Galapagos Island Hopping Multisport Adventure

Bienvenidas! You’ve landed in Quito, a city nestled high in the Andes and buzzing with color, culture, and the thrill of knowing something big is about to begin.

If you arrived early, you might’ve joined the optional day tour to explore historic streets, straddle the equator, and sip something local. Or maybe you spent the afternoon settling in, finding your rhythm, and letting the adventure itch begin.

Whether you touch down in time for a rooftop coffee or roll in just in time to toss on lipstick before dinner, you’ll end the day the same way we all do—gathered around a table, turning names into stories and strangers into your soon-to-be adventure crew. As dinner turns into something warmer than just a meal…you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Altitude: 9,000′ – You may feel symptoms of Altitude Sickness including headaches and shortness of breath.

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel in Quito
Meals: D

The real adventure begins before the sun’s even up. Sleepy eyes, coffee in hand, and that early-morning energy that says: “This is happening.” Today we leave the mainland behind and set our sights on the enchanted islands of the Galápagos.

Once we touch down in the Galápagos, it’s straight into the wild. First stop? A lunch date with the locals. And by locals, we mean the slow-moving, grass-munching, prehistoric kind. Giant tortoises casually roam around like they own the place (because they do), setting the tone for a week that moves a little slower and lingers a whole lot longer.

Later, we duck underground to wander through lava tubes, stretch our legs, and marvel at the molten paths carved long before our time. By the time we roll into home base for the next two nights, you’ll be sun-kissed, salt-sprinkled, and fully feeling yourself. Not a bad intro to island life, huh?

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel on Santa Cruz
Meals: B, L, D

We’re finally settling into an island rhythm, where the days stretch long and the sun doesn’t ask for your agenda.

Today, we kick things off with a walk through the white sands and tangled mangroves of Tortuga Bay, one of the most iconic beaches in the Galápagos. The water is calm, the sand is whiter, and the whole scene feels suspiciously like a screensaver. Which means it’s time to swim, kayak, or simply drape yourself across the sand like the marine iguanas who clearly have it all figured out. 

Later, we shift into science mode with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There’s a lot to learn, a lot to appreciate, and maybe a few quiet moments of “wow” as we explore conservation efforts, peek behind the curtain of island biodiversity, and try to act like we’re not fangirling over tortoises.

After a full day of beach lounging and tortoise nerding, we’ll gather for dinner then maybe end the night with a starlit walk along the pier

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel on Santa Cruz
Meals: B, L, D

Floreana isn’t just an island—it’s a setting. A place where pirate legends, settler scandals, and unsolved disappearances feel just a little too real. If Agatha Christie had written a tropical murder mystery, this would’ve been the backdrop.

We board a brightly painted Chiva truck and climb into the highlands, passing banana trees, coffee plants, and cocoa bushes as we go. The fruit is ripe, the air is thick with green, and the tortoises don’t mind sharing the trail. We hike to caves once used by pirates and eccentric expats, and if the landscape feels cinematic, that’s because it is.

Later, we visit the black sand shores of La Loberia. This bay features calm waters, curious sea lions, and the perfect excuse to slip into your snorkel gear. When the day winds down, we check into our beachfront cabins, where the power’s limited but the sunsets absolutely are not.

There’s no Wi-Fi, no rush, and no reason not to grab a flashlight and end the night with your toes in the sand, stargazing like the main character of your own island thriller.

Accommodation: Rustic Beachfront Cabin Lodge on Floreana
Meals: B, L, D

We wake up, grab our gear, and hop to a brand-new island—Isabela, the largest and wildest of the bunch.

After arriving and dropping our bags, we head out on foot to explore Isabela’s winding wetlands, where flamingos strike a pose and migratory birds relax like they are on vacation too. The trail ends at the Tortoise Breeding Center, where we get a peek at local conservation efforts and a slow parade of shelled celebrities in every size and shape.

Then it’s fins on for a snorkeling trip to Tintoreras, a nearby lava-formed islet packed with life. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles gliding below, blue-footed boobies showing off on shore, and if we’re lucky, a Galápagos penguin making a quick cameo. We’ll snorkel, we’ll float, and do our best to play it cool as reef sharks make their rounds.

Later, if there’s timea nd energy, we wander Puerto Villamil, a sleepy beach town with just enough charm to make you consider never leaving. Maybe you’ll journal. Maybe you’ll nap. Maybe you’ll wander down the coast with no plan and a breeze at your back.

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel on Isabela
Meals: B, L, D

Today we’ll head for the hills, because we’ve got some hiking to do—right on top of the 2nd largest volcanic caldera in the world, Sierra Negra. This baby was still spitting up lava in 2018 and stretches a whopping 6 miles across! Keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, finches, and flycatchers.

After working up a sweat, we’ll head back to the beach where we’ll meander through mangroves and tiptoe around snoring sealions to reach some of the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. The crazy-clear water is home to colorful fish, more sealions, and friggen marine iguanas! Snap an underwater picture of a gliding ‘guana to earn all our respect.

Hiking: Up to 9.3 miles, 1,800′ elevation gain. 3–4 hours hiking. Moderate

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel on Isabela
Meals: B, L, D

By now, you know the drill: eat well, lace up your boots, and prepare to be wowed. Today we head into the highlands for a hike through Cerro Mesa—a stunning ecological reserve where the views stretch for days and the tortoises roam wherever they please. We’ll drop into a volcanic caldera, climb our way out, and earn those sweeping, panoramic views from the rim.

Once we’ve worked up an appetite, we’ll break for an authentic Galapagos lunch with a local family. And to think, you were chowing down at Panera a week ago.

After we’re full of endorphins and carbs, we’ll hit up El Trapiche for a crash course in cane alcohol wizardry and traditional coffee roasting secrets. Witness the magic of an old-school sugar cane press powered by mules. Get those senses tingling as we endlessly affirm your choice to set that out of office and book this trip.

Hiking: 6 miles. 1470’ elevation gain. 3-4 hours hiking. Moderate

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel on Isabela
Meals: B, L, D

We’re up early this morning to begin our island farewell tour, but not without one more taste of volcanic wonder. We’ll make one final stop on Santa Cruz to view a pair of massive sinkholes surrounded by lush Scalesia forest. Think misty air, bromeliads clinging to trees, flashes of red from Vermilion Flycatchers, and a moment of stillness before we go.

From there, it’s a hop to the airport, a flight to Quito, and then straight into our final feast—but first, we have to cook it. Aprons on for a hands-on culinary sendoff with a local chef, where we chop, sizzle, and laugh our way through our last meal together.

Altitude: 9,000′ – You may feel symptoms of Altitude Sickness including headaches and shortness of breath.

Accommodation: 4-star Boutique Hotel in Quito
Meals: B, D

It’s time to trade mermaid life for real life. Hug your Explorer Chicks tight, and take home unforgettable memories and bad jokes from our untamed, wild paradise.

Meals: B

*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents.

Meet up with your local guide at 9am in our Rendezvous hotel to spend the next 6 hours nerding out on all things history and culture in Quito. During your Explorer Chick Private Tour you’ll visit the La Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World), including it’s photo-worthy 90 foot monument marking the equatorial line, tour museums, and other significant sites

Lunch is not included however, your guide will make recommendations on a good place to stop midday for a lunch break.

Please note that we require a minimum of 3 Explorer Chicks to run this tour. Confirmations will be sent prior to your trip.