Galapagos Roots: a Community and Nature Expedition

Duration

6 Nights
Trip Comfort

Essential
Islands

Island Hopping
Price From

$3,185 per person

Experience the magic of the Galapagos on an unforgettable journey through turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant local communities. This adventure blends thrilling outdoor activities with up-close wildlife encounters and a deep connection to the islands’ unique history and culture.

Trip Highlights:

Kayak, Snorkel & SUP in the Itabaca Channel: Explore crystal-clear waters surrounded by red mangroves and lava cliffs, spotting sea lions, reef sharks, and blue-footed boobies along the way.
Sustainable Marine Exploration with a Local Fisherman: Join a Galapagueño fisherman on a full-day excursion near Santa Fe Island, snorkelling in vibrant reefs and learning about the shift from fishing to eco-tourism.
Discover Untouched Floreana Island: Dive into the island’s rich history and rare wildlife, meet descendants of the original settlers, and snorkel with turtles and sea lions in secluded bays.
Hike Highlands & Visit Giant Tortoises: Walk through lush highlands and pirate caves, encounter roaming giant tortoises, and enjoy a traditional farm-to-table meal with a local family.
Volcanic Adventure on Isabela Island: Trek across the massive Sierra Negra crater and lunar-like Volcan Chico, then snorkel at Tintoreras Islet with penguins, rays, reef sharks, and more.

Example Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in the Galapagos Islands – Kayak – Giant Tortoise

Arrive on Baltra Island and jump straight into adventure with kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the turquoise waters of the Itabaca Channel. Spot iconic wildlife, then visit a highland reserve to see giant tortoises in the wild before heading to Puerto Ayora.

Night at Hotel Ikala

(L)

Day 2 | Navigation with a Galapagueño Fisherman

Embark on a full-day boat excursion with a local ex-fisherman and naturalist guide to explore Santa Fe’s rich marine reserve. Snorkel with reef sharks, tropical fish, and sea cucumbers, and witness thriving sea lion colonies in stunning turquoise waters and white-sand surroundings.

Night at Hotel Ikala

(B, L)

Day 3 | Santa Cruz - Floreana

Travel to remote Floreana Island, rich in history and home to unique wildlife. Explore the island by open-air bus, snorkel at Black Beach and La Loberia, and enjoy encounters with sea lions, turtles, and rays. Stay at a family-run lodge and dine with the local community.

Night at Hotel Lava Lodge

(B, L, D)

Day 4 | Exploring the Highland of Floreana

Explore Floreana’s highlands by open-air bus, hike to pirate caves and a historic spring at Asilo de la Paz, and encounter giant tortoises. Visit a local farm, observe frigate birds, and enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch. Discover the island’s fascinating history and rural life before returning to the lodge.

Night at Hotel Lava Lodge

(B, L, D)

Day 5 | Floreana – Isabela – Biking to the Wall of Tears – Tintoreras Islet

Transfer to Isabela Island and visit the giant tortoise breeding center, spotting flamingos en route. In the afternoon, explore Tintoreras Islet to see reef sharks, sea lions, penguins, rays, and more. Snorkel in the bay and enjoy close wildlife encounters in this Galapagos microcosm.

Night at Hotel Isamar

(B, L, D)

Day 6 | Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano

Spend the day exploring Isabela’s volcanic highlands. Hike to the vast Sierra Negra crater—second largest in the world—then continue to the surreal lava landscapes of Volcan Chico. Spot wildlife en route, enjoy panoramic views, and relax with lunch under a jaboncillo tree before returning to the beach.

Night at Hotel Isamar

(B, L, D)

Chaski 03.25 Isabella Tour Tintoreras Islet Penguin(3)

Day 7 | Isabela – Santa Cruz - Baltra

Today we take an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for your onward journey or flight back home.

(B)

Inclusions

Included

Six nights at Ikala, Lava Lodge and Isamar Hotels with all meals included and prepared by chefs.

See all inclusions Show less

Not Included

See all exlusions Show less

Before flying to the Galápagos, you'll need to spend at least one night in mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil).

We can help you choose from a range of accommodation and experiences to make the most of your stay.

Enquire now to start planning with a specialist.

Where You Will Stay

Ikala Hotel

At the Ikala Galapagos Hotel you will feel at home. Built with unique designs and optimal use of solar energy, we want to contribute to the protection of the environment and support the economy and local communities. Protected from the sun, the Ikala Galapagos Hotel is surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens that create a fresh and natural environment that make the hotel an oasis in the center of the island of Santa Cruz.

The hotel has an outdoor pool, bar, and La Terraza Restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or private dinner overlooking the sea and enjoying the relaxing environment. We also have modern and comfortable rooms including:

15 suites with private balcony
6 comfortable standard rooms
1 duplex suite with private living room and kitchen
Air conditioning
Silent fan
Safety box
Sustainable amenities
Free WiFi
Use of solar energy
Hair dryer
Early check in & late check out (subject to availability)
Laundry service

Standard Room

Balcony Suite

IsaMar Hotel

IsaMar Hotel is idyllically located on Isabela’s beautiful white sand beachfront. Its setting gives guests sweeping views of Pacific waves, swaying palm trees and boats bobbing on the water. The beautiful Galapagos retreat is walking distance to the tortoise breeding center, the flamingo lagoon, water activities and to the sandy streets of town where guests will find bakeries, restaurants and bars.

IsaMar’s rooms are the perfect base for exploring Isabela’s wonders. Hearty meals are available to keep visitors going on hikes and water activities, and outdoor social areas are ideal for taking a siesta, reading a book or stargazing late into the evenings.

IsaMar features:

Beachfront location
Capacity – 10 rooms in five blocks
Full service restaurant and bar
Outdoor social areas
WiFi
Safe box
Hot and cold water
Air conditioning
Hair dryer
Night stand/light
Sofa
One queen bed and one twin bed
Bathroom amenities

IsaMar

IsaMar

IsaMar

Lava Lodge Hotel

Floreana Lava Lodge is built on black lava rock in a sheltered bay near the ocean and features 10 en-suite waterfront cabins, hosting a maximum of 24 people. A comfortable, cosy base with friendly local service, the lodge grows most of its own food. Produce is delivered every day and the lodge also offers fresh eggs at breakfast accompanied by freshly squeezed juice. The lodge also hosts regular BBQ evenings.

Lava Lodge has a wooden deck ideal for yoga practice and nearby at La Loberia beach guests can discover the natural habitat of a sea lion colony. Swim, snorkel or lie back and watch these graceful creatures play in the ocean swell.

Features:

Land-based adventure programs available
A lodge committed to sustainable tourism in the Galapagos
Fantastic sea views from every cabin
Located only three minutes from sea lions in their natural environment
Newly constructed wooden dollhouse villas

6 Nights

Essential

Island Hopping

$3,185 per person

Example Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in the Galapagos Islands – Kayak – Giant Tortoise

Day 2 | Navigation with a Galapagueño Fisherman

Day 3 | Santa Cruz - Floreana

Day 4 | Exploring the Highland of Floreana

Day 5 | Floreana – Isabela – Biking to the Wall of Tears – Tintoreras Islet

Day 6 | Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano

Day 7 | Isabela – Santa Cruz - Baltra

Inclusions

Included

Not Included

Before flying to the Galápagos, you'll need to spend at least one night in mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil).

We can help you choose from a range of accommodation and experiences to make the most of your stay.

Enquire now to start planning with a specialist.

Where You Will Stay

Ikala Hotel

Standard Room

Balcony Suite

IsaMar Hotel

IsaMar

IsaMar

IsaMar

Lava Lodge Hotel