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Trek the Galapagos

Trek the Galapagos is a 13-day journey from the misty cloud forests of Mindo to the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. Begin among hummingbirds, waterfalls and forest-canopy ziplines, then island-hop across San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela, each with its own wildlife and geology. Trek across the vast Sierra Negra caldera, snorkel alongside sea turtles, sea lions and tropical fish, and watch giant tortoises roam their natural highland habitat. Between hikes, relax on the powder-white sands of Tortuga Bay. Expert local guides share insights into conservation and the islands' unique ecosystems, while a UK expedition doctor travels with the group throughout. With only a light level of fitness required, it is the perfect blend of activity, wildlife encounters and natural wonder in one of the world's most remarkable destinations.

Trek across Sierra Negra Volcano's vast 6-mile-wide caldera
Snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters
Meet giant tortoises in their natural highland habitat
Discover three Galapagos islands, each with distinct wildlife and geology
Explore Mindo's cloud forests, rich in biodiversity and waterfalls

Trek the Galapagos: Pioneer Itinerary

13 days across three Galapagos islands, with one main trek of around 16km on Sierra Negra

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, transfer to Mindo

Meet your guide and head into the Mindo cloud forest, then settle in at the lodge.

Transfer 2 hours

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Stay: Sachatamia Lodge, Mindo

Day 2: Sachatamia Reserve and Waterfall Sanctuary

A morning birdwatching walk among hummingbirds and tanagers, then forest trails to cascading waterfalls.

Easy walking

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Sachatamia Lodge, Mindo

Day 3: Ziplining, coffee farm and the equator

Zip through the forest canopy, tour a coffee farm, then stand on the equator line at the Middle of the World.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: San José de Puembo, near Quito airport

Day 4: Fly to San Cristobal

Visit the Interpretation Center, climb Frigate Hill for coastal views, then relax with sea lions at Carola Beach.

Short trek

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Cabañas Miconia, San Cristobal

Day 5: San Cristobal 360° boat tour

Snorkel with sea lions, turtles and tropical fish at secluded spots such as Kicker Rock, Puerto Grande and Cerro Brujo.

Boat and snorkelling

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Stay: Cabañas Miconia, San Cristobal

Day 6: San Cristobal to Santa Cruz

A speedboat to Santa Cruz, a giant tortoise ranch in the highlands, then a hike to powder-white Tortuga Bay.

Speedboat 2.5 hours | Beach hike

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Stay: Deja Vu, Santa Cruz

Day 7: Santa Cruz to Isabela

An early speedboat to Isabela, the largest island, then a free afternoon in Puerto Villamil with optional excursions.

Speedboat

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel Cally, Isabela

Day 8: Sierra Negra Volcano

Trek the rim of the 6-mile-wide caldera, then on to Volcan Chico and the lava fields at Cueva de Sucre.

Around 16km trek

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Hotel Cally, Isabela

Day 9: Wall of Tears and Concha Perla

Trek to the Wall of Tears, then snorkel in the calm cove at Concha Perla Beach.

Trek and snorkelling

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Stay: Hotel Cally, Isabela

Day 10: Isabela to Santa Cruz

Speedboat back to Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Station, then a farewell dinner.

Speedboat

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner

Stay: Deja Vu, Santa Cruz

Day 11: Galapagos to Quito

A transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. Our services end here. You can extend your stay in Ecuador on our extension package that will be available by 6 months before your trip start date, or make your own plan before arranging your own flight out of Ecuador.

Meals: Breakfast

Meals throughout the challenge as per itinerary except dinner on day 6, dinner on day 7, lunch and dinner on day 8 and 12.
Accommodation in hotels throughout on a twin share basis.
All transfers as per itinerary as a group.
Domestic flights as described in the itinerary.
Luggage transportation on every day of the challenge.
Entry fees where applicable.
A team of awesome, outdoor remote first aid trained Dream Challenges staff, and expert local guides.
Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your challenge.
Medical support who will accompany us throughout the challenge.

Trek the Galapagos (Pioneer): FAQs

Worried about signing up on my own?

Don't be! Many people join solo. Once registered, you'll get a link to a private group to meet fellow trekkers and find training partners.

Is there an age limit?

18 and over by departure. For under 18s, contact us 17 weeks before: 01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com.

What's included?

Hotel accommodation, twin-share
Meals as per itinerary (see below for those not included)
All group transfers as per itinerary
Domestic flights as described in the itinerary
Luggage transportation every day
Entry fees where applicable
English speaking trekking guides and Dream Challenges Leader
Medical support

What else will I pay for?

International flights
Ecuador tourist visa, if required for your nationality
Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal expenses
Meals not in the itinerary (dinner on Days 6 and 7, lunch and dinner on Days 8 and 12)

Do I need special equipment?

Hiking boots with ankle support are essential. Quick-dry clothing, swimwear for snorkelling, sun protection and a water bottle or hydration pack are recommended. We'll send a full kit list.

How hard is it?

Graded 2 out of 5, Light. Most days are short walks and boat trips. The longest trek is about 16km on Sierra Negra, with around 400m of climbing. Expect heat and some uneven volcanic ground. A good level of everyday fitness is all you need.

Where will we sleep?

Comfortable hotels, twin-share. A private room costs £275 extra.

Can I pay for a single supplement?

Yes. Email bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) at least 17 weeks before departure.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, you can. You book your own international flights so you can arrive in and leave Ecuador when you want to, Tell us 17 weeks before departure. We will have our own extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date.

What will the group size be?

A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25, for a small, well-supported group.

What about insurance and visas?

You must arrange travel insurance covering health, accident, loss, cancellation and repatriation. It must also cover hiking and snorkelling in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Book it when you register. You are responsible for your Ecuador visa, so apply early.

How will you support me?

From sign-up to finish. Expect regular emails from six months out covering the itinerary, training plans and kit lists.

Can you offer vaccination advice?

No, please ask your GP or a travel clinic. Guidance is also at fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Choose your style

Selected: Pioneer 2027

Available dates: 10th March 2027

Duration: 11 days | 5 trekking

Grade: 2 out of 5

Daily trekking: 7 km average (up to 16 km)

Total distance: 36 km

Elevation gain: Up to 400 m

£4,850 pp

Deposit: £485 pp

Book now

+44 1590 646 410

Trek the Galapagos

Choose your style

Selected: Pioneer 2027

£4,850 pp

Bookings@dream-challenges.com

(+44) 1590 646410

Booking conditions

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