Active Galapagos

Travel to Quito and discover this vibrant city resting beneath Volcan Pichincha. Explore the picturesque streets and cobblestone alleys on a walking tour. The many churches, cathedrals and colonial mansions reflect the history of the region and are well worth exploring further.

Head off to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Saddle up on mountain bikes for a ride around the island, stopping to see cheeky sea lions sunbathe at La Loberia, before a welcome dinner back in town. The next day, visit Isla de Lobos and Cerro Brujo Beach to observe blue-footed boobies. Take to the sea and swim or snorkel with playful sea lions or opt to go diving for a deeper look into the Galapagos. Visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the Galapagos’s history before heading to Mann Beach for another swim.

Glimpse dolphins frolicking in the waves and experience some of the Galapagos's best diving and snorkelling at Isla Floreana. In the afternoon, journey into Floreana’s highlands to visit the mysterious Pirate and Whaler caves. Take a walk along mangrove-lined paths to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, seeing them in all stages of development, before hopping aboard pangas (small boats) to explore Shark Alley, visiting a nesting site for marine iguanas. On day 6, get a bird's-eye view of this magical landscape from Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the region and then relax and enjoy the spoils of island life before dinner.

Greet the day kayaking in pristine waters in search of the Galapagos penguin and other wonderful creatures, before making tracks to Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the interesting and informative Charles Darwin Research Station to meet the breeds of tortoises and land iguanas brought back from the brink of extinction, then head to the white sands of Tortuga Bay to swim and see the quirky marine iguanas playing in the breakers.

Journey into the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the amazing lava tunnels - striking geological formations that create a unique habitat for wildlife – and witness the Giant Tortoise in the wild. Then it’s time to farewell the majesty of the Galapagos Islands and return to the mainland on a flight back to Quito. Enjoy free time to revel in the nightlife of this enchanting city, and perhaps sample traditional fare at a local eatery or street stall for a final taste of Ecuadorian cuisine. There should also be time to hit the markets to pick up colourful souvenirs.