A 10-day land-based route through the Galápagos, hopping from Santa Cruz to community-run guesthouses on Floreana and the volcanic landscapes of Isabela. Days are spent hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking among the islands' unique wildlife.
This route is for the active traveler who wants to experience the Galápagos from the ground up, not from a cruise ship deck. The itinerary is built around island-hopping—from Santa Cruz to Floreana to Isabela—using a series of day boats and land-based hotels. This approach allows for a mix of activities: hiking the Sierra Negra volcano, kayaking mangrove-lined bays, and snorkeling with sea lions and turtles. The stay at a community-run guesthouse on Floreana offers a different perspective than the more developed islands.
🧭 Trekking & Hiking
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Book Galápagos Multisport by G Adventures.
From $2,589 USD $3,699 · 10 days · max 16 travelers · hotels & guesthouses + internal flights & boats + select meals trip code SEGLPrices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.
Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.
Day 1 of 10
Quito
Arrival in High-Altitude Quito
Arrive at any time into Ecuador's capital, a city set in a high-altitude mountain valley at 2,850m. Despite its equatorial position, the elevation gives Quito a steady, spring-like climate year-round. Settle in and acclimatize; on a clear day, the peaks of several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the city itself.
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Day at a glance
Arrival day in Quito, Ecuador.
Acclimatize to the high altitude of 2,850m (9,348 ft).
Optional activities include a city tour and visit to the Equator line.
Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia.
Day 2 of 10
Santa Cruz Island
First Contact: Giant Tortoises of Santa Cruz
An early morning flight from the mainland brings you to the Galápagos. After landing on Baltra Island, a short ferry and overland transfer leads into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The environment shifts to a humid, green landscape, the natural habitat of Galápagos giant tortoises. Spend a few hours observing these massive animals moving through the vegetation before descending to the coast and the port town of Puerto Ayora to check in for the night.
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Day at a glance
Fly from Quito to the Galápagos Islands.
Excursion into the Santa Cruz highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild.
Highlands excursion duration: 2-3 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Coloma.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 of 10
Santa Cruz Island
Tortuga Bay & Darwin's Research Station
The morning is dedicated to Tortuga Bay, reached via a 2.5km paved path from Puerto Ayora. The trail opens onto a long stretch of fine white sand, home to marine iguanas and coastal birds. The calmer waters of the adjacent cove are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with chances to see sea turtles and small, harmless whitetip reef sharks.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The facility is a hub for conservation science, and its Fausto Llerena Breeding Center offers a close look at the island's famous tortoises and land iguanas, including a nursery for young tortoises whose shells are still hardening.
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Day at a glance
Walk a 2.5km causeway to the white sands of Tortuga Bay.
Swim and snorkel in the bay's protected waters.
Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station.
Observe giant tortoises and land iguanas in a protected environment.
Accommodation: Hotel Coloma.
Meals: Breakfast.
★ Top SellerSave 30%
Ready to go?
Book Galápagos Multisport by G Adventures.
From $2,589 USD $3,699 · 10 days · max 16 travelers · hotels & guesthouses + internal flights & boats + select meals
