you have flexibility to fill in yourself with other meals. Also we spent the first week before the tour and organized things ourselves. I feel like even with a lot of planning, you can’t experience Ecuador like you can with guides like Paul. We had a change van for all the things we did and we stayed overnight in the Amazon jungle with a bed! Do this tour!!
Benji240
1 agosto 2021
The trip was so great! Our guide Paul told us so much about his country. He was always in a great mood and organized everything very well. The selected restaurants... read more were great and the picnics were the culinary highlight. We tried so many delicious Ecuadorian dishes. We would immediately travel again with Adventure Journeys and then wish Paul as a guide ☺️
Franziska K
1 enero 2022
This was my first time doing a guided trip and my girlfriend I may never travel the old way again! Ecuador is a beautiful country with great food and... read more friendly and welcoming people. The activities were tons of fun, well organized, and safe, yet still exciting and adventurous. We covered so much ground and had tons of activities there was never a dull moment, yet rarely did I feel exhausted. When we did get tired there was a perfectly timed relaxation period. I was pleasantly surprised at all of our lodgings, and enjoyed the meals as well. Last but not least our guide, Paul, and our driver/cook Joselito we’re great hosts. Paul was super enthusiastic and knowledgable - the longer drives were rarely boring as he had stories to share and surprises for us along the way. Jose was super nice, a great driver, and an even better chef! I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in the culture and sites of Ecuador and looking for a bit of adventure along the way.
William W
1 enero 1970
