Average rating Galapagos Walking Tour on Isabela Island

A Galapagos in miniature, Isabela Island is famed for its volcanoes, mangroves and diverse endemic fauna, from iguanas and tortoises to finches and boobies! This four-day walking tour captures all the magic of this incredible island!

Like flotsam detached from some ancient wreck, the Galapagos Islands appear lost and lifeless, adrift in the eastern Pacific. Straddling the Equator 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic archipelago rises from the waves like a jagged, reptilian crest, a lacerated lava-scape of barren brilliance. From the scattered mangroves, through the arid cactus lowlands to the lush cloud forests of the upper regions, these young islands embody life in its infancy. Flora and fauna of unparalleled diversity confound modern visitors just as they did Charles Darwin some 175 years ago. It was here, observing the specific variation between islands, that the naturalist refined his theory of evolution. The species that inspired him – the finches, tortoises and marine iguanas – remain to this day (along with sharks, rays and near-tame sea lions!), a timeless testament to nature’s genius.

This four-day tour is the perfect introduction to the wild wonderlands of the Galapagos! Beginning in Quito, the highland capital of Ecuador, you’ll transfer by plane to Isabela Island, your home for the next few days. Having drunk in the awesome seascape on the flight over, it’s time to explore the islands on foot! First off is the local tortoise breeding centre, where you’ll get up close and personal with these gentle giants. It’s then on to El Cura and El Mango, with their stunning views over the south of Isabela, before climbing up to the spectacular crater of Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world! Day three sees you tour the small islands of Tintoreras, a Galapagos in miniature. Here you’ll see white tipped sharks at rest, as well as sea lions, rays and penguins. After a spot of snorkeling, it’s on to the coastal mangroves for an unforgettable encounter with the islands’ marine iguanas, one of the world’s most unique species!

This is a magical little tour that’s the perfect introduction to the timeless wonder of the Galapagos! Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the islands’ charismatic inhabitants, not to mention their ‘end-of-the-world’ topography, and you’ll discover both in true explorer fashion, using every conceivable mode of transport: land, sea, air, tortoise! (Okay, not tortoise…) This tour is ideal for folk who want a Galapagos adventure that combines spectacle and safety. Adrenalin junkies may find the pace a bit leisurely, but it’s all the better for wildlife watching

Getting there

Air: Fly to Quito International Airport and then catch another plane to Isabela Island. Please note the latter flight does not operate on Sundays.

Price includes

- Accommodation based on double room
- English-speaking certified naturalist guide.
- Guided tours and excursions.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Activities described on the itinerary
- Snorkelling equipment

Not included
- Airfare Quito- Baltra - Quito (US$418 per person). Subject to change
- Airfare Baltra – Isabela - Baltra (US$270 per person-subject to change)
- Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (US$100 per person cash on arrival to the islands)
- Transit card fee (US$10 per person cash on arrival to the islands)
- Departure tax from airport in Villamil – Isabela Island (US$15 per person-subject to change)
- Dinner
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional or suggested services that are on your own.
- Personal expenses.
- Extra beverages and alcoholic drinks.
- Activities that are not described on the itinerary above.

Price details

The price is based on 2 people sharing.

Available

Jan—Dec

Typical Duration

4 days

Comfort level

Reasonably comfortable (Inns, B&Bs, luxury camping etc.)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed